MEDIA RELEASE
Sault Naturalists of Ontario and Michigan
April 2, 2016
Sault Ste. Marie – Isle Royale, a US island located in the middle of Lake Superior, has the distinction of being the setting for the longest continuous study of a predator-prey system in the world. A documentary highlighting this study of wolves and their relationship with moose will be shown at LSSU Arts Centre on Tuesday, April 5.
Each winter, two scientists and a bush pilot travel to Isle Royale to make aerial observations of wolves and moose. George Desort, who has been working with the research project for the past ten years, produced the documentary.
“The Sault Naturalists of Ontario and Michigan are very pleased and excited that this film is being offered as it is in our mutual backyard of Lake Superior,” says Ron Prickett, President, Sault Naturalists of Ontario and Michigan, one of the co-sponsors of this event. “This film offers a great opportunity to get an aerial view of how these studies are conducted and to learn more about regional habitat and wildlife.”
In addition to the documentary, Dr. Rolf Peterson, an Isle Royale wolf and moose biologist, will be in attendance for a Q and A following the film. The 30-minute film is family-friendly.
“It is easy for one to browse a scientific journal, read the conclusion, and ponder graphs and figures without thinking about how they were created. This documentary provides a visual journey of how data is collected by two research scientists and a bush pilot,” says Emily Grosvenor Weber, former Isle Royale Research Technician. “It is important for the viewers, young and old, to be aware of these efforts and daily logistics so that they have a greater appreciation for the work, its results, and how they are achieved.”
“Counting Wolves” will be screened on Tuesday, April 5 at 7 p.m. Admission is by voluntary donation at the LSSU Arts Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Light refreshments will follow.
Click here for a sneak peek of “Counting Wolves.” Directions to the LSSU Arts Centre can be found here. This event is funded by the LSSU Issues and Intellect Fund and donations collected will go towards the purchase of a GPS for the LSSU Regional Outdoor Centre.
Further information on the Sault Naturalists of Ontario and Michigan can be found at www.soonats.pbworks.com.
