Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge: What We Do & How You Can Help

Susan Leveille, Assistant Director of the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, will present “Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge: What We Do & How You Can Help” for the December 3^rd First Tuesday Series program at the Crestview Public Library.

The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge was founded in 1994 and has grown exponentially since then in its mission of education, conservation, and rehabilitation for the welfare of Florida’s natural fauna.  ECWR provides state-of-the-art wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and environmental outreach to five counties in Northwest Florida.

The area’s oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation center, the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge rescues thousands of animals a year working closely with law enforcement, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, National Marine Fisheries, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect, treat and release our native species. Refuge staff is on duty 24-hours a day, seven days a week, to assist these agencies in managing wild­life. In January 2013, the ECWR acquired the former Sasquatch Zoo in Crestview and has made major improvements to the 10-acre park which features exotic wildlife.

Leveille will present information on local wildlife and the importance of coexistence. Highlighting her presentation will be the appearance of several of the ECWR’s animal ambassadors.  A door prize drawing for a wildlife painting donated by local Crestview artist Deni K. will be held. The free program begins at 10:30 a.m. with coffee and cookies served starting at 10 a.m.  The library is located at 1445 Commerce Drive behind the Post Office in north Crestview. Call 682-4432 for more information or visit the ECWR web site at www.ecwildliferefuge.com