by Carol A.
Stephanie's post on Friday made me think back on all the wonderful places photography has taken me in the last 6 years. I'm digging way back in the archives to show you a New Jersey treasure that I had not known about despite the fact that I was born here. On the western border of New Jersey, in a town named Columbia , near the Delaware Water Gap, is The Lakota Wolf Preserve. It was established by a man named Dan Bacon who's passion is honoring and preserving the wolf population. While raising money and awareness of these beautiful beasts, the facility also teaches about wildlife and nature, and gives us busy east-coasters a unique chance to see wolves in their natural habitat.
Because Dan is a photographer himself, he is very willing to design and provide opportunities for photographing the wolves. My local camera shop runs a spring and a winter trip to the preserve each year, with extended and close-up opportunities for photographing through portals in the fencing.
On a very cold , early morning in 2010, I got my chance to visit. After packing up our gear at the lodge near the entrance, we were split into groups of 8 and climbed into vans to be taken up into the preserve. We were dropped off at a central observation area where 4 separate packs' areas converge for feeding. Each of our groups was assigned an area and after a few hours we would proceed to the next. The wolves live in a natural wood that spans many acres, but when Dan and his helpers bring in the food, groups and individuals start coming down into the fenced areas of the preserve. Dan then opens up the portals in the chain link fence so that you can take unobstructed images of the wolves who are just a foot or two in front of you.
The preserve houses Arctic, Tundra and Timber wolves, as well as foxes and bobcats. The wolves were peacefully lounging, playing, hunting, hiding - and I found it just enthralling to watch. What a difference it makes when the humans are in the cage, and the wildlife is roaming free! When Dan comes to throw some meat over the fence - you see their other side - the fierce competition and dominance games that are a part of survival for any wild animal. Dan quietly shares his knowledge as you watch and wander. The wolves are so close that you can hear their breath - what a rush! In the final area the bobcats and foxes hide in tree stumps or come close for a look at us. Dan told us of one photographer who paid for private access. After hours of shooting, he attempted to change memory cards, but his card flipped out of his hand, through the fence and was snapped right up by a wolf! (I can hear my photography friends groaning!) Chalk that one up to experience....
On the morning I went, it was very cold and the woods were sparkly and quiet. After visiting all 4 areas, we were given time to wander around to whatever interested us. I climbed back to the highest point where the snow white Arctic wolves were situated. That's when it happened - one lone wolf started to howl. Shortly after several others in the pack picked it up. I was all alone up there among a howling pack. The howls were very loud and full-throated and just chilling! My whole spine was tingling! What a unique experience in my life!
Later, back at home base, Dan generously provided hot chocolate and cookies for our group and played a slideshow of some of his images. I just love to meet people who have a passion! I love to watch them light up as they talk about it! (think of our Kim and her caterpillars!) There were opportunities to sponsor a wolf, and to volunteer.
In this season of gratitude, I am so thankful for the people who appreciate and preserve the natural world! I am also in love with my state - which allows me to visit the man-made wonders of New York City one weekend, and stand among a howling wolf pack the next! My wish list is not just about places - but also includes visiting people who have a passion. To learn from someone who has spent a lifetime concentrating on a specific subject is always time worth spending.
Will you let us in on some passionate people in your locations? I love to find the secrets of a place that locals know better than the main stream media machine.
Because Dan is a photographer himself, he is very willing to design and provide opportunities for photographing the wolves. My local camera shop runs a spring and a winter trip to the preserve each year, with extended and close-up opportunities for photographing through portals in the fencing.
On a very cold , early morning in 2010, I got my chance to visit. After packing up our gear at the lodge near the entrance, we were split into groups of 8 and climbed into vans to be taken up into the preserve. We were dropped off at a central observation area where 4 separate packs' areas converge for feeding. Each of our groups was assigned an area and after a few hours we would proceed to the next. The wolves live in a natural wood that spans many acres, but when Dan and his helpers bring in the food, groups and individuals start coming down into the fenced areas of the preserve. Dan then opens up the portals in the chain link fence so that you can take unobstructed images of the wolves who are just a foot or two in front of you.
The preserve houses Arctic, Tundra and Timber wolves, as well as foxes and bobcats. The wolves were peacefully lounging, playing, hunting, hiding - and I found it just enthralling to watch. What a difference it makes when the humans are in the cage, and the wildlife is roaming free! When Dan comes to throw some meat over the fence - you see their other side - the fierce competition and dominance games that are a part of survival for any wild animal. Dan quietly shares his knowledge as you watch and wander. The wolves are so close that you can hear their breath - what a rush! In the final area the bobcats and foxes hide in tree stumps or come close for a look at us. Dan told us of one photographer who paid for private access. After hours of shooting, he attempted to change memory cards, but his card flipped out of his hand, through the fence and was snapped right up by a wolf! (I can hear my photography friends groaning!) Chalk that one up to experience....
On the morning I went, it was very cold and the woods were sparkly and quiet. After visiting all 4 areas, we were given time to wander around to whatever interested us. I climbed back to the highest point where the snow white Arctic wolves were situated. That's when it happened - one lone wolf started to howl. Shortly after several others in the pack picked it up. I was all alone up there among a howling pack. The howls were very loud and full-throated and just chilling! My whole spine was tingling! What a unique experience in my life!
Later, back at home base, Dan generously provided hot chocolate and cookies for our group and played a slideshow of some of his images. I just love to meet people who have a passion! I love to watch them light up as they talk about it! (think of our Kim and her caterpillars!) There were opportunities to sponsor a wolf, and to volunteer.
In this season of gratitude, I am so thankful for the people who appreciate and preserve the natural world! I am also in love with my state - which allows me to visit the man-made wonders of New York City one weekend, and stand among a howling wolf pack the next! My wish list is not just about places - but also includes visiting people who have a passion. To learn from someone who has spent a lifetime concentrating on a specific subject is always time worth spending.
Will you let us in on some passionate people in your locations? I love to find the secrets of a place that locals know better than the main stream media machine.
"Come forth into the light of things. Let nature be your teacher!"
William Wordsworth
