These on-site programs are typically:
- 30 to 60 minutes
- Indoors or outdoors
- May include group activities
- Always adapted to the audience
- Variety of themes to choose from
Do you have questions about program content? Email us.
On-site Programs
Ambassadors to the Wild (30 minute minimum)
Meet our ambassador wolves and learn about wolf physical and social adaptations through lecture, discussion and hands-on artifacts. Group leaders may request emphasis on specific aspects of wolf ecology such as physical or social adaptations or their role in an ecosystem. This is a perfect program for the group that is visiting the Center for the first time or hasn’t been to the Center in a while.
Suggested group activity for participants in grades K-4: Physical Adaptations Dress-up
Suggested group activity for all ages: Trophic Cascade Web
Wolf Communication (30 minute minimum)
Learning wolf language is easy when students discover that communication flows through many channels. This interpretive program describes the ways that wolves communicate with other wolves to maintain pack structure, protect resources and hunt for food. Videos and audio clips compliment the imagery of the interpretive program.
Suggested group activities for all ages: Scent Canisters, Sound Canisters, Body Language Line-up
Wolf Research Methods and Demonstration (60 minute minimum, outdoor component)
Wolves have always been present on the landscape in northeastern Minnesota. How long have people been studying them? Discover the tools and techniques that have been used to study wolves from the 1930’s to today. A discussion on the use of tracking, observation, data collection and radio telemetry for wolf research is followed by a demonstration and practice with radio telemetry tools (radio collar, receiver and antenna) outdoors on Center property.
Radio telemetry equipment should not affect implanted pacemaker devices. If you have a concern, please contact the manufacturer of your device for confirmation. The output of our telemetry devices is less than 10mw.
Advanced Radio Telemetry
Is your group familiar with wolf research concepts and interested in application? Add a Wolf Research Field Trip to your visit!
Hunting and Feeding Behavior (30 minute minimum)
This program addresses the wolf’s predatory role in nature and is a great substitute if you are unable to attend the weekly feeding of our ambassador wolves held on Saturday evenings. Learn about wolf adaptations and strategies for hunting prey through imagery, discussion and optional outdoor activities.
Suggested activities for participants in grades K-12: Oh, Deer!, Muskox Maneuvers
Hikes (30 minute minimum, held outdoors)
Using an on-site nature trail, see, hear and smell the flora and fauna of the wolf’s northern forest habitat on this guided walk on an uneven, natural trail.
- Daytime Hike: Discuss the various habitat needs of the wolf and its prey as well as the complex relationship between them.
- Twilight Hike: Have you ever wondered how wolves and other wildlife experience the night or what types of tools they have to be active in the dark? Explore the unique adaptations of nocturnal creatures. This program is not available June through August due to the length of daylight.
Wolf Management (60 minute minimum)
There was a time when wolves roamed half the globe, but now their range is dramatically reduced. What are the factors that have influenced wolf populations past and present? Discuss the role that humans play in wolf recovery and survival and challenge yourself to tackle some hard to answer questions about wolf management in a decision-making role-play activity or group discussion. Program delivery and activities vary greatly based on the audience and learning level or interests of the group.
Northwoods Ecology (60 minute minimum)
From towering pines to tiny insects, the northern forest home of the gray wolf in Minnesota will be explored through imagery, artifacts, discussion and a short hike outdoors.
Suggested group activities for all ages: Trophic Cascade Web, Animal Party
Wolf Folklore (30 minute minimum)
The way humans perceive wolves if often influenced by cultural beliefs. Explore several folktales and cultural stories about wolves and how they may have influenced how our view of wolves has changed over the centuries.
Wolf Jeopardy (30 minute minimum)
Here’s the perfect activity to round out your visit and to test your knowledge after a class unit on wolves. Each activity features wolf trivia and a little friendly competition. Wolf Jeopardy is appropriate for participants aged ten and up.
