2018 FALL Newsletter

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Seasons Change and So Do We! As autumn arrives and the colors in the Chilkat Valley begin to change, the staff at the American Bald Eagle Foundation are reflecting on the many changes made here in the last three years as well as looking forward to change on the horizon. In 2015, ABEF made a major paradigm shift in the way we train the ambassadors on our team. Under the direction of former Raptor Program Manager Leia Minch, staff embraced a training approach based on the most positive, least intrusive methods available. Using positive reinforcement and a solid foundation of behavior science rather than coercion, the birds were re-trained to participate in programs, and now do so willingly and comfortably. The birds are empowered to be in control of their training sessions and the staff is focused on listening to their body language and reacting accordingly. As training changed, so did standards of care and wellness. It was decided that our enclosures did not reflect our new approach to empowerment. Through a pre-development grant from the Foraker group, ABEF was able to design new enclosures which would provide the birds with more light, enriching views, and better control of their environment through access to the elements and a variety of perches. We’ve been fundraising for this project nearly two years, and finally began to make changes in May with the demolition of an old, outdated building. In the coming weeks, we will begin phase two- construction of four brand new aviaries. Change is something we embrace here at ABEF. Our understanding of the natural world is always changing, and keeping up to date with best practices, current science, and educational standards makes this an ever-changing and exciting field. We are looking forward to sharing our new knowledge and our new facility with guests as we continue to change and grow. Sidney Campbell is the Education and Outreach Coordinator at the American Bald Eagle Foundation in Haines, Alaska. She works to bring empowering wildlife education to Haines and surrounding communities and worldly visitors by managing outreach, publications, and educational programming. She works with the Raptor Program Manager to train the avian ambassadors at the facility to take part in education and outreach. Visit the American Bald Eagle Foundation in Haines, Alaska. Open Monday to Friday’s 10am - 2pm. Closed Saturday and Sundays. Explore further online at https://baldeagles.org/ 6 Top Right: Staff look on as Phase I begins with demolition of an old aviary at the Foundation. Bottom Left: A new weathering yard allows ambassadors like Ole, the perigrine falcon, to come outside and enjoy the sunshine in front of guests. Ole and his handler, Sidney have created a very close bond. Volume 13, Issue 2
Experiential Learning Even though we’re falling in love with the autumn colors here at the Preserve, we want to take a moment to reflect on a successful season of summer Nature Camps! We had a lot of fun with our camps which included the always popular Animal Care and Wilderness Skills themes, and some new themes such as Eco-cycles where we examined nature’s cycles happening around us , like the metaphorasis of rocks, bugs Fall <strong>2018</strong> and other critters of the Yukon. We had great opportunities to see and interact with animals at the preserve through activities like animal feedings, pond dipping and experiential games. Some of our camper’s favorite memories included feeding the arctic foxes, building bug hotels for beneficial insects and seeing “behind the scenes” at the Preserve. Thanks to great organizations in the community such as the Beringia Centre, The Yukon Geological Survey, All Paws Vet Clinic, Mae Bachur Animal Shelter, Raven Recycling and Yukon SAR, campers learnt a lot and went on some awesome field trips. Nature camps and summer may be over, but youth programs continue at YWP! We are busy preparing for our Fall school programs and are looking forward to grade 2, 7 and 9 classes coming for some experiential learning focused on surviving winter, Yukon caribou and sexual reproduction, respectively. We want to thank everyone for a great summer of youth programs and we can’t wait to discover and explore again next summer with our Nature Camps! Top Right: Campers help cut aspen browse to feed to the animals - an activity as a part of Animal Care camp! Bottom Left: Campers inspect the diverse findings from their dip netting adventure! Full-time Staff Yukon Wildlife Preserve Jake Paleczny, Acting Executive Director Randy Hallock, Director of Outdoor Operations Dr. Maria Hallock, Wildlife Veterinarian and Curator Lindsay Caskenette, Manager of Visitor Services Briana Van Den Bussche, Manager of Education and Programming Julie Kerr, Visitor Services Coordinator Board of Directors Alexandra Tait President Shawna Warshawski, 1 st Vice- President Michael Kokiw, 2 nd Vice-President Kristine Hildebrand, Treasurer Chris Evans Tedd Tucker Harmony Hunter Emily Hoefs Meghan Potter Sherri Young, Non-voting Member - Environment Yukon Darrell March, Non-voting Member - Environment Yukon 7
Page 1 and 2: Quarterly Publication of the Yukon
Page 3 and 4: From the Board Like many Yukoners,
Page 5: is to roll itself into a ball by cr

2018 FALL Newsletter

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