RICHMOND — Reservations are now being taken for educational spring and fall wildlife programs and group tours of Swan Island, a state-owned wildlife management area and campground on the Kennebec River in Richmond.

The island has large deer and turkey populations, as well as nesting bald eagles, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has six homes, dating to 1763, and other remnants of what was once a town on the island.

Wildlife and conservation education programs are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Participants will be transported across the river, from a state boat landing on Front Street in Richmond, then in the open rack body pickup truck to the campground.

Wildlife program topics include: Wetlands, owls, life and death of a town, big cats, Maine state symbols, skins and skulls, adaptations and more.

The fees for the wildlife programs are $4 per person for groups of 15 or more.

Another program that schools can reserve includes guided truck tours of the entire four-mile-long island, with stops and interpretation at historic and natural sites along the way.

Reservations for either program may be made by calling the island reservation line directly at 547-5322.