Daily Companions I/DD Waiver Consumers were thrilled to visit the Mt. Aetna Nature Center in Hagerstown, MD. According to our tour guide, the nature center has more African mammals on display than the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History. Boy, were our consumers excited to see these magnificent animals up close! Everyone decided they liked the lion and lioness the best, with the cheetah a close second.
At the bottom of the stairs was a mount of a Kodiak Bear from Alaska. (All the mounts were donated). This bear, being quite a size, was looked on in wonder. Everyone wanted their picture taken with the bear!
Upstairs were a number of animals you would find locally, such as fox, deer, skunk, and a number of birds, all depicted in their natural habitat. It was easy to talk and picture these animals in the wild. Cases of seashells, small sea creatures, and gemstones add to the interest.
The highlight for almost everyone was the Reptile Room. We were able to get up close and personal with snakes, geckos, turtles, and lizards. It was fascinating to learn about their feeding habits, where and how they live, and camouflage themselves. 
Due to the weather, we were not able to access the outdoor tower, and the hiking trails,
but DCI consumers definitely want a return visit this summer! Be sure to look the nature center up; they are open on Saturdays for the public.