Center for Wildlife, Inc.

I cannot say enough about this group of dedicated volunteers who are just so passionate about caring for the wildlife that surrounds us. I've brought a few animals to them and I really like that they will care for and release these animals even if they are prey for other animals in their care. For instance if you found an injured mouse they'd help it and release it and not just feed it to a Hawk or Owl in their care.

My class enjoyed several educational programs led by the Center for Wildlife this past year. The programs were enriching for both staff and students alike with a variety of activities including discussion and hands on analysis by students. We look forward to working with the Center for years to come.

The Center for Wildlife (CFW) provides a unique, priceless service to the inhabitants of Maine and coastal New Hampshire. Care for the animals is not limited to direct interaction with injured wildlife. Rather, CFW helps to prevent the injuries in the first place through programs and events aimed at increasing public awareness and stewardship. I have volunteered at open house events for several years. Each year, CFW and their partners have evolved, learning from the past failures and successes, embracing this knowledge to better hone their services. Should the Center ever fail to exist, it would leave a void in these communities, a void that would impact young and old, as well as the wildlife.

Working with injured wildlife is rewarding and challenging! The Center for Wildlife staff is very good at what they do, and handle cases with great care. The fill an important and valuable niche in our region.

Thank you for all you do!

Last summer I was an intern at the Center for Wildlife. The internship ended in September and I've been a volunteer since. It is absolutely amazing the work and care that goes into helping each and every animal that passes through the door which is well above the thousands by now. Most importantly, all wild animals are treated as such to give them the best possible chance of remaining wild. There have been many times in the 8 months I've been there that someone will bring us an injured animal and tell us it has been very good and still and sat in their lap and let them pet it the whole way there. Such a circumstance can be very frustrating for a rehabber to hear considering that WILD animals do not let people "pet" them and they are just too terrified or injured to attempt to defend themselves, after all they see humans as a predator. For example, a cottontail had arrived with a mom in a minivan with her children once. Cottontails are high stress animals as it is and you can imagine how terrified the animal must have been with all the noise and the young children touching him. Sadly the rabbit died within minutes of arrival, most likely from the stress. Rather than getting upset or assigning blame in situations like these, the staff members are exceptionally patient and courteous with the public and take the time to explain to them what to do differently should a similar situation arise again. They are professional and excellent at what they do. Providing examinations, food, clean cages and medicine and as stress-free an environment as possible to the animals while receiving no state/federal funding. I am proud to volunteer there and I love doing it. You never know what you'll be asked to do, feed baby birds, clean a cage, weigh an animal, make platters, etc... There is always so much to be done! It's all worth it when you see the animal get to go back to it's natural home. Last summer we released four broad winged hawks atop Mount A and it was truly an indescribable feeling to watch the birds we received as fledglings take majestic laps around the mountain, finally well and free.

I've led vernal pool walks and helped with the CFW's open house events. They perform a marvelous service for both the injured wildlife they rehabiliate and the community in terms of their environmental education programs. The looks of wonder and excitement on the faces of small children and their parents when on a CFW "Owl Prowl" or amphibian "Big Night" give a sense of how crucial the CFW's mission is, and what an impact it has in raising awareness about nature and the mounting threats to the environment. The CFW is the last resort for thousands of injured wildlife in this large region; they offer a "second lease on life" for many animals, including many endangered species in southern Maine. They are a very committed & talented staff, working all hours, and with a small budget, doing crucial work that balances animal and human needs. In that sense I think they are a model organization, well worth your support.

I first learned of the CFW from Facebook. I follow their link all the time. What an incredible organization. I have learned so much from following their posts. I have had to email and call them on a couple of occasions and both times they were just fantastic in being a resource and tool to help me do the right thing. Their immediate repsonse to my email the first time truly astounded me....I did not expect anyone to get back to me for quite some time....but I think it was within 30-60 minutes they emailed back. I couldnt believe it. I live in a very rural setting, and I can tell you that knowing who they are are, and what they do with a lot of wildlife around me. Thye truly make me feel that I am not alone if I find an injured bird or animal if I am at odds as to what to do. Expert advice is only a click or call away.

The Center for Wildlife is a unique and wonderful place in the state of Maine. Fifteen years ago I found some baby squirrels in my yard. The mother was dead. What to do? I found out about the Center and quickly brought the squirrels there. They were nurtured until they were old enough to be released. The expert care and genuine compassion for all animals that come through there is remarkable. They treat a field mouse with as much care as they do an eagle. The center has provided educational programs. They bring bats and snakes, owls and turtles. This service helps educate young children the importance of bats. I have been volunteering there since I discovered them so long ago. The quality of my life has improved because of my association with them. I have an increased awareness of wildlife and feel secure knowing that there is a place to take our injured animals in the area. Please consider The Center for Wildlife. Thank you, Hanna Frank

The center is amazing, all the staff and volunteers are so dedicated and willing to help new volunteers learn. The lengths they all go to treat and rescue every single little animal that comes to the center is incredible. Its so nice to have a place to bring injured or abandoned animals that not many people would consider worth saving.

I have needed to bring several animals to this rescue site. Animals I had no knowledge how to help myself. I am so grateful for their exceptional help , caring and expertise. Thank you for being there

As my husband and I were driving through our neighborhood one Sunday afternoon last May, we had to stop to allow a little baby groundhog struggling to cross the road safely. We knew this wasn't normal. Our families of groundhogs have lived in our yard ever since we moved in years ago. We knew that the mama would never allow her babies to wander away. Never. In fact, she nurtures them pretty much all through the summer until they are grown and can live on their own.
We knew this little baby had lost its mom. We went home to get a box and drove back to where the little groundhog was sitting in a neighbor’s yard. A man who lives in the house came out and said that the baby had been around for 2-3 days. So my husband and I placed him in the box and took him to our house. We placed clover and grass inside the box, as well as some cloths. We wondered if our mama groundhog would take care of the little orphan. However, information that we found on the internet said that a mother groundhog would not welcome an outsider.
I had no idea what to do. As my husband continued to research the web for information, he suggested that I call The Center for Wildlife in Cape Neddick - approximately 40 miles away. At least they might be able to give me some advice. Well, they gave more than advice. They asked if we would be willing to drive him to the Center where one of their staff members would be delighted to take him in. (They told me that groundhogs were her favorite!) We of course agreed.
When we arrived, the staff quickly took the baby groundhog and the box to a back room where they had prepared a pen for him. They gave us an "admission ticket" with a number to reference should we want to call and check in on him.
I did call to follow up and spoke with the woman who was caring for him. She said that another baby groundhog was brought to the Center, which was good for both of them. She adores groundhogs and took extra special care of them. I continued to email her throughout the next few weeks and she always replied with a detailed account of how the groundhogs were doing – which was amazingly well! She cared for them until they were grown and ready to be released. My husband and I are grateful to have such a wonderful place nearby. I let others know about the Center for Wildlife whenever I have the opportunity. They forever have my support!

I read about the work of CFW in the news and am so happy that this organization exists to help animals throughout this area and the wider region. I am happy to see that CFW is getting more serious about fund raising and getting attention outside of the local area. The website has greatly improved too. All the best!

Two years ago I brought a wounded chickadee to the Wildlife Center in Cape Neddick Maine. I was very impressed with their knowledge, kindness and expressions of gratitude for bringing the bird to them. Since then I have been to several of the Center's Open Houses and have learned much.

I volunteered at the Center for Wildlife for two years. I had a zoology degree and working there gave me invaluable experience which helped me later find a career in wildlife rehabilitation. During my time there, I began to see how critical it is to have this rehabilitation center up and running. It is the only major wildlife center in Southern Maine. They provide so much time and effort for mammals, birds, and reptiles. The staff goes above and beyond for every injured animal. They make do with what they have and they do a fantastic job with it. But it would be so nice for them to have the funds for new caging, a better facility, or better equipment to help the wildlife of Maine. They help so many animals, and I can remember countless times having to come up with caging ideas on the spot to accommodate every animal! I would love to see this facility expand with the proper funding, they provide amazing rehabilitation for wildlife and wonderful education for the public.

The CFW is an irreplacable haven the rehabillitation and caring of animals on the S Seacoast. there is no other place anywhere near Portsmouth, hampton, York Kittery or Kennebunk where one can take injured aninals. They do a superb job and deserve all the funding they can get, as the animals need theis place desperatelt due to human encroachment and expansion.

I have taken several birds over the years to the Center For WIldlife and it's such a good feeling knowing that these injured birds and other animals have at least a fighting chance at being rehabbed. If by chance they cannot be saved, they will at least die humanely. Most of the birds I have found have been injured by human contact, albeit unintended, such as the beautiful hawk I found that had been struck by a car. I was able to transport the hawk in an open box--it never struggled or attempted to escape. It was incredible to see such a bird up close.
Thank you Center For Wildlife for being there for the many unfortunat wild creatures that need your help!

CFW saves wildlife with a caring and dedicated staff of mostly volunteers. With no federal or state funding, they are able to care for and rehabilitate wildlife brought to them from throughout the region. Those they are not able to release back to the wild are used for education programs in schools and for the general public. My non-profit environmental group has volunteered for 3-4 years at their facility helping in spring clean-up activities. After completing our work, the staff has given us a short tour of the facility, introducing us to the permanent bird residents and showing us their rehabilitation area. We have seen the staff in action caring for newborn baby birds, squirrels and other wildlife.

The Center for Wildlife is an excellent facility, and the only one like it in the area. I brought a wild animal to them once, and another time someone came to my house on short notice to get an animal that needed their help. The first time I used their service I searched online, and found that most other places like the CFW only accept certain animals. Their ability to accommodate several different types of animals, and their goal to release the animals back into the wild where they belong make this an invaluable asset to York County. Without CFW there would be many animals suffering and unqualified people attempting to care for them. It is so important that CFW keep running, and that people in the area donate to support them.

CFW is performing an invaluable service for the birds and animals of ME with no government funding. For this I will do anything I can for them.
they accept volunteer time and donations of bags of acorns to paper towels plus the money recieved is so well used I only wish I could do more. Hardly a soring goes by that I don't take them a baby bird and I am so grateful they are there.

I became aware of CFW two or three years ago. My sister-in-law began volunteering there, and then continued as an intern. Her love for the animals she cares for is apparent to anyone who knows her, and she keeps family and friends informed about the work CFW does from her Facebook profile. As she learns about Maine's wild creatures, she in turn teaches us about them when she posts photos of the animals, birds & reptiles in her care. She comments about them & updates us on their progress as they are rehabilitated. She spreads the word about the work CFW does to everyone she meets. She is a wonderful ambassador for a wonderful organization that is very much needed. CFW works to educate the public with their educational programs. Like most of my neighbors living in a rural area, I've had many instances when I've encountered an animal needing help, but the game warden refused to have anything to do with it. Other animal welfare groups restrict their care to domestic animals. There was never anywhere to turn. Now that I know about CFW I feel confident that I can get help for an injured animal.

CFW is a truly remarkable organization. With no federal or state funding, they are able to provide excellent medical care to a wild animal population that would otherwise go by the wayside. Thousands of birds, small mammals, and reptiles benefit from their care each year and the CFW asks for very little in return for their efforts.

They are largely volunteer-powered and paid staff are by no means getting rich! There is an overall atmosphere of a true passion for the mission there that is infectious and leads to people falling in love with the Center over and over.

Furthermore, they leverage their animal care to provide educational opportunities to the community - whether it is a program in schools or libraries, or simply to educate a member of the public who comes in to drop off an animal - they are helping humans and wildlife coexist more peacefully in Southern Maine.

I have been involved with The Center for Wildlife for over 15 years. In that time, the organization has gone from a small wildlife rehabilitation center operating out of a trailer with no running hot water, to a facility with. among other things, an indoor treatment center, an outdoor enclosure for eagles, and an impressive educational building. But one thing has remained consistent: the dedication, hard work, love, and complete commitment of the staff, volunteers, and Board to caring for injured and orphaned wild animals, always with the goal of returning them to the wild and their native habitat.

As someone who has volunteered at CFW for many years, served on the Board, and brought in my share of injured animals to receive care, I have enough stories to fill many pages. All of them are about wild animals in desperate need of help, and the Center being there to provide it. It is the only facility in the area to do this work, and without it, far too many animals would die. They would never get that second chance the Center gives them.

So thank you, everyone at CFW, for all that you do. I hope you realize how very much you and your work are appreciated!

The CFW provides a learning experience like no other. Every trip to the Center produces a personal connection with the animals which nurtures curiosity, understanding, and compassion for the wild around us. Every visit leaves me in awe of the natural world and inspired to help protect it better. The CFW is an incredible place staffed by great people doing amazing things for all who share this planet.

I volunteered over 1 1/2 years at the York Center for Wild LIfe. It was an amazing experience - to be so close to wild life, helping to feed, clean enclosures and be with an incredibly caring, dedicated staff. It's pretty tough during those long winter months in Maine, and they never miss a day - the animals need them and that's that. While always remembering that the animals are wild and being aided to go back to the wild, I made close acquaintanceships with porcupines, opossum, beautiful falcons, hawks and owls as well as innumerable birds, squirrels and ducks. I also got to see an albatross who had gotten blown inland during a storm. They never turn down a wounded animal and survive mainly on donations, which makes what they do even more admirable and amazing.

I used to volunteer at the Center For Wildlife when I was 16 years old. I would do whatever it is that they needed done. Cleaning cages, laundry, changing water, making food platters or feeding the birds or squirrels.
I no longer volunteer there, but my mother, Anita, is part of the staff. She takes care of a lot of their paper work involving animal admissions and donations.
The Center for Wildlife is an amazing non-profit organization that deserves more recognition and funding. The amount of effort the hard working employees and volunteers put into keeping the organization going is mind boggling. The biggest thing that I think the general public doesn't understand is just how much more to it there is than just making sure the animals are taken care of. The to-do list goes on and on! They also do educational shows for kids. The children get to see at least one animal, be involved with activities and conversations and they get to learn about why it is so important to have these animals around. The educational shows is a wonderful program.
It has been my pleasure to keep in contact with the CFW and occasionally help out at big events. They are a wonderful group of energetic people that are making a difference in the world of wild animals.

There is a very special place here in Southern Maine, the Center for Wildlife. With a humble existence, they take in and treat hundreds of animals that literally have no where else to go, as no other rehabilitation facility exists for our special wildlife. And somehow, as our local human population has expanded, so has the Center's work. There is a small committed team who run this place, but they also rely greatly on rotating volunteers. As the Internship Director and adjunct faculty for a local university, I have sent many students to the Center to complete their internship, and every one of them has had an extraordinary experience. Not only does the Center help imperiled wildlife, they serve the educational community, and the public at large. They teach interns and volunteers who then become wildlife stewards and educators themselves. Further, the Center for Wildlife reaches into the community to teach. Many times they have come to my environmental studies classrooms as guest speakers, and have provided thoughtful, and thought provoking lessons on co-existing with wildlife. I have come to rely on the Center for Wildlife, they are a unique place for the rehabilitation of diverse animals from owls and hawks to snakes and turtles, and a center for the education of our academic and at-large community.

I was an intern at CFW a few summers ago, and one day I was sitting at the desk when a large, gruff, mechanic-type looking man came in. In his hands was a small washcloth, which he held out to me. Inside, was a nearly newborn mouse. Apparently the mice had nested inside his lawnmower, and he "didn't want to talk about" the rest of the story. He was close to tears. I think that moment really exemplified the importance of CFW to me. People want to be able to help wildlife and rarely have the means to do so. It's important for people to give back to wildlife, and it helps raise awareness, especially with regards to suffering turtle populations in the area. Everyone who works there is worth their weight in gold. I mean that, truly. It was a wonderful experience, they treat their interns and volunteers like family, and their role in the community is so important.

We work with the Center For Wildlife year round. They bring their rehabilitated wildlife to our site to provide education programs. The programs are wonderfully popular with the live animals and then visitors are able to explore those animals habitats on our trail system. We are beginning a new K-2 program this week in collaboration with CFW that does just that: view the live animals, then explore their habitats. Our partnership with Center for Wildlife had added another dimension to our programs.

My mom takes daily walks in the field and woods behind her house. This field and wood surround a natural pond where there are many year-round wildlife residents. Canada geese are an almost permanent fixture there, whether overwintering or stopping by on their migration. One fall day, looking out toward the field getting ready for her daily walk, my mother noticed a Canada goose that had stayed in the same spot all morning while the others had not. She went to investigate. It turns out the goose had walked right into a rusty old metal foot trap that the farmer of that field must have left there for a fox or groundhog, but sure enough it had trapped this goose instead. My mom ran back to get a large basket, a towel, and something to pry the old rusty trap open. After successfully freeing the goose she waited for him to fly away. He didn't. He just sat down and hissed and hissed at her (his only defense). She bravely loaded him into the basket (he put up a very feeble fight) and decided to have him spend the night in the basket sheltered in the garage with food and water and if he hadn't regained his strength by morning, she knew just where to take him, the Center for Wildlife. Well, the next morning, the goose still would not stand up. So she called CFW and let them know what happened and they told her to bring the goose right in. The goose had some superficial wounds, was dehydrated and weak. Who knows how long he was stuck in that trap before my mother noticed him and took action. The staff at CFW cleaned and looked after his wounds, and monitored him for a few days while he hydrated and regained his strength. My mom called to check his status after a few days and the wonderful caring staff at CFW let her know that physically he was healed, but he was showing signs of depression. See, the staff educated us that geese mate for life, and mated pairs raise and protect their young together. They are very social creatures and family-oriented and they show signs of depression when they are all alone. They asked us if there was still a flock of Canada geese in the field or if they had already moved on without our little injured guy. We confirmed that they were still there. So, the staff allowed us to come pick the now healed Canada goose up, bring him back to the field and release him next to that flock, in hopes that he would be accepted. They were on the fence with releasing him back to where he was first endangered by the farmer's foot trap but the benefits of being with his flock again outweighed the chance that he would stumble into another trap. We got the large animal crate as close to the flock as we could without scaring them off and opened the door to the crate. The goose hesitated, then took a few steps out and off he flew toward the flock. There was much raucous honking as he flew over the flock. Suddenly 3 other geese took flight and joined him and they flew over the treeline together. I like to think that it was his family waiting for him to come back before continuing on their migration. The care and education the CFW staff provided regarding this Canada goose, not only helped to him heal but made that homecoming and family reunion possible. They are amazing.

I have attended CFW's presentations featuring their non-releasable wild animals. I also follow their facebook page. CFW consistently presents pictures, stories, and most impotantly, education regarding wild animals of the New England area. Their staff is so knowledgable and the compassion they have for the critters is palpable right from the FB page! I carry gloves, blanket and supplies in my car in the case of wild animal emergency. I know that if I call CFW, they will assist me in the animal's rescue.

I brought CFW three baby squirrels whose mother had been killed. They took them in and one of their wonderful volunteers cared for them. CFW is such a wonderful organization. They are truly concerned about the wellbeing of the animals and most importantly provide all the care and attention they need in order to be returned to the wild where they belong. They also share their knowledge with the public with open houses, animal ambassadors and through the web (website, Facebook, etc). They are always trying to engage the community in activities and fundraisers to help them continue their mission of providing a safe, nurturing environment for the thousands of birds, animals and reptiles that need their assistance. Keep up the great work!

The Center For Wildlife is an amazing place staffed by caring and talented individuals who demonstrate their love of wildlife every day. As a volunteer I have learned so much that I can pass on to others to increase awareness of our native animals, and the difficulties they face in their world. As a preschool teacher I feel that I am educating the future stewards of the earth to be more aware of the effects of our actions on wildlife and the environment.

The CFW really lives up to it's Mission Statement: "...to rescue, rehabilitate and release sick and injured wild animals, and educate the public about wildlife and the habitats they need to survive". I have seen the passion that the staff and volunteers put into their work - they are truly dedicated to helping wildlife return to thier natural habitat after illness or injury. I am most intrigued with the lengths they go to to rehabilitate an animal when others would have just given up. Putting screws into a turtles broken shell, and fixing a wing of an owl so it can once again fly are just two examples of the amazing work done there.

York Center for Wildlife provides an important service in southern Maine, caring for and rehabilitating wildlife. They also have educational outreach programs which help children and adults gain a closer understanding and relationship with wildlife and nature.

I have been a volunteer at The Center For Wildlife for over 5 years now. I love it there! The staff and other volunteers are so great and caring to all!!! It is a fun and loving environment. I have also had to bring injured animals in and they do everything the help save the animals that come in.

The CFW is an amazing organization-how they "do it" given the stresses involved I do not know; I first brought them an animal in 2006 and was so impressed with their dedication and persistence to the mission and although I'm not Bill Gates by any stretch of one's imagination I have since then donated thousands of dollars and continue to support them anyway I can. It's not often I back up such work with donations given the potential for scams but this outfit is the exception in a big way. They are worth EVRY DIME.

They are creative in their fundraising approaches and I support all of them. I am a random, periodic donor for special needs they have that blind-side them as well as joining their 5-year donor program in 2006; I am now in my second 5-year committment.

Anything anyone can do for the CFW will be money well spent.
Thank you.

I donate and will continue to donate to the Center for wildlife because of the exceptional work they do on rehabilitating birds and animals. To see all the successful rehabs and releases is quite extraordinary. The staff and the volunteers are all hero's in my eyes.

Bob Watson

My first encounter with the Center for Wildlife was many years ago when a dear friends pet seagull was injured. Our friend (Polly) was paralyzed from the waist down and wheel chair bound. Polly lived alone directly on the ocean. She had befriended a seagull which she named Susie who came to her home every morning and tapped on the back door for breakfast. Sometimes she would come back later in the day knowing Polly would be happy to see her and give her a snack. One day Polly was visiting with us when her neighbor called and said that Susie was on the front lawn and hurt. Susie had a very large fish hook lodged in her wing. Somehow Susie knew that if she got to Polly she would help her. Polly and her neighbor brought Susie to the CFW where she was cared for until she was healed. Once healed Polly picked Susie up, brought her home and released her. Susie continued to come every morning until one day when there was no tap on the door. Polly got concerned and looked outside and saw Susie lying on the patio near the door.....Susie had died. Susie's death was devastating to Polly as she looked forward to their mornings together. Thanks to the great care given Susie by the CFW they spent many more mornings together than they would have. CFW didn't just save the life of an injured bird, they saved the life of one of Polly's best friends.

I work at a Montessori school in the area, and we have both visited the Center for Wildlife and had them come to our school to give presentations. This is a wonderful service in teaching children to respect and care about the larger world, the wild animal world in particular. The Center staff brought in live animals for the children to see, thus providing concrete examples of what they're talking about. As an extension of their visit, we dissected the owl pellets the Center provided, further enhancing the learning experience. We are so grateful to have such an organization in southern Maine!

very fulfiling to work the love to help the animals and make a difference

Last summer my daughter found a painted turtle that had been apparently hit by a car. I called Karen and explained to her how terribly broken the shell was. She told me to bring it down to her and she explained how they screw the broken shells together and that often these turtles are released back to their own environment after rehabilitating them. Unfortunatly, this turtle did not survive despite the centers efforts to save her. They attempted to harvest the eggs that she was carrying as well but it was too late for them too.

I took my daughter to the center for a tour a few months later and Karen was more than gracious in allowing us to see what they do at the center. The work, devotion and dedication that they provide to injured animals is truly amazing. It was wondeful to actually see first hand the fantastic work that they do there.

The Center for Wildlife is an organization run entirely on private donations and serves the need of injured wildlife. If you have ever seen a wounded bird or turtle and wanted to help but did not know how, that is what the center for wildlife does. As humans encroach more on the habitat of wildlife we run the risk of injuring them. In most communities there is no place to take an injured wild animal and they are left by the side of the road to die. In York we have the Center for Wildlife. THe employees and volunteers are dedicated to rehabilitaing the animals and educationing the community to coexist with the wildlife in our backyard.

I work with a company that held a fundraiser for The Center and I was incredibly impressed with the people who came out to help, both with the execution and organization. The Center's staff took a huge roll in planning and orchestrating the event which turned out to be a huge success for both The Center and my business. Their enthusiasm, dedication and hard work was unparralleled in any organizaion I have worked with so far. It was a pleasure to have had the opportunity and one I look forward to having again in the future.

I am a board member of the York Land Trust and I have worked with the Center for Wildlife staff on preparing educational programs for the public. I have been very impressed by the staff's knowledge base and their willingness to work with other organizations. They bring valuable ideas to the meetings and are excellent collaborators. I have seen them share their excitement and understanding of animals with public school children. I have also attended their open house and was impressed with the facility and their focus on the well-being of the animals and birds in their care.

I recently started working here at the Center for Wildlife and I immediately fell in love with the place and the animals. While working here one is able to obtain hands-on work with wildlife and help them make a full recovery. I have learned a lot in only a short amount of time. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. I never feel uncomfortable asking a question because I know I will be met with a charismatic and intelligent answer. The people that work here love their job and you can see that when you watch them work with the animals. The animals here receive the best and compassionate care. This is a great place to volunteer and hopefully the Center will be around for a very long time.

I found the Center for Wildlife when I encountered an injured bird that needed help. When I brought the bird to the center I filled out a brief form which included a check if I wanted to learn whether my bird survived and when it would be released. My bird did not survive, but I always felt grateful that I'd found CFW to give the poor thing a chance.

Some years later I wanted to visit CFW to see if I could help in any way. That very day I began as a volunteer. As a teacher I could only volunteer during summer, but that is when the need for volunteers is the greatest.

My first summers were occupied by learning how to care for every kind of bird from the tiniest to large birds of prey. I also helped with turtles and small mammals in the most rewarding situations I'd ever experienced.

Over time however I discovered my greatest talent and interest was working with and caring for baby songbirds, seabirds, woodpeckers, etc. I was in awe of how quickly a tiny featherless creature could eat, grow, explore and exercise their wings indoors; and eventually fly in the outside enclosures. And most exciting of all when the bird began to feed itself...be released again into the wild where they belonged!The work I did with the wildlife, other volunteers and staff at the Center for Wildlife makes me proud to this day because I know I made a difference.

I didn't begin the journey with CFW until I was 55 years old. I was privileged to see a small organization of dedicated naturalists expand, improve, and grow to build the extraordinary rehab facility it is today. I volunteered every summer until my joints and muscles began to fail me. I still miss the privilege of being so close to all the birds, mammals and reptiles that the Center for Wildlife offered me. The passion I felt about my work with CFW spread to all of the children and families that passed though my classroom door over all those years as well. I am forever grateful for CFW because it opened my mind to how fragile all living things are, and that we can each make a difference.

The Center for wildlife gives wild birds and animals that are injured a chance to survive. As a volunteer, I feel privileged to assist the dedicated staff members in rehabilitating injured wildlife. We have had the honor of helping bald eagles, osprey, peregrine falcons, various species of hawks, songbirds, opossum, porcupines, and many squirrels. The center offers help for animals that would otherwise die in the wild, whether it be by the side of the road after being struck by a car, attacked by a domestic animal, or just found injured in the forest. The staff is an extremely dedicated, intelligent group that had opportunities to continue their work in corporate America, but chose instead to help our planet.
I have volunteered at the CFW for 5 years and feel honored to be able to have the opportunity.

I am part of a group that raises awareness about our environment and the planet's wildlife at my school. Center for Wildlife, Inc. has been a huge supporter of our group and has helped us set up awareness events in our school. We owe a lot to the great efforts of Center for Wildlife, Inc.

I have wanted to volunteer at CFW for two years, and the minute I turned seventeen, I applied and began to volunteer there. I have also formed a student organization at my high school to fundraise and raise awareness for the center and wildlife. I have had an amazing experience at CFW. From the first day i arrived for orientation and was taught how to clean turtles and make "opossum platters", I felt welcomed and supported by the people who work there and the atmosphere of the place. Take a long, winding, bumpy road past horses and goats, pass a lake on your left, and halfway up the side of a mountain sits the well hidden right turn marked with a painted wooden sign. Here is where I feel at home. The animals are taken care of with unmatched care and compassion. Staff conduct fundraisers and find ways to get the high quality technology, medicine, and foods that actually make a difference in these animals lives. In a world that is being degraded by the ease of consumerism and technology, it is reassuring to see a place that is entirely devoted to rescuing and reversing our negative effects as humans. I have seen so many barred owls come in to the center this winter after having been hit by cars, and each of them is assessed carefully and thoroughly, and here, they are given the best care that they could possibly receive. The Center is brought over 1,600 animals annually, and volunteers, interns, and a very few paid staff members are the heart of the organization. There isn't one person who makes it all happen: it is a passionate community working towards the same cause. And yes, it is hard sometimes. But it is the most meaningful cause I have ever come across, conducted in a beautiful and thorough way.

Thank you CFW.

I started at the center for wildlife three years ago. at first it was only a class project in which i had to do a certian amount of community service, but after that first visit to the center i was hooked. I then applyed for the spring internship which i got. durring that internship i learned so much and really gained an appriciation for nature. Also i realized just how much work really goes into wildlife rehabilation. The hours are long and the work is back-breaking, but I knew from the momment i performed my first release that, it was all worth it in the end. I completed my internship, but was never able to say goodbye to the center, so that is why still to this day i am a volunteer. I am so appriciative of what the center has done for me, i have learned so much from everyone who works here, and gained a new outlook on the animals that are living in our back yard.