Hello, everyone!
An article profiling some of my work at FortWhyte Alive, and some of my side interests, ran in the Winnipeg Free Press this past Saturday. A series of web videos accompany the article; if you've been on a tour of FortWhyte with me, you'll likely see something familiar in them, and if you've never been, I encourage you to watch them, and let me show you around!
The title is, "It's in His Nature", and the jist is my love of the outdoors and our Manitoba culture is reflected in my work and personal life. Which, I hope, is true. I try.
The article also got me thinking about the people who've helped ensure outdoor life, an appreciation for this province and its peoples, and the willingness to learn and share new ideas and facts are part of my nature. So, I'd like to take a time-out from my usual blog fair of coyote tracks, owls, and wild-fungus-foraging to say some thank-yous.
First, a big thanks to Alison Mayes of the Free Press...for thinking up the story idea, and for doing a great job turning a series of random Barret-facts into a readable piece.
Another big thanks is due to Ruth and the folks in the photo department of the Free Press. The videos are great...I never get to see myself on a program, so I appreciated the chance to say, "gee, that's what I look like at work!", and the opportunity you've given me to share what I do with friends and family far away.
The article also mentions some of the people who helped shape my nature into what it is today. My parents and Grandparents played a big role in making me into the "Nature-nut" I am today - and taught me a lot of other good things along the way. My extended family have always encouraged my outdoor pursuits - a big thanks to my family, those close, and farther away.
The only reason I get to have any sort of adventure in my everyday work is the great team I work with. My colleagues on the Education Team here at FortWhyte - current and past - I've been so lucky to work with you...I mean it. Ed Team forever! Another big thanks is due to all the other staff at FortWhyte Alive... administration, development, site crews, my camp colleagues - we're a jigsaw puzzle, and aren't complete without all the pieces. Also, without the dedicated efforts of a huge volunteer base, FortWhyte Alive would be very much alive at all. Your time, talents, and teaching is something I value deeply. Thank-you.
To those who taught me at Pinawa Secondary or U of W...thanks!
The Free Press article references my Scouting experience. My Scout leaders - from Beavers on through those at the Manitoba office, and everyone in between...thank-you. Some of my proudest moments have come through Scouts Canada - and my experience in the program has given me skills and abilities to create more proud moments.
To the people who I've worked with at summer camps, or worked with me when I was a camper (LV and Amisk - you rock!!!), through youth work, and to the RP detachment at Kildonan...wouldn't be doing what I do if I hadn't learned something from you along the way.
To my friends - you encourage me, you laugh with me, you humour me when Interpreter Barret decides to show up at inopportune times, you challenge me and support me...and I thank-you for it all.
Finally - blog readers, a great big thank-you. Knowing people read the posts help me keep them coming!
I've left no one off the list by intent...if I missed someone, it's an oversight.
Stay tuned. Tomorrow, I've got owl news, fun with weather maps, another teaser on our new museum resident, and much more!
-Barret
Monday, February 1, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
FortWhyte Niversity...what's missing?
"U" are!!!
In September 2009, FortWhyte Alive launched a new idea in volunteer and staff development. We found experts from various fields, and brought them to FortWhyte to share thier knowledge. The idea was to develop a better background understanding of the environmental and cultural issues we work with here, and for people's general interest. The program was called FortWhyte University.
The program worked well. It worked really, REALLY well. We started another session in December - and realized, "hey, this is working REALLY well...if our staff and volunteers like this stuff, other people will too!"
I am pleased to be one of the first to announce that we have an upcoming series of FortWhyte University programs open to everyone!
Saturday, January 23rd, we have two dynamic presenters back-to-back....
10-11:30am: Dr. Gordon Goldsborough - "Lakes as Ecosystems": Gord is an expert on Manitoba's "other lake"...we all know about Lake Winnipeg, but what about Lake Manitoba? Come out and learn more about how the living community in this magnificent lake interact to form something grander than its parts.
Incidentally, Gord (who also teaches at that "other" university, the U of M) knows a lot about our lakes here at FortWhyte Alive. One of the tasks I have the honour of performing is ongoing water quality assessment during the winter. How does a camp director- turned interpreter learn to do water quality sampling and analysis? Gordon Goldsborough teaches him, and in the process, becomes one of this interpreter's heroes.
Like lakes? Like stories about people working in the wilds of Manitoba? Want to see science in action, exciting and accessible? Three words..."Come See Gord!!!!!"
1:30-3:00 – Most people know that getting outside is good for them but not many people are fully aware of the many health benefits from stress reduction to enhanced spirituality. Come learn the secrets from Laurie McPherson, of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority - you’ll be inspired to get outside and get healthy, even in winter!
For more info on either of these presentations, call us at (204) 989-8355.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 24TH
FortWhyte University continues the next day, with Roadside Ready at 1:30pm. I'll be sharing tips and tricks for keeping yourself comfortable should you become stuck in your vehicle away from the comforts of home. We'll be making car kits, full of essentials to keep you, friends, and family safe and happy if you find yourself in a spot. I'm excited about the presentation - making it doubly interesting is the fact I'll have run the Ice Donkey adventure race that morning. Come, learn to survive, and see if I survived the race!
(Please note: I'm buying supplies for the car kits. Thus, there is both a small fee, and the need to pre-register - either check our website, or email me for details!)
Be an Eco-Driver follows at 2:30pm. For most of us, motor vehicles are a necessity. We've all heard that when it comes to carbon emissions, vehicles = bad. The picture is not entirely grim, though- this workshop will present ideas to help lighten the impact of driving a car. Oh, and you'll learn to save money. That's always a good thing.
See "U" all very soon!
-Barret
In September 2009, FortWhyte Alive launched a new idea in volunteer and staff development. We found experts from various fields, and brought them to FortWhyte to share thier knowledge. The idea was to develop a better background understanding of the environmental and cultural issues we work with here, and for people's general interest. The program was called FortWhyte University.
The program worked well. It worked really, REALLY well. We started another session in December - and realized, "hey, this is working REALLY well...if our staff and volunteers like this stuff, other people will too!"
I am pleased to be one of the first to announce that we have an upcoming series of FortWhyte University programs open to everyone!
Saturday, January 23rd, we have two dynamic presenters back-to-back....
10-11:30am: Dr. Gordon Goldsborough - "Lakes as Ecosystems": Gord is an expert on Manitoba's "other lake"...we all know about Lake Winnipeg, but what about Lake Manitoba? Come out and learn more about how the living community in this magnificent lake interact to form something grander than its parts.
Incidentally, Gord (who also teaches at that "other" university, the U of M) knows a lot about our lakes here at FortWhyte Alive. One of the tasks I have the honour of performing is ongoing water quality assessment during the winter. How does a camp director- turned interpreter learn to do water quality sampling and analysis? Gordon Goldsborough teaches him, and in the process, becomes one of this interpreter's heroes.
Like lakes? Like stories about people working in the wilds of Manitoba? Want to see science in action, exciting and accessible? Three words..."Come See Gord!!!!!"
1:30-3:00 – Most people know that getting outside is good for them but not many people are fully aware of the many health benefits from stress reduction to enhanced spirituality. Come learn the secrets from Laurie McPherson, of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority - you’ll be inspired to get outside and get healthy, even in winter!
For more info on either of these presentations, call us at (204) 989-8355.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 24TH
FortWhyte University continues the next day, with Roadside Ready at 1:30pm. I'll be sharing tips and tricks for keeping yourself comfortable should you become stuck in your vehicle away from the comforts of home. We'll be making car kits, full of essentials to keep you, friends, and family safe and happy if you find yourself in a spot. I'm excited about the presentation - making it doubly interesting is the fact I'll have run the Ice Donkey adventure race that morning. Come, learn to survive, and see if I survived the race!
(Please note: I'm buying supplies for the car kits. Thus, there is both a small fee, and the need to pre-register - either check our website, or email me for details!)
Be an Eco-Driver follows at 2:30pm. For most of us, motor vehicles are a necessity. We've all heard that when it comes to carbon emissions, vehicles = bad. The picture is not entirely grim, though- this workshop will present ideas to help lighten the impact of driving a car. Oh, and you'll learn to save money. That's always a good thing.
See "U" all very soon!
-Barret
Friday, January 8, 2010
Biathlon Postponed - and a Touch Museum Teaser Trailer
Hello, all!
It is my regretful duty to announce the postponement of the Inaugural FortWhyte Alive Snowshoe Biathlon. With the holidays having just passed, and the cold temperatures this week, interest has been tepid...so, we're going to try again on February 20th, at 1pm.
If the idea of a snowshoe race with some atlatl throwing interests you, let me know!
ALSO:
There's a new resident moving in to the Kiwanis Touch Museum in the next few weeks. It's going to be a big, hairy deal...keep watching for info!!!!
It is my regretful duty to announce the postponement of the Inaugural FortWhyte Alive Snowshoe Biathlon. With the holidays having just passed, and the cold temperatures this week, interest has been tepid...so, we're going to try again on February 20th, at 1pm.
If the idea of a snowshoe race with some atlatl throwing interests you, let me know!
ALSO:
There's a new resident moving in to the Kiwanis Touch Museum in the next few weeks. It's going to be a big, hairy deal...keep watching for info!!!!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
CTV News at 6 and 11 - and another picture of the Northern Hawk Owl
Happy New Year!!!
CTV News Winnipeg just left FortWhyte Alive. A crew was out to capture some of the fun and excitement that is the last day of the school holiday here at FortWhyte. Maple Taffy, Sod House Pioneers, Toboganning, and a quick mention of the Hawk Owl might make the newscast at 6pm and 11pm tonight. So, if you are near a TV during those times, check it out!
I also was the fortunate recipient of a beautiful picture of the Northern Hawk Owl taken by a visitor to FortWhyte Alive. I've been given permission to share it - so, behold in all of its mid-winter splendor, the Northern Hawk Owl!
isn't it a beaut?
CTV News Winnipeg just left FortWhyte Alive. A crew was out to capture some of the fun and excitement that is the last day of the school holiday here at FortWhyte. Maple Taffy, Sod House Pioneers, Toboganning, and a quick mention of the Hawk Owl might make the newscast at 6pm and 11pm tonight. So, if you are near a TV during those times, check it out!
I also was the fortunate recipient of a beautiful picture of the Northern Hawk Owl taken by a visitor to FortWhyte Alive. I've been given permission to share it - so, behold in all of its mid-winter splendor, the Northern Hawk Owl!
isn't it a beaut?-Barret
Thursday, December 31, 2009
UFO Pictures from FortWhyte Alive
Yup, you read the title right: I am posting pictures from yesterday's Unidentified Fluffy Owl encounter at the Bird Feeding Station South of the Interpretive Centre.
After ruling out species I'm familiar with, I consulted field guides to try and classify the owl. I think it is a Northern Hawk Owl - but as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words...please, birders, give me your thousand words of confirmation, disagreement, etc. so I can correctly ID the owl!
After ruling out species I'm familiar with, I consulted field guides to try and classify the owl. I think it is a Northern Hawk Owl - but as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words...please, birders, give me your thousand words of confirmation, disagreement, etc. so I can correctly ID the owl!
(A HUGE thanks to Tara for the use of the photo!)
The owl seemed fairly unconcerned with the human attention it drew, but was distinctly uncomfortable when a flock of chickadees surrounded it. The chickadees did not actually "mob" the owl, as I've seen crows do, but surrounded it and started "looking at it funny"...after about a minute of being surrounded by chickadees, the owl flew to a different perch, where there were no chickadees to hassle it.
After about 45 minutes of being admired, the owl flew away into some dense forest.
The Manitoba Rare Bird Alert system states the Northern Hawk Owl is a rare (about one sighting per year) bird in the Southern Manitoba Prairie region. I count myself very fortunate to have been in the right place, at the right time, to see the owl.
If you have seen this owl - or if you'd like to confirm or dispute my ID- please do so!
A very Happy New Year to everyone. Keep it fun, keep it safe, and get outside today or tonight...it's cold, but it's beautiful!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
City TV spot - and a Northern Hawk Owl?
Hello, everyone out there in Blogland!
Two quick updates from today:
1. City TV Winnipeg will be airing an interview (or parts thereof) with yours truly tomorrow morning (Dec. 31st) at 6 am, 7 am, and 8 am, on the hour, as part of there news programming. The interview looks back at the environmental year that was in Winnipeg, and what we can do to make 2010 greener and cleaner!
2. During out public snowshoe orienteering program this afternoon, two of our volunteers saw an unusual bird. We watched the bird for the better part of an hour. The bird was an owl of some sort - but every time we thought we had an ID, some characteristic ruled the ID out. Back at my desk, I consulted a field guide, and am 99.9% sure we saw a Northern Hawk Owl. Pictures will be posted ASAP - if you are a birder, an owl fan, or a FortWhyte Alive fan, please check them out to confirm my ID, dispute my ID, or just for the fun of seeing an owl!
Happy New Year! I'll be writing again next year!
-Barret
PS: Don't forget the snowshoe biathlon - see yesterday's post for more details!
Two quick updates from today:
1. City TV Winnipeg will be airing an interview (or parts thereof) with yours truly tomorrow morning (Dec. 31st) at 6 am, 7 am, and 8 am, on the hour, as part of there news programming. The interview looks back at the environmental year that was in Winnipeg, and what we can do to make 2010 greener and cleaner!
2. During out public snowshoe orienteering program this afternoon, two of our volunteers saw an unusual bird. We watched the bird for the better part of an hour. The bird was an owl of some sort - but every time we thought we had an ID, some characteristic ruled the ID out. Back at my desk, I consulted a field guide, and am 99.9% sure we saw a Northern Hawk Owl. Pictures will be posted ASAP - if you are a birder, an owl fan, or a FortWhyte Alive fan, please check them out to confirm my ID, dispute my ID, or just for the fun of seeing an owl!
Happy New Year! I'll be writing again next year!
-Barret
PS: Don't forget the snowshoe biathlon - see yesterday's post for more details!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
The Inaugural FortWhyte Alive Biathlon
January 9th, 2010 - Registration Noon, event starts 1 pm
I am proud to officially announce an unofficial FortWhyte Alive event!
Join us on January 9th, 2010, for the first-ever FortWhyte Alive Biathlon - an event combining the disciplines of snowshoeing and atlatl!
The snowshoe course is approximately 3.5 km long. We will use a standard archery target for the atlatl throwing, from a distance of 10 metres. Every "hit" of the target shaves two full minutes off a participants' time in the race. Each partipant will throw four darts.
This is a "just-for-fun" event, but...the participant with the best time will win the Grand Prize for the day - a handmade atlatl set!
The event is open to anyone who feels they would like to spend some time on a Saturday afternoon snowshoeing and throwing atlatl darts. As the organizer, I ask you email me (click here to do so!) and let me know you are interested - I may have to limit numbers to fifteen racers, to ensure atlatl availability for all.
Though this is an inaugural, "just-for-fun" event, there is a Grand Prize: the participant with the best time, and most accurate atlatl performance
There is no cost to particpate - standard admission to FortWhyte Alive is required, though.
To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time atlatl and snowshoeing have been combined into a modern sport - though, given the ancient heritage of both technologies, it's likely the two were used in combination sometime in the past. This event will be a fun way to honour human history, get some outdoor winter exercise, and meet others with similar interests.
The challenge is open - see you at FortWhyte Alive on January 9th!
-Barret
I am proud to officially announce an unofficial FortWhyte Alive event!
Join us on January 9th, 2010, for the first-ever FortWhyte Alive Biathlon - an event combining the disciplines of snowshoeing and atlatl!
The snowshoe course is approximately 3.5 km long. We will use a standard archery target for the atlatl throwing, from a distance of 10 metres. Every "hit" of the target shaves two full minutes off a participants' time in the race. Each partipant will throw four darts.
This is a "just-for-fun" event, but...the participant with the best time will win the Grand Prize for the day - a handmade atlatl set!
The event is open to anyone who feels they would like to spend some time on a Saturday afternoon snowshoeing and throwing atlatl darts. As the organizer, I ask you email me (click here to do so!) and let me know you are interested - I may have to limit numbers to fifteen racers, to ensure atlatl availability for all.
Though this is an inaugural, "just-for-fun" event, there is a Grand Prize: the participant with the best time, and most accurate atlatl performance
There is no cost to particpate - standard admission to FortWhyte Alive is required, though.
To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time atlatl and snowshoeing have been combined into a modern sport - though, given the ancient heritage of both technologies, it's likely the two were used in combination sometime in the past. This event will be a fun way to honour human history, get some outdoor winter exercise, and meet others with similar interests.
The challenge is open - see you at FortWhyte Alive on January 9th!
-Barret
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