As noted in recent columns, I’ll be sharing some of Carleen Cote’s past articles because Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center isn’t accepting any wildlife or phone inquiries right now. What follows is a story entitled, “Labor of Love” from August 3, 2002:
Deer at Duck Pond. Photo by Jayne Winters
“This week’s ‘Critter Chatter’ is not about the Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center and its current population, nor is it about the time and efforts my husband, Donald, and I invest in caring for the babies that arrive at the Center for a second chance at life. It is about the students at Windsor Elementary School who care enough about the wildlife to put their own time and effort into raising money to help buy food and other supplies for our young boarders.
Last fall, teacher Sheila Ready called to ask if her students could come for a tour of the Center. She told me that perhaps another fundraiser for the Center would be undertaken by the students and she thought seeing the animals would give the students a perspective of what we do and the animals we care for – and how the money they raised would be used. The class arrived and, to their credit, the students were well-behaved and appeared to enjoy their tour.
In June, I received a call from Sheila telling me she had a very special surprise – and did I want her to mail it to me or could I come to the school and accept the gift. I decided to go to the school (taking along some of the young critters to show) and talk about the animals and our work at the Center. I took a baby raccoon and a flying squirrel. The children listened attentively and asked many good questions. They then very proudly and excitedly presented me with a check for $374.
The students raised this in one week. Sheila’s students used computer technology to make posters and covers for the donation cans. They spoke to classes to tell students why the money was being collected and about their tour of our Center and the wildlife they saw. They also studied eco-systems, nature and safety with wildlife – stressing never to touch any wild animal they might encounter. In math class, real money is used to learn counting – and that was donated. The donations came from many sources – from students’ allowances or, perhaps, tooth fairy money and, of course, parents also donated.
The class that raised the most money was treated to ice cream floats. This year, Mrs. Stanley’s and Mrs. Beasley’s tied for first place.
Great job, students! Your thoughtfulness, generosity and hard work is very much appreciated. The money you raised will buy lots of food for all the little animals and birds here at the Center. We cannot thank you enough for remembering us and wanting to help support the wildlife.”
Wildlife rehab facilities are typically nonprofits that primarily depend on personal resources and outside donations. For any students who would like to help fundraise for such an important cause, please be advised that Duck Pond has been working with Wilderness Miracles Rehab in Bowdoin (Kathi at 207-720-0074), Misfits Rehab in Auburn (Jen at 207-212-1039), Bridget Green in Wiscasset (207-631-0874), Critterville Wildlife in Brooklin (845-549-2407), and Saco River Wildlife (207-702-1405). Pam Meier at Mid-coast Maine is a turtle rehabber and can be reached at The Turtle’s Back (203-903-2708). Please check these websites for a rehabber close to you: www.mainevetmed.org/wildlife-rehabilitation or www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/orphaned-injured-wildlife/index.html In addition, you can contact your local Animal Control Officer through your town office.
—by Jayne Winters, Natural Resources Council of Maine member from South China, Maine
Critter Chatter also appears monthly in the Town Line newspaper
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