People worldwide are feeling the loss of nature. This inspires more and more people to seek a wildlife experience. In response, numerous programs continue to evolve that offer individuals access to the natural world. Professional wilderness guides not only provide participants a unique experience but also act as wildlife caretakers. A personal experience with nature is a valuable tool in the understanding of nature and the importance of wildlife.

Have you ever wanted to catch a glimpse of a wild wolf? If the answer is yes, you're in luck. With the amazing recovery wolves have made in the US over the past 10 years, it is now easier to find them than it has been in over a century. Thousands of people every year have the privilege of seeing a wolf in its natural habitat. Now remember, that doesn't guarantee that you will find a wolf whenever or wherever you look. It takes dedication, persistence and the right equipment to be successful.

The most likely place to find wild wolves is in the Northeastern corner of Yellowstone National Park. Since being reintroduced, the Druid Peak Pack has moved into the Lamar Valley and spends most of the year rearing its pups, hunting and socializing within a couple of miles of the road. When you reach Yellowstone, ask a Ranger where you might find the wolves, and then keep a keen eye out for large groups of people with spotting scopes. The best time of day to see the wolves is sunrise to mid-morning, and then again in the evening. Be sure to take warm clothes, sunscreen, water, binoculars, a spotting scope if you have one, and lots of patience. The most important thing to remember is... respect the wolves and other wildlife... they need lots of room and you probably won't get closer than ½ mile away from them.

So, go out and enjoy! Some of the M:W staff's fondest moments with wolves have been in the wild. Come to the refuge and get a close look at their eyes and learn about their personalities, then go see them in the wild, where they belong.

Organizations offering wild wolf experiences:
Mile High Outfitters: Idahowolf.com

Of Wolves and Kids...
As each summer comes and goes, the Mission:Wolf refuge gears up for hundreds of visitors who come to learn about wolves. One of our favorite parts of the busy summer season is getting to meet and talk to so many school groups and kids’ camps. The high energy and new perspectives the kids bring with them to the refuge is always inspiring. Great associations such as Interlocken, The Road Less Traveled, The Cottonwood Institute and Science Discovery send groups our way for days at a time. In exchange for a tour of the refuge and answers to all of their questions, the kids offer help with many of our summer projects. It is always wonderful to have a few extra hands to put up fence, haul meat to the wolves, and work on our new Community Building.

Each year, more and more lucky classes convince their teachers to take them on a fieldtrip to Mission:Wolf. One of the best ways to teach students about the world is through hands-on projects. What better way to teach respect for wolves, wildlife and all life than to give students the opportunity to look a wolf in its bright yellow eyes and realize it isn’t all that different from us after all. With each class that comes to the refuge, the students ask more challenging questions, making our staff think harder about wolves and all of the issues that surround them, and the kids go home more inspired than we can imagine. Many return years later as adult volunteers.

If you are interested in organizing a fieldtrip or camp visit to the refuge, please send us an email or leave a message at (719)859-2157. As the old saying goes - even one person can make a difference... students, parents, teachers, anyone can set up a visit.

Summer Camp Organizations:
The Road Less Traveled: www.theroadlesstraveled.com
The Cottonwood Institute: www.cottonwoodinstitute.org/
CU Science Discovery: www.colorado.edu/ScienceDiscovery/

Mission:Wolf and Wild Wolves
In the past, Mission:Wolf has assisted in the creation of a wolf adventure into Idaho and Yellowstone National Park:

July 2002, CU Science Discovery, Adventure Wolf
Hotsprings, Huckleberries and Wolves

Announcing a wilderness adventure for High School teenagers. In partnership with the Science Discovery Program and Colorado University, Mission wolf has coordinated a wilderness adventure program focusing on the return of wolves to the Northwest.

A two-week journey starts at Mission:Wolf with an introduction to the world of wolves and an opportunity to get close-up with captive wolves. Once all preparations are complete, the group departs by vehicle en-route for Challis Idaho's Airport.

Bush pilots will fly you far into the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Once in the wilderness Mile High Outfitters will host the group at a base camp. For five days the group will explore miles of wilderness with the ease of pack mules and horses. Highlights include wolf, bear and mountain lion tracking and of course fresh picked Huckleberries (seasonal). Fishing is available with advance planning.

The journey on to Yellowstone National Park includes stops at natural hot springs and a tour of the Science Discovery Center. After two nights camping in the park and tracking wildlife the group will depart for Colorado. This trip is available only with a minimum of six participants (maximum of 10). Two professional Science Discovery wilderness guides and one Mission:Wolf interpreter will lead each group.

If you are interested in a trip similar to this, please contact CU Science Discovery at 303-735-6628.