Idea acf4637:

Salthaven's Wildlife Education Outreach Program

Posted November 22, 2009

• Posted by: Carolyn Denstedt
• Organization: Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre
• Location: Mount Brydges, Ontario
• Category: Preserve the Environment
• Cost: Medium ($10,000 – $50,000)

"We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future." Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945)

Educating the youth of Canada about the value of wildlife and its protection becomes increasingly vital as more and more natural habitats are being impacted by human activities. Whether it is a Ruby-throated Hummingbird that has struck a window, a fawn attacked by dogs or a Bald Eagle poisoned by ingesting lead, the impact of wildlife coexisting with humans is apparent. Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre located in Mount Brydges, Ontario is actively involved in serving Canadians providing both wild animal care and public education. (www.salthaven.org) Over 700 animals and birds were admitted in 2009 including a female Bald Eagle presently listed as an Animal of Special Concern as outlined by the Ministry of Natural Resources Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List. For several years, Brian Salt, the director of Salthaven has been actively engaged in delivering comprehensive and compelling presentations and workshops supporting teachers at the elementary and high school level across Canada. The programs have been developed and are regularly reviewed by certified educators and are refined to meet students' needs. Brian is certified in rehabilitation training skills and advanced clinical pathology, and is licensed by the Canadian Wildlife Service and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR). He brings to his presentations information and stories gathered from over 25 years in the field producing powerful communication tools which inspire students to establish a personal committment to Canada's wildlife.

While wildlife rehabilitation remains a key component of the centre, our goal now is to expand our education outreach program. Excellent work has been done to align Salthaven's nine different presentations to meet the new Ministry of Education curriculum guidelines. It is a challenge to meet the costs of food, housing, medical supplies and veterinary services each year. Efforts are ongoing to raise funds to accomodate over 4000 calls for help every year. Although licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the centre receives no government funding and relies on a team of 95 volunteers, donations and philanthropy to provide care for sick, injured or orphaned wildlife. But, if it is true that the strength of any organization lies in its people, then the achievements of Salthaven are limitless.

Salthaven's aim is to become a national leader in wildlife education. We are determined to provide a solid foundation for the youth of Canada to become responsible stewards of the environment through this endeavor. With support from the foundation, we would be able to expand our education outreach program, increase the number of presentations delivered and thereby have a meaningful impact on children, youth and adults to raise awareness, increase knowledge and encourage more effective stewardship of our environment.

I encourage you to follow this link to see this program in action. http://video.lfpress.ca/video/featured/london-and-region/5828787001/waldorf-students-learn-life-lessons-through-animals/19091822001

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  Eastern Screech Owl
  Screech Owls are a common admission to the centre. They are often found by the side of the road having encountered the windshield of a moving truck. Rehydrated, rested and nourished they often make a full recovery and are released back into the wild.
  November 22, 2009 @ 10:01 AM

  
  
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  Mallard Duck
  Wait. What? Mallard? Yes indeed, this duck is indeed a Mallard. But this duck is a leucistic duck which means he is lacking the pigment of a typical Mallard.
  November 27, 2009 @ 9:02 PM

  
  
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  Red Tailed Hawks
  If you see a hawk on a telephone pole staring down his lunch, chances are it is a Red Tailed Hawk. They are so intent on the menu that they sometimes come in contact with moving vehicles and suffer head trauma. They usually respond well to treatment.
  November 27, 2009 @ 9:05 PM

  
  
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  You can lead a goose to water but..
  sometimes you have to persuade them to enter the pond. Although naturally curious, these silly geese were a bit apprehensive when they encountered a large body of water for the first time.
  November 27, 2009 @ 9:09 PM

  
  

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• Erin

  I volunteered for Salthaven in 2008 and can vouch for the high quality of care the animals receive at the clinic. At the same time, the education program cultures a generation of youth that are more connected with the animals and nature. Please help support Salthaven.
  November 22, 2009 @ 3:00 PM EST

  
  

• shawna950

  Great Program!
  November 22, 2009 @ 3:04 PM EST

  
  

• Jake

  I am not a volunteer, but have had the chance to meet some of Salthaven’s volunteers. I have never before met people who give so much of their time and effort towards a cause. They are a very caring group. Vote for Salthaven!
  November 22, 2009 @ 3:08 PM EST

  
  

• julieharford

  Over my two seasons volunteering for Salthaven, I have seen countless number of animals and birds that have been injured or abandoned given a new lease on life. Every volunteer at Salthaven is focussed on his/her goal - to help this wild animal get back to where it belongs. I feel honoured to be part of the Salthaven team. Please help Salthaven help nature when it is at it's most vulnerable.
  November 22, 2009 @ 6:38 PM EST

  
  

• Kim

  My mom (Ruby) has volunteered at Salthaven for the last 4 years. I am so thankful that a place like Salthaven exists in our area to assist our 'animal friends' that need some tender TLC. I am so proud of my mom, Brian and all of the other volunteers that make it possible for Salthaven to do what they do and to do it well.
  November 22, 2009 @ 7:58 PM EST

  
  

• barnsey

  I am so roud of my Ruby,she gives of herdelf all the time.i am honored to vote
  November 22, 2009 @ 9:00 PM EST

  
  

• IreneDouglas

  2009 was my first year of volunteering at Salthaven. It is a truly life-changing experience to see a bird or animal be set free after nurturing it through a sickness or injury or after a baby has been orphaned. It is the same feeling of exhileration whether it is an eagle, a sparrow or a bunnie. Salthaven is a refuge of peace and personal growth and it is an honor to be associated with Brian Salt.
  November 23, 2009 @ 8:15 AM EST

  
  

• Laura

  I voted, and send my appreciation to all the hard workers and organizers and voluteers!
  November 23, 2009 @ 10:10 AM EST

  
  

• barbl

  Salthaven is amazing. They were there to help when we found orphaned baby racoons. They are a top notch group and well worth any support or funding they need.
  November 23, 2009 @ 4:20 PM EST

  
  

• Tata

  Amazing idea. I am glad to vote for Salthaven.
  November 24, 2009 @ 2:44 PM EST

  
  

• wildlife

  As a volunteer at Salthaven, I can tell you that this place does as much for me as it does for the injured who are rehabilitated and released back where they need to be..
  November 24, 2009 @ 4:03 PM EST

  
  

• chasper

  This is A, no THE, super amazing place to help wildlife that usually (like 95% of the time) is distressed and or endangered by everyday human interaction. Salthaven gives our cherished wildlife species a second chance to live their lives as they were meant to be lived. Salthaven receives ZERO, NADA, NO government funding and relies ENTIRELY on donations from concerned citizens who recognize the value of wildlife in our midst. We would be a much poorer human species without our wildlife partners; they are truly a barometer of our human environment. Please vote for this worthy organization; they can do mountains of good with any donation. Chuck and Jan Sperlich, friends of nature.
  November 24, 2009 @ 8:26 PM EST

  
  

• deb

  I am going to let the following people speak for me in support of Salthaven: The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. Mohandas Gandhi Our task must be to free ourselves... by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty. Albert Einstein The worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them. That's the essence of inhumanity. George Bernard Shaw
  November 25, 2009 @ 10:13 AM EST

  
  

• kristy

  This is a truly amazing organization that I am proud to be a part of. I have been volunteering at Salthaven for two years now, and it has been an amazing life-changing experience. To help nurse the wildlife that come in injuried, orphaned and always compromised is an opportunity of a lifetime, but to see these orphaned and injuried animals be released back into the wild is the perfect moment; seeing an animal that many other volunteers have helped nurse back into proper health and given a second chance at life. Salthaven is a facility that changes the way people look upon the world, and gives an opportunity for second chances while providing many with great memories of the work they have done and who they have worked with. The education program is just another step to letting the community know about Salthaven and the things we do, but also teaches you about the animals themselves. Thank you Brian for giving us the opportunity to learn all of these new things =)
  November 25, 2009 @ 2:30 PM EST

  
  

• b. pruder

  WHAT A WONDERFUL ORGANIZATION! We recently witnessed the miraculous release of a female bald eagle and a cardinal...what a rewarding experience to see these lovely creatures "set free" back into the world to continue to make our world more beautiful....keep up the good work!
  November 25, 2009 @ 4:28 PM EST

  
  

• Amber M

  I have had the pleasure to volunteer at Salthaven for a few summers, and was very impressed with the compassion that surrounds it everyday. After moving out to Alberta and being unable to continue helping with the wildlife at Salthaven, I feel like a piece of me is missing. This is truly a magical place, and I sincerely hope they are able to make miracles exist under their roof, for many years to come. All the best Salthaven!!
  November 25, 2009 @ 10:16 PM EST

  
  

• AlexP

  In the 5 years we have owned our pet supplies store numerous people have brought injured and abandoned animals to us and unfailingly Salthaven has been there to look after these animals in need. Brian Salt is a humanitarian of the first order and the Salthaven volunteers give countless hours and boundless love and care to all creatures brought to them. The devotion Brian and his volunteers give Salthaven is awesome in the true sense of the word. Salthaven is a cause worthy of everone's support.
  November 27, 2009 @ 11:08 AM EST

  
  

• gpitman

  Salthaven has changed my life and who I am as a person. Only after one season of volunteering, I cannot imagine my life without Salthaven. Any possible chance that I have, I tell my friends and family about the wonders of Salthaven. I am honored to know Brian Salt and to be able to volunteer at Salthaven.
  November 27, 2009 @ 12:08 PM EST

  
  

• Old Paddler

  Brian Salt has opened up a whole new world for me, a world I find very exciting to explore. Working with "wild" animals is so different from working with domestic animals - the energy is a challenge to understand. We have opportunities at Salthaven that we would not have anywhere else. The first time I saw fawns, they we so small they only came up to about my knee - have you had that experience! I am so blessed to have the opportunity to volunteer at Salthaven. Ruby
  November 29, 2009 @ 8:29 AM EST

  
  

• walkingrock

  TurtleHaven I had the pleasure of meeting Brian a couple of years ago when I visited him to learn more about how to set-up a rehab centre for the Waterloo Region. I'm a wildlife rehabber and work with turtles and the passion Brian has for wildlife is truly a gift. Brain you are a shining example to the rest us of. Good luck to you and your staff at SaltHaven. Angie
  November 29, 2009 @ 10:25 AM EST

  
  

• Mark P

  The effect Salthaven has on wildlife can be measured in numbers of mended bones, infections staved off and young raised to independent maturity. The effect the animals and their stories can have on us may not be as outwardly obvious but is no less real. It can often be measured in humbled egos and deepened compassions.
  November 29, 2009 @ 4:09 PM EST

  
  

• brightfuture

  Just voted for you and sent out an email for others to do the same as I believe ecological projects are so very, very important to support at this time in history. We also have an environmental idea on the site and it just struck me that we should all be voting for each other. Although our idea won't make it to the semi finals I would still like people to go and see it (vote too - but 6 hours is not enough time to save us), maybe we can all work together to push thorough some more environmental ideas or even just get 2 of them into the 'buzz' category. Our idea is : http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf4122 - Bright Future Project - Good luck and thanks - I'll try to get you all our people in the next few hours!
  November 29, 2009 @ 6:31 PM EST

  
  

• salthaven

  Thanks everyone for voting! Keep them coming...if we get in the top 60 we will go on to the next round! PLEASE tell everyone you know to vote within the next 6 hours!
  November 29, 2009 @ 6:57 PM EST

  
  

• salthaven

  Also, Thankyou "BrightFuture" SO much for voting for our cause. Together we can make a world of a difference!
  November 29, 2009 @ 6:59 PM EST

  
  

• Brian

  On behalf of all the animals and birds that would benefit by this grant I would like to publicly thank all of you who voted for us and left comments as well. This is amazing to think that we have accumulated so many votes in such a short period of time! Many thanks Carolyn for all the hard work and effort on your part to put this all together on short notice for Salthaven. You are amazing! Brian Salt Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre Inc
  November 29, 2009 @ 7:03 PM EST

  
  

• jesbird

  Such an acurate description of Salthaven! I am proud to have roots with such a wonderful non-profit organization. Salthaven volunteers are truly the grinding geers behind what makes it all work. Brian's amazing work and limitless energy for wild creatures is truly an amazing feat- carrying the torch for future generations of stewards. I fully support the efforts towards education outreach! Kudos to this movement!
  November 29, 2009 @ 7:15 PM EST

  
  

• salthaven

  My most heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted for our idea. Your support and kind words mean so much.
  November 29, 2009 @ 11:02 PM EST

  
  

• Christen

  The most amazing place EVER with the best volunteers!!!! Salthaven has changed my life and I will never forget it.
  November 29, 2009 @ 11:33 PM EST