Ravensbeard Wildlife Center is located in Saugerties, New York. The center is a non-profit (501(c)3) organization that provides wildlife rehabilitation for injured, ill and orphaned animals in order to return them to the wild. For over two decades, Ravensbeard has been supporting the wildlife from the surrounding communities of Woodstock, Saugerties and Kingston. In caring for animals, they promote community awareness, education, appreciation, compassion and acceptance of the circle of life. They also offer volunteer opportunities to work with many different species in order to experience their true nature.

Ellen J. Kalish is the Founder and Executive Director of Ravensbeard Wildlife Center, a wildlife rehabilitation and educational center that focuses on rescue and release for wild birds and other wildlife. In 2017, Ellen was given the William R. Ginsberg Stewardship Award from the Woodstock Land Conservancy, for her service of rehabilitating and releasing wild birds back into nature, and for her educational programs with wild, non-releasable birds of prey. She’s also served as a board member for the New York State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (NYSWRC). Through NYSWRC licensed wildlife rehabbers work to inform, educate, support in field work and promote conservation.

At Ravensbeard, Ellen currently cares for some unreleasable birds that she utilizes to educate the community about the environment, the interconnectedness of all life, and the reliance on each other for long-term survival. The birds used for educational programs cannot be released due to injuries that would be fatal if left in the wild. So, they have become ambassadors in wildlife education.

In this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, learn more about the wildlife rehabilitation center as well as Rocky the Owl, a Saw-whet owl, one of the smallest owls in the northeast, who was rescued from the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center. Back at Ravensbeard Wildlife Center, Rocky was given fluids and all the mice she would eat, was checked by a vet, and ultimately was released back to nature.

Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden

Guest: Ellen Kalish

Photo by: Ellen Kalish

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith

Resources