Wildlife Wednesdays: Fostering a Love for Nature in the Next Generation

Kids are naturally curious about animals and the world around them. Whether they love spotting birds in the backyard, watching bugs crawl through the grass, or learning about sea creatures, these early experiences shape how they see and care for nature. At Peterborough Public Library, we believe it’s important to encourage this curiosity, which is why we are so excited about our Wildlife Wednesdays program in partnership with Kawartha Wildlife Centre.

This free, interactive program introduces kids to different groups of animals through live demonstrations, hands-on activities, and books from our collection. Along the way, they will learn about the importance of wildlife, how animals live in their natural habitats, and how we can all help protect them.

Why It Matters

Spending time with animals and nature has been shown to help kids develop important life skills. Studies show that children who learn about wildlife and the environment at a young age:

• Develop stronger problem-solving and creative thinking skills
• Experience lower stress levels and better emotional well-being
• Build empathy and a stronger sense of responsibility for the world around them

By fostering a love of animals, Wildlife Wednesdays helps kids become future protectors of nature and the environment.

What to Expect

Each week, kids will explore a different group of animals through hands-on activities and exciting live demonstrations. We will learn about mammals, invertebrates, fish, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. Each session will highlight what makes these animals special, how they survive in their environments, and why they are important to our ecosystems.

Kids who attend all six weeks will receive a Peterborough Wildlife Hero certificate to celebrate their learning and love of nature.

How to Join

The next Wildlife Wednesdays series begins March 26 and runs for six weeks. No registration is needed — just drop in and enjoy!

Creating a Love for Wildlife

Programs like Wildlife Wednesdays give kids a chance to explore their love of animals in a fun and engaging way. By learning about different creatures and their habitats, children gain a better understanding of the natural world and how they can help protect it. Whether they dream of becoming a veterinarian, a wildlife biologist, or simply enjoy being around animals, this program is a great way to inspire curiosity and appreciation for nature.

We hope to see you there!