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Brian Smith suiting up Lucas Ray like an Alabama Forester would during a wildfire. (JERRETT POSEY/ ADVERTISER)

Foresters Brian Smith and Cadric Laird showing the kids how to spot a rattlesnake in the woods. (JERRETT POSEY/ ADVERTISER)

The kids playing a ring toss game. (JERRETT POSEY/ ADVERTISER)

The children tracing their hands for a craft. (JERRETT POSEY/ ADVERTISER)

The participants completing their “hand fires.” (JERRETT POSEY/ ADVERTISER)

By JERRETT POSEY/ Intern

The Maplesville Public Library and the Chilton County Extension Center are hosting a Summer Reading Program every Tuesday in July at 10 a.m.

On July 6, the guest speakers were from the Alabama Forestry Commission, Brian Smith and Cadric Laird. Laird got everyone’s attention by doing an owl call, and Smith talked to the kids about being aware of their surroundings while in the forest.

“If you are in the woods looking for a snake, guess what you are going to see,” Smith said. “You’re going to see just about every branch or twig on the ground, and you’re going to scare yourself half to death when you step on one. Nowhere in nature will you see a pattern like this, because there’s not a pattern to nature,” as Smith showed them the “M” or “W” on the rattlesnake skin he was holding.

Smith also talked about what foresters do to help prevent wildfires, and suited up one of the kids, Lucas Ray, in their fire gear. After the presentation, the kids receive some knickknacks to remember what they learned.

The kids then played a ring toss game, where they were trying to throw the rings onto a colored mat. They also had a craft where they made a “hand fire,” by cutting out their handprints on colored paper, and gluing craft sticks underneath them. Lastly, they were read a story before dismissing.

In the weeks to come, the guest speakers will teach the kids how to tie knots and tell them about being a game warden, as well as making different crafts, playing new games and reading more stories.

For more information, contact the Chilton County Extension office at 205-280-6268, or visit them Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 504 First Ave. in Clanton.

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