The Algonquin Wildlife Research Station
A Tradition of Study
PRACTICALLY UNKNOWN
Currently not open to tourists, the
Algonquin Wildlife Research Station
is (except for Park Rangers & dozens of Algonquin Park seasonal support staff)
unknown to casual campers. ( Yet so very familiar to Our Planet Earth's concerned fellow Scientists ! )
Having said that, campers who may be observant enough to notice Algonquin Park Scientists in the act of information gathering,
campers who have a desire to understand and a consideration to politely approach, may find themselves with a very unique opportunity, a chance
to learn a few little known facts about Algonquin and her vast
stretching web of life.
WORLD FAMOUS
"World Famous ... locally obscure" . Familiar saying that tends to be true in so many cases. In the case
of the A.W.R.S. the obscurity tends to serve a
purpose. If the idea is to quietly observe
(please see page 1)
then the Students, Professors and Colleagues of the AWRS may perhaps be one of the best active examples of that concept. Quietly observing,
accurately recording, and last but not least, diligently sharing that information with the entire Global Scientific Community.
The A.W.R.S.
A.W.R.S. Biological Sciences Study Facility is, and has been, for over 77 years now, (as of this 2022)
such a hub of intensely focused activity, "morning, noon and night", as the saying goes. Truly demanding. 24 hours a day / 7 days a week during
hectic peak periods !
Officially since 1945 ...
(and probably even before that, unofficially [correct me please, anyone?]) .
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| DR. BROOKS RETURNS ANOTHER VERY FAMILIAR PAINTED TURTLE |
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TOWARDS ACCURATE KNOWLEDGE
In an effort towards truly defining/documenting various species' health & activity, including relationships with &
within very much shared
environments, thousands of data points must be collected whenever possible, very accurately, first ... then collated.
That is the very bottom line. Students and their Mentors will sometimes go without proper sleep, grabbing snacks 'n
sandwiches 'n catnaps, trying to stay hydrated and in good spirits, primarily focused on one thing... most acute observation !
HUMAN BEEHIVE
Crews coming in, others heading out. Some in various Laboratories (with live captures that will be returned soon) gathering
even more critically detailed information, others logging this day's precious, gathered data, which, maybe all by itself doesn't seem so
impressive at first glance, but thousands upon thousands of puzzle pieces, year after decade, do reveal, and may support, a very accurate
picture.
Focused slices of this absolutely amazing Algonquin Park ecosystem shows she is ever changing, anything but stagnant.
Season to season, year to year ... Decade upon Decade. Sooner than you think it will be a Century's worth of dedicated efforts from
perhaps thousands (probably many more) of individuals throughout these years, some perhaps more gifted than others, some more dedicated maybe,
but all putting their hearts right into it, and will continue to do so regardless of wherever this career choice takes them, all sharing a love of,
and a concern for ... Mother Nature !
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| G. Humphries Lab Photo |
Spotted Salamander |
Nesting Video |
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FORTUNATE ENCOUNTER
Being in the right place at the right time is much a part of the deeper
and more rewarding experiences one can have in Algonquin. Certainly luck does have a lot
to do with it sometimes, but then again, simply spending a lot of time outside of the cosy
campground may be the real secret.
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ONE JUNE DAY ...
One early June (starving black flies day) I was lucky enough to meet a student on the
'Old Railway Bike Trail'.
Had been admiring a significantly large, mound of black bear "droppings" (HUGE!!!) , when Meagan
(had introduced myself) arrived and took a quick rest. She thoughtfully suggested, before riding away that the technical jargon for 'animal
droppings is actually 'Scat' . Quick chat & she headed towards Pog Lake to research the Painted and Snapping Turtle's nesting
activities, while I lingered, hoping for a bear track to photograph, but the soil was still far from thawed right-through, in that area .
Learned later that day, these amazing female Painted Turtles will dig right through practically anything! using their tiny,
clawed, very powerful, rear legs & feet. No matter how long it takes. Eventually laying their warm eggs, deeply, as far down as they can possibly reach.
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| PROF BROOKS VIDEO |
TAGGED PAINTED |
H 30 |
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PROFESSOR BROOKS
Later that morning I met Professor Ronald Brooks at the wooden bridge of Whitefish Lake.
He was returning several Painted Turtles that he had captured earlier that morning, to the exact same locations, after bringing them all
back to the Research Station for further Lab Work .
Such a unique photographic opportunity. Professor Brooks providing myself with shots of his work in the field with turtles.
It was that moment somehow, made me think that maybe this kind of moment really should be shared with other Algonquin Park enthusiasts.
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| PROFESSOR RONALD BROOKS WORKING IN THE FIELD |
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Not only was this a rare photo opportunity but was also a great learning
experience. Professor Brooks provided in depth information about many facets of Algonquin
wildlife as well as personal experiences and encounters. When I mentioned a desire to
someday perhaps, create a web site about the Park, he suggested I visit the AWRS in
order to get a better understanding of the kinds of studies that were being conducted.
Upon his invitation I did, of course, and in the process learned much
about the Research Station as well as what kinds of studies were taking place throughout
the Park. I also learned from his students that Professor Brooks was a world leading expert
on turtles, and had been involved in and conducting studies for decades. Wow ! No wonder he
was able to enlighten me of so many of Algonquin's wildlife facts and mysteries.
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PICTURES AND VIDEO
Professor Brooks demonstrated his Panasonic 'Ultra-Zoom' digital camera (I was still using Kodak film)
that provided hi-res digital stills plus video and a truly amazing zoom capability. Perfect for wildlife snaps !
Such a quantum leap ... Blown away of course. Next trip to Algonquin was just weeks later
and couldn't wait to set up camp and get back out there on the bike trail with my very own ultra-zoom camera. Just
like a (51 year old) kid again !
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| PAINTED NEST MARKER |
Truth be told, the scope and presentation of this entire Parkwild.com web site has been inspired
strictly because of that one chance meeting, that day. A simple sharing of interesting and intriguing information ;
Algonquin Park, and how it then, circa 2006, could be captured like never before possible.
So very thankful still, to Dr. Brooks, during all these many and most wonderful Algonquin years
that followed.
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| AN A.W.R.S. SCIENTIST'S EVER PRESENT LOGBOOK |
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