The kettlehole bog at Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) in Jefferson continues to astonish visitors. On June 6, HVNC hosted Dr. Bob Zottoli and many visitors for an in depth look at what is growing in the bog, and just how it can thrive in such an environment. One visitor, Margie Mclaughlin, said, “I saw things I had never noticed before on my trips to the bog. It was fascinating and intellectually stimulating.”

HVNC is offering several more naturalist sessions that are open to anyone. The theme for this summer’s sessions is wetlands. The next naturalist session will be Monday, July 7, 9-11 a.m., and is titled “Marshes and Swamps: Nature’s Fruitful Filters.” HVNC volunteer naturalist Chuck Dinsmore will lead visitors to several different kinds of marsh and swamp where the group will learn more about the diversity of wetlands that are often loosely characterized as either “swamp” or “marsh.” Visitors will learn some basic wetland botany as well as discuss the essential functions that marshes and swamps play in local ecology.

On Monday, July 28, 9-11:30 a.m., join Chuck again for a session called “Little Dyer Pond Ecology.” Little Dyer Pond is a secluded Great Pond with no public access. HVNC abuts the entire western shore of the lake. With the entire shoreline as the classroom, visitors can expect to learn about general lake ecology in the northeast as well as the particular ecology of Little Dyer.

On Sunday, August 3, 1-3 p.m., visitors are invited to a naturalist session entitled “Freshwater Macroinvertebrates at HVNC.” Dr. Dan Townsend will lead participants in a search of several wetland habitats at HVNC looking for insects, isopods, leeches, and snails. The session will explore the diagnostic characteristics of each group and consider some of their adaptations to wetlands.

Finally, on Sunday, August 10, 1-3 p.m., join Ted Elliman of the New England Wildflower Society for a session called “Wetland Plants: a Closer Look.” As a capstone to the summer naturalist series at HVNC Elliman will offer some deeper insight into wetland associated plants and their adaptations.

Join us for one, or all, of this summer’s naturalist sessions. The suggested donation for each event is $10 for HVNC members and $12 for non-members. More information and details are available at www.hvnc.org/registration.

For more information about HVNC’s events, or to find out how you can support HVNC visit www.hvnc.org, write to info@hvnc.org, or call 207-200-8840.