MUCC’s Scullon to show woodlands critters at KWF

 
By AMY MAHAFFY

The wild woodlands are coming to the Kirtland’s Warbler Festival and they won’t just be watching from the woods. Michigan United Conservation Clubs education specialist Jenny Scullon is bringing some of Michigan’s wildlife to teach people about conservation.

Born and raised Northern Michigan, Scullon knew she always wanted to work with animals. From that desire, she ended up working with the MUCC.

Scullon was born in Tawas and grew up in Oscoda, where she graduated in 1995 before attending Michigan State University. She knew she wanted to focus on animals but just wasn’t sure what path she wanted to take. While there, she studied the behavior of African wildlife then received her Bachelor of Science degree in zoology in 2000.

After graduation, she went to Kenya to study the animals first-hand. Following the trip to Kenya, she did some work as a technician and as a researcher.

With the MUCC, Scullon travels to different places, mostly schools, and presents Wildlife Encounters.

“I love the chance to work in our communities,” Scullon said. “Everyone has a story to tell and can relate with the wildlife.”

MUCC has three different programs that it presents: Michigan’s Valuable Wetlands, Birds of Prey, and Wild Woodlands. Scullon will be bringing the Wild Woodlands to the Festival this year.

“What makes it unique is we use native Michigan wildlife to make it easier so people can relate,” Scullon said. She will bring ravens, barn owls, a wood turtle, and a black rat snake. She uses the animals to educate people about conservation and renewable resources.

People are not allowed to touch the animals so they are able to maintain a level of respect as a wild animal. All of the animals used in the presentation are “non-releasable,” meaning they have all been injured in some way and have been rehabilitated but are unable to return to the wild.

“It’s more about conservation than the animals,” Scullon said of her presentation. “We keep it simple.”

She usually chooses one topic to discuss, using broad language rather than scientific jargon as she teaches people about the animals and what ties them to their habitat.