The Wildlife Rescue League of Virginia presents TWO DAYS OF WORKSHOPS FOR REHABILITATORS! Saturday, January 11th, 2003 Squirrel Rehabilitation Workshop

Tree and ground squirrels are some of the more common small mammal species that are admitted for wildlife rehabilitation. The majority of rehabilitated squirrels arrive as juveniles, some as small as 15 gram 'pinkies'. Many will be in shock and dehydrated, some will be injured; others have health problems due to temporary care by the rescuer. This workshop provides in-depth, practical information on a wide range of topics related to successfully rehabilitating squirrels. The fast-paced program includes extensive audio-visuals, demonstrations, and many problem-solving tips.

The workshop begins with critical natural history information, including detailed descriptions of the species, behaviors, habitats and how natural history affects rehabilitation decisions. Physiology and development stages are described to help rehabilitators make care decisions such as feeding frequency, cage size, and release. After an overview of diet and nutrition, feeding techniques are demonstrated.

The workshop describes common human-squirrel conflicts and ways to resolve them, as well as ways to successfully reduce orphaning and increase reunions. Capture and handling techniques are demonstrated. Over 30 common squirrel injuries and illnesses, as well as a variety of treatments are presented. Caging and housing considerations and examples are presented, as well as effective and inexpensive cage construction. Release criteria, considerations and techniques will be reviewed. The workshop includes a 130+ page workbook with dozens of photographs, supply lists, and cage and nest box plans.

In addition to new information, the workshop provides information that helps rehabilitators evaluate various rehabilitation techniques. Feedback from previous workshops has shown that both new and experienced rehabilitators have found this workshop to be very valuable.

Date: January 11th, 2003 Time: Check-in will be held from 8:00am - 8:30am. You must check in by 8:30am. The workshop will begin promptly at 9:00am and end at 9:00pm. Continuing Education Credits: 12 Meals: A full snack bar will be provided for most of the day, including a continental breakfast beginning at 8:00. Location: Holiday Inn, Dulles, VA 20166

Sunday, January 12th, 2003 New Rehabilitator Recruitment Intake Center Development

(Sunday morning): Expanding Our Team: Recruiting, Training, Sponsoring and Retaining New Rehabilitators While research shows that the number of rehabilitators is increasing slightly, the animals in need are growing at a much faster rate. As a result, many rehabilitators are interested in having more rehabilitators among which to distribute the workload. There are, however, many challenges to getting enough dedicated and qualified new rehabilitators who do not drop-out shortly after training is completed.

This four-hour workshop offers an effective and professional approach to help rehabilitators recruit, develop and retain home-based rehabilitators. Statistics about rehabilitation growth rates and attrition will be discussed. The session will provide tips to save time and increase effectiveness in locating candidates. Then rather than desperately accepting any person who expresses interest in rehabilitation, a screening process to reduce later difficulties with the candidates will be suggested. Methods to train volunteers and apprentices are also discussed, as well as ways to supervise and reduce difficulties with volunteers and new apprentices. The role of rehabilitators in the recruiting process will also be discussed.

The workshop provides a workshop handout, including a plan and schedule for rehabilitators wanting to recruit new rehabilitators, a recruiting brochure and booklet, application forms, a proposed list of 'proficiencies' for new rehabilitators to learn, and an example of a 'memorandum of understanding' between the new apprentice and sponsor.

(Sunday afternoon): Considering a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center? Most rehabilitators operate home-based wildlife rehabilitation facilities. Having a rehabilitation facility at one's home can be extremely difficult for a variety of reasons. As a result, it is not unusual for rehabilitators to consider developing a wildlife rehabilitation center.

This 2-3 hour session will discuss some key considerations in the development of a rehabilitation center. It will use a business plan model to help participants evaluate the need for a center. It will discuss key steps, such as identifying objectives, developing a plan, defining services and responsibilities, staffing, and arranging finances. Several different types of center models will be discussed, including both full and limited service options, and seasonal facilities. Workload management issues will be highlighted through the use of comparative statistics from a rehabilitation center and home-based rehabilitator.

After providing an initial presentation, the presenters will facilitate discussion to help participants explore their own interests in developing a rehabilitation facility, as well as pros and cons of the different approaches.

Date: January 12th, 2003 Time: Check-in will be held from 9:00am - 9:30am. You must check in by 9:30am. The first workshop will begin at 10:00am, the second at approximately 2:00pm. Continuing Education Credits: 0 Meals: A light breakfast will be provided from 9:00am - 10:00am. Cookies and beverages will be provided as an afternoon snack. Participants may wish to bring additional meals. Location: Holiday Inn, Dulles, VA 20166 Special Accommodations for Out-of-Town Guests! Receive a special room rate of $55.00 per night, single or double occupancy, at the Holiday Inn, Dulles, VA 20166 from Friday, January 10 through Saturday, January 11. Call Reservations at 703-471-7411 and identify yourself as part of the Wildlife Rescue League to receive the above group rate, no later than December 27, 2002. A free shuttle to and from Dulles Airport is provided by the hotel.

About the Presenters Shirley and Allan Casey, of WildAgain Wildlife Rehabilitation, are licensed rehabilitators in Colorado. They have been rehabilitating wildlife since 1986 and released over 1600 squirrels. They have worked with 17 different species of squirrels at their home-based facility and consulted with numerous rehabilitators on squirrel rehab questions. They are frequent presenters at national, regional and state rehab conferences, conduct research on rehab topics, publish frequently in rehab publications, and conduct training on rehabilitation subjects around North America. They have published nationally on rehabilitating squirrels, mammal nutrition, caging, regulations, homeopathy, and more. Shirley and Allan are also the owners of Strategic Linkages, a management consulting firm with clients in corporate, public, and non-profit sectors. They provide consulting services in the areas of recruiting, training, development, strategic planning, nonprofit management, and finance. They have consulted with both start-up and well-established wildlife rehabilitation centers. . Last day to mail registration is December 16. NO REFUNDS Please send check or money order to: Wildlife Rescue League ATTN Squirrel workshop P.O. Box 704 Falls Church, VA 22040