South Wake Conservationists

Homeschoolers had a howling good time Friday, Oct. 6 at Bass Lake Park! Thirty-five kids from a local homeschool network came for a very special afternoon to learn about the endangered red wolves of North Carolina. Beside practicing their howls, they watched a wonderful film short showing how red wolves live and interact with each other, talked about red wolf facts, examined furs, skulls, maps, track casts, etc., and then each made their own clay models of the red wolf. The enthusiasm was contagious!

SWC member Cassia Rivera, filmmaker, photographer and conservationist, directed the film and led the first part of the session, assisted by fellow photographer and conservationist Nancy Arehart. Building on that, renowned wildlife sculptor and Champions for Wildlife co-founder Dale Weiler led a crafting session with the kids to make their own unique clay red wolf sculptures, assisted by Champions for Wildlife co-founder and executive director Loti Woods. Champions for Wildlife brings a unique offering of wildlife education and art together in a program they offer to various schools and children’s organizations in North Carolina.

Many thanks to Cassia for organizing this event and to Nancy for bringing her art and helping facilitate the activities. And a special thanks to Dale and Loti for making the long trek from western North Carolina just to help make this a very special afternoon for the kids and advance an appreciation for wildlife!

Today’s event was part of a series of Eco Kids events and activities offered by South Wake Conservationists. Watch the calendar on the website home page or subscribe to see what is coming up next! Make a special note on your calendar for the next annual Kids in Nature Day, which will be held at Lake Benson Park in Garner on May 4.