Area students recently got an up-close look at the natural world through a series of school visits, book donations, and hands-on programs sponsored by the South Mountain Audubon Association.
Nature books were donated to Biglerville Elementary School and Alloway Creek Elementary School in Littlestown, helping expand classroom resources and encourage environmental learning.
In Gettysburg, Bright Horizons preschool welcomed ZooAmerica for a program titled “Animal Families.” Children met a Madagascar hissing cockroach, box turtle, ferret, and Harris hawk, drawing excitement and curiosity from the young audience.
At Franklin Township Elementary School, the program “Paws, Claws, Scales, and Tails” introduced students to a snake, tortoise, skunk, and falcon. Students were described as “mesmerized” by the experience.
The organization also hosted a booth at the Earth Extravaganza at the Adams County Agricultural Center, connecting with the community and promoting environmental education beyond the classroom.