Northland College’s Timber Wolf Alliance (TWA) successfully hosted the the 2024 Great Lakes Wolf Symposium on October 15–16, attracting over 150 participants from eleven states, two Canadian provinces, and as far away as the Netherlands. Held every four years, this symposium serves as a major gathering for wildlife experts, conservationists, and researchers to discuss critical topics related to wolf conservation and human-wolf interactions.
This year’s event included a wide range of presentations from Tribal, state, and federal agencies, as well as nonprofit and university researchers. Experts shared updates on wolf recovery successes, challenges in population management, and strategies to promote coexistence between humans and wolves in the Great Lakes region.
“The diversity of perspectives and expertise in the room made this event truly unique,” said Timber Wolf Alliance Coordinator Melanie Michaels. “It was incredible to see people come together from various backgrounds and viewpoints to share knowledge and foster collaboration.”
Looking Ahead: Wolf Awareness Week and Upcoming Events
The symposium also kicked off Wolf Awareness Week, which is October 20–26 this year. The Timber Wolf Alliance will continue its educational efforts with two upcoming events open to the public: the Wolf Ecology Workshop on Saturday, October 26, and the Carnivore Tracking Workshop on Saturday, November 2. Registration is required for each workshop and both will be held on Northland College’s campus, offering hands-on opportunities for the public to engage with experts on wildlife conservation.
As Northland College looks ahead to future events, including the 2028 Great Lakes Wolf Symposium, the continued partnership between the College and the Ashland community will remain vital in both advancing wildlife conservation and boosting the local economy.
A Benefit for the Chequamegon Bay Area
Beyond its scientific significance, the Great Lakes Wolf Symposium also brought an economic boost to the Ashland community. Over 150 attendees, staying in local hotels, dining at restaurants, and exploring the region, helped stimulate the local economy during a typically quieter time of year. Events like this underscore the role Northland College plays as a hub for intellectual exchange while also demonstrating its importance to the economic vitality of the Bay Area.
The Timber Wolf Alliance (TWA) is committed to investigating the facts and relies on research to dispel myths and unfounded fears associated with wolves. TWA provides training in wolf biology and ecology, develops and disseminates educational materials on wolves, and supports volunteers to help with wolf monitoring efforts. The Timber Wolf Alliance is a program of the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute at Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin.