Nov. 17, 2009 -- Naturalist Chris Rowlands visited lower school students Tuesday, Nov. 17, teaching them about animals and nature through songs and entertaining sketches.

Students learned about bears and hibernation, as well as a beaver’s nictitating membrane (translucent third eyelid) while singing along to Rowlands’ catchy tunes.

He also performed a ventriloquist act with his turkey vulture friend, Bernard.

“I want the kids to have fun and also be able to learn the facts,” he said. “I hope they are able to walk away with an appreciation and wonder of nature.”

Rowlands left the young audience with a challenge, encouraging them to do their part to take care of the world around them.

“All of the animals depend on plants, and we depend on these animals and plants,” he said. “We have to do what we can to take care of these things. You can do this by turning your lights out when you’re not in a room… or turning the water off while brushing your teeth.”

Rowlands is a naturalist for the National Audubon Society. His performance has earned him national recognition and led him to events all across the nation.

He is expected to serve as an artist-in-residence in the lower school during the next school year.