We love our volunteers, and you will too!
Noah recharges with some kettle-corn at the State Fair
As a community-based organization, we depend on local monetary support and volunteerism to expand our network and reach our goals. If you saw us tabling at Eagle River’s Bear Paw Festival, Salmonfest in Ninilchik, the State Fair in Palmer, or the Belugas Count! Festival at the Alaska Zoo this summer, you might have met our superstar tabling volunteer, Noah Meisenheimer. Noah inspired hundreds of Alaskans who stopped by our table to take action on wildlife issues in our state. Now, we want to share Noah’s story with the rest of our network in appreciation of his volunteerism and passion for wildlife!
Tell us about yourself, Noah. Why did you come to Alaska and what kind of work have you done?
I was born and raised in southern California and that’s where I found my passion for wildlife. My wife and I decide to move to Alaska in 2001 after I retired from the Army. We had talked about having a honeymoon in Alaska but never thought we would live here— that all changed when we got here and fell in love with the state. For the next 15 years, I worked as a Federal Game Warden and Fisheries Enforcement Officer in Alaska.
Why do you care about Alaska’s wildlife? Is there a species or issue you’re particularly passionate about?
I see Alaska as the proverbial canary in the coalmine. What happens here tends to be a start of trends elsewhere. If we can protect the wildlife here for the future, that information will spread around the world. We are the Last Frontier and an unspoiled land for all types of wildlife…and we are the caretakers. The protection of the wildlife is my passion—I have worked at wildlife refuges and helped save seal pups, Fur seals, fox, eagles, safely relocated bear and moose, and even saved a baby whale. I don’t have a favorite, they all have a special place in my heart.
Why did you decide to volunteer your time with the Alaska Wildlife Alliance?
Noah helps Betty Beluga spin the AWA wildlife trivia wheel at the 2019 BelugasCount! festival.
The AWA has a narrow focus on just Alaskan wildlife but a broad focus on Alaska’s ecosystems the makes the wildlife thrive here. It shows me this group understands that even the smallest ecological change could have a large and lasting effect on the wildlife species here. Volunteering is the least I could do.
You have years of hands-on experience with Alaskan wildlife…tell us one of the funniest stories you’ve had in your career.
As a police officer working bike patrol on base, me and my partner responded to many different calls. One hot summer day, a large bull moose was cooling down in a kiddy pool in the housing area. We were directed to just keep the people away from the moose until the game warden arrived. As I stood across from this extremely large moose I planned my escape in case something went wrong, and decided that I would hide under a parked truck if charged. The moose stared at me as it salivated wildly, then it would turn and look away and then back again a number of times, so I prepared myself for a charge. His hackles raised and he peed himself and charged right at my partner who was still sitting on his bike. I could see the terror in my partners eyes as he peddled as fast as he could, only to spin his tires on the wet grass like in an old Saturday morning roadrunner cartoon. He finally got traction and got away as the moose ran off into the nearby woods. I attempted to call my partner (Wyllie Coyote) on the radio but couldn’t stop laughing long enough to get the words out.
Anything else you’d like to share?
The ecosystem is large and diverse and we need every effort and action to help preserve it. Even the smallest action can have lasting results. So, let’s be the best stewards we can be for the future.
Noah explains with passion the challenges facing Alaska’s wildlife, and listens to people’s concerns.
Noah lives in Anchorage with his wife and children. If you’re interested in volunteering with the Alaska Wildlife Alliance, please contact us!
