Area youth and their families traveled to the Smrekar Warming House at the Black River State Forest on July 24 to spend an evening learning about wolves and their habits.
The event was part of Jackson County 4-H’s third annual Summer of Science and was led by wildlife biologist Karen Karash. Participants were able to learn about the lifecycles of wolves as well as have their questions answered.
Following the presentation, those in attendance were able to experience what it is like for DNR personnel to track wolves in the wild. A tracking device was placed in a nearby tree. After Karash trained the families on how to use the tracker, families put their skills to work to quickly locate the hidden tracking device.
To round out the evening, families drove to two locations within the state forest to experience the process of “howling for wolves” to see how many would respond. Karash demonstrated a proper wolf howl before participants tried it themselves. No wolves responded to the various calls, but it was an enjoyable learning experience for those who attended.
Summer of Science also hosted a firefly program on June 26. Attendees congregated in Black River Falls’ Al Young Park to participate in an evening of experiencing the wonder of fireflies. Karash led over 70 youth and adults, who were able to learn about species of fireflies and their blinking patterns.
4-H’ers and community families had the opportunity to practice catching and identifying fireflies on their own. Additionally, families were able to take their new knowledge and apply what they experienced by assisting with firefly surveys currently be conducted. As citizen scientists, they will be able to enter data about fireflies they find into a database to help determine if firefly levels are changing.
For additional information about the Summer of Science activities for all ages, contact the Jackson County UW-Extension office at (715) 284-4257.