By Julia Beauregard
Hometown Weekly Editor
The Medfield Public Library (MPL) welcomed Joy Marzolf from Joys of Nature and all of her animal teacher friends to meet Medfield locals last Wednesday afternoon. The room was filled with families, many of whom arrived early, excited to meet and greet the variety of creatures that Marzolf brought along with her.
“All the animals here today are animal teachers,” Marzolf informed the crowd, as these creatures, “teach kids and adults to leave wild animals in the wild.”
The presentation today informed the attendees about how various animals adapt to winter conditions. The presenter asks the children what animals they have seen in nature during the winter months. Children excitedly exclaimed that they had seen various types of birds and squirrels.
Marzolf used this as a jumping point to tell the children that: “some animals, you might not see them this time of year- but they’re still around, right now. Some are under the ice at the bottom of the Charles River; like a snapping turtle!”
The animal expert totes the snapping turtle around the room, informing the audience that that his shell was misshapen because he was stolen from his natural habitat- which is why he has become an animal teacher. She goes on to explain that the snapping turtle is a non-petting animal, due to his nature. Marzolf shares with the children that the snapping turtle is able to survive the winter because “he takes a nap at the bottom of the river all winter long!”
Marzolf shares another non-petting animal with the children, which was a painted turtle. This animal became an animal teacher because it was removed from its natural habitat as well. She explains to the children that: “we cannot take an animal from one place and bring it to another,” as it could introduce unfamiliar germs from the new environment and disrupt the ecosystem.
Finally, the wildlife enthusiast brought out the petting animals. This arrayment of animals included a blue spotted salamander, a blue tongued skink, a western hognose snake, and a king snake. The children delighted in petting these reptiles and learning about how their native relatives are able to adapt to the harsh conditions in the winter.
The presentation concluded with Marzolf teaching the attendees all the ways that these animals, who may frighten us, take part in our ecosystem. The role that these animals play helps to take care of us. Marzolf concluded the presentation by stating: “I hope we remember ways we can help all the animals this spring... I hope we all help the animals who help us as well.”
Follow along with the Joy of Nature at https://thejoysofnature.com, and the Medfield Public Library at www.medfieldpubliclibrary.org.
