Wolf Mountain Nature Center opens in Smyrna
SMYRNA – The ancient call of the gray wolf has returned to the rolling hills of Smyrna. A pair of Mackenzie River Valley Alaskan Timber wolves reside at the new Wolf Mountain Nature Center Inc. The center, just opening its doors, is inviting the surrounding communities to see what they’re all about with an event July 7.
The non-profit center is approved by the New York State Education Department and is a federal and state licensed facility now providing educational programs about wolf behavior, history and the role of wolves and other predators in keeping a balance in the eco-system.
There is a great deal of misinformation and negative images associated with wolves, says wolf educator, Michelle Ying Ming Chan. The WMNC is in the development stages and currently has a small, knowledgeable staff. Staff members say a few dedicated volunteers to help with the many projects are always welcome.
Will Pryor, the director of the Nature Center, says taking on raising wolves was an interesting as well as an expensive venture. Pryor, an environmental scientist, says after visiting Wolf Park in Indiana he never second-guessed himself or his ideas of creating a nature center.
Pryor says he has envisioned the center, including working with wolves, for many years. “I used to dream about wolves, and now I am beginning to know why,” he said.
Raising two wolves – Natani and Nakoa – since they were puppies, Pryor says socializing the animals so people such as himself and other educators can work closely with them is one of the main goals. “They are very sociable and if one of them got hurt or they need something, I can go right in there are help them,” said Pryor.
Pryor keeps the wolves near his home in a large government-regulated enclosure. He says the fencing exceeds all regulations and the enclosure is wooded, spacious and provides the wolves a quality life. Pryor says keeping the pair happy and satisfied in their environment is important. “They are equipped with all the necessary items like being in the wild,” he said. “They are happy where they are, they like the interaction and attention from visitors. They can be themselves.”
Pryor says in the future, further educational opportunities for the community will be offered by adding arctic and gray foxes, eastern coyotes and a few plains bison. The center is currently seeking donations to build a small log cabin or log sided building for a gift shop and a place to offer indoor educational programs and act as a community meeting place.
Pryor says there is a lot of misinformation about wolves and he hopes introducing the wolves to the community, not only as predators but as social creatures, may correct some of the misconceptions.
“No other species in the history of this planet has ever been so misunderstood, so revered by some and persecuted by others. Old world myths die hard, and the history on this continent since the arrival of Europeans has been persecution and recovery and then persecution again,” said Pryor. He says one of his concerns is that with such a rapidly increasing human population and the increased demand for natural resources, wolves; like many other species, may not have a place to recreate and raise their young.
The WMNC offers programs such as howl night programs, environmental studies, observation seminars, full moon walks, school field trips, wolf fishing contests, internships and more.
Another aspect of the nature center is Pryor’s home itself. Pryor says he tries to be environmentally friendly at all costs by generating his own electricity and using solar and wind power. Pryor says he is happy to talk to his guests about solar and wind powered energy.
The gift shop expected to be built in 2008 will feature quality wolf and nature related gifts and locally made products such as maple syrup. “We also hope to attract people form all over New York State and welcome international visitors to the area,” Pryor said.
There will be an upcoming wolf watermelon festival event at 1 p.m. July 7. The “two-legged” and “four-legged” enrichment program should be fun for everyone, says Pryor. The cost is $5 for adults, $3 for children and ages three and under are admitted free.
For more information visit http://www.thewolfmountainnaturecenter.org or call Pryor at 627-6784.
The non-profit center is approved by the New York State Education Department and is a federal and state licensed facility now providing educational programs about wolf behavior, history and the role of wolves and other predators in keeping a balance in the eco-system.
There is a great deal of misinformation and negative images associated with wolves, says wolf educator, Michelle Ying Ming Chan. The WMNC is in the development stages and currently has a small, knowledgeable staff. Staff members say a few dedicated volunteers to help with the many projects are always welcome.
Will Pryor, the director of the Nature Center, says taking on raising wolves was an interesting as well as an expensive venture. Pryor, an environmental scientist, says after visiting Wolf Park in Indiana he never second-guessed himself or his ideas of creating a nature center.
Pryor says he has envisioned the center, including working with wolves, for many years. “I used to dream about wolves, and now I am beginning to know why,” he said.
Raising two wolves – Natani and Nakoa – since they were puppies, Pryor says socializing the animals so people such as himself and other educators can work closely with them is one of the main goals. “They are very sociable and if one of them got hurt or they need something, I can go right in there are help them,” said Pryor.
Pryor keeps the wolves near his home in a large government-regulated enclosure. He says the fencing exceeds all regulations and the enclosure is wooded, spacious and provides the wolves a quality life. Pryor says keeping the pair happy and satisfied in their environment is important. “They are equipped with all the necessary items like being in the wild,” he said. “They are happy where they are, they like the interaction and attention from visitors. They can be themselves.”
Pryor says in the future, further educational opportunities for the community will be offered by adding arctic and gray foxes, eastern coyotes and a few plains bison. The center is currently seeking donations to build a small log cabin or log sided building for a gift shop and a place to offer indoor educational programs and act as a community meeting place.
Pryor says there is a lot of misinformation about wolves and he hopes introducing the wolves to the community, not only as predators but as social creatures, may correct some of the misconceptions.
“No other species in the history of this planet has ever been so misunderstood, so revered by some and persecuted by others. Old world myths die hard, and the history on this continent since the arrival of Europeans has been persecution and recovery and then persecution again,” said Pryor. He says one of his concerns is that with such a rapidly increasing human population and the increased demand for natural resources, wolves; like many other species, may not have a place to recreate and raise their young.
The WMNC offers programs such as howl night programs, environmental studies, observation seminars, full moon walks, school field trips, wolf fishing contests, internships and more.
Another aspect of the nature center is Pryor’s home itself. Pryor says he tries to be environmentally friendly at all costs by generating his own electricity and using solar and wind power. Pryor says he is happy to talk to his guests about solar and wind powered energy.
The gift shop expected to be built in 2008 will feature quality wolf and nature related gifts and locally made products such as maple syrup. “We also hope to attract people form all over New York State and welcome international visitors to the area,” Pryor said.
There will be an upcoming wolf watermelon festival event at 1 p.m. July 7. The “two-legged” and “four-legged” enrichment program should be fun for everyone, says Pryor. The cost is $5 for adults, $3 for children and ages three and under are admitted free.
For more information visit http://www.thewolfmountainnaturecenter.org or call Pryor at 627-6784.
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