Our Weekend at Homeschooling Unleashed

Emily Behr, Director of Camp and Outdoor Learning

We had such a wonderful time at the Homeschooling Unleashed Conference meeting new families, reconnecting with past Homeschool families, and engaging with other homeschool educators.

Our Director of Camp and Outdoor Learning, Emily Behr, led a workshop during the event. She shared her expertise on combating Nature Deficit Disorder through intentional homeschool planning. Her session sparked thoughtful conversations with attendees sharing how connecting with nature has supported their children's emotional well-being. In addition to speaking on this topic at the event, Emily recently had an article published in WRAL on Nature Deficit Disorder, "Nature As Curriculum: A Simple Solution to a Big Problem."

Parsley is Hopping into Retirement!

Parsley has been part of the Piedmont Wildlife Center family since 2013.

For more than a decade, Parsley has been one of our most beloved Animal Ambassadors—charming kids and adults alike with her gentle nature and sweet personality. Now, our Wildlife Education team has made the thoughtful decision to retire Parsley from participating in animal programs.

Thank you, Parsley, for all of the joy and learning opportunities you’ve brought to the Triangle and beyond! We’re excited to give you a peaceful, pampered retirement.

Pictured: Parsley at her retirement party.

Wildly Grateful for Our Volunteers

In 2024, volunteers contributed a remarkable 3,120 hours of service at Piedmont Wildlife Center. From working behind the scenes to engaging directly in the community, their dedication supports our mission on a daily basis.

This National Volunteer Week, we’re thrilled to spotlight just a few of the outstanding individuals who help make our work possible:

Chelsea Taylor-Long
Raptor Handling Volunteer
Chelsea has been volunteering with Piedmont Wildlife Center since 2018. She is an Evening Raptor Feeder and participates in Raptor Handling & Training sessions. Every Thursday, Chelsea and fellow volunteers work on building trust and skill with our Raptor Ambassadors—learning how to safely handle them, transfer them between handlers, box them for transport, and return them to their enclosures.

“Raptor handling has inspired me to learn more about native birds. When I see raptors in the wild, I get excited trying to identify them.”

​Beyond animal care, Chelsea also supports our outreach events—sharing the Ambassadors’ stories and inspiring a deeper appreciation for North Carolina wildlife in our community.

Owen Erquiaga
Administrative Volunteer
Owen moved from Colorado to North Carolina in 2023 and quickly fell in love with Piedmont Wildlife Center.

“I admired the mission of Piedmont Wildlife Center and immediately felt connected to its people.”

As an Administrative Volunteer, Owen is helping us organize and streamline our digital file library, making program information more accessible for our team. His favorite part of volunteering? The Animal Ambassadors and the peaceful outdoor environment just steps away from his desk!

Kerry & Kyle Apostolico
Animal Care Volunteers (Parent & Teen Duo)
Kyle, a senior at Green Level High School, has always been fascinated by animals. As someone interested in Marine Science—his future major at UNCW—he searched for a volunteer opportunity that went beyond the usual cats and dogs. That’s when he and his mom, Kerry, discovered Piedmont Wildlife Center.

Now an Animal Care Volunteer team, Kyle and Kerry work side-by-side to clean enclosures, provide fresh food and water, and administer medications when needed. They enjoy learning each animal’s unique personality—like which turtles are the messiest or how the once-separated rabbits now snuggle up together.

Kerry says it’s been a joy to share this experience with her son before he heads off to college in the fall.

Jody McAuliffe
Raptor Care Volunteer
Jody has been volunteering at Piedmont Wildlife Center for 6 years. She currently cares for our raptors during afternoon feeding shifts and has developed a special bond with our Great Horned Owl Ambassador, Juniper.

“Juniper is so calm and beautiful,” she says. “Volunteering here has made me more aware of the world I share with these birds—even in my own neighborhood.”

Raptor Care Volunteers like Jody provide our birds with fresh food and water, and ensure that their enclosures are clean, tidy, and comfortable.

We are deeply grateful for every volunteer who shares their time, skills, and heart with our animals, our people, and the greater mission of connecting our community with nature and wildlife.

Community Spotlight: Kyra Thurow-Bartow, Husbandry & Intern Coordinator

Meet Kyra, PWC's Husbandry and Intern Coordinator! Kyra oversees the daily care of all 27 of our Animal Ambassadors and leads our Conservation Intern program. Her work ensures that every animal at PWC thrives—and that our interns do too!

Kyra’s favorite part of the job? Getting to know each of our Animal Ambassadors and making their lives the best they can be. “Every one of our ambassadors is unique, and it's a joy to discover their quirks,” she says.

Kyra’s journey into environmental education started early. With a love for nature (especially birds!), she earned her BA in Environmental Education from Catawba College and her MS in Biology from Miami University of Ohio. Her background includes roles at Osprey Wilds, the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, and the Greenville Zoo. Along the way, she developed a special connection to birds of prey—and now she gets to work with them daily here at PWC!

Originally from Butler, PA, and raised in Holly Springs, NC, Kyra now lives in Durham. Outside of work, you’ll find her birding, playing Wingspan, journaling, painting, reading, or spending time with her husband, dog, and cat.

Kyra's favorite animals? The American Kestrel and the Bearded Vulture (also known as the Lammergeier).

Thank you for all that you do for our staff and Animal Ambassadors, Kyra!