The ponds at Audubon Community Nature Center are home to many creatures, both big and small.

Adults and their 8 to 12-year-old(s) are invited to be Natural Investigators and study the creatures that live beneath the water’s surface at Audubon on Saturday, May 27, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Using a variety of tools, such as nets, magnifying glasses, and identification keys, at this program on “Pond Life” those attending can catch and identify some of Audubon’s pond inhabitants. Then learn how these creatures live, about their life cycles, and what they can tell about the health of the wetlands.

The program begins with a short indoor portion to learn how to use the equipment and tools, as well as some basic invertebrate identification methods. Next the group will head outdoors to catch the pond creatures to get a more detailed look into their lives.

Natural Investigators takes place rain or shine, so dress for the weather. The fee is $12 for adults, $9 for Nature Center members and children ages 8 – 12. Enrollment is limited to 12 children, 24 participants total. Make paid reservations — required by Thursday, May 25, — by calling 716-569-2345 during business hours or by going to AudubonCNC.org and clicking through “Programs and Events.”

Natural Investigators is presented on the fourth Saturday of every month, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. Visit the nearly 600-acre nature preserve, check in on the live birds of prey, enjoy the native tree arboretum, gardens, picnic area, and natural play space, and hike over five miles of trails dawn until dusk daily for free.

The three-story Nature Center building houses interactive displays, a collection of live animals including the Hellbender exhibit, winners of the 2022 Nature Photography Contest, and the Blue Heron Gift Shop. Visitors are welcome Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sundays, 1 to 4:30 p.m. Nature Center members and SNAP/EBT cardholders have free building admission daily. Building admission is also free every Sunday for non-Nature Center members.