Wolf Haven’s annual fall fundraiser and annual meeting, Wolves & Wine offers guests and supporters an opportunity to share their passion for wolves and our mission: To conserve and protect wolves and their habitat. This evening of fun offers both silent and live auctions, beer and wine tastings, plentiful hors d’oeuvres and a chance to mingle with fellow wildlife supporters.
This article was originally published in the Summer 2019 issue of the bilingual environmental publication ECO-Lógica. Reprinted here with permission.
A place for wolves in the wild – Un lugar para los lobos
by Pamela Maciel, Sanctuary Co-Manager, Mexican Wolf Specialist, Wolf Haven International
London enjoys his tub
In 1982, the sanctuary that was to eventually become Wolf Haven International was founded in Tenino, Washington. A beacon for wolf advocacy, Wolf Haven International also provides a lifetime home for displaced and captive born wolves and promotes wolf restoration in historical ranges.
Annie Marie Musselman photo
Wolf Haven International is included in this list of 10 animal sanctuaries in the United States that both kids and parents can enjoy.
Breathtaking scenery/Photo credit: USFWS
by Christopher Montero, Outreach Coordinator, Wolf Haven International
“Do you think there are wolves in these mountains?” the young man asked, pointing to the snow-covered peaks around Lake Wenatchee. “Well…for sure about 30 or 40 miles South”, I answered.
“So, no wolves here?” he kept pressing.
I thought about it for a second, then I said: “I bet there are dispersing wolves moving up and down these mountains, seeking a partner or a new pack. Who knows? Maybe there is a curious wolf sniffing us from up there, at this very moment,” I pointed with my chin to the distance. “¡Qué chido!” (Cool!) he replied… and his eyes got wider.
Spending time with nature/Photo credit: USFWS
Those are the moments I feel I have accomplished something good.
I had similar conversations with different audiences around the Snoqualmie National Forest. But what was especially significant about this interaction, was that it was entirely in Spanish. It happened early this April at an event called Camp Biota.
Chris talks to students outside/Photo credit: USFWS
Camp Biota is a science camp geared towards migrant middle-schoolers. What makes this experience even more special, is that these Latino teens were selected because of their low scores in math and science. The idea is to kindle their interest in natural sciences and inspire them to learn more. During a whole week, the students participated in hands-on experiences on field data-collection, talks, experiments and outdoor activities. Camp Biota is the result of a collaboration between the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery and the North Central Educational Service District and it involves thirteen organizations, including Wolf Haven International.
Chris and Pam in the classroom/Photo credit: USFWS
This was the second year I was invited to participate as an instructor at Camp Biota and this time we were excited to include Pamela Maciel, Wolf Haven’s Sanctuary Co-Manager and Mexican Wolf SSP Liaison. A significant portion of the students at Camp Biota were girls, so it was empowering to see and hear a role-model like Pam, a migrant Latina who has a solid background in sciences and biology.
Ecology hike/Photo credit: USFWS
Being part of Camp Biota was immensely satisfying for Pam and me. We supported activities and nature hikes, facilitated field data collection, gave talks and even translated to Spanish in real-time. Most of students spoke and understood English with no problem, but connecting with these teens in our mother tongue went beyond sharing our passion for wolves, animals or conservation…it was about making a difference while honoring our unique cultural identities.
Chris & Pam with Biota students/Photo credit: USFWS
Teaching conservation in different countries have shown me that cultural diversity has a lot in common with biological diversity: both generate richer and more beautiful interactions and that’s the base for more resilient communities and systems.
That’s why Pam and I love to teach in Spanish.
by Marinka Major, Wolf Haven International
Wolf Haven mounded prairie
Native plants find sanctuary at Wolf Haven where 37 acres of rolling, grassy Mima Mounds harbor dozens of rare prairie plants. Prairies have a diverse population of native plants that provide food to many animals, some that only live in prairie ecosystems such as the Mazama pocket gopher, Thomomys mazama and the Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly, Euphydryas editha taylori.
Controlled burn at Wolf Haven
Native prairie plants are fire adapted and thrive in prairies that experience regular burns. Centuries ago, indigenous people thoughtfully burned prairies to ensure the survival of the many fire dependent plants. At Wolf Haven, The Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM) manages and preforms prescribed burns on the prairie, keeping it healthy just as people did generations ago.
Camas
Many of the native plant species found in our South Sound prairies have great significance to people for their use as food or medicine. One of the showiest plants on the prairie is the common Camas, Camassia quamash a traditional food still being harvested and eaten today. The Camas produces an onion-like bulb that can be eaten after cooked and the periwinkle flowers cover prairies from late April to mid-May in a spectacular show.
Chocolate lily
The Chocolate Lily, Fritillaria affinis, also produces an edible bulb and has a unique blossom that resembles a dark brown tulip with bright yellow stamens and pistils that can be seen blooming April through May.
Early morning violet
Another enchanting flower of the prairie is the early-blue Violet, Viola adunca. The short plant produces purple flowers that several butterfly and nectar eating species depend on.
Western serviceberry
Not only does the prairie provide edible bulbs and flowers but berries too! The Western serviceberry, Amelanchier alnifolia is a large shrub that blooms with spiky white flowers in the spring giving way to fat, dark purple berries at the end of summer.
Interpretive signage guides you through our rare prairie.As we celebrate Native Plant Appreciation Week, let’s be sure to not only stop and smell the roses, but to look around and enjoy the wonders of our native plants!
Printed scripts and a limited number of manual wheelchairs are available upon request in the sanctuary store. Please note that service animals are not permitted in the sanctuary for the safety and comfort of all of the animals and the sanctuary’s guests.
photo by Accessible Family Travel
