WELLSBORO, Pa., April 16, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- What does a guy who has handled rattlesnakes, bats, bears, bobcats, white tailed deer, otters, fishers and other fauna do after retiring as a professional wildlife biologist? He takes on a new role sharing a lifetime of nature knowledge with people of all ages.
Former Pennsylvania state wildlife biologist J. Merlin Benner has joined the leadership team of Nature Quest, Inc. as Director of Programming and Development.
Nature Quest, Inc. delivers outdoor experiences, led by highly qualified professionals, in some of North America's most beautiful wild environments. Nature Quest provides programs and packages directly, through its main operating affiliate, Mountain Trail Horse Center, Inc., Wellsboro, PA (guides and outfitters for more than 25 years) and in cooperation with regional outfitters.
In the newly created position, Merlin Benner will help Nature Quest greatly increase the range and sophistication of its offerings.
According to Nature Quest, Inc. President Patrick Maier, Merlin has been a resource for Nature Quest for many years to the extent his position with the Commonwealth would allow. "Now that he has completed his work with DCNR, Merlin's great knowledge and valuable skills are an important addition to our staff, especially at this point in our growth."
Benner brings unique qualifications to the job. A naturalist, wildlife photographer, and forest wildlife biologist, Merlin Benner has worked in wildlife biology for more than 20 years. Before joining DCNR in 1993, Merlin was a naturalist with the Tennessee State Parks and a research technician at Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, in Aiken, South Carolina.
His work has included raccoon and wild turkey radio-telemetry studies for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the Elk Range Expansion Initiative, Pennsylvania Audubon's Important Bird Area Program, deer management studies, otter and fisher reintroduction projects, and many other forest wildlife issues. As a consulting biologist he has been involved in acoustical monitoring of bats to assess wind farm impact.
Merlin Benner is co-author of publications on American alligators, survival and nesting success of wild turkey, reproductive ecology of resident and introduced eastern wild turkey, biotelemetry, managing deer from an ecological perspective, and tree selection for rubs by white-tailed deer in Maine. Merlin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife sciences from Unity College in Maine and a Master of Science degree in wildlife biology from Tennessee Technological University.
"Part of my job," Benner says, "will be to gel my knowledge into packaged experiences to get our guests to some of the more dramatic natural spectacles this area offers. The other part is to train new guides to lead those tours -- a part of the job I really love."
Expanding Programs at Nature Quest
High on Benner's list of new packages, already available, are Marsh Creek adventures and Nature Quest Elk Camp.
Nature Quest trips offer many ways to see the PA Wilds, including the Pine Creek Canyon -- an 80-mile gorge through which winds the Pine Creek Rail Trail, rated one of the world's 10 greatest places to take a bike tour.
Now the firm offers privately guided expeditions in the newest section of the Rail Trail: along Marsh Creek. Just opened, the trail traverses a marshland area recognized for exceptional birding, including a number of rare species. Much of this area has been designated by Pennsylvania Audubon Society as an Important Bird Area, unique in the state for its habitats and special bird community. Other wildlife abounds here as well, and the groomed, easy surface of the rail trail makes an elevated, comfortable viewing platform.
"Nature Quest Elk Camp," located in a vast, remote forest area that encompasses the Quehanna Wild Area, offers a luxury-camp, safari-style experience. Far from the popular, more accessible viewing places, Nature Quest guides take guests to see elk by hiking, mountain biking, horseback, canoeing, and auto tours. While elk are the focus, the surrounding forest is home to bobcat, bears, Bald Eagles, songbirds, native reptiles, and many other animals. Accommodations at base camp are provided in a low-impact wall tent format, with candlelit gourmet meals in the spectacular beauty of a natural setting.
While Nature Quest has been in operation for ten years, the firm is formalizing partnerships with several related providers to expand the range and depth of nature exploration opportunities. This includes the highly respected Pine Creek Outfitters, through which guided nature hikes, rafting, canoeing, and bike trips are arranged.
For interview with Benner: 570-376-2255