GivingTuesday 2022 was a huge success - and it's all because of YOU! Whether you donated, spread the word about us, shared our posts and reels, voted on our new birds' names, or simply cheered us on, we are so grateful for your support.
Because of you, we not only unlocked our match and surpassed our $3,333 goal, but raised $5,310 from 110 individual donations. That makes a grand total of $9,400 including matching funds!
We are so touched by your generosity. With the funds raised this GivingTuesday, we will be able to feed our 3 new birds AND provide veterinary care, enrichment, and enclosure maintenance for all 10 of our raptor Ambassadors throughout 2023.
We'll continue to accept donations to vote on our new birds' names until Thursday, Dec. 1st at 5 PM EST. Look for an announcement at the beginning of next week with the results!
Thank you, again, for all the ways you support us - on GivingTuesday and all year round!
Help PWC keep shoes out of landfills!
It's time to give that pile of worn-out shoes the "boot"! Now through the end of 2022, help PWC save some lost "soles" from the landfill - while also raising money for conservation, citizen science, and outdoor education!
We've partnered with sneaker recycling company GotSneakers to collect athletic shoes for recycling. Simply drop off your used sneakers in the collection bin at PWC (or send them with your kid to camp) and we'll send them off to be repurposed or recycled! Even better, PWC will receive a small donation from GotSneakers for every pair in recyclable, fair, good, or excellent condition.
All conditions and brands accepted. Only athletic shoes, please. No dress shoes, heels, rain boots, sandals, slip-ons, water shoes, wedges, or work boots. Please note: we can only accept shoes in pairs.
How to find us: PWC is located in Leigh Farm Park (364 Leigh Farm Road, Durham, NC). When you arrive, please park in the main parking lot. Walk down the paved road past the staff gate, the visitors center, and the historic farmhouse, and follow the path as it curves to the right into the woods. PWC is located in the historic cabin, just past the staff parking lot. You’ll find a blue collection bin on the front porch of the cabin!
This fall migration, be a good bird neighbor
They’re coming this way… migrating birds, that is!
Fall migration is in full swing in many parts of the United States. Here in North Carolina, we’re already starting to see migratory birds flying through as they head to their winter destinations. Be a good bird neighbor this fall by following these 3 tips:
#1: Lights out for migration
Did you know many songbirds migrate at night? These travelers use the stars to keep themselves on course. Light pollution from towns and cities can disorient them and even lead to fatal collisions with buildings.
Luckily, you can help! Participate in Audubon’s #LightsOut initiative by keeping your curtains/blinds closed at night and turning off unnecessary lights (especially upward-facing outdoor lights) at your home and office from September 10-November 30.
#2: Window decals prevent collisions
Windows make great bird-watching spots, but they can be deadly for birds. More than 100 million birds die each year after flying into glass, which they have difficulty seeing. Help keep them safe by sticking decals on your windows, no more than 2-4 inches apart. (Great excuse to put up some early holiday decorations!) You can also buy or make decals, films, tapes, and UV stickers specifically designed to deter birds.
Hate washing your windows? Good news: Dirty windows will do the trick, too!
#3: Learn about bird migration in your area
Fall and spring migrations are a great excuse to get into birding – and a great opportunity to see rare birds! Now through November 15th, use Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s BirdCast to see which birds are migrating through your area right now. Then break out your binoculars and head to your favorite outdoor spot to meet your town’s avian visitors!
Many local Audubon Societies and birding clubs will hold special field trips and meetups during migration season. This month in North Carolina, Audubon Society chapters are holding outdoor “watch parties” to view migrating chimney swifts’ incredible aerial displays. Here in Durham, you can join New Hope Audubon next Tuesday, Sept. 20th from 7-8:30 PM at the Durham Hotel to watch these incredible birds. View other “Swift Nights Out” across North Carolina here!
So turn out those lights, make those windows visible, and welcome our far-flung feathered friends this fall!
Meet Pickles the Virginia opossum
Please give a warm Piedmont welcome to our newest Ambassador Animal, Pickles the Virginia opossum!
Pickles came to us from Our Wild Neighbors in August. She was found as an orphan this spring, possibly after falling off her mom's back and being left behind. (No judgment, opossum moms - sometimes it happens when you have 13 babies at once!)
The rehabbers at OWN noticed Pickles's right forelimb looked a little unusual. After a vet visit, it was discovered that one of her growth plates had been crushed, probably due to a predator attack as an infant. Growth plates are special tissue found at the end of bones in young mammals (including humans!) that allow them to grow, and injuries to that tissue can cause bones to grow incorrectly.
Because of her injury, Pickles could not be released into the wild. While she can walk and climb well, she would not be able to travel long distances to find food and avoid predators. Instead, she's found a home here at PWC, where she's perfecting her favorite form of transportation: riding on staff members' shoulders!
Thanks to her calm, curious temperament and comfort being handled by humans, we think Pickles is going to make a fantastic Ambassador for her species at birthday parties, animal encounters, and school programs. Welcome to the family, Pickles!
Want to receive updates from Pickles as she grows up - and learn more about opossums? Pickles is now available to sponsor through our Adopt-An-Ambassador program! Sponsorship options start at $25.
1,884 campers. 277 wildlife programs. 1 amazing year.
Here's what you helped us do in 2021-22...
1,884 campers at 61 camp sessions.
7,062 conservation program participants.
3,549 volunteer hours.
$10,721 awarded in camp scholarships.
275 students at Title 1 schools connected with nature.
152 superworms fed to Shelly the box turtle.
However you add it up, 2021-22 was an amazing year at Piedmont Wildlife Center - and it's all thanks to YOUR support!
Whether you're a monthly donor, volunteer, staff member, camp parent, or just a fan of nature and wildlife, we could not have accomplished any of this without you. On behalf of our entire team, thank you for helping us connect more people with nature than ever before.
Learn more about how your support helped us change lives this year in our 2021-22 Annual Report.
