Young naturalists donate care packages for wildlife

Cornwall-on-Hudson — The Young Naturalist pre-kindergarten classes at the Museum of the Hudson Highlands made a pre-holiday gift to help those who help wildlife. In December, the young naturalists and their parents prepared baskets of donated blankets, towels, gloves, food, bandages, heating pads and animal carriers for wildlife rehabilitators in the area. When the children were ready to present their gifts, Pam Golben, a New York State Licensed wildlife rehabilitator, visited the classes and introduced the naturalists to a recuperating black rat snake. The snake, found by a homeowner, had been caught inside a plastic garden fence and was badly injured. Golben explained how the snake was cared for, and how it will be released back into the wild in the spring. The children learned that in New York State, a wildlife rehabilitator must receive training and a license to help injured wildlife. They discussed how some of the items in the donated baskets would be used for the care of animals. The visit concluded the unit on caring for the earth. The program runs from September to June for three- and four-year-olds. An Open House for the 2006-7 year will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 1. For further information, call 534-5506 ext. 204.