Lizards and turtles and snakes, oh my!

More than 20 children got the chance to touch and observe live marine reptiles and other creatures at the Wantagh Public Library on March 25. Squeals of excitement filled the room as various bearded dragons, snakes and turtles all made an appearance.

Marine biologist and educator Tracy Marcus taught the children about marine reptiles and their “land-based buddies,” and brought the skins and artifacts for different reptile groups. She also led a conversation about endangered species.

The Suffolk County Marine Environmental Learning Center, located in Southold, is an extension of the Cornell University Cooperative group, which has created hands-on, educational programs for children to take part in and learn more about reptiles from marine environments.

“We’ve been working with the Cornell Cooperative for years and most public libraries are aware of them,” children’s librarian Susan Finck said. “They are just a tremendous resource when you are thinking about doing a nature program.”

The program started off with a 30-minute presentation on how to recognize a reptile, the differences between mammals and reptiles, and how to protect certain species. By letting the children touch the artifacts and live animals in a group setting, Cornell Cooperative hopes to teach them about the importance of protecting future endangered species.

“I think children just have a natural curiosity when it comes to animals and reptiles, and for them to learn in a group setting and to be so hands-on with the animals is great,” Finck said. “I believe they will remember this forever and I think it’s just a great learning experience for them. It will definitely boost their imagination and make them want to come back to the library and learn more about reptiles.

“Watching the children’s faces is my favorite part,” she added. “Even the adults and parents looked interested.”

By the end of the event, children who seemed nervous about the program started to open up and everyone in the room wanted to touch the reptiles. 

“This particular program, which has snakes and critters that they might normally be afraid of, helps them get over that fear,” Marcus said. “It gets them to see, if handled in the right way, that they are harmless and that they are an important part of the environment.

“My favorite part is the kids touching the animals and the excitement that they get from seeing them and relating to them because that is what is going to make them want to protect them in the future,” she added. “We are helping them foster an appreciation for the wildlife that’s all around them.”

For more information on the different programs, visit www.ccesuffolk.org.