Library plans trip to Boston Pond

The Portage Lake District Library is teaming up with the Keweenaw Land Trust and the Michigan Tech Center for Science and Environmental Outreach for Pond Tales and Tails on July 15th. Beginning at 4:00 PM, Joan Chadde will lead an exploration of Boston Pond to discover the different larval forms of animals that call it home. Kids will then get to investigate the process of metamorphosis, examining how different insects reach adulthood.

Books about pond life will be on hand, and a take home craft activity will be given out, so the learning never stops. Program Coordinator Michael Stanitis says the event ties into the summer reading program, and is designed for all weather conditions.

The library had to cancel a paddleboarding session scheduled for late June due to the chance of thunderstorms.

The full release is below.

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Join Us for Pond Tales & Tails at Boston Pond on July 15th

Time/Date: 4:00-5:30 PM, Thursday, July 15. Rain or shine.

Location: Boston Pond. Nature Area

What to Wear: Look at the weather forecast and bring a rain jacket if rain is possible. Wear a long-sleeved lightweight cotton shirt and lightweight long pants if mosquitoes are possible. Bring rubber boots or any footwear that can get wet. A hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent suggested.

Driving Directions (12 min / 7 miles via US-41 North from Hancock-Houghton):

1. Head North on US-41 towards Calumet
2. Follow US-41 for about 5 miles
3. Just before the road to the airport, look for a looped drive on your left with a Boston Pond Nature Area sign.
4. Pull in and park

Program Description:
Ponds are extremely productive aquatic environments which are exploding with life! Join Joan Chadde, the Director of the Michigan Tech Center for Science & Environmental Outreach, as we use nets, magnifiers and ID sheets to explore what lives in Boston Pond. We’ll use D-nets to sample a variety of organisms — many of which are the ‘baby’ or larval forms of adult insects that you may already be familiar with– mayflies, alderflies, caddisflies, dragonflies, damselflies, water striders, backswimmers, giant water bugs, frogs, and more!! Be a Pond Detective and help explore Boston Pond.

We’ll investigate metamorphosis–to find out which organisms do it, and which ones don’t. We’ll act out a science fiction thriller–”TheDay the Giant Dragonfly Came to Your Pond!” We will recite poems from Joyful Voices — Poems for Two Voices

You’ll also have an opportunity to look at library books about ponds and what lives there, and take home a craft activity to do at home.

All children should be accompanied by an adult.

For More Information:
Contact Jill Fisher at Keweenaw Land Trust, or Michael Stanitis at Houghton-Portage Lake Public Library for more information.