Autumn Adventures Auction Success: Thank You for Your Support!

We're proud to share that our Autumn Adventures Online Auction raised $4,458! Whether you placed a bid, made a donation, or cheered us on from the sidelines, your support means so much.

What will $4,458 accomplish at Piedmont Wildlife Center?

• $2,825 covers the costs of dumpsters used to clear out the cabin and carriage house prior to our move within Leigh Farm Park.

• $1,033 helps offset the costs of sheds we built to store equipment and supplies, allowing us to move our Eastern Box Turtle Ambassadors indoors for the winter.

• $500 covers wellness exam fees for 10 of our Ambassador Animals.

• $100 covers the cost of new smoke alarms.

If you won an auction item, keep an eye on your inbox! We’ll reach out this week to coordinate your item pickup or delivery.

Thank you for believing in us and standing with us through this period of transition. Your support empowers us to keep moving forward, more resilient and committed than ever to connecting our community with nature through outdoor education, animal programs, and wildlife research.

With deepest gratitude,

The Piedmont Wildlife Center Staff

October Update From Nick DiColandrea, Executive Director

It's fall! And you know what that means: changing leaves, crisp morning air, and pumpkin spice everything! Here at Piedmont Wildlife Center, we're enjoying everything fall has to offer, including the opportunity to serve our homeschool families and after-school students each week in the beautiful outdoors. Still looking for something for the kids to do during school closures? Send them to Piedmont for the day! This time of year is perfect for outdoor breaks from the classroom - and for my staff to take a break from their computers! 

Did you make a bid in our Autumn Adventures Auction yet!? Time is running out to win incredible items and experiences (like “An Evening With The NC Symphony” or a one-of-a-kind painting from Art by Shalimar), all while supporting the great work the staff at Piedmont does day in and day out. We're so thrilled by the local businesses, artists, and friends who donated these items so generously, and I need help not winning them all myself!

As the days shorten outside, I look forward to spending more time inside with the staff, learning more about our organization and our future. The same goes for you - our dedicated supporters. Come on by and visit sometime! I’d love to hear why you love Piedmont and perhaps share in a pumpkin spiced candy corn (Candy Corn love does not represent the views of PWC staff, apparently only me!).

Yours in service, 

Nick DiColandrea (Executive Director)

The Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center Recognizes Deanna Sedlak as Volunteer of The Week

PICTURED: Deanna Sedlak and Willow

We are thrilled that Deanna Sedlak was recognized by The Triangle Nonprofit and Volunteer Leadership Center as Volunteer of The Week. Deanna has poured so much love, time, and energy into caring for our Ambassador Animals and educating the community on native wildlife. Thank you, Deanna!

From The Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center:

“Deanna Sedlak began volunteering with Piedmont Wildlife Center (PWC) as an evening (PM) raptor care feeder. When she heard that the Center was in need, Deanna asked to be trained as an AM raptor care feeder, which is much more involved and time consuming. Because her Thursday evenings are devoted to training owls and hawks, she has been able to pick up and drop off PWC’s outreach animals at many events in Durham, Wake, and Chatham counties. She attended ten out of twenty outreach events in 2022 and is one of PWC’s most dedicated outreach volunteers. Deanna brings a sense of confidence, humor, willingness to learn and teach, and community every time she is at the Center or any of its events.”

Community Spotlight: Jenna Williams, Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator

PICTURED: Jenna Williams

As we embrace the changing seasons, we’re thrilled to spotlight Jenna Williams, our Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator at Piedmont Wildlife Center!

With a Bachelor’s in Zoology and a Master’s in Biology, Jenna has held multiple roles at PWC. She joined the organization in 2019 as a Fall Intern and has since served as a Raptor Care Volunteer and Conservation Assistant. In her current position, which she began in August 2024, Jenna manages PWC's volunteer program and organizes our outreach events.

When asked what she enjoys most about her work, Jenna shared, “I love seeing the love for nature blossom in our community, especially when introducing someone to a snake or opossum and watching their fear transform into wonder.”

Outside of work, you can find Jenna reading, spending time with her husband and pets, playing video games, or participating in STARFLEET International activities. When it comes to her favorite Ambassador Animal, she admits it’s a tough choice but she has a soft spot for both Wilbur and Basil!

Pizza With A Purpose: Fundraiser at California Pizza Kitchen (11/7/2024)

Join Piedmont Wildlife Center for a pizza fundraiser at California Pizza Kitchen, Southpoint Mall, on Thursday, 11/7/24! Show this flyer, and 20% of your check will be donated to PWC.  

In the mood for delivery? Use code BACK20% for an online order from the Southpoint CPK to have part of your check donated.

Additionally, our Ambassadors will be at Southpoint Mall from 5:00-6:30 PM, so swing by to meet some animals and grab a quick bite. The fundraiser runs from 11 AM until 9 PM.

Will you join us for a slice?

WHEN: Thursday, November 7, 2024 from11:00 AM 9:00 PM

WHERE: California Pizza Kitchen, 6910 Fayetteville Road, Durham, NC, 27713