There have been a lot of changes occurring over the course of the last few weeks.
First and foremost I would like to dedicate a portion of this post to a fellow wolf we lost on July 2nd. Although I did not know him for very long, Shadow managed to win a spot in my heart just from simply meeting and greeting him. I could tell from various logs, videos, and stories that he truly was a spectacular wolf in regards to behaviors and personality. An outstanding leader! Unfortunately, old age caught up with him and staff had to say goodbye the night of the 2nd. He lived a long life of 14 years, which truly is an old wolf, and during that time I could tell he has touched the heart of many people; staff and guests included. Rest in peace Shadow. I wish I got the chance to know you better but I am more grateful about the fact I was able to both meet you and have the chance to hear about your stories from other staff members. I secretly always wanted to meet Shadow and his brother, Malik, when I first learned about the center as a child so meeting him truly was a blessing.
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| Shadow - Taken from IWC Facebook |
To view Shadow's Necropsy Report: Click Here
Other changes that have occurred have mostly been internally within myself. Due to the ongoing learning process between reading about wolves, meeting new people, and giving programs... I have began to notice a change in my personality and demeanor. In the past, it was hard to give a presentation in front of twenty or less people without freaking out but now I can confidently say I am capable of presenting programs to strangers all the time; sometimes more than fifty at once! At times it is hard to believe that such a change could ever happen but on the other hand I knew I had this capability the entire time but just needed that extra push to access it. I have befriended many people here, staff and guests included, and that too has effected me in a positive manner. Needless to say I have truly been enjoying my time up here in northern Minnesota. So much enjoyment actually that I kind of don't want to leave! All things must come to an end at some point though and although it will be hard to say goodbye to everyone here at the center in August, I cannot wait to see my family again so I can show them the brighter and better me. In the mean time, I will continue to gain as much experience as possible while I am here and I truly plan on living day by day while enjoying even the smallest moments. Again, so many good memories have been made here.
During the first two weeks of July, everything was pretty much the usual calm. We continued to give a variety of different programs to the public. When not giving programs; the other interns and I would talk to the public about the wolves while answering any questions they may have had. In some cases, for me at least, there would be random conversations about nature, birds, or other off the wall topics typically brought up by the guest. At night interns and a staff member would typically hang out; usually watching moves or Game of Thrones while planning "food nights". At one point another intern made homemade pretzels which were delicious. Other nights an intern would make soup or perhaps pizza was ordered. A few special events I recall was Wolf Watch and Dorothy Night. During Wolf Watch I got the chance to hang out with staff members I may or may not see too often while listening to their stories about the wolves and observing wolf behaviors at the same time. I have been to Wolf Watch before and this was probably the fourth time the Ethogram was covered; but each and every time I attend I usually learn something new or at least have the chance to review old information to keep it fresh in the brain. On Dorothy Night, a staff member, one intern, and I went to the Dorothy Motler museum and got the chance to take their free tour led by a naturalist. Dorothy is otherwise known as the Root beer lady so of course I got the chance to drink more of the awesome beverage! We also managed to run into a group of fellow geocachers and got the chance to chat with them about caching and where the Dorothy Motlar cache was. We let them look for it first before finally giving them a hint since they were in a hurry. It was great meeting more people who cache!
July 13th - July 18th
During this week the wolf center teamed up with the Road Scholar program to feature, Road Scholar: Wonder of Wolves. During this program we had a few grandparents with their grand kids learn about wolves. Myself and two other interns conducted various programs and played a few games as well. We were practically with the group from sunrise to sunset on most days. Some of us would wake up as early as 7am to take the group from an Outdoor Learning Center, near Ely, to the Vermillion Community College to eat breakfast. After breakfast we would conduct an event. The first program was by another intern and included Northwoods Ecology; a program that basically covers what you can find in the Northwoods and why. Discusses flora, fauna, and geology of Minnesota. After the program the group went on a hike and met us back at the wolf center. I am honestly not sure what the remainder of the schedule was but I helped conduct three different programs and drove our bus for a good portion of the week.
The first program I gave was Beavers and Wolves. Beaver comprises roughly 16% of the Minnesota Wolf's diet and therefore we discuss adaptions beavers have to survive while dressing a kid up as a beaver. I wish I had pictures of the grandkid we dressed up! They were having such a wonderful time! Once we discussed the pro's and con's of beavers, their physical adaptions, and some information about lodges and dams....I later took the group out of Ely to an abandoned beaver lodge. I was not able to take any pictures because during this time period my phone decided to die and never turn back on. I ended up getting a new phone by the end of the week but of course by then the program was over! I intend on taking pictures of the places we were once we head back out to these areas again.
Another program I gave was Wolf Research. For this program we discuss different methods used to research wolves and follow it up with radiotelemtry exercise. We first teach people how to use the equipment and then head out into the field to actually track live radiocollared wolves. Sadly we did not get a single hit on the collars but we definitely know the wolves were somewhere in the areas we were. Although we did not pick up a signal, the group still had an excellent time! Nothing more pleasing than a groups happiness despite not actually finding a wolf! It happens sometimes, we cannot control where the wolves will be. They were very grateful for us giving it a shot though and learned a lot.
Finally, the best for last, my favorite program. As soon as I heard there was a Wolf Folklore program I jumped on it and claimed it from the other interns since first hearing. I absolutely have LOVED wolf folklore since the beginning of forever. Due to this I was excited about giving this program. I researched various stories and picked three; one good, one nuetral, and one bad. What I mean by good and bad is... we picked a story that gives the wolf a positive image while a bad story depicts the wolf as a foul beast and usually as evil. It gives a negative impression on wolves. My three stories were "Mother Wolf" by Jamal Nasafi, "The One you Feed" by supposedly a Cherokee, and "The Boy who Cried Wolf". Mother Wolf depicted the wolf a hero for saving a village, the Cherokee Tale is neutral, and the Boy who Cried Wolf makes the wolf look evil due to eating livestock and the boy himself. If anyone ever wants a copy of these three stories feel free to ask because I definitely still have them! After choosing these three stories and letting one of the staff members know, he created a fabulous program!!! I gave him the stories and an awesome image I found from the internet of Skoll and Hati (another wolf story from Norse Mythology).
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| Credit: Akreon and Vesner, Off-White |
Akreon and Vesner are wonderful artists. Credit of the image goes to them of course. The group was very impressed with the image and the overall powerpoint itself. I was quite pleased with this and instantly this became my favorite program. I am always willing to give this program at practically any point. Who doesn't love story time? I literally had everyone in the "deer in headlights" look and the tension in the room rose during the Mother Wolf story. It was very intense and I could not help but break and laugh by saying "you guys should see the looks on your faces, its so intense". Instantly they snapped and smiled/laughed but we continued with the story after. It's honestly an awesome feeling to have a powerpoint created around a story you picked. I applaud the staff member too because he did an excellent job creating it. I wish you guys could see it!!! Truly I do!!
Besides giving these three programs, the wolf research one being with other interns, I also helped out with a few other programs. We played a game called Musk Ox Maneuvers, somewhat similar to sharks and minnows. Ask me how to play if you're interested. I also helped another intern run her "story book creation" program where we created books after the Folklore program. This way everyone could create their own stories. We ate lunch and dinner a few times with the group too. They got the chance to see our wolves and the center frequently and on their free day they toured around Ely or canoed. Sometimes we would just hang out with them because honestly they were such a great group. I absolutely miss them all to this day and hope I get the chance to see them again. One family actually visits Hocking Hills in Ohio sometimes so perhaps I will see that group sooner than later! You never know. Again, this week was so wonderful and I miss everyone like crazy. Hopefully I can find the group picture of all of us and update it into here at some point. If anyone wants to ask me more about this week please feel free too. There's more details than what I listed here! Mainly program details.
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| Top to Bottom: Boltz, Aiden, Denali, and Luna |
July 20th and on.
I finally had the opportunity to take care of an overnight group at the center. Basically groups pay to choose special programs usually given after hours, stay overnight in our auditorium, and then are given a continental breakfast the next morning. Of all people, the overnight groups truly get to experience the wolves more than the summer because they usually howl a few times every morning and are fairly active at night.
My first overnight group was a merge between two 4H groups, one from Minnesota and the other from North Carolina. We started off with our "Meet the Pack" program that talks about our Ambassador Wolves and Behaviors, Biology, and Ecology of wolves in the wild. What it takes to survive, average life span, and other facts. After this program was finished we moved into our class room, after a few minute break, and then proceeded to do the "Wolf Research" program again. Rather than go off-site to look for radiocollared wolves, we stayed on-site and learned how to track with a dummy collar. Once they found the collar, thanks again to another intern for helping me out during this program, we went back inside and they left for dinner. An hour and a half later they returned and unpacked the bus since the center was closed at that point. Wolf Folklore (woohoo!) followed the unpacking session and we later moved into the movie theater to watch Radioactive Wolves. A scavenger hunt followed in our Humans and Wolves exhibit and then they had the rest of the night free.
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| Humans and Wolves Exhibit |
Later I asked what to do with the tip money and was told to keep it by staff. This too made my day.
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| "Bonding Moment" with Boltz (through the glass) |
Road Scholar Day Trip, Oh hey.. I'm on TV!!!
Besides the week long Road Scholar groups, we also have the occasional "day group" who comes in for a program or two and leaves. One night the news came in to interview our curator, Lori, about our wolves. My group, the day trip road scholars, came in later. I gave them a quick tour of the facility and once the interview was finished we moved into the auditorium and began the "Meet the Pack" program. Just before starting the program, a staff member walked in and said that they new wanted to get a few seconds of me speaking as well so that people could get a feel of the groups atmosphere. I was a bit shell shocked but of course said it was absolutely alright. It truly is an honor to be in the same news clip as our curator! I always manage to find 5 seconds of fame in the news some how; whether its an accidental zoom in on my face in a crowd setting or via a facebook post. If you would like to view the news interview of Lori (and my 5 seconds of fame) feel free to: Click Here!
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| Denali sniffing the air, Luna (left), and Boltz (right). Aiden in background on den. |
Sometimes the center hosts special events where guests from other facilities and such come in and given programs. During the week of the Blueberry Festival, July 25th-27th, we had two events occur. The National Eagle Center came and gave a program on the natural history of Golden and Bald Eagles. During this program, educator 'Bucky', brought Angel the Bald Eagle whom had an injured wing and could not be released back into the wild. Angel helped teach the crowd about eagles through Bucky feeding here and showing her what its like to glove a bird. He discussed various facts; like an eagles weight, strength, sharp talons, vision, etc. I helped out staff by recording bits and pieces of this program with one of their cameras. We wanted to make sure we got footage in case we created a log of sorts to let the public know of future events. Hopefully the footage I captured was beneficial. Once this program was finished, a staff member took a picture of me with Bucky and Angel. Oddly enough, during this image, we were talking about Northwoods Wildlife Center in Minocqua, Wisconsin. In case you forgot what NWC was...it's where I worked last summer for an internship! Remember the blog? Hope you didn't forget!
The other special event we had was about the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. We usually give a program on the lights daily at the center... but this one was a bit more special due to the fact the program was done by a meteorologist. This fellow had many more slides that were full of various images, facts, graphics, and more about the lights. It was so informative and yet quite fun at the same time. Many things he stood would have been hard to understand had it not been for his excellent description skills. He had props as well. During this program, I video taped it as well as asked by staff. Mainly crowd interaction, a few slides, a few props, him speaking, etc. Again, hopefully the staff liked the footage I had taken. I was not able to get a picture of this program or the meteorologist but I did manage to snap a picture of a double rainbow that occurred shortly after the program was over. I had stuck around to talk to the full time staff (board member and volunteers included) once most of the public left. This was when I found out about the fact I was on TV. I joked about how people always asked me if I was our curator, Lori, or at least related. I truly do get asked this frequently but of course. Shortly after talking with everyone, and helping put stuff away, I just happened to look outside and saw the double rainbow I had mentioned earlier. It was gorgeous! Sadly I could not capture the second rainbow, above this one, because it was faint.
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| Above the Enclosure. |
Of course I cannot forget what I had mentioned earlier; the Blueberry Festival. This occurred July 25-27th. I typically worked at the center most of the day but did manage to spend at least two hours for two of the three days at the festival. We had a booth set up with magazines, brochures, and props. It gave us the chance to talk about the center and it was nice to see a few of those people show up at the center the following days after. Needless to say, the booth worked. At one point we were each given time off to explore the festival and I definitely took advantage of it. I ended up quickly touring every booth one day. I purchased some tasty root beer, creme soda, and sarsaparilla soda. None of it was Dorothy Motlar but still fantastic. I also got a cool looking mug from the experience. The big prize I took home though was what I found while visiting a Wood Carving both. As soon as I saw this work, I actually left and told myself "if it's still there when I come back...I'll buy it". Well it was! And I bought it!
This piece was both carved and burned. I debated between the wolf and a loon image but honestly this piece was by far more rare and the crafter himself said he did not work on such a piece as often because it can be challenging. I could not say no and took it home. I have many memories from the wolf center but this was one more to add. What a better way to remember the northwoods AND wolf center but purchasing a wolf carving that featured both? I honestly think it will look great in my bedroom once its finished. Oh yeah... I never mentioned this... I am moving back to Northridge from Trotwood. For those living in the area, it's the same house I lived in through out school. Surprise! :)
Bear Head Lake State Park
On July 30th, there was an opportunity for someone to go to Bear Head Lake State Park to give our "Wolf Communication" program at their nature center. I jumped on this as soon as I could but did offer to the others if they wanted to go. No one truly seemed interested, so alas I went! Bear Lake State Park is located about 30-40 minutes from Ely down 169. I brought a computer and everything to set up for the program but silly me forgot an adaptor that hooks the laptop to the projector. Thankfully I knew the program from previously watching other interns and was able to give it for the first time like a pro! I managed to give the program orally with a few sounds blips we had. I offered to show videos on the laptop after the program and gave people the chance to interpret the behaviors. The purpose of this program is to highlight how wolves communicate to one another. There are three ways: Behaviors and Posture, Vocally, and Olfaction (Scents). Thanks to previous opportunities to study wolf behavior, thanks to Wolf Ethology and Wolf Watch (programs dedicated towards studying wolf behavior), I have learned a lot when it comes to noticing wolves interacting. I still have a lot to learn of course and am still in the process of finishing work for the class I took this summer. This experience showed though and everyone had a great time once again. I gave abuot 25-30 minutes of program and it was followed up with 10 minutes of questions and nearly 10 more minutes of people sticking around to observe the videos and talk about the wolf center. Some people were visiting the campground but had never heard of the wolf center before. A few mentioned they planned on taking a trip and I think I did see a couple of people the next day at a few programs of ours! Another great night to add to the book.
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| Nature Center at Bear Head Lake State Park. Gorgeous facility; very well kept. |
Sadly, one of our interns was leaving the beginning of August. Due to this we wanted to make sure she and everyone else got the chance to go to Vince Shute's Bear Sanctuary. I had been there before with the Wolf Ethology class but it was truly nice to go with the other interns as well. I drove us there since I had made the drive before. We first stopped at the bear sanctuary and spent a good hour or so observing the wild bears. The bears at the sanctuary were wild bears that had been fed years ago. Due to the feeding, the bears have to continue to be fed. Otherwise they may starve to death in the wild. The bear sanctuary informs others to not feed the bears because of habituation; where animals think people have food and start to rely on mainly humans to feed them rather than hunting for themselves. Like ducks always expecting bread and surrounding your car (this happened to me once, easily 40 ducks).
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| So many bears! |
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| Bear Cubs in a Tree |
Wolf Speak
Finally, the most recent change to the program schedule was that we added Wolf Speak. This program features the Wolf Communication program I had previously mentioned except it also includes a howling trip afterwards. We spent thirty minutes on the program before loading up into the Howler, our bus featured in previous blog entries, and then we took off into the wilderness to locate nearby wolf packs. I am truly aware of a few packs around Ely as well as a few dispersers but due to the wolf hunt in Minnesota, I am not allowed to mention them. During the trip though, we stopped at 5 different locations, and howled. I would howl three times and would then wait on a response. Sometimes I would throw in one more extra howl and then eventually everyone would join in in a chorus howl. Two of the locations were a bust, two were a possibility but faint, and the last (or second stop I should say) was the best stop we had all summer long. We had a few howling trips before but this stop took the cake! I howled twice before a lone male, we know because radio-collaring, howled back in response. This howl was so close and so loud that I swear that the wolf was within a mile or less of us. I howled once more in response and waited. Soon enough I heard rustling in the leaves towards us before silence. Someone clapped their hands together due to a mosquito and something took off into the woods away from us. Due to feeling watching, I honestly wonder if perhaps the solo wolf has walked up closer to investigate the random howl and whom it was coming from. It may have been a fox, squirrel, bird, or other animal too... but I have a sneaking suspicious that just maybe it was our close wolf.
At the last of the five spots, I howled a few times but only had silence. The rest of the group then joined me in a chorus howl, where everyone howls together, and we soon heard a familiar northwoods sound that resembles a wolf. A loon of all things! We heard the howl of the loon, which tricked a few people, followed by a few tremolos. Needless to say we got a good laugh out of that time and then afterwards loaded back onto the bus to head back to the center. For it being the first howling trip out of the season; I would say it was a big success! Sometimes you never hear anything but that one male wolf truly made our night!! Again, I managed to make a tip that night as well. Some one, while walking out, motioned to shake my hand and left $10 in place while saying "I believe in college students". Still a bit confused by that statement but very appreciative none the less. Truly I still don't know how to feel about all these tips besides grateful! I guess that's the perk of making people feel welcomed and making sure they have a great time!
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| Luna |
The First Goodbye
As summer comes to a close, I am afraid that I will be hearing the word "goodbye" quite frequently until I myself leave. We said our first goodbye to one of our fellow interns. She had to leave a bit early due to starting a full time job in Missouri. Of course we all miss her but we are also extremely happy for her! How cool is it to have a full time job already?! She made it safe and sound already to Missouri and her new apartment. As mentioned, we definitely miss you! It's weird not having to say "Im the other Kelcie" since we had the same name (different spelling).
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| Summer 2014 Interns - Wolf Statues |
On a happier note, two of my friends (or old employers I should say) from Wisconsin are coming up tomorrow to visit Jon and I. Both of us worked for them at Northwoods Wildlife Center last summer. I worked in the summer and Jon in the spring, but he was actually one of the interns that helped me train for the job too. We still think it's weird that we both ended up here this summer. I'm stoked and cannot wait to tell you all about our upcoming adventures!
Only two more weeks and a few days left in Minnesota. Plenty of events coming up though so I will stay busy. Sorry again for the delay of this post but hope you enjoyed! The next one will be eventful too! Thank you for reading and feel free to comment below with questions or PG comments :)
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