The L.C. Bates Museum will present natural history programs and guided walks in April and early May that explore our locate habitats and wildlife. Come visit the museum for a tour or to participate in the programs. Make sure to see the Passenger Pigeon.

Programs include the following:

Monday, April 21, 1 p.m. Maine’s Amazing Mammals. Families can explore the lives of mammals from the noses down to the tips of the tail.

Tuesday, April 22, 1 p.m. Earth day: Extinction and the Passenger Pigeon. It is the 100th anniversary of the extinction of the Passenger Pigeon. The Passenger Pigeon had a population of between 3 and 5 billion but were wiped out by human hunting in a period of about 50 years. Hear this bird’s remarkable story and meet the museum’s specimen, one of three on display in the state.

Wednesday, April 23, 1 p.m. Art and Birds in the Audubon Room. Make art in the museum’s Audubon Room. Be inspired by the colorful feathers, beaks and feet of the birds.

Thursday, April 24, 1 p.m. Skulls: from Moose to Bats. From the very large Moose skull to the tiny skull of the bats in Maine, the museum will display some of the amazing variety of skulls that are in the collections and discuss what you can discover from skulls.

Friday, April 25, and Saturday, May 3: Vernal pools evening walks, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Many do not know about the term Big Night which is when the first amphibians wake up during spring to migrate to breeding spots on one rainy warm evening in spring. It is an exciting time to go walking at night! Participants can learn about common frogs and salamanders that have emerged from their winter nap. Bring a flashlight and wear boots. (canceled if rain or temperature below 40). Call or email to register.

Saturday April 26, 10 a.m. Spring Trails Walk. Spring walk with a museum guide. Explore the wonders of spring and the signs of many things returning to life.

For more information about the L.C. Bates Museum exhibits and April programs, contact the L.C. Bates Museum at Good Will-Hinckley at 238-4250 or lcbates@gwh.org. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for youth. The L.C. Bates Museum is located on U.S. Route 201 in Hinckley, on the campus of Good Will-Hinckley. During April school vacation the Museum is open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-4:30 p.m. Sunday.