Woodland Critters at the Weathersfield Proctor Library

July 31, 2013

Ascutney VT
On Wednesday July 31, The Weathersfield Proctor Library hosted Michael Clough from the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum. Clough presented "Diggin' In the Dirt" a program where children got to meet some woodland creatures up close and personal. The program was presented as part of the Library's Summer Reading Program "Dig Into Reading".


The Southern Vermont Natural History Museum has a taxidermy collection with over 200 species of "stuffed" animals. Their collection now includes live birds of prey and many reptiles and amphibians. Some of these critters accompanied Clough to Ascutney. He even brought along a couple of skulls!

One of the smaller animals on display was the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach. Not a native species but

large enough so everyone could see it. He then introduced the "Super Leaf Eater" which is an invasive species...the earth worm!

Next the children were shown the "Most Fearful Hunter of the Woods", the American Toad!

Someone asked if they should look for and try to catch toads, Clough said yes but be gentle and be sure to have clean hands because toads "drink" through their skin. So whatever is on your hands, sunscreen, bug spray, will be absorbed into the toad and could make the toad sick.

The Corn Snake, pictured above was a BIG hit with the crowd. Followed by a cute cuddly bunny This one is a domestic but Vermont has cottontails and snowshoe hares. So watch for their tracks in the winter time.

The demonstration closed with a Wood Turtle that has been estimated to be 35 years old. Experts have also estimated by the curve on the shell that this female turtle has been in captivity about 10 years.

The program was well attended and a huge success for the Library despite the road paving happening out front early in the morning.

The Summer Reading Program continues until August 14th 2013 so keep reading those books and watch for more fun happenings at the Weathersfield Proctor Library.

Passes for the  Southern Vermont Natural History Museum may be checked out through the Weathersfield Proctor Library, a fun way to spend an afternoon!


Diggin' In The Dirt
Michael Clough
Southern Vermont Natural History Museum
Weathersfield Proctor Library
Ascutney VT July 31, 2013
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