 SCOUTING PROJECTS—Fall 2007
Safe Haven is partnering on several projects with the Scouts of Nevada Area Council, Humboldt District, Pack 223. The Cub Scout pack, which includes Tigers, Wolves, Bears, Webelos, and Webelos2, came to our sanctuary on May 20 and June 30. Visit our new Scouting page to read about all that they accomplished, and to learn about Jackson Gratwohl's Eagle Scout project for Tigger, our first Siberian tiger.
OUTREACH INITIATIVES Safe Haven has developed a pilot program for special-needs and underprivileged children, and we have been able to reach children who previously had little contact with wildlife. Our new presentations are designed to target specific age groups, so that we can interact with children and young people at their level of understanding. Recent incidents of animal cruelty have brought home to us the importance of humane education. Cruelty to animals is a proven predictor of antisocial behavior and violence, so we feel a great urgency in reaching youth with positive messages about wildlife. In addition to visiting schools and community groups, we are making arrangements with a social worker to bring small groups of children to visit Safe Haven. Thanks to a grant from the Aileen S. Andrew Foundation, we have been able to upgrade the technical quality of our multimedia presentations. We are confident that Safe Haven's new, improved presentations will have an immediate impact on the level of humane awareness and socially responsible behavior among the young people in our area.
OUR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS... - Create community awareness regarding the environment and wildlife indigenous to northern Illinois
- Inform the public of the consequences of illegal ownership of wild animals
- Provide guidance for rescuing orphaned or injured wildlife
Off-site programs include DVD presentations, lectures and small mammal exhibitions. Presentations are designed for all age groups, including grade school, high school, and adults. Presentation sites in 2006 included Crystal Lake High School, the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, and the Rotary Club in Huntley.
On-site programs are conducted outside the perimeter safety fence of our refuge. Wild animals preparing for release are not included in any presentations. Exposure to people causes stress and contributes to habituation to humans. Viewing of wild animals placed within the facility for permanent placement is permitted. Although we work with many school groups, Scout troops and other organizations, we are not open to the public without advance scheduling. There is no charge for educational programs, but we appreciate a donation of $100 or more (tax deductible).
 YOUR GROUP CAN LEARN, HAVE FUN & HELP ANIMALS!
- Build nest boxes for our baby squirrels—This is a great project for kids. Each spring, we need to build at least 50 nest boxes. When the squirrels are ready to be released, we hang their nest boxes high in a tree to provide escape from predators at their designated release site.
- Scout projects—Earn a Wildlife Badge or Conservation Badge, or work on an Eagle Scout project. We assist scouts in planning and executing projects that are fun and educational, and that help us carry out our mission
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