Back behind the redwood curtain: An unexpected journey back to Humboldt State University (Humboldt Cal Poly)

It’s hard to believe it has been 15 years since I was an undergraduate student at Humboldt State University (now Humboldt Cal Poly). At the time I was majoring in Wildlife Biology, with hopes of one day pursuing being a game warden with CDFW. However, other opportunities I pursued took me away from the picturesque redwood lined campus on the Northern California coast. 

Ultimately a stint with the CA Army National Guard would take me across the world to Afghanistan, where upon my return I did not choose to return to my studies behind the redwood curtain. Instead, I choose to seek a degree in Animal Science from UC Davis, which opened several career opportunities before finding myself joining the Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN) at UC Davis in June of 2022. 

So, you could imagine my surprise when I found out OWCN had a link to Humboldt Cal Poly. For those who do not know Humboldt Cal Poly is home to one of our several purpose-built facilities, the Marine Wildlife Care Center (MWCC). These facilities were built in collaboration with OSPR, OWCN, and OWCN member organizations to facilitate a rapid response to oiled affected wildlife throughout the state. With collaboration with Department of Wildlife at Humboldt Cal Poly we directly manage the MWCC, which sits mothballed until a situation arises where we would need to activate the facility.

Even though the facility is mothballed it still requires a watchful eye and upkeep. This past February the OWCN logistics team, which includes Wendy Massey (Senior Manager of Logistics) and myself (Logistics Specialist) traveled through the towering redwoods to Humboldt Cal Poly's campus to facilitate a water softener replacement. Ideal water softness (2-3 grains per gallon) is important because it  improves the cleaning process of oiled animals, helping the animals regain their natural insulation and buoyancy for survival quicker. Facilities systems such as water softeners are integral to our facility readiness and response, which is why oversight on these purpose-built facilities is ongoing. 

It’s a surreal experience having attending Humboldt Cal Poly 15 years and now having a connection to it in my role with OWCN. It’s an unintended circumstance I find myself in, but in a way feels like an unexpected full circle. It was truly a humbling experience to be on campus again amongst the fog, the redwoods, and the memories of a past not forgotten. 

Thanks for Reading

Danny Vickers 

Wildlife Logistics Specialist

P.S. Wendy had a bigfoot sighting.