Preserve Post - Winter 2014

From the Executive Director...
Season’s Greetings
I just can’t quite fathom where the time goes? As you
can well imagine, the last three months have been a
blur of activity and achievements.
In September Jake joined me in attending the annual
AGM & Conference for Canada’s Accredited Zoos and
Aquariums held in Moncton, New Brunswick. This
was Jake’s first CAZA Conference so we thought it
would be good that he present a paper to the delegates.
Jake’s presentation on “Heritage and First Nations in
Zoo Education” was a big hit with the crowd.
In November I attended the Bald Eagle Festival in
Haines and presented a review of the Yukon Wildlife
Preserve to festival delegates. This was yet another
good opportunity to build on our great relationship
with the American Bald Eagle Foundation – and an
opportunity for me personally to financially support
them via their live auction!
Most recently, the Board and all staff participated in a
2nd Strategic Planning session – led by facilitator Lyn
Hartley. This all-day planning session was designed
to focus on the elements we will require in the
development of a new 10 year Master Plan.
While great progress was made, it became
obvious that additional planning days will be
required to nail-down our objectives for a new
long-term plan. We will continue the process
most likely in the spring.
We are hoping for at least a little more snow
so that we can open our set ski tracks for the
Christmas break. Ski trail maintenance has
never been better thanks to our President and
ski trail volunteer Jim Boyde who has been
dragging tires and trying to set a base that will
last the whole season. Thanks Jim!
Above: Guest and favourite uncle of the Preserve, Peter Karsten
brought an outside perspective to strategic planning.
Other exciting news stemming from CAZA is that: 1)
the Yukon has officially been awarded the 2016 AGM
& Annual Conference so we will all get the chance to
host our national colleagues in September 2016; and
2) shortly after returning from the conference we were
notified that I (Greg) was successful in attaining a seat
on the National CAZA Board of Directors. I am proud
to be representing Yukon on this national Board!
Wishing everyone all the best for a very festive yet safe
holiday season with family and friends.
Cover Photos: Top: Justine Benjamin releases a Great Grey Owl.
Bottom Left: The Learning Centre hosted lots of students this
winter. Bottom Right: A Mountain Goat billy on the move.
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Volume 9, Issue 3