San Diego Wildlife Day Celebrated in Balboa Park

 On November 16, 2002, thousands of San Diegans and hundreds of Project Wildlife volunteers turned out to our 11th annual San Diego Wildlife Day in beautiful Balboa Park. Thanks to the cooperation of the Rangers of Balboa Park, this event spanned the entire corner of Park Boulevard and Presidents Way. Visitors were able to walk around in the beautiful sunshine (courtesy of a Santa Ana condition) and visit the more than 20 environmental and animal organizations that had set up information and education booths.

Leslie Van Epps and PW's Education Barn Owl greet the public in front of the stage at Wildlife Day 2002 (photo by M. Rodman).

As a celebration of San Diego's native wildlife and natural areas, San Diego Wildlife Day featured a full day of talks and visits with PW's Wildlife Ambassadors and other guest speakers. Shawnie Williams opened the Wildlife Day program with PW's education Gray fox, Zorro. Then Leslie Van Epps and Mark Polinsky brought in PW's Barn owl and Screech owl. Geri Smith gave advice on how to keep pets and wildlife safe. In the afternoon, Dick Wilkins from Bat Rescue treated us to a talk on the bats of San Diego. Nancy Conney of Sky Hunters showed her raptor ambassadors and talked about San Diego County's birds of prey. Mr. Kim Thomas introduced us to the work of the San Diego Turtle and Tortoise Society. And Robert Opliger of the National Wildlife Federation spoke about the need to save habitat in San Diego County. 

"Wildlife was most definitely the order of the day," said PW Vice President, Gordon Wilson. "I was impressed by the enthusiasm of the Education Team as they interacted with the public. Their efforts brought many smiles and oo's and ah's. I was proud of the many volunteers, from brownie makers to the set up and clean up teams, that made Wildlife Day so very special." 

We are very grateful to all of the volunteers who helped with planning, setting up, running and cleaning up. Thank you for dedicating your Saturday to Project Wildlife's largest education event of the year. Also, we would like to extend our appreciation to the other participating organizations. Indeed your presence enriched San Diego Wildlife Day

Do We Have Your Current E-mail Address?

We'll send you advance notice of special events, remind you when it's time to renew your membership, send invitations to members-only lectures, and more! Eventually, we will even be able to send you the Back to Nature newsletter electronically!

Please take the time to give us your e-mail address either by visiting our web site at www.projectwildlife.org. 

Thanks for your help!

Back to Nature newsletter is published quarterly by:
Project Wildlife
4343 Morena Blvd., #7
San Diego, CA 92117

Project Wildlife is a nonprofit, nonpolitical, volunteer organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of San Diego County Wildlife. Project Wildlife is also dedicated to the education of San Diego County residents on local wildlife and how to coexist with local mammals and birds.

To get in touch with Project Wildlife, see our contact page

Ways to Give:
Endowment Program
United Way Donations
Flowers for Wildlife
Protectors of Wildlife

Programs:
Education Department and Programs