All Things Wild Rehabilitation (ATW) is adding an education center to its current facility in Georgetown to expand its programming and offer additional wildlife education to the community. Construction is underway on the Little Red Schoolhouse, a classroom space with state-of-the-art audio/visual capability where kids and adults can learn about wildlife, nature, and conservation.
Education is the priority of ATW and they envision the center to be a place where education programs can be held for audiences of all ages. Roger Rucker, education director and vice president at ATW, holds a masters degree in zoology and has worked in wild animal rehabilitation and education for 15 years.
“We have always wanted an education facility to educate the public about wild animals,” said Rucker. “Current state and federal regulations prevent us from giving tours of the facility, so this schoolhouse will allow us to do so.”
Due to a generous donor, a 14 x 40 foot building is now in place for the schoolhouse. ATW is currently raising money to run electricity to it and to build a 14 x 20 foot annex to house a small kitchen and restrooms.
“We estimate $50,000 to complete the work,” Rucker said. “Our goal is to have the center ready for classes by the end of 2023.”
Everyone attending an ATW education program will not only learn about various species of wild animals but how to co-exist with wild animals and how to stay safe while respecting and treating the animals with kindness and compassion. With the center co-located to the rehabilitation facility, it will be easier and less stressful for education animals to participate in the programs.
“We plan to use the education center for wildlife movies, birthday parties, and education programs with live ambassador animals such as our opossums, skunks, owls, hawks, pelican, and raccoons,” Rucker said. “I think that educating the public about wild animals helps people understand how important it is to take care of our dwindling wild animals.”
The building will be also available for junior wildlife rehabilitation clubs, school field trips, events for adult groups, and speaker series.
If you are interested in donating to the building costs of the education center, visit https://allthingswildrehab.org/donate/ or email allthingswildrehab@gmail.com.
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