Get Outside!

Animal Ecology

We offer a variety of Animal Ecology classes. To varying degrees, these broad themes are the focus of each Animal Ecology class. See a complete list of Wolf Ridge's core curriculum themes and concepts.

  • Ecosystems: All living and non-living components of an environment interact with one another to form an ecosystem.
  • Natural Systems: Every component of nature forms a cycle and is in constant change.
  • Biodiversity: A complex natural system is more stable than a simple one, and more able to absorb disturbances.
  • Ecological Adaptations: All living things acquire physical and behavioral adaptations to be successful in their environment.
  • Population Ecology: Populations are limited to a density the environment can support by shortages basic needs, and may be further reduced by other mortality factors.
  • Human Culture and History: Humans and the environment are interrelated.

Three-Hour Morning or Afternoon Classes

Animal Signs

Students will learn, by tracking animals out of doors, the variety of evidence left behind by animals and what we can learn about them from that evidence. During spring, summer and fall, they will also practice the research techniques of radio telemetry. See full description.

Beavers

Students will participate in a beaver dress-up activity that illustrates the physical adaptations of the beaver. A hike along Sawmill Creek offers an excellent opportunity to observe the effects of beaver activity on the environment. A skit of fur trade era characters offers insight in human and beaver interaction in the past. See full description.

Birds

The amazing diversity of birds will be studied, with emphasis on field observation. Students will use binoculars, field guides and will be introduced to bird banding. They will also play a migration game. Close up viewing of birds is possible at the bird banding station and "Chickadee Landing." See full description.

Small Mammals

Students will learn characteristics of some of the small mammals of northern Minnesota. By traveling through various habitats, searching for small mammal signs, they will learn the role small creatures play in the environment. Students then set out live traps overnight, which will be collected in the morning to observe the animals caught, before releasing them back to the wild. See full description.

Snowshoe Hares

After comparing Minnesota hares and rabbits, students explore outside areas to find signs of snowshoes hares. They will study the adaptations, predator/prey relationships and population fluctuations of snowshoe hares. See full description.

White-tailed Deer

Students will learn about white-tailed deer by exploration of signs. They will track deer, inspect feeding stations, follow trails, and investigate beds, learning as they explore about deer adaptations, their life cycle and the management of deer in northern Minnesota. See full description.

Wildlife Management

By playing a Project WILD game called “Oh Deer!” students will better understand wildlife needs and management techniques. During their tour of various management plots, they will hunt for animal signs, be introduced to modern wildlife management concepts, and may contribute to plot maintenance by cutting, planting, and raking. See full description.

1-1/2 Hour Evening Activities

Owl Pellet Dissection

This activity offers a chance for students to dissect sterilized Barn Owl pellets. Each pellet contains a small mammal skeleton which the students reconstruct, glue on cards, and bring home (to delighted parents). See full description.

Evening Naturalist Presentations

Bats

The public holds many misconceptions concerning bats. This entertaining slide show presented by one of the Wolf Ridge naturalists features amazing photographs of bats as well as Minnesota's 7 species. General characteristics of bats and specific behaviors will be discussed. The 7 bat species of Minnesota will be examined. Increased human interest and knowledge are key to bat survival. See full description.

Raptors: Wings Above the Ridge

This interactive program highlights the diverse adaptations of raptors and the techniques they use in their predatory way of life. The story of Wolf Ridge's role in the peregrine release program is explained. Our impact on raptor populations is examined. By understanding birds of prey and the role they play in the ecosystem, we can better understand our planet. See full description.

Wolf Ecology

Wolves are one of he most controversial animals in North America, eliciting strong emotions from many people. This program traces human interactions with the wolf from fairy tale, to bounty hunter, to researcher. Physical characteristics and social behavior are examined. Wolf management efforts will be highlighted. See full description.