For those interested in a different kind of adventure, local entomologist Dr. Carmen Trisler will lead participants knee-deep into a pond to observe the underwater lifestyle of adult dragonflies and their larvae during the Lake Erie Day of Discovery, Butterflies & Dragonflies. Dr. Trisler, who conducts research about the insects of South Bass Island, will also hold an interactive lecture about the behavior of butterflies as they fly above you at a local butterfly house.

The last day of the series is an opportunity for "snake enthusiasts" to meet with local "Island Snake Lady" and specialist Kristin Stanford and learn about the state-endangered Lake Erie Water Snake (LEWS) during the Day of Discovery program Snakes of the Lake Erie Islands with a focus on LEWS. Participants will learn about the characteristics and conservation of the LEWS and other indigenous snakes, while investigating their natural habitat on the lake shores. Stanford, who has been working with the LEWS research program for the eight years, was featured last year on Discovery Channel’s popular show Dirty Jobs. Participants will even have the opportunity to capture, identify and record physical information about the LEWS, something their grandchildren will never forget.

"We are excited about this new Day of Discovery series at the Islands of Lake Erie," says Maeve Hartney, associate vice president of special programs at Elderhostel. "Each program not only offers a hands-on and engaging opportunity to learn about the local islands, but to also play a role in preserving them."

The cost for each intergenerational Day of Discovery is $64, and includes expert interactive lectures, hands-on activities, lunch and guided tours. Reservations can be made by calling toll free at (877) 426-8056. The series will begin on May 4 with Islands for the Birds, followed by Caves of South Bass Island on June 20, Butterflies and Dragonflies on July 15, and concluding with Snakes of the Lake Erie Islands on Aug. 23.

Elderhostel, founded in 1975, is the world’s largest not-for-profit educational travel organization for older adults. More than 160,000 people enroll in Elderhostel’s 8,000 programs annually. Elderhostel provides exceptional learning adventures throughout the United States and Canada and in more than 90 countries around the world. Expert instructors and experienced group leaders create extraordinary experiences by sharing stimulating information, leading fascinating field trips and providing meaningful cultural excursions. In 2004, Elderhostel launched Road Scholar to meet the needs of a new generation of educational travelers. For more information, please visit www.elderhostel.org or www.roadscholar.org.