This week, Wiscasset Elementary School 4th-5th graders got the chance to met virtually with environmental scientist and author, “Pun Pete” Salmansohn. Most will likely recognize Pun Pete from his 39 summers on the coast of Maine working for National Audubon’s Hog Island Camp and Pun Project as a narrator for local pun watch cruises.
The students at WES are currently learning about environmental laws and protections when it comes to the marine life we have on the coast of Maine. Students were able to ask Pun Pete about his conservation eorts 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 puns?”, and even “Does it hurt when a pun bites you?”
Pun 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 everyday! 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 dierence everyday.”
The students will take their conversation with Pun Pete and use it to further their research prior to their own pun watch experience with Hardy Boat Cruises later in June.