NORTH AMERICAN BEAR CENTER
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February 24, 2013
I am a volunteer with the North American Bear Center in Ely, MN. Like many, I found them with the den cam placed in Lily the Black Bear's den in 2010. I used the den cam and the daily research Updates in a class of middle school students who did not enjoy anything to do with reading. We read about Hope each morning. Through that connection I made my first trip to Ely and met the staff of NABC and volunteered for the Educational Outreach Program. Teachers and educators from around the country developed curriculum, meeting Minnesota Graduation Standards, that can be taught by educators from preschool - high school levels. This year I was able to take part in the Bear Keeper course so had direct contact with the bears, staff, and most importantly, visitors from around the world who came to Ely to learn about the bears. I support the NABC and love to share what I have learned about black bears.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
1 person found this review helpful
February 16, 2013
1 person found this review helpful
Rarely in adult life do you get opportunities to learn about and experience life in a way that enhances -indeed changes- your own view of the natural world. Having watched the wonderful work of Dr Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield from afar ( N.Z.) via the Internet, I was privileged last year to do their Bear-study course and while there, to visit the NABC. Nothing I can say in these few words will adequately describe how wonderful an experience it was. Professionally, these people, and those who work and volunteer at the NABC, are at the very top of their game, and I suspect this is due not only to their passion about bears, but also their passion about people and their desire to educate and dispel the myths - harmful to both ursine and human species- that have evolved over the centuries.
Add to this excellence a whole lot if fun and humour and you will start to get a picture of the NABC /WRI. I simply can't wait to go again!
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
February 14, 2013
I have never been involved with a group of people more dedicated to a cause than those that work for and with the North American Bear Center. The researchers, curators, educators and service staff are amazingly devoted to their work and to educating the general public about the American Black Bear and its place in our environment. So often we forget that we humans are the ones who continue to infringe on the habitat of all species of wildlife - and it is so rare to find an organization with no motivation other than to help us all learn how to respect our environment and all of the creatures that share it. As stated on the Center's website (www.bear.org), "The mission of the non-profit North American Bear Center is to advance the long-term survival of bears worldwide by replacing misconceptions with scientific facts about bears, their role in ecosystems, and their relations with humans." It is fascinating work and I am honored to learn from those who do it and support them with my contributions.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
February 14, 2013
Several years ago, through the technology of web cams, a website and a Facebook Page, more than a 100,000 people (and growing), worldwide, were introduced to the habitat and behaviors of Black Bears. Beyond the inaccurate media hype of terror and aggression, Dr. Lynn Rogers showed us a new reality of life in the Northwoods with these mostly gentle creatures. Through videos made by the BBC, we learned more about Black Bear families and how to co-exist with them. Education is the key. The North American Black Bear Center provides "Education Boxes" to Teachers for a nominal rental fee. The contents bring information about Black Bears right into the classroom. If you can make the trip to Ely, visit the NABC. It is similar to a Natural History Museum dedicated to these animals. Meet Ted E. Bear, Honey and Lucky, the outdoor Black Bears that live on protected ground year round. Visit the web cams on the Wildlife Research Institute website to see Lily and her two cubs born last month. Check out Jewel and her two yearlings, Herbie and Fern. And there's always the Pond Bears that live on the premises. I have learned more about Black Bears from Dr. Rogers than I have from any TV program or books. The reason behind that is Dr. Rogers, via cams and his ongoing research, let's the Bears teach us themselves. What a wonderful experience!
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
February 14, 2013
I am a proud supporter of the NABC/WRI and have been a volunteer for the NABC/WRI since 2010. I have learned so much about black bears and continue to learn something every day. Thank you Dr. Rogers and Sue Mansfield! My fear has changed to respect - I marvel at the interaction between bears that I have observed and learned from.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
May 11, 2012
11 people found this review helpful
I have volunteered at the NABC since early 2010 and have found it to be a remarkable experience. I have learned a tremendous amount about black bears and people. I am amazed at the energy and evolving educational aims/goals of the NABC and the dedication and hard work of the researchers, staff and volunteers to achieve these goals.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
February 14, 2013
I am a volunteer,and a proud supporter of the North American Bear Center,the researchers,the staff,and of course the resident bears Ted,Lucky,and Honey. I have learned so much about black bears,especially replacing misconceptions with scientific facts about bears, their role in ecosystems, and their relations with humans. I lean something new everyday thanks to Dr. Lynn Rogers,and Sue Mansfield. I'll be in Ely this July for the 4th annual Lily picnic and to see the new "Hope Learning Center".
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
February 14, 2013
I have been supporting NABC since 2010 since I found out about them via a tv report. Ive been there in 2010 spring an saw in person what a great place it is. I will continue to support them an their bear education. Its great to see the resident bears Ted, Lucky an Honey in their 2 1/2 acres. Bit even greater is seeing the videos an educational material on the wild black bears near ELY,MN. The black bear is a very misunderstood animal and NABC is showing the truth about the everyday life of them. On a sacle of 1 to 10 i give them an 11.
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When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
November 14, 2012
2 people found this review helpful
Been to NABC a couple years ago. It was a great learning experience. the educational value to learn about black bears is a 10 out of 10. they have 3 bears in a great 2 acre plus enclosure. it is worth the time to visit an enjoy Lucky, Ted, an Honey the 3 resident bears.
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Definitely
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Definitely
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Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
May 5, 2012
16 people found this review helpful
ive been to the center an met the resident bears, ted, lucky an honey. ive also followed the research bears since the first den cam. its been a very educational an fun learning experience. i knew very little about black bears, even though i had contact with them near ely, minnesota. i have supported an will continue to support both the north american bear center an wildlife research institute in their bear education to the world.
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Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
1 person found this review helpful
February 14, 2013
1 person found this review helpful
The North American Bear Center has taught me so much about black bears! I TRULYleaned all the misconceptions and. I want to learn more about this fasinating creature!
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
February 14, 2013
1 person found this review helpful
I have learned more about black bears and how they live from the North American Bear Center. Dr. Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, biologists, have gained the trust of the research bears and never use tranquilizers to collar them or check their heart rates. They are humane and dedicated researchers who have spent countless hours making this educational process what it is today. They are about what is best for the bears, and how to spread the word about these wonderful creatures. I admire and respect their work and their humanity, and will forever be indebted to them for what I have learned.
Kerry Mahoney
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
May 11, 2012
10 people found this review helpful
You will not find a more dedicated and professional group of people who work for the North American Bear Center. The Wildlife Research Institute biologists, Lynne Rogers and Sue Mansfield, have done more to educate thousands of people all over the world about the black bear and how they live their lives in their natural environment. Their tireless efforts and compassion have enlightened and inspired countless followers who trust and respect their humane research. Children of all ages are now able to learn about and understand these amazing bears in classrooms throughout the country.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
3 people found this review helpful
February 14, 2013
3 people found this review helpful
The NABC have helped me become aware of the importance of co-existing with bears. And also the myth that they are furocious animals. I support them 100% and thank them for the knowledge they have shared.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A lot
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
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