Change. A decent amount of it too. Some staff members I came to know were no longer present and therefore there were plenty of new folks to meet. The adjustment to this change was relatively hard at first, seeing as how I would be working with new people I had never seen before, but I have always capable of adjusting to new places. After all, leaving home to go to two different colleges and at least three out of state internships certainly is not a walk in the park! Yet again I was on a life changing journey. In other words, I eventually grew used to the new faces and the loss of the old, but this does not mean that I do not miss those who have left.
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| Denali |
By the time I arrived, summer was gradually coming to a close. The skies were still bright blue and the temperature was what I considered t-shirt weather (50-60F). My boyfriend, whom I still appreciate for being willing to make the move with me to this "unknown" land, and myself both settled into a nice log cabin in the woods and the next day I was back in the face of the public as an educator. It was fairly easy to remember closing and opening tasks, minus a new television system which took a few days longer to master, and I felt like a newbie all over again. The first few days I sat in on programs to recall information. Of course some areas were updated, seeing as how I was missing for two years from the educator scene, but before I knew it I was back to presenting familiar programs with new faces. When I first arrived we were open daily to the public, as well as Saturday nights for two specialty programs.
Said Daily programs include:
10am: Wolves in our Backyard
11am: Ambassadors to the Wild (once known as Meet the Park for us "oldies")
12am: In Search of Wolves (or Wolf Research)
1am: Ambassadors to the Wild
2pm: Mighty Moose (once known as the Moose in Minnesota)
3pm: Ambassadors to the Wild
4pm: Passport to Wolves
Sat Only:
7pm: What's for Dinner? (feeding)
9pm: Howling Safari (go out and howl to wild wolves) *Sept/October Only*
All of these programs I had given at least once, but the older versions had different names and some out-dated information. By the second week of being here, I was back in the swing of things; answering public questions, responding to emails, answering phone calls, and giving daily and specialty programs. One difference between then (2014) and now, is instead of having 4 other educators alongside you during the summer - the academic year only has 2. Initially a summer intern stayed over, as per usual, to await my arrival but as his contract ended a new one began for him. He filled a new, suddenly created, position as interim program specialist being that we would soon see a new Ely Building Manager enter the scene. As I said, lots of change back then.
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| Grayson (L) and Axel (R) |
However, due to Luna showing food possession tendencies even in the face of the pups, she was moved out of the Exhibit pack and into Retirement. She is currently with Grizzer, who is still alive and well at the ripe age of 12 years old, and both are honestly getting along great. She tends to enjoy body work (similar to a massage) by wolf care staff and therefore has been see as more relaxed as of late. Grizzer now has a companion as well, the two are often viewed lying nearby one another, inviting chase via a play bow, etc. You can actually watch these two (and the exhibit pack) via the wolf's center web camera: http://www.wolf.org/meet-our-wolves/wolfcams/
The pups turned 8 months today (Jan 2nd) and have grown from 5lbs (May) to 70-90lbs (Dec). Two growing boys for sure! Check out the first photo from September in comparison to the photo below (taken in December):
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| Top (on den): Aidan // Middle: Grayson and Denali // Bottom: Axel and Boltz. |
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This brings me to my next point, the seasons! Of course Minnesota sees green summers and snowy winters, so I have been giving it my best shot to take a photo each month and thus show the "transition of seasons". Granted, early winter vs late winter seems to just be "some snow" to "heck of a lot of snow".
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| September, October, November. |
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Overall, both groups kept me on my toes and the day flew by fast. The first group, being in October, saw the center in the fall setting where as the second group saw what winter was like. Unfortunately we couldn't go a "snowshoe interpretive hike" as originally planned, not enough snow, but we still went hiking and they learned a lot about reading nature, identifying track and sign 101, and they got to see Kawishiwi falls in all its glory!
Aside from that I had a couple of one day only groups role through too. Typically we greet said groups, show them the facility with a small tour, then lead them to the classroom or auditorium for a program (usually a daily one, but in one case Wolf Folklore was given), and then stick by them until they leave. Sometimes there's two programs but this is rare. Generally it's a program followed by them leaving or they guide themselves through out the facility.
Otherwise, as said, it is usually daily programs. On one particular day, I told a couple the local coffee shops in town to which they later surprised me with a coffee! It just so happened to be my favorite!
The interns and other staff are also now apart of the providing photos and descriptions for a weekly facebook post. To check those out go to facebook and type "International Wolf Center" or click the text in quotes. I linked it for you. Basically we are doing our part to instruct the public about wolf facts or simply show them what is going on at the wolf center itself. Today, for example, its snowing. Since it was my day to send in a photo, I had written about the weather and incorporated a photo of Aidan with snow on him (see below). I mentioned how a wolf's thick undercoat helps keep them warm and cozy despite the precipitation and temperature. Aidan in particular does seem to really like snow based on his actions.
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| The photo featured for today's post (02 Jan 2017) |
Educators are currently in process of learning how to give programs utilizing the videoconferencing software, Zoom Video and Tandburg Systems (mainly the first). There are a few programs offered, click here, and the center hopes to add more in the future. More or less this offers the public the option of us connecting via the computer to provide a live program with props and live footage of the ambassador wolves from your seats.This can be states or countries away, of course, and teachers or group leaders have the option to rent a Wolf Discovery Kit as well for hands on materials and props. I have seen groups use this as a tool to study "adaptations" of wildlife or animals in general, while using wolves as a means of doing so. Kids always seem to love it and I suggest any educator, teacher, or group leader of any sort to host an event for your group.
Speaking of Wolf Discovery Kits, this is a kit that is filled with a variety of specimens (ex. wolf pelt, moose jaw), books, DVDs (or VHS if requested), and other activities that provide students and/or groups with hands on learning tools. Teachers can use them to talk about predator-prey relationships, comparing fact vs fiction about wolves, or to simply learn more in depth details about wolves. Alongside a live videoconferencing program this kit is useful. Why am I bringing this up? At the beginning of the internship, when the center switched to winter hours, I took the time to inventory every kit at the center. This meant determining what materials needed replaced, whether by making or purchase, and what materials were suitable to remain. Overall the kits were very well taken care of and had all their parts; a special thanks to those who rented the kits and kept them in good condition. There are also supplemental kits as well, these too were inventoried and such as well. We are still working on replacing any missing pieces (mainly the manager is) whereas I took the time to replace anything broken that I could (mainly plaster casts).
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| Crafting red wolf plaster casts for the kits |
I have been assisting Wolf Care Staff with crafting Wolf Adoption Kits. These are great for anyone looking to "adopt" one of our wolves! They come with a VERY NICE photo, fur sample (adult wolves only), certificate and thank you letter, and more. Honestly one of the best adoption kits I have ever seen, and I mean that without being biased too. They are well thought out and offer the customer a great reward. Not to mention the money goes straight to wolf care and helps the wolves themselves. We currently have kits for every wolf: Grizzer, Aidan, Denali, Boltz, Luna, Axel, and Grayson. Seeing as how the pups are growing up, we may transition them to adult kits sometime soon. So get a pup kit before they're gone! These can be ordered online so you do not have to be here to purchase the kits. [Wolf Pups Kit, Adult Wolves Kit]
Click the links to find the kits and go to the Wolf Den Store. Of course check out the other cool stuff while you're there. My current wish list includes the wolf adult coloring book and a micro plush blanket. Unfortunately, the red blanket I want may be sold out.
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| Boltz |
I have had the opportunity to continue assisting the education department by creating (or re-creating) programs. A while back I worked on re-combining Wolves in Our Backyard (once known as Wolves in North America) and Passport to Wolves (once known as Wolves of the World) and presently sit in the draft stage. This program was an attempt to maintain the integrity of both programs while using updated information, photos, etc. There was certain protocol associated with program creation that thankfully one of my classes at my college (Tech Comm) helped me easily use; creating a visually appearing program. On top of this, I also used said skills learned in this class to update various signage around the center. Auditorium program guest tally sheet, What's for Dinner program ad, theater sign telling guests where the auditorium is (more visually appealing), Auditorium program sign featuring daily and specialty programs, and finally winter hours sign. Of course I am always on the hunt to make new signs and programs. We hope to introduce a few programs (its a secret) in the future, some of which I hope to announce when the center makes them official.
As of right now I have been exceedingly busy with what we call the "Wolf Scholar" project. What this entails is looking at our websites and doing our best to update it. Basically I keep a word document which lists the link of the error (or outdated information), list what needs fixed, and do my best to include new links and resources not currently present. At the moment I am about 70 pages deep and still going. I am mainly focusing on "wolves of the world" right now and have thus learned that information about wolves overseas is relatively tricky to find... and that I need to overcome my language barrier tenfold. I have scanned through a lot of scientific articles highlighting species and subspecies information. In other words, lots and lots of DNA papers. Much of which is very debated to this day. Despite the species vs subspecies debate we often experience in this field, Dave Mech explains wolves best by stating a "wolf is a wolf is a wolf" and that the best way to describe them all is "canis lupus soupous". Attempting to tackle this project has made his words VERY clear!
In summary, I have been keeping myself busy these last three and a half months.
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So now that we've got the work aspect out of the way, what else have I been up to in Minnesota? First of all, my boyfriend and I have experienced plenty of restaurants around town. Some new to me but most of them old familiar favorites (everything is new to him). We've come to lover the Mexican restaurant known as 2 Gringos, yes two white guys literally run it. The Grand Ely Lodge has always been a personal favorite of mine, we often only go when we want to have a special date night or when we are meeting up with the other wolf center staff members to have a party. Thrice now we've been out with them; once for wing night, once for a going away party, and the last for a Christmas party. I may be forgetting another occasion with center staff... ? Otherwise, my boyfriend and I enjoyed playing Pokemon Go when it was a lot warmer out. Nowadays, we want to go but the wind and subzero temperatures make staying in the warm cabin more of a temptation than not.
My previous employers from Northwoods Wildlife Center returned to Ely yet again, the second week of myself moving up here, and I was so excited to see them!!! Unfortunately work and other factors prevented us from really getting to spend quality time together, but I am glad I at least got the chance to see them again. At this rate I have seen them once a year since leaving Wisconsin, just like the staff at the Wolf Center actually! I am terrible at keeping in communication most of the time, but I give it my best shot. When they visited we went to Insula to eat, a new for me and great place to eat, and they got to see our cabin. I am still hoping for their return when summer comes around.
The other intern and myself have gotten rather close, so we have been doing our best to find ways to get involved in time or hang out. So far we've been able to go to Virginia, alongside my boyfriend and our other coworker, to watch movies (such as Moana!) and eat pizza. Delicious pizza, some with "hella pineapple" (copyright Saranda 2016).
One particular occasion where we all "hung out" was during the Ely Tree Lighting event, which happened in early December. There was hot chocolate and cider served following a Christmas Parade. We helped decorate the IWC Bus for the parade but sadly did not get off work in time to join those who rode... Did I mention we got the last of the hot cider? Yum. There was a dance floor, a bonfire, and piratically every member of the community was present. In a town where everyone knows everyone, it was a blast! The tree lighting was pretty neat and the company was great.
I became apart of the "Ely Field Naturalists" group, which led me to become a volunteer for the US Forest Service. The reason behind it, Lynx Tracking! The service is doing their part to research this endangered species and therefore has a volunteer base to track sightings for the sake of determining location and collecting fecal samples. I have not had the chance to go out into the field, as of yet, due to work and weather but am still anticipating at least one trek into the wilderness. I managed to get the other intern involved in this project as well. We sat in on the December naturists meeting where the biologist of the project gave a presentation regarding Canada Lynx. It was very informational, I certainly learned a lot about Lynx (especially compared to Bobcat), and I enjoyed meeting the lead volunteer or the project. Pictures and information will likely not be available for this. I do apologize for the inconvenience.
A typical week for me involves the boyfriend and I going to work at our jobs, doing laundry, getting groceries sometimes, and maybe eating out... maybe. Otherwise we tend to stay indoors and relax as winter continues. Or, as said, we are out and about with friends! Thankfully we did get to go home for a brief period in Christmas. This allowed us to see family, friends, and new babies in both categories! New Years wasn't entirely celebrated, seeing as how the boyfriend is sick, but we did share the midnight kiss and look forward to the year ahead!
As far as this internship goes, contract ends June 1st. So we shall see what happens between now and then!
Stay tuned, I will do my best to keep this blog updated as time goes on!!!
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| Axel (L) and Grayson (R) |
