Due to a tremendous effort from so many of our chapter members, in September we completed one of our most anticipated projects, our new Sensory Safari Trailer! Unveiled at our Minong Youth Day, this “Mobile Wildlife Education Center” is custom built, 9 feet wide by 28 feet long. We then filled it with hanging and standing mounts of thirty animals representing six continents. The adventure starts as guests are greeted by an impressive moose and cape buffalo hanging outside at the entrance. The handicap accessible ramps and wide aisle encourage and allow everyone to enter, touch and experience. Learning about the animals is fun with our colorful fact sheets describing the animal, its habits and habitat, along with child appealing points of interest. Did you know oribis whistle, impalas can roar, springboks hop like bouncing balls, or that old waterbucks stink? Maps of the world then illustrate where the animals are found. Our “Safari in a Box” stations further draw guests to touch and learn.

We went all out with the full color wrap graphics that cover the outside, to both draw interest and to raise awareness of SCI. This is a great advertising method for the chapter. One length shows animals found here in our northwoods home, the other shows animals found throughout the world. Front and back panels tell you everything you need to know to contact and learn more about the Lake Superior Chapter. In just this first month, it has already been a huge success, touching over 300 kids at our two Youth Day events and the Wisconsin DNR event we cosponsor. By making it available to local schools, towns and organizations we look forward to educating area youths, spreading SCI’s message and raising awareness of our chapter. Please contact Nicole Ramson if you have an event you would like the Sensory Safari Trailer to appear at.