February 12 to February 15, 2010 Description Have you ever dreamed of becoming a wolf biologist? Spend the weekend learning and applying the research techniques of wolf biologists. You’ll track radio-collared wolves by ground and air, snowshoe to a wolf-kill or otherarea where wolves have been, and howl to local wolf packs. Go home with a new appreciationand understanding of field biology and the techniques used to study wolves. A paid adult must accompany all participants under the age of 18; 13 is the minimum age for this learning adventure. Registrations must be received at minimum two weeks prior to ensure lodging accommodations. Registration Deadline Registrations must be received before January 29, 2010 to ensure lodging accommodations. | | $470.00 | (Member's fee $420.00) | Deposit: $100.00 | | | $60.00 | (Per room per night, if available) |
Itinerary This itinerary may be adjusted depending upon weather conditions or special opportunities that may arise. | Earliest check-in time is 2:00pm. Program begins at 4:45pm with dinner at cabin. | | After checking into your lodging at Timber Trail Lodge, travel into Ely for a hearty meal at a local | | establishment. Your first exposure to wolf research is an evening program at the International | | Wolf Center on the history of wolf research in the Superior National Forest. |
| Make sure to have a big breakfast; your day will be full of action! Spend the morning exploring | | the Superior National Forest attempting to locate wild wolves that have been fitted with radio | | collars. We will use authentic radio telemetry equipment to locate these animals and | | determine their position on a quadrangle map of the area. Over lunch, we’ll discuss the | | telemetry data collected and prepare for our afternoon adventure of aerial telemetry. We’ll | | travel to the Ely Airport to meet our charter from Taconite Aviation, a Cessna 172. In teams of | | three, we will take turns flying over the forest attempting to get a visual on radio-collared | | wolves. That evening, discuss your experience over a nutritious and delicious family-style | | dinner. After the meal, get ready to learn what wolves eat for dinner at the “What’s for | | Dinner?” program. An introductory lesson on wolf hunting and feeding behavior will prepare | | you for the weekly feeding of our Ambassador wolves. | | | Note: Telemetry flights are completely dependent on the weather and may need to be | | rescheduled or canceled. |
| Pack a lunch and dress warmly this day because you’ll be taking to the field via snowshoe to | | investigate wolf sign. If lucky, the group will hike to a wolf-kill site found during the prior day’s | | flights. In early afternoon visit the historic Kawishiwi Field Station, field base of the Minnesota | | Wolf Project led by Dr. David Mech (Dr. Mech will not be present). Head back to the Center | | and warm up with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. You’ll have time to explore the Center, visit | | the gift shop or simply relax while watching the Ambassador wolves. That evening, discuss | | your experience over a nutritious and delicious family-style dinner. Your next adventure begins | | after the meal! A short introduction to the ways that wolves communicate with each other and | | how this information can be used for research will prepare you for the night’s field trip to test | | your wolf-speak as you howl to wild wolves in the area. |
| Meet at the International Wolf Center at 9:00am to wrap up the weekend with discussion about | | wolf management. Wolf management is on a precarious ledge at this time, and we will explore | | the many facets of this complex issue including how research influences management decisions. | | The program will conclude by noon, giving everyone plenty of time to spend a little time in | | downtown Ely. |
What to Bring Program activities will be held indoors as well as outdoors. Minnesota temperatures can vary, and it is best to prepare for the extremes. Please refer to our “Packing for a winter Adventure Learning Vacation” document for packing suggestions. Packing for a winter Adventure Learning Vacation Lodging Information During the program you will be staying in a non-smoking cabin at Timber Trail Lodge located about seven miles from the International Wolf Center. Cabins are rustic with northwoods- themed decor. Accommodations are based on double occupancy (unless otherwise indicated) with 3-8 people per cabin sharing living space, kitchen, and two bathrooms. For a peek at the accommodations to expect, visit www.timbertraillodge.com and click Accommodations then, look at Blue Spruce or White Pine. Pets are not allowed in shared lodging. If you need to board your pet during the program, the Ely Vet Clinic offers boarding. You can reach the Clinic at 218-365-5911. If you wish to reserve extra nights either before or after our program, please make arrangements directly with Timber Trail Lodge (800-777-7348) or e-mail bill@timbertrail.com. Private Room Option If you require more privacy, a limited number of small motel units that accommodate 2-3 people are available on a first come, first serve basis for an additional cost of $60/night. Please call 800-359-9653 ext. 25 for availability and booking of this option. Single motel units must be reserved prior to the program.
Meals A continental breakfast of cereal, fruit, bagels, oatmeal, etc. is available each morning of the program at the main cabin. Hearty, a la carte lunches may be held at the International Wolf Center or in the field. Nutritionally balanced and tasty catered dinners will be provided each night of the program. Participants are asked to assist with serving and clean up after meals. Please indicate any special dietary needs, food allergies, and/or other food preferences on the information form. We can accommodate some special dietary requests, such as vegetarian or non-lactose diets and allowances for food allergies. Occasionally, restrictive dietary requests cannot be fully accommodated so you may want to bring special foods with you.
Transportation Participants are responsible for their own transportation to Ely. For information on travel to Ely, please refer to our “Travel to the International Wolf Center” document for details. Ely Cab 218-349-1383 Travel to the International Wolf Center Directions International Wolf Center Timber Trail Lodge
Emergency Numbers Timber Trail Lodge: 218-365-4879 International Wolf Center: 800-ELY-WOLF, ext. 21 (Monday - Friday) 800-ELY-WOLF, ext. 30 (Saturday, Sunday)
Gratuity not included in program fee. Cancellation Policy - All cancellations are subject to a $50.00 processing fee.
- No refunds will be issued if cancellation is made within 14 days of program start.
- Cancellations made between 14 and 30 days will receive refund of payment minus deposit.
- Payment is due in full 14 days prior to start of program.
The International Wolf Center regrets that it cannot make exceptions to the refund policy. We urge you to purchase trip insurance. Trip insurance can help protect you against financial loss if you must cancel or interrupt your trip.
The International Wolf Center reserves the right to cancel a program. Participants will be informed of program cancellations no less than 30 days in advance. In the event of cancellation by the International Wolf Center, all participants will receive a full refund. |