​Day 6: Paddles & Pines — LIVE from the North American Bear Center

What an unforgettable day! Today’s LiveStream took us right into the heart of Ely, Minnesota, broadcasting LIVE from the North American Bear Center. We were honored to collaborate with Rachel from Friends of the Boundary Waters, Spencer from the North American Bear Center, and Jules from the International Wolf Center—what a dream team!

Students from across the country (over 1,000 viewing!) gathered around their screens, eager to learn about the incredible animals of the Boundary Waters. We explored the beaver–moose–wolf–bear trifecta, diving into how adaptations help each species survive in this connected ecosystem.

Of course, the ambassador animals stole the spotlight! Noodle the snake slithered into hearts, and Tuck the painted turtle quickly became the star of the show—students couldn’t get enough of him. And then, just when the excitement was already at its peak, the wolves and bears made their appearances from each center. They were instant favorites with our audience, especially one student from Wyoming who beamed as she shared that wolves are her favorite animal.

We are so grateful to the Friends of the Boundary Waters for choosing us to help tell this story. The joy, curiosity, and passion from today remind us why protecting wild places like the Boundary Waters matters so much.

We’ll see you all again on Monday as we broadcast LIVE from Sawbill Campground. Until then—gigawaabamin naagaj (see you later, in Ojibwe).
​