UNITY -- Show and teach children about the treasure that surrounds them, and they might just become good stewards of that land.

Friends of Unity Wetlands, a land trust established in 2004, adheres to that philosophy with its "Center Saturdays." Student volunteers from Unity College run the program, in and out of the Friends of Unity Wetlands Education Center at 93 Main Street.

This Saturday, the Unity College Wildlife Care & Education Club will show children signs of animals preparing for the winter.

Kathy Kahler, programs assistant for Friends, explained the relationship.

"We are a land trust," Kahler said. "We're trying to preserve the local farm land and forest, and it's a lot easier when we make people aware of their surroundings. "We have the largest block of undeveloped land in central Maine, home to several endangered species. We're really trying to overcome the hurdle of unawareness."

Children and their families are invited to Center Saturdays, which take place from 10 to 11 a.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Kahler said children who attend regularly were disappointed when the program switched from every week to twice a month, because more volunteers are needed.

Typically, Kahler said, children between the ages of 5 and 9 attend the programs. Some parents drop their children off, some take part.

"We're trying to get children and families outdoors and get them excited about the amazing back yard here in Unity," Kahler said.

On Saturday, the Unity College students will spend the bulk of the hour outside on the trails. Toward the end of the hour, they will return to the center to discuss their observations, and make related crafts.

On Oct. 23, members of Avian Haven in Freedom will be at the center. Diane Wynn and Marc Payne, co-founders and managers of the facility, will discuss their bird-rehabilitation program.