“Puffin Pete” Salmansohn answers questions during a virtual meeting with Wiscasset Elementary School fourth and fifth grade students Wednesday, May 15. (Photo courtesy Wiscasset Elementary School)
Wiscasset Elementary School fourth and fifth grade students had the chance to meet virtually with environmental scientist and author, “Puffin Pete” Salmansohn Wednesday, May 15.
Most will likely recognize Puffin Pete from his 39 summers on the coast of Maine working for National Audubon’s Hog Island Camp and Puffin Project as a narrator for local puffin watch cruises.
The students are currently learning about environmental laws and protections when it comes to the marine life on the coast of Maine. Students were able to ask Puffin Pete about his conservation efforts and his life spent teaching others about the wonders of nature.
The students asked a variety of questions, “What can I do to help wildlife”, “How did you start your work with puffins?” and even, “Does it hurt when a puffin bites you?”
Puffin Pete was kind enough to answer all questions and to share a parting message with the class, “Each of you has the opportunity to save wildlife every day,” he said. “It could be an insect at home, or an animal on the side of the road. Young people like you who care about wildlife can make a difference every day.”
The students will take their conversation with Puffin Pete and use it to further their research prior to their own puffin watch experience with Hardy Boat Cruises later in June.
