My Nonprofit Reviews

In addition to education and conservation, ECWR is committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing Florida's native species. On a daily basis, this might look like a volunteer wading into the Gulf to disentangle a pelican from fishing lines, or an intern hovered over the next coopers hawk admission to examine a broken wing, or a staff member confirming treatment plans and medication doses for an injured fox, or all available hands feeding infant squirrels, opossums, raccoons, and songbirds morning till night during baby season. Meanwhile, other volunteers are busy cleaning habitats, preparing individual diets for dozens of species, and washing dishes, laundry, floors, and hands all day long. Upfront at the education center, visitors young and old, are learning about our ambassadors, handling artifacts, engaging in conservation efforts, and becoming aware of and excited about Florida's environments and the creatures who live among us. Knowledgeable staff and volunteers are passionate about teaching and making a positive difference in the encounters they have with guests on-site and through outreach efforts. In addition, ECWR plays a huge role in marine mammal strandings and data collection for research. As a 3-year volunteer, I am privileged to be part of such a dedicated group. Serving as a mentor to our new volunteers and interns, not a shift goes by that I myself don't learn something new - from the staff, from other volunteers and interns, and mostly from what our Florida creatures teach us!