[SEMCO] Coy-wolf Presentation

[Michael Lach]

Join the Harwich Conservation Trust and Dr. Jonathan Way, PhD
Saturday, January 10th at 2pm
in the Harwich Community Center, 100 Oak Street, Harwich, 02645
to learn about the genetic coy-wolf connection, eastern coyote ecology,
and behavior.
See details below.
 
Presentation ($5/person)
 
As part of its winter lecture series, the Harwich Conservation Trust is
pleased to sponsor a presentation by Dr. Jonathan Way, PhD, who will
discuss preliminary findings about coy-wolf genetics that indicate a
connection between our local coyotes and wolves.  His research is
currently under peer review.  Dr. Way will also discuss the ecology and
behavior of coyotes in eastern Massachusetts and feature new video
footage.  This educational and insightful presentation will take place on
January 10th at 2 pm in the Harwich Community Center, 100 Oak Street. 
Admission is $5 per person.  Proceeds help pay for the program and benefit
HCT’s land conservation goals.  Arrive early, since last winter’s
presentation was standing room only.
 
Very little is known about coyotes in suburban and urban settings, but
Jonathan Way's research has provided insight into these fascinating,
highly successful predators. Way obtained his PhD at Boston College where
he combined science and educational issues associated with these
creatures. He has also hand-raised a group of coyotes, which are a
valuable asset to both the science and educational components of his
work.  He also continues to radio-collar and follow coyotes on Cape Cod
and in Boston to learn about their behavioral and dispersal patterns.
 
Dr. Way is researching the state approval process for bringing live
coyotes with him during presentations.  The Harwich Conservation Trust
sponsored a very popular live wolf program this past fall by hosting
Mission Wolf and two “wolf ambassadors” who amazed an audience of several
hundred at the Harwich Community Center.  Dr. Way plans to elevate his
eastern coyote education to this intriguing level.
 
Jonathan G. (Jon) Way, PhD, is the leader of the eastern coyote ecology
project in eastern Massachusetts, which he began while at Barnstable High
School on Cape Cod (1993). He received his B.S. from the University of
Massachusetts at Amherst (1997), M.S. from the University of Connecticut
at Storrs (2000), and Ph.D. from Boston College (2005). His research
comprises four studies: free ranging studies on Cape Cod and in Boston, a
captive study at the Stone Zoo, and an educational component where he
assessed student learning of a coyote-based curriculum. He hand-reared the
wild-born litter of eastern coyote pups (born on Cape Cod) that are
currently on display at the Stone Zoo in order to conduct a behavioral and
morphological study. His main interest concerns the study of predators
inhabiting urbanized ecosystems. More information on these coyote projects
can be found by visiting his homepage: www.easterncoyoteresearch.com. 
 
Dr. Way will have his book available for signing, Suburban Howls: Tracking
the Eastern Coyote in Urban Massachusetts.
 
Founded in 1988, the nonprofit Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) preserves
land to protect woods, water, wildlife, and our shared quality of life. 
HCT preserves natural areas by receiving land donations, purchasing land,
and holding permanent conservation restrictions.  For more information
about HCT’s winter schedule of talks and walks, please visit HCT’s
website, www.HarwichConservationTrust.org, email hct at cape.com, or call
508-432-3997.
 
 
 
 
Michael W. Lach
Executive Director
Harwich Conservation Trust
Ph:  508-432-3997
Fax: 508-432-1311
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 101
South Harwich, MA 02661
E-mail:  hct at cape.com
Website:  www.HarwichConservationTrust.org
HCT office location:  947 Route 28, South Harwich

Assistant Director
The Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts, Inc.
Ph: 508-362-3422
Fax: 508-362-4480
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 443
Barnstable, MA 02630
E-mail:  compactm at cape.com
Website:  www.compact.cape.com
The Compact's office location:  3239 Rt. 6A, Barnstable Village