Who is Swimming in the Water?

What’s going on beneath the ripples? Can swimmers move from one home to another? What’s a macroinvertebrate? There’s more in our rivers, streams, and ponds than just fish! Join us to learn about the Connecticut River and its tributaries that are home to fish, amphibians, insects, otters, and many non-swimming critters too! Explore pictures, hands-on biofacts, listen to a story, and get hands-on to learn more about many native water-loving creatures!

The Nature Museum aims to engage and educate in order to spark a lifelong connection and responsibility to the natural world. Our vision is that we help all people be inspired to explore the wonder, science, and beauty of the natural world and to protect the regional and global ecology.

Thanks to the generous support from Great River Hydro, The Nature Museum is excited to once again bring free environmental education programming to Whiting Library and at the Bellows Falls Fish Ladder and Visitor Center during the summer of 2026.

These programs aim to be engaging and highlight topics related to the unique ecology and landscape of Northern New England. These programs are geared towards youth ages Pre-K through elementary grades, but all are welcome! Programs will be approximately 45 minutes long with dedicated time for a story reading and any nature related questions you may have for our expert educators. Library programs will be both outdoors whenever possible and indoors as needed depending on weather and location. Join us to unplug, discover, and learn!