Wildlife Society offers unique opportunities
For Meagan Dallape, CMU’s Wildlife Society doesn't just give her the chance to experience nature and wildlife, it also provides her an educational background through research and volunteer work.
“The Wildlife Society is a student-led organization dedicated to promoting the conservation of our natural resources and wildlife through education, volunteer work and research,” said Dallape, Ortonville senior and the club's president.
Dallape explained the Wildlife Society does several volunteer projects, but is also involved in a wide variety of other activities. Members will soon meet with the Wildlife Recovery Association, a Shepherd based organization that provides services for wildlife and promotes a better understanding of their needs.
“We’re going to go and volunteer (in Shepard),” she said. “We’re also hoping to have them on campus in February for their annual Live Birds of Prey show.”
The group will also offer a bowling fundraiser on Friday, October 24 at Riverwood.
One of the first trips the group takes in the fall is what is known as the “wolf howling” trip. The group travels to a campground in the Upper Peninsula.
“Once it gets dark, we’ll go out to a field and break into two main groups and we’ll basically howl,” Dallape said. “We’ll make a wolf howling sound.”
Dallape explained that the trip is one of the biggest social events for the group.
“It’s more of a social event,” she said. “During the day we’ll go on hikes, or some people will go birding or tracking. It’s a cool way to get out of Mount Pleasant and actually get in touch with wildlife.”
Members of the RSO said the trips and opportunities are what makes it so informative and enjoyable.
Kylie McElrath, Wildlife Society secretary and Traverse City senior, said she would highly recommend this RSO to anyone in the biology or related fields.
“I enjoy being a part of the Wildlife Society because it is a perfect opportunity to connect with students that are in the same or similar programs as me and get involved in volunteer opportunities, as well as adventures such as the Wolf Howling camping trip,” McElrath said.
She explained the Wildlife Society will also participate in an event called Conclave this year, which will offer educational workshops to participants.
“In April, we will be traveling to Minnesota for the TWS Midwest Student Conclave,” said Wildlife Society vice president and Freeland senior Pete Baskins. “This is where all the clubs from different schools around the Midwest gather for a weekend and do various workshops having to do with wildlife and natural resource topics."
Baskins said he loves being a part of the group and getting the opportunity to be involved with what he loves.
“I would have to say the best part of being a member is meeting new people and knowing they have the same passion for wildlife and the outdoors as I do,” he said.
