The spring Wildlife Watch has come to a close as the calves have grown stronger and the nursery has moved away from Evergreen Lake.
The gate closures at the ends of the bridges as well as the new fencing and signs helped to reduce elk/human/pet conflicts. On any given shift there could have been a dozen cows plus their dependent calves, causing great potential for issues, or there might not have been a single elk in sight. However, in late May and throughout June it was more likely that there were some elk present on or near the islands. There were some instances of cows charging, chasing, or staring down people with or without dogs. At least two attacks away from the lake were reported.
This year was a record year for volunteer participation. We were fortunate that many attendees to the training session followed through and signed up for shifts. Many volunteers interacted with a hundred or more visitors to the lake in a two-hour period. Here is a list of those who served at the lake (in order of signups):
- William Oliver
- Andrea Jenkins
- Jon Stein
- Michael Horwith
- Laura Herring
- Linda Engelhart
- Sue Kuchta
- Anne Marie Kalas
- Janet Nelson
- Claire Roberts
- Cindy & Gary Charney
- Aaron McManigle
- Susan Robbins
- Ann Halverson
- Mary Zoldowski
- Mary Hudson
- Casey Weiss
- Gail Sharp
- Marsha Manning
- Katie White
- Kathleen Hart
- Christie Greene
Profound thanks to all who participated in keeping the lake safer for wildlife and visitors, including the canine variety.
