The South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center has introduced a new digital program to help people stay connected to nature while stuck at home helping to stop the spread of Covid-19.
On Wednesday, April 22, from 4 to 4:30 p.m., SoFo will be celebrating Earth Day by presenting "some of the world's most unloved, unusual, and unknown creatures." Jungle Bob's Reptile World will have animals like snakes, lizards, crocodiles, frogs, and tarantulas on hand. Their habitats, diets, and defense mechanisms will be explored in this program for all ages.
Miles Todaro, an environmental educator at SoFo, has invited viewers to tune in on Saturday, May 2, at 1 p.m. to learn about the museum animals' food strategies and patterns in a behind-the-scenes look at SoFo's feeding time.
To celebrate Mother's Day on Sunday, May 10, at 1 p.m., Rachel Speckenbach will share her environmental work and discuss the methods by which amphibian, reptile, mammal, bird, and gastropod animal mothers rear their young on the South Fork.
Wednesday, May 19, at 4 p.m. will bring "Turtle Time" with Jackie Avignone, who will discuss the individual characteristics of South Fork turtles such as diamondback terrapins, box turtles, snapping turtles, and painted turtles.
On Thursday, May 28, at 4 p.m., Paul King III will talk about "camouflage in nature." He will present his findings on the ways in which camouflage defense mechanisms allow organisms to hide in nature by blending into their environment as they move through it.
"Stay safe and well, everyone," SoFo says on its website. "As we work together and get through this extraordinary time, the well-being of our extended SoFo family is of the utmost importance to us. We remain very appreciative of your support, and we look forward to welcoming you back to the Museum as soon as we can."
The trails behind the facility are also open, but the museum says social distancing and appropriate tick prevention measures should be taken when using them.
More information on the programs can be had at sofo.org. The organization is also on Facebook at facebook.com/sofomusem and on Instagram at @sofomuseum.