A series of nature programs, designed to get children outdoors this summer, will be offered at Historic Poole Forge on select Wednesdays in July and August. Children will be invited to learn about raptors and other birds, mammals, insects and native plants. There will also be classes on archery and fishing. All programs are free, although donations will be accepted.

The series will open on July 10 from 1 to 2 p.m. with "PA Raptors and Mammals," which will be presented by Tracie Young from Raven Ridge Wildlife Center in Washington Boro. "(She will bring) animals that have been brought into the rehab but are not able to be released back into the wild. That's what qualifies them as 'ambassadors,'" explained Dawn Ekdahl, Poole Forge executive director. "She will bring Meret, a 2-and-a-half-year-old broad-winged hawk. He was hit by a car and lost the use of one eye, which would make it difficult for him to hunt and survive in the wild."

Young will also bring Barron, a black vulture; Phoenix, a peregrine falcon, which is a new ambassador; Monster, a striped skunk; Oberon, a black rat snake; and Ozzy and Harriet, box turtles.

"Insects" will be shared by instructor Alyssa Doster on July 17 from 1 to 2 p.m., and "Native Plants and Nature" will be presented by Lydia Martin on July 24 from 1 to 2 p.m.

"Archery" will be the program on July 24 from 6 to 7 p.m. 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.

"Fishing the Creek" will be the program on July 31 from 1 to 2 p.m. Amanda Goldsmith from the Lancaster County Conservation District will demonstrate electrofishing in the creek. According to Ekdahl, electrofishing is the process of adding a mild electric shock to the water. It stuns the fish momentarily and they float so that scientists can identify the species of fish; the variety of fish that can be found in a waterway is an indicator of its water quality.

The program "Ornithology," which is the scientific study of birds, will be presented on Aug. 7 from 1 to 2 p.m. by Sallie Gregory. She will discuss bird adaptations; their body parts, including beaks, wings and feet; their food sources; nests; and migration.

The series of programs will conclude on Aug. 14 from 1 to 2 p.m. with "What Lives in the Stream?" Biologist Brad Basehore will teach attendees about the creatures that live in the Conestoga River at Poole Forge.

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. Ekdahl added that adults are also welcome to attend the nature programs that may interest them.

Historic Poole Forge is located at 1940 Main St., Narvon. For more information, visit www.historicpooleforge.org or http://www.facebook.com/pooleforge.