He may be retired, but Joe Allen hasn't stopped teaching. Whether it's discussing the region's best fly fishing streams or leading a group of students in observing wolf activity in Yellowstone, Allen continues to offer lessons.
During his time teaching Environmental Studies at the University at Buffalo, Allen would offer summer sessions entitled "Mega Fauna and Predation in Yellowstone National Park." He and his students would travel to the legendary park where they would rise early each day and immerse themselves in the park's dramatic ecosystem.
"With spotting scopes and long-lens cameras we can observe the wolves from as much as a mile to two miles away. And we watch them interact with each other," Allen said.
"Their behavior is so human-like, it's amazing. We watch them interact with prey. We will watch them on a kill, interact with other predators such as coyotes and bears."
The excursions will continue this summer in conjunction with the local not-for-profit group Earth Spirit Educational Services.
Allen refers to the 10-day ventures as "kind of glamping trips." Participants stay in the comfort of cabins. There appears to be plenty of activity for those who enjoy the outdoors, including fishing
"Where we like to take people is actually outside the park along the Clark's Fork of the Yellowstone River. Historically, that's a real famous river. Hemingway had a cabin on that river at one time. It's a great place to introduce people to fly fishing. It's very accessible," Allen said.
"The water is crystal clear and the fish are willing."
