Lily and cubs crossing the roadIt’s hard to imagine anything more uplifting than being among Lily Fans—the unity, the enthusiasm, the kindness, and, as Jen McCron said in her talk, the love. The LilyPad Picnic is a gathering of people who care about each other. It feels good to be in the midst of people of the same mind moving forward for good. I’m looking forward to next year’s picnic on July 22-24.
Lily's cubsThe Picnic gathering was the perfect context for the Northwoods Ecology Hall Grand Opening. The staff and volunteers put together the opening celebration wonderfully! The main word I heard about the Ecology Hall was “beautiful,” and it is. The staff’s latest lighting showed it off better than ever. And there’s more to come.
Lorie bearAt the WRI, the Bear Course started and the phone started ringing. Bear sightings—more than we could cover. Lily and cubs, Ursula and cubs, Lorie, Drew, Loppy, and the first sighting of the year of the real Big Harry. Fast action. The pictures show how Lorie is growing. They also show Lily deciding whether to cross the road then making up her mind and hurrying across with two cubs right behind. 
Lily the Black BearThe cautious cub was lagging but finally sprinted to catch up. Finally, a picture of two of Lily’s cubs by a red pine at their destination.
Thank you for all you did and do.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center
All photos taken today unless otherwise noted.