During the month of July, Olivia LoBalbo and Beth Axelrod of the Feasibility Study Committee were able to meet with Dr. Belinda Burwell, founder of both Blue Ridge Wildlife Center and Wildlife Veterinary Care in Boyce, VA. In addition, Anne Lewis, founder of City Wildlife in DC, came to speak with the WRL Board and other volunteers on July 15.
Both Anne Lewis and Dr. Burwell shared their experiences with establishing their respective wildlife rehabilitation centers. Ideas were discussed about the different types of space that would be ideal for a center, medical supplies and equipment that would be required, and staffing levels we would want to consider if WRL proceeded with establishing a wildlife center in Northern Virginia. Much was learned and we thank Dr. Burwell and Anne Lewis for giving their time to help WRL better understand the process.
We would also like to thank Natalie Sutton, Jessie Gemmer, Shelley Shearer, Lauren Schultz and Janet Schultz, for joining the Feasibility Study Committee.
