2015 NWRA Symposium

New Jersey is a long way from home for the WRMD team, but we felt right at home at the 2015 NWRA symposium. It is such a wonderful experience to meet the people that we have been communicating with for years. It never ceases to amaze us just what a wonderful group of people wildlife rehabilitators are, we are unique in our self-less profession of intense caring. Being surround by like minded people reminds us that we are not alone. There are thousands of other people out there just like you, trying to make a difference in the world.

Every year we try and have a vendor booth so that we can talk to people one on one about how they are recording their records now and what their plans are for the future. We want to be as available as possible to the rehab community. We want to help rehabilitators streamline their data collection so that it is not a burden, but a tremendous asset. If we can collect data and discover trends, our community can become a powerful voice for protection and conservation of the environment. After all, if we can’t protect animals outside of our facilities, why are we caring for them inside the facilities? It is a difficult question, but a necessary one.

In the nature of sharing and corroboration, it doesn’t matter which system people choose, as long as they are using one that works best for them. Together we can unite and see the bigger picture. In order to do this, we need everybody's help. Transition is not easy, but wildlife rehabilitation has to evolve along with the world around us and our personal goal is to make that transition as painless as possible.