A series of nature classes will be offered this summer at Historic Poole Forge, 1040 Main St., Narvon. All the programs, which will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays, are free. Donations will be accepted. Registration is required by calling 484-797-5302 or emailing hpf1940@gmail.com.

"(The programs) are to get kids out into nature - that is the main goal of offering outdoor ecology lessons," said Dawn Ekdahl, Poole Forge executive director.

Live animals will be featured during "PA Raptors and Mammals" to be presented on July 14 by Tracie Mudrinich Young from Raven Ridge Wildlife Center in Washington Boro.

"She will bring some animals (such as) a red-tailed hawk and a baby skunk," said Ekdahl. "Animals that have been brought into the rehab but are not able to be (released) back into the wild become the center's 'ambassadors,' and people learn about them." Young will also share facts and misconceptions about some of the animals.

"Archery" will be the program on July 21. Children will learn basic archery and safety skills from Bob Lauffer and then practice on targets that will be set up in the site's back ballfield. "(Lauffer) is a trained archery instructor. This is his third year back," noted Ekdahl.

"What Lives in the Stream?" will be presented on July 28. Biologist Brad Basehor will teach attendees about the creatures that live in the Conestoga River at Poole Forge.

"Mammals and Streams" will be the program on Aug. 4. Sallie Gregorie, an educator from the Lancaster County Conservation District, will lead this program, which will provide information about mammals that hibernate, migrate or stay active all year long in Pennsylvania. Attendees will also learn about mammal adaptations and study animal artifacts, such as antlers.

The series of programs will conclude on Aug. 11 with a "Wildlife/Nature Walk" presented by Phil Witman, a former teacher in the Garden Spot School District and a member of the Poole Forge board of directors. He will lead participants on a walk along the river and through the park while teaching them about animals, including reptiles that live in the area.

For the two water programs, participants will be able to wade in the creek.

Ekdahl noted that swimming and using water rafts and tubes in the river is prohibited. "We allow fishing and wading in our creek. We did a lot of creek restoration and planted a riparian buffer to improve the health and quality of the creek for fish habitats and wildlife," she said. "(Other activities are) detrimental to the creek. Our creek is for wildlie and nature and not for swimming."

Children who attend the nature programs must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. In the event of a severe thunderstorm, the creek-related programs will be rescheduled.

For more information, visit http://www.historicpooleforge.org or search for "Historic Poole Forge" on Facebook.