CAPE NEDDICK –
The public is invited to get a rare, close up view of wild birds, mammals and reptiles at The Center for Wildlife’s annual Open House on Sunday, September 7, from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
The Center for Wildlife (CFW) is northern New England’s largest wildlife rehabilitation facility, treating over 1,500 sick, injured and orphaned wild animals each year. Visitors at the Open House will meet some of the current “residents” of the Center, such as a great horned owl, barred owls, saw-whet owls, eastern screech owl, peregrine falcon, red-tailed and broad-winged hawks, and a wide variety of songbirds, small mammals and turtles.
There will also be engaging activities for all ages, including live releases of rehabilitated birds, animal demonstrations, storytelling with Shawn Middleton, children’s games, nature awareness activities, a raffle and silent auction, food and more.
“People who come to the Open House are thrilled to have the chance to see animals up close that they will probably never get to see in the wild,” says Center for Wildlife Executive Director Karen McElmurry. “It also enables us to inform more people about the unique services the Center offers, as well as raise awareness about how people can live in ways that benefit the wildlife that lives here.”
For the second year in a row, the CFW is teaming up with York County Community Action Corporation to offer free trolley rides to the Open House. “We started offering the trolley ride last year to reduce gas useage, tailpipe emissions and traffic on Mountain Road,” says Steven Corrigan, Chair of the CFW. “But we also found that it provides a fun and relaxing travel experience that kids and families really enjoy.”
Corrigan explained that the trolley reflects the Center’s commitment to using green practices whenever possible. “This year the dinnerware at our food tent will be made of corn-based plastic. We are also planning to install solar collectors in the main building and will have a solar power demonstration at the Open House.”
The event will also feature environmental exhibits provided by Great Works Regional Land Trust, the York Land Trust, Mt. Agamenticus Conservation Program, and White Pine Programs.
Visitors may drive to the Center or take the free trolley shuttle that will leave from the York District Court House, at 11 Chases Pond Road in York. The trolley will leave from the Court House every half hour from 10:45am – 2:15pm, and the last trolley will return from the Center at 3:15. The Center For Wildlife is located at 385 Mountain Road in Cape Neddick, near the entrance to Mt. Agamenticus. For more information, visit www.yorkcenterforwildlife.org or call the Center at 361-1400.
Caption: Barred Owls and many other species of birds, mammals and reptiles will be on view at the Center for Wildlife’s Open House on Sunday, September 7, from 11-3. (Courtesy photo)
