Submitted by Joanne Rodgers,
Bruce Peninsula Environment Group
Leesa Couper, a former volunteer of Salthaven, offered insights into the operations of Salthaven, its challenges and successes. This informative talk touched on the steps we can take to protect the biodiversity and wildlife populations here on the Bruce.
Salthaven is located near Strathroy, Ontario. This busy operation receives about 150 phone calls per day for sick, injured and orphaned animals. It takes about 120 volunteers to support the work of the facility. By law, Salthaven is only allowed to take in animals which can be treated and then successfully released back into the wild.
Couper says there is no wildlife rehabilitation centre on the Bruce, any injured animal would have to be taken further south for care.
Couper talked about the steps for cleaning bird feeders to help prevent zoonotic diseases. She especially emphasized the dangers of rodenticide use, which plays havoc with the ecosystem and wildlife populations.
The attendees learned what they can do to assist injured animals and how to protect nesting animals. Couper listed some of the simple things we can do (and not do) on our properties to help wildlife.
To see the full presentation visit https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xagmldY5adao2vC8G-cW-ZnH_3QGHX4W
To find out more about Salthaven visit their website https://www.salthaven.org/
Next Meeting: BEAR WISE presented by Madeline Sanagan from Parks Canada, 6 March, 7 p.m. Anglican Church Hall, Lion’s Head.
