FRIENDS OF WRF
There are many wildlife artists who honor the wolf and help with their restoration here in the U.S. One of these in particular is Steve Oliver whose artwork has graced the covers of the agendas for Defenders of Wildlife’s Carnivores Conference since 1996. His painting of Black Beaver of the Nez Perce tribe, symbolizing all Native Americans watching over the wolves of Yellowstone and Idaho, provided a haunting and beautiful tribute for the poster, which commemorated the 10-year anniversary of the reintroduction. Steve has also donated several prints for the past three years to the silent auction that WRF and Defenders holds annually at the North American Conference. The auction proceeds help fund nonlethal practices of wolf management. You can see more of Steve’s artwork by linking to http://steveoliverart.com/.
Another wonderful wildlife artist who has done some incredible wolf paintings and who has done much to benefit the American Bison is Judy Larson. Her camouflage art blends Native American heritage with the treasures of nature and wildlife. Judy has also donated prints to the annual conference's silent auction to benefit the wolf with nonlethal management. Her official website is http://judylarson.com/.
As we all know, education is the key to continued success in wolf recovery and species conservation. We must teach our children to honor nature and all life. In the past, the Wolf Recovery Foundation has reaped the rewards of children who have learned these lessons. We wish to give special thanks to these young people:
· Quincy Elementary Environmental Club of Quincy, California donated $100 in February, 2006 to support the gray wolves of the wild.
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The Kenilworth Jr. High School Conservation Club of Petaluma, California donated $50 in May, 2006 for the wolves.
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Karuna Sangam, a 10-year old of Sunnyvale, California did a swim-a-thon in July 2006, swam 102 laps and raised $265.41 for the wolves!!! As it turns out, our Karuna, now 11 years old, is not only an athlete who swims for wolves, she is quite the poet. We feel honored she is allowing us to post her poem for all to read. Thank you, Karuna! You are so very special!
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The Wolves in the Woods By Karuna Sangam The forest was dark as dark could be, The lake was crystal clear. Whenever someone made a sound, An echo you would hear. |
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The footsteps approached the ancient tree, High above the ground. If you stood at the top, you'd see, Far, far, around. |
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The footsteps came as fast as wind, Quiet as falling snow, If you had been there listening, You wouldn't even know. |
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The hoot of an owl was faintly heard, A slightly eerie sound, If you asked me to describe this place, A word would not be found. |
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Then a howl swept through the woods, And through the moonlit sky, When the wild music came to an end, A howl came in reply. |
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Then the first wolf joined the second, creating a harmonious tune, Of trees and rivers, mammals and birds, And of the Sun and the Moon. |
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They sang of insects, stars, and clouds, Of reptiles and fish galore, Of rain and snow and falling leaves, Of sand upon the lakeshore, |
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The beautiful music came to an end, The wolves trotted away, And if you had asked me if there was sound, The answer would be nay. |
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© Copyright 2007 By Karuna Sangam |
The beautiful letter below was written by little Dante of Colorado. I believe it speaks for itself!
THESE KIDS ARE TO BE COMMENDED FOR THEIR WORK AND LOVE FOR THE WOLVES! THANK YOU!!!