Squam Lakes Natural Science Center facts for kids
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| Date opened | July 1, 1969 |
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| Location | Holderness, New Hampshire, United States |
| Coordinates | 43°44′02″N 71°35′22″W / 43.73389°N 71.58944°W |
The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (SLNSC) is a special place in Holderness, New Hampshire. It's like a combination of an environmental education center and a zoo. It first opened its doors to the public on July 1, 1969.
The main goal of the science center is to help people understand the natural world. They focus on the amazing New Hampshire environment. They teach about nature using live animals, fun programs, and even boat trips on the lake!
The center uses the outdoors as a classroom. They have native New Hampshire animals that act as "teaching ambassadors." These animals help visitors learn about important ideas like how animals adapt to their homes, how animal populations work, how different living things interact, and what makes up different habitats.
Exploring the Center's History
Planning for the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center began in 1965. A year later, in 1966, the center bought 180 acres of land. This land was purchased with money raised by the local community. The center officially opened its doors to visitors on July 1, 1969.
In September 2006, the center achieved a big milestone. It became accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The AZA is a group that sets high standards for zoos and aquariums. Being AZA-accredited means the center meets excellent standards for animal care and education. The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is the only AZA-accredited place in northern New England. It has been re-accredited several times, showing its continued commitment to quality.
Meet the Animals
The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is home to many animals native to New Hampshire. These animals help teach visitors about the local wildlife and their habitats. You can see many different species that live in the region.
