Annual Report 2017

Improving wildlife care through professional education

and training since 1982

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President’s Message

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am honored to present the 2017 NWRA Annual

Report. The National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association has been improving wildlife

care by providing specialized training, information, and resources to wildlife

rehabilitators, veterinarians, and educators since 1982.

Using its core values to promote respect and concern for wildlife, shared knowledge,

professionalism, continuing improvement, team work and cooperation, the NWRA has

been in the forefront for making wildlife rehabilitation a well-respected science. This

has had a positive impact on wildlife populations worldwide.

2017 was a banner year for this fine organization. Some highlights include a very well

attended symposium in Williamsburg, Virginia, two wonderful books on wildlife

medicine, and many grants and scholarships awarded for education and research.

The NWRA is a well respected worldwide and I am honored to be part of this wonderful

organization.

Sincerely,

Richard Grant

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SYMPOSIUM

NWRA’s annual national symposium continues to be

the largest and most comprehensive professional

training and development event in the field. Since

1982, NWRA has produced 35 national symposia in

23 different states; cumulative attendance exceeds

14,200 people. The Watershed Moments for Wildlife

theme celebrates successes in the wildlife field and

draws attention to the everyday choices that shape

the future of our wildlife community. A watershed

moment is a point in time that marks an important—

often historic—change. While there are successes to

celebrate, many challenges still lie ahead. The lives

we save, the stories we share, the research to which

we contribute, and the legislation we support, makes

a difference. Just as water in a small stream travels

thousands of miles to the ocean, the decisions we

make and the work we do on behalf of wildlife have

effects felt far away and long into the future.

Attendees of the 2017 Symposium represented 46 states, 6 Canadian provinces, and the countries of

Estonia and Australia. 512 people attended the 35th symposium in Williamsburg, Virginia. Five days of

concurrent programming were available, including a full day of targeted 8-hour seminars, offering in excess

of 140 hours of educational and skills training presented by more than 90 speakers and lab instructors.

Seminar training included 3 targeted 8-hour seminars on Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation, Patient Diagnostics,

and Taking Care of Business. There were 16 laboratory hands-on skills development workshops, such as

Principles of Wound Management and Wildlife Parasitology.

“As a new rehabber - learned a great deal from

the sessions. Really respected the diversity of

topics and level of detail of the presentations.

Found the commitment of the speakers and

their passion to be very inspiring.”

—Symposium 2017 Attendee

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Grants and Scholarships

As the leader in our field, NWRA provides financial support and deserved recognition to those dedicated

to quality wildlife care, treatment, and release. Since 1984, NWRA has provided $118,862 for studies to

improve the field and care of wildlife. Two grants were awarded in 2017 to support worthy projects. The

NWRA grant program is unique in annually awarding small grants specifically to those who work with

wildlife. Recipients present results of their work through NWRA publications or presentations.

$3,000 grant was awarded to Dr. Tamara L. Johnstone-Yellin of Bridgewater College, VA, for a research

project entitled Effects of Drying and Storage Methods on Nutritional Content of Acorn Masts for Wildlife

Rehabilitation Masts.

$3,000 grant was awarded to Dr. Mark Pokras, DVM, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts

University, MA, for a research project entitled Modeling Gastric Breakdown of Fishing Gear in the

common Loon.

NWRA awarded 12 scholarships totaling $8847 in 2017. Scholarships, ranging from $500 to $1,750,

assist with attending the annual symposium, purchasing resource materials, and building or renovating

caging used for rehabilitating wildlife. Scholarships are made possible through designated donations.

Since 1993, NWRA has awarded 157 scholarships totaling $86,255.

Alma Natura Trust Scholarship of $750 to Leslie Green-Elwell, IA, to attend the Symposium

Alma Natura Trust International Scholarship of $1750 to Madis Leivits, Estonia, to attend the Symposium

Eric Sticht Memorial Scholarship of $625 to Laura Kirk, IL, to attend the Symposium

Deborah Chandler Memorial Scholarship of $500 to Lauren Lawrence, TX, and $500 to Karen Brace, VA,

to attend the Symposium

James J. Wolf CARE for Wildlife Scholarship of $600 to Sandra Boles, CO, to attend the Symposium

Michigan Wildlife Rehabilitator Continuing Education Scholarship of $500 to Cheryl Connell-Marsh to at-

tend the Symposium

Rachel Fischoff Educational Scholarship of $650 to Lisa Dickal, CT, to attend the Symposium, NWRA

membership, and/or purchase publications

Coté Scholarship of $750 to Sasha Nelson, DVM, NY, to attend the Symposium

William Jessen Scholarship of $500 to Symposium speaker Katherine Uhler, PA

NWRA Cage Building Scholarship of $1000 to Carly Stadie, IL, and $1000 to Regina Whitman, AZ

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PUBLICATIONS

NWRA has many publications and educational, reference, and training materials. Many wildlife

rehabilitators disseminate information to the public and offer educational programs for children and

citizen groups; therefore, NWRA publishes books to help members become better educators. Many

members are veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary students working with wildlife; thus,

NWRA publishes books with wildlife medicine topics as well.

Topics in Wildlife Medicine: Orthopedics was published in early 2017 to help veterinarians and wildlife

rehabilitators manage fractures in native North American wildlife. This volume was developed by lead-

ing veterinarians in the field, providing groundbreaking information and techniques on rehabilitating a

wide range of wildlife, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. Orthopedics takes into consideration the

unique physiological and anatomical differences between species when treating fractures in wildlife.

The new NWRA Wildlife Formulary is a follow-up to the Willowbrook Pharmaceutical Index. This edition

has over 400 pages of information on drugs and dosages to provide basic guidelines regarding the

use, dosages, actions, and contraindications for drug usage in wild species. This reference guide

serves as an everyday tool for those new to wildlife rehabilitation and introduces new drug products to

those more experienced.

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FINANCIAL REPORT

2017 Revenue Sources:

Program Services $248,947

Membership benefits $79,030

Annual Symposium $114,071

Publications, information $55,846

Contributions and grants $162,777

Interest income $8,546

Other $1,081

Total Revenue $421,351

2017 Expenses:

Program Services $225,026

Membership benefits $43,937

Annual Symposium $84,802

Publications, information $81,441

Grants, scholarships $14,846

Management and General $82,202

Fundraising $3,362

Total Expenses $310,590

Statement of Financial Position as of December 31, 2017

Current Assets $642,056

Fixed Assets $5,860

Total Other Assets $442,791

Designated Cash $74,397

Certificates of Deposit $316,082

Restricted Cash $10,000

Investments $42,312

Total Assets $1,090,707

Current Liabilities $163,103

Total Net Assets $927,604

Total Unrestricted $702,442

Temporarily Restricted $215,162

Permanently Restricted $10,000

Total Liabilities and Net Assets $1,090,707

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Thank you!

NWRA is able to accomplish so much because of generous contributors who donate their time, financial

gifts, and skills. We thank you for helping us move forward in our mission to promote the profession of

wildlife rehabilitation.

SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL GIFTS In 2017, NWRA received a restricted donation from the Orphaned Wildlife Rescue Center (OWRC) in

Maryland for $116,500 as the organization disbanded. NWRA extends a sincere and heartfelt thank you

to the OWRC Board of Directors, especially to founder Ron (Doc) Wexler, who devoted his life to wildlife

rescue and rehabilitation.

NWRA also received a grant for $10,000 from The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, a Keybank Trust, to

complete the second edition of Wildlife in Education: A Guide for the Care and Use of Program Animals.

NWRA also wishes to extend gratitude to the Resources Legacy Fund for its $10,000 donation, an

anonymous donor from Patagonia.com fund for $1,000, and to the Baltoro Trust for a $1,000 donation.

Two anonymous donors contributed $2,000 for the NWRA Cage Building Scholarship, and two

anonymous donors funded the Alma Natura Scholarship for $2,500.

Significant financial gifts for the NWRA Symposium include Avian Power Line Interaction Committee,

$5,000 sponsor; Judi and Bruce Goodman for sponsoring various seminars, workshops, and lectures;

Pet-Ag, Inc. for sponsoring the Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation seminar; Wildlife Rehabilitation MD for

sponsoring the Avian Session and Stakeholders Session; Adam, Patricia, Walter, and Paige Goodman for

sponsoring the Behavior Session and Turtle Rehabilitation Workshop; and Mazuri Exotic Animal Nutrition

for sponsoring the Herptile Session and Nutrition Session.

VOLUNTEERISM NWRA recorded over 5,100 hours from volunteers to help us further our mission. A significant portion of

those hours goes toward putting together the annual Symposium. In 2017, over 2,300 hours were

dedicated to making the Symposium a success. The board of directors contributed over 4,500 hours of

service, including the Symposium. We thank our volunteers for donating their time and talent!

PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION AWARDS

NWRA recognizes meaningful advances in the field through the Lifetime Achievement, Significant

Achievement, and Marlys Bulander Working Together for Wildlife Awards. Those working in the field are

encouraged to nominate deserving individuals annually. Anne Miller of Alabama received the Lifetime

Achievement Award for pioneering successful protocols in reuniting young wildlife with parents. Deb

Dohrmann received the Board of Directors Award for her 20 years of dedicated service to NWRA as the

Central Office Manager. Since 1984, NWRA has honored more than 61 outstanding individuals and 5

organizations that made major advances in our field for the benefit of many rehabilitators and countless

wild animals.

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NWRA Board of Directors The NWRA Board of Directors is 100% invested in the organization; every board member made a financial

contribution during 2017. In addition to board governance, they serve as project leaders, managers, and

publication editors. They contribute to the field with published research and protocols, teach the signature

NWRA Wildlife Medicine Course, and present papers and teach hands-on skills workshops at NWRA

symposia and other conferences. Their depth and range of expertise, skills, and knowledge is a resource

both for the organization and for all who work with wildlife.

2017 Board Members

Bettina Bowers, Founding member and Vice-President, Tennessee Wildlife Educators and Rehabilitators

Association. Past board member and Secretary, Tennessee Bat Working Group. PTA, third generation

wildlife rehabilitator, Reiki master. Nashville, TN

Jennifer Convy, Vice-President, Wildlife Director, PAWS Wildlife Department; founding board member,

Washington Wildlife Rehabilitation Association. WA

Sherri Cox, DVM, MBA, Treasurer, President and Wildlife Veterinarian, National Wildlife Centre Canada;

Executive Director Global Development, University of Guelph; past Head Veterinarian, Toronto Wildlife

Centre. Ontario, Canada

Rebecca Duerr, DVM, PhD, Veterinarian and Director of Research, International Bird Rescue; wildlife

rehabilitation center volunteer, staff person, or Board of Directors member since 1988. CA

Michele Goodman, VMD, President Elect, founder and Director, Webbed Foot Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic.

PA

Richard Grant, President, Executive Director, Howell Nature Center. MI

Leslie Lattimore, Vice President, Director, Wings of Hope Wildlife Sanctuary; at–home independent

rehabilitator for over ten years; founder and past President, Louisiana Wildlife Rehabilitators Association.

LA

Dave McRuer, MSc, DVM, DACVPM, Vice President, Director of Veterinary Services, Wildlife Center of

Virginia; co-developer of WILD-ONe patient management program. VA

Jenny Schlieps, Program Manager and Rehabilitation Manager, Focus Wildlife; founding member,

Washington Wildlife Rehabilitation Association. WA

Lisa Smith, Secretary, Executive Director, Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, Inc.; past board member and

senior clinic supervisor at Tri-State. DE

Kathy Stelford, founder and President, Oaken Acres Wildlife Center; founding President, TAILS Humane

Society; Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at Northern Illinois University; independent licensed

rehabilitator for over 30 years. IL

Barbara Suto, Avian Care Director, Gulf Coast Bird Rescue. FL

Elaine M. Thrune, founding board member and past President, NWRA; retired rehabilitator after 22 years

with WILD AGAIN Wildlife Rehabilitation; founding board member and past President, Minnesota Wildlife

Assistance Cooperative. MN

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National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA)

Improving wildlife care by

providing specialized training, information, and resources

to wildlife rehabilitators, veterinarians, and educators since 1982

Mission

The National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association is dedicated to

improving and promoting the profession of wildlife rehabilitation

and its contributions to preserving natural ecosystems.

Core Values

Respect and concern for wildlife

Shared knowledge

Professionalism

Continuing improvement

Teamwork and cooperation

Vision

The National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association and wildlife rehabilitation

as a profession are recognized and respected worldwide.

Contact Information

National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association

2625 Clearwater Road, Suite 110

St. Cloud, MN, 56301 USA

Telephone 320–230–9920

Email NWRA@NWRAwildlife.org

Website www.NWRAwildlife.org