There are so many ways that you can help...
I know your first thought is that she is asking for money. Nope. (unless you want)
1. Become A Voice. Think back. Did you even know what a wildlife rehabber was before you needed me? If yes, then you are among the very few. Tell people about your experience with your rescue. The more people that know there are rehabbers around to help them, as I was able to help you, the more likely they will be to look for one when they or someone they know are faced with a wildlife crisis. I've heard from lots of rescuers that said it was so hard to find someone to help them or know what to do. Do you remember the stress and overload of emotions that you went through? I do. I can always hear it in everyone's voices that I talk to.
2. Become Aware. Walk your yard before mowing, weedwhacking and check your burnpile before setting it on fire. Check for nests and little critters wandering around.
Slow down and be alert when driving especially on country roads or roads that you know are likely to have wildlife near and enjoy to scenery. Watch out for our un-knowing wild life...(yes, even squirrels).
Keep an eye on your domestic critters (dogs/cats) when out playing during the spring and summer months. It's amazing what they can find. If not for the wildlife safety then for the safety of your beloved pets. What if your dog or cat gets bit or injured by a wild animal? I know you're probably just thinking about raccoons, opposums, etc. BUT you should have seen what a grown rabbit did to a cat. That poor cat looked worse than the rabbit and didn't survive. I got to release that rabbit back to the wild in less than 15 days.
3. Become Wild Life Friendly. How about creating an environment that can support wildlife. Check out this site. http://www.nwf.org/gardenforwildlife/ OR if you have country acreage with woods and pastures, volunteer to allow rehabbers to release their animals there. Some animals have to be acclimated to an environment before releasing out to the wild. How about just keeping an eye on them and keeping the rehabber up to date.
If you garden for your food, use organic pesticides or environmentally friendly practices. Plant an extra area for the wild critters to feast on and then fence off your main garden for your use.
4. Become A Volunteer Of Your Time. There are many organizations and even some home-based rehabbers that allow people to volunteer to help out. Any time is better than none. You may be asked to wash dishes, clean cages, do laundry, gather wild food, transport animals and...(I know you want to do this) feed babies! Know that any and every thing that you do is for the greater good of that precious little critter.
5. Become A Volunteer Of Your Talents OR Use Your Connections With Others. What's your hobby? What's your job? What kind of friends or connections do you have?
- Do you crochet or knit? http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/nest.html
- Do you organic garden? What do you do with your weeds or leftovers? Bunnies love weeds and will eat/nibble on leftover clippings. Of course, if you have a garden...you probably already know that.
- Are you a carpenter/construction worker? You could help build cages or come up with new cage or rehab room designs. My husband has been awesome in building shelves to hold all my cages and helping me design my layout of my room.
- Are you a landscaper? You can keep an eye out for animal nests and inform people of how to proceed about the wildlife. Hopefully, the people will love the thought of a bunny nest in their yard. They would be able to watch nature as it grows. And what do you do with your clippings? Extra landscaping rocks? Soil? We can use some of this stuff for our cages.
- Do you work at a grocery store? What do they do with the produce that they can't sell? Do you realize how much money rehabbers spend on food products for their critters? I have a teenage boy...he doesn't costs or eat as much as the critters.
- Do you work at a Vet/Medical Office? We always need extra medical supplies. Syringes with or without needles. Bandages and gauze. Specimen cups (un-used).
- Are you in sales, public relations, advertising, or networking? Imagine how many people you can reach by just doing what you do and talking about wildlife.
- Use your passions to come up with new ideas for becoming an advocate for wildlife or fund-raising for the cause.
6. Become Knowledgable. LEARN. There is a saying, I believe it was Michelangelo, "I am still learning". Ask questions, do research, learn about wildlife. AND if possible...how about becoming a wildlife rehabber. There are not enough of us to go around. Some rescuers have to travel over 30 miles to get to me and I usually try to meet them about half way. Check your state DNR site for information on getting licensed.
7. Become A Sponsor. Donate money, supplies, gift cards, food, etc. Remember that we don't get paid by the state or any organization to do what we do. We do it out of the love for wildlife. Ask the rehabber/facility if they have a wishlist or if they need certain supplies that you may be able to donate.
PLEASE DON'T TURN YOUR BACK TO US...BECAUSE WE WON'T TURN OUR BACKS TO YOU.
To donate to Critters Of The Woods, please contact me at Rhonda@crittersofthewoods.com
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Critters of the Woods WishList.doc Size : 28 Kb Type : doc |
