Mackenzie Donovan Helps at Natural Science Center

Mackenzie Donovan teaches a young visitor to the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center about big brown bats, a species often seen in Andover after sunset. — Mackenzie Donovan teaches a young visitor at the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center about big brown bats, a species often seen in Andover after sunset.

As a junior at the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School, one thing I am required to do is complete a set of volunteer hours. This requirement can be fulfilled any way I would like. For a while, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. I didn’t know of a lot of places that would have the opportunities that I needed.

Not long after my search for a place to volunteer began, I got a letter in the mail from Squam Lakes Natural Science Center – a place I have been going to every summer since I was in elementary school. The letter was advertising an opportunity for nature-savvy teens, such as myself, to volunteer at the Science Center. My job would be to educate patrons on the wildlife native to New Hampshire.

The Science Center holds a spot in my heart. It’s a non-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving and teaching the community about wildlife native to New Hampshire. Every summer I would visit, and I loved it more. Naturally, I immediately jumped on board.

Late in June of 2013, my training as a First Guide started. During my training, I learned all about the history of the Science Center and how some of the animals there – like the mountain lions, owls, and bears – got to be there. They taught me all about some of New Hampshire’s native wildlife in an in-depth way that had never been presented to me before. It was knowledge that I took home with me to Andover.

Now I am on my second year of volunteering at the Science Center. I have been able take out animals such as the barred owls, saw-whet owls, bats, and river otters to give the visitors a close-up look at the animals that live near them. It has been an amazing experience that has not only fulfilled my volunteer requirement, but has also led me to the realization that I want to become a teacher.

This wonderful organization is very dedicated to the native wildlife of New Hampshire. I believe that it is vital to our community and the future of our wildlife. Because of it, I have a much greater appreciation for the animals that live around me in the town of Andover.

My two years volunteering at the Science Center have truly been a blessing to me. I enjoy every minute I am there. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to obtain my volunteer hours. In the end, I hope everyone has the chance to appreciate New Hampshire’s – and Andover’s – wildlife.

The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, located in Holderness, is open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM during the summer. It is the perfect place for school groups to tour and a wonderful way for families to get outside and enjoy what New Hampshire has to offer.