It’s Wolverine Wednesday!

Hello Wolverine Volunteers – Returnees and New Potentials!

Hi. My name is Lauren Mitchell and I’m the 2013 FSPW Wolverine Project Coordinator. Many of you may remember me as “the intern” from the summer of 2011. I really enjoyed my summer here in the Northwest so I’ve very excited to try out winter in Sandpoint. Plus I get to catch up with some of my favorite people, the volunteers of FSPW!

The 2013 mustelid project is still in its preliminary stages, but the folks here at FSPW headquarters are looking forward to a fun-filled season of citizen science! Word on the street is that much of last season’s workforce – and many new volunteers – are ready and raring to go!

So if you’re interested in helping out this year, please take a few moments to fill out this survey, as all wolverine volunteers must. This is essential to us matching up your interests, geographical knowledge, experience and skills with a station or task that is suitable for you. Please download the survey and fill it out. Then e-mail it to: mustelids@scotchmanpeaks.org or print and mail it to Wolverine Survey, FSPW, PO Box 2061, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

I know that many of you might be wondering about Kelsey Brassuer, last years project coordinator. Never fear, she’s still haunting the streets of Sandpoint. Kelsey continues to advance her career in the field of conservation and is now working with our friends the Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeepers. Kelsey has graciously volunteered her time to help me navigate the wolverine archives and introduce me to my new position. She’s also agreed to be a wolverine volunteer this winter, so don’t worry, you’ll see her again this season!

I’m looking forward to a great season and I can’t wait until we can start strapping on our snowshoes, throwing dead beavers in our packs, and heading out into the wild. If all things fall into place – i.e. the beavers arrive on time – we should be started our field season in early January. Until then, send me your volunteer surveys! If you have any questions feel free to email me at mustelids@scotchmanpeaks.org. I look forward to working with you this winter!