Teacher to assist researchers

JACKSON - Tauilei McPherson, a substitute teacher for the Jackson School District, will join an Earthwatch Institute research team for a nine-day expedition that will focus on moose and wolves, through the isolated northern forest of Mott Island off Isle Royale National Park in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

According to a press release, the moose and wolves of Isle Royale are known throughout the world and have been the focus of long-term research since 1958. This expedition fellowship is made possible for McPherson through a grant provided by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.

From Aug. 1-10, McPherson will join seven other Earthwatch volunteers from the United States and Switzerland. The research team will be led by principal investigator Dr. Rolf Peterson of Michigan Technological University and Dr. John Vucetich, also from MTU. The volunteers will assist the researchers, spending their days hiking and nights camping, making sure to leave no trace behind while searching the forest for moose bones. The research team that McPherson will join provides the basis for long-term analysis of moose survival and population reconstruction. The team findings from ongoing moose-wolf research at Isle Royale are used by wildlife managers and scientists all over the world, according to the press release.

McPherson said she is looking forward to bringing all that she will learn back to the classroom.

"I will collect samples from Mott Island, including pictures to share. I can't wait to see the students' faces if I am lucky enough to get a picture of a wolf or a moose," she said.

Earthwatch Institute is involved in the field of experiential education, providing opportunities in the field and online for volunteers to broaden their understanding of sustainability and support conservation research. There is no experience necessary to be involved and there are hundreds of teams worldwide that need support, according to the press release.