Join the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center (BRWC) for the educational program “Wildlife on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.)” on Saturday, July 26 at 10 a.m. at the ATC Visitor Center, located at 799 Washington St. in Harpers Ferry. Last year’s event gave participants a chance to interact with a skunk, owl, turtle and snake, and this year participants may see animals such as a fox, raptor, possum and more. This event is free and open to the public, and children must be accompanied by an adult supervisor.

The 45-minute program will feature animals found along the 14 states that the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) passes through. A representative of the BRWC will discuss the history of these animals, as well as their anatomical functions and features of adaptation in the environment. This is a combined effort of the ATC and the BRWC to provide participants with a learning opportunity about wildlife conservation and how human interaction affects these creatures.

“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s collaboration with the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center introduces members of the community to wildlife commonly seen along the Appalachian Trail,” said Javier Folgar, director of Marketing and Communications. “The opportunity to form a personal connection with these animals gives participants a chance to learn how to respect wildlife.”

After the program, there will be a “prize-punch” carnival game, which gives kids a chance to win a goody bag of A.T. animal-themed snacks. There will also be an opportunity to take a photo with the ATC’s special friend, Crumbsnatcher the shelter mouse.

For more information about the event, visit www.appalachiantrail.org/events.