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Tracking the Pack for Teens

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.

Adult fee:   $470.00  (Member's fee $420.00)  Deposit: $100.00
Private room fee:   $60.00  (Per room per night, if available)

Itinerary

This itinerary may be adjusted depending upon weather conditions or special opportunities that may arise.

Friday, February 12

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.

Saturday, February 13

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.

Sunday, February 14

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.

Monday, February 15

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.