Mission:Wolf started as a remote home for two people and a dozen wolves and wolf -dogs. In the first year of constructing a house we were interrupted by taking in several wolf puppies. Friends, neighbors and many other people started to visit daily to see the wolves. Once the word was out, school buses were lumbering up our drive. Soon the refuge was known across the country as television and newspaper reporters learned of our work. Visitors asked to help, called themselves "volunteers" and before long the refuge needed a bunk house and tipis for year round resident helpers.

Having more volunteers allowed us to take in more wolves and build even more fences. A greenhouse sprouted up to provide food for people and as the wolves aged the need to create a veterinary building emerged. Our limited and aging tool collection is now housed in a tool shop. The last and perhaps most important structure, the community building (including a solar kitchen and bathroom), is completed.

A decade later, I stand back in amazement as we near the completion of our own village. In the end, the refuge itself will occupy 50 fenced acres of wolf habitat that overlooks a small three acre solar and wind powered village. One structure provides visitors and teachers a resource center. Another building provides M:W staff a kitchen and bath. Three small buildings provide separate bunk rooms for staff along with a veterinary care area, a separate tool shop and a greenhouse. All completed buildings have been created from recycled materials and volunteer labor. The remaining land will be placed in a trust to enhance wildlife conservation.

Our village includes:
• 600 sf. Visitor and Education Center with sleeping loft
• 450 sf. Veterinary Building with staff sleeping loft
• 800 sf. Tool Shop with staff sleeping loft
• 1,100 sf. Community Building with greenhouse, kitchen, and staff loft