Happy New Year from some of our current patients!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! It is hard to believe that 2022 is already over.
Erin and I, as well as our dedicated volunteers, took care of 445 animals in 2022 (including those we held over through winter from 2021 and the new ones we took in in 2022). We were so glad that we were able to bring back volunteers in full this year. COVID sure put a crimp in things around here! We refused though, to let it stop us from helping the wildlife of Colorado and did not turn down a single one from receiving the help they needed.
As usual, we had a lot of orphaned babies, whether they were true rescues or were accidentally (or intentionally) kidnapped. We had over 40 baby raccoons and 24 neonate squirrels, which mean bottle feedings every two to four hours until they start to eat on their own. It becomes a 24/7 schedule, so we don’t get much sleep in the spring. We also took care of 20 bears, 12 beavers, 26 rabbits, 18 great-horned owls, 26 red-tailed hawks, and many other species in smaller numbers, many of whom were orphaned and required significant care.
This, of course, brings us to the approach of Spring 2023. Our local red-tailed hawks, who have a nest in a huge metal power pole in one of our pastures, are courting and remodeling their nest. I have a pair of great-horned owls outside my bedroom window that have been doing a lot of talking as well. March is the start of baby season and the cycle starts again!
All but two of the raccoons, five squirrels, two mountain lions, eight bears, a bobcat kitten, two beavers, an elk calf, some small songbirds, and a dozen or so raptors were released prior to winter. Most of our cages are cleaned and ready to go for the big push of spring! A few are still frozen and we’ll have to wait until warmer weather to get them taken care of. Some of the bears are in hibernation and will soon be relocated to dens in the wild. They will wake up in a month or two and join the real world of bear life. A few of our other cubs, who were too thin and small when they came to us to survive hibernation, are staying awake and being fed daily. They will be released in late spring or early summer.
Have a good spring, I hope to see some of you at our spaghetti dinner fundraiser later this month.
UPCOMING EVENTS!
We are excited to resume our educational programming and events! Some programs, tours, etc. may still be limited due to COVID and avian influenza.
Keep up to date with our schedule and find more details at our https://www.psswf.org/events or follow our Facebook page. We hope to see you this spring!
Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction at Sammy’s
5-8 pm Monday, February 27
$15 for adults, $10 for kids under 12 - spaghetti, salad, and a drink
Visit some of our residents and learn more about the foundation!
Silent auction starts online on February 20 and ends in person at the event.
Find more info on the event and online auction link at https://www.psswf.org/events/2023/2/27/spaghetti-dinner-benefit-at-sammys
Garfield County Library Programs
Bring your kids to your local library for a one hour programs where you can meet some of our residents, learn about wildlife topics, and more about the Foundation!
New Castle: Wednesday, March 29 at 1:00
Silt: Saturday, April 1 at 10:30
Parachute: Monday, April 17 at 11:30
Rifle: Friday, April 21 at 2:00
Carbondale: Saturday, April 22 at 2:30
Glenwood Springs: Wednesday, April 26 at 2:30
Booth at Aspen Saturday Market
We’ll have some of our residents and wildlife info to share!
June 24, July 29, August 26, September 30 from 8:30-2:00
Tail Tale Story Time at Journey Home Animal Care Center
We share a story and craft with kiddos at the shelter
June 21, July 19, time TBA
Sprout’s Corner at Rifle Farmers Market
Visit some of our residents and learn about wildlife topics!
July 7, August 4, September 1 from 4:00-8:00
Other Events - Dates and Details TBA
Program upstairs at Explore Booksellers in Aspen - April
Onsite tours and programs can be scheduled starting in late spring
Stay connected with PSSWF!
Website: www.psswf.org/
Facebook: /PSSWF
Instagram: @pss_wildlife
Email: psswildlifefoundation@gmail.com
Phone: (970) 876-5676, or text (970) 896-6895
Board of Directors
Executive Director: Nanci L. Limbach
Chairman of the Board: Al King
President: Nanci L. Limbach
Vice President: Dr. Paul Bingham
Secretary: Karen Roberts
Treasurer: Nanci L. Limbach
Director of Vet Services: Dr. Paul Bingham
Member: Walt Geister
Member: Cat Martin
Pauline S. Schneegas Wildlife Foundation
Home of the Western Colorado Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
PSSWF is a Not for Profit 501 (c) 3 dedicated to wildlife rehabilitation. Our mission is to provide quality, professional care to injured and orphaned wildlife, in conjunction with educational programs on wildlife and the environment. The Foundation relies solely on public funding. If you would like to contribute to this cause, please donate at www.psswf.org/donate.
Annual contributions of $100 or more add you to our mailing list for quarterly newsletters. Your contributions are tax deductible and a letter of 501 (c) 3 verification is available upon request. No contribution is too small or too large! THANK YOU!!!