Post by Moon Seeker on May 30, 2009 10:38:37 GMT -5
by Meghan Hayward · May 27th 2009 · See more Local News
A local refuge offers a place for wild animals needing help.
Native American history is also a big part of the operation.
"The object of the whole refuge is to keep it as natural as we can."
For the Hirundo Refuge in the Old Town area, this means they don't cut any trees or build anything unless it benefits wildlife.
The refuge is open to the public year-round, seven days a week, for the public to explore.
"If you're walking slow and you're looking, you are going to see animals."
Hirundo also provides a place for animal rehabilitation.
"And what we do is we'll take in usually orphan animals, mother gets killed something like that, and we'll get the babies that will not survive on their own."
Once the animals are healthy, they try to release them back where they were found.
If that's not possible, they make sure it's a remote area.
Another big part of the refuge is it's Native American history.
"And we want to cooperate with the Native Americans because we have such an area that is related directly to them."
This weekend, Maine Tribal Specialist David Sligger is offering some background on Native American history.
"Explain to people some of the plants and animals that they Wabanakis used here in Maine and it's really to give people a understanding of and appreciation of Wabanaki culture and history."
A culture and heritage that Sligger says can easily be over-looked.
"A lot of people read about the Wabanaki but don't know that much about what they use from Mother Earth."
Hirundo care taker Fred Bryant says no matter what, you'll leave the refuge with some great knowledge and a better appreciation of wildlife.
The refuge is open all-year long but the workshop on Native American history is only being offered this Saturday, May thirtieth from 10 til 2.
If you'd like to attend, please call 827-2230 ahead of time to reserve a spot.
www.wabi.tv/news/6057/local-refuge-offers-native-american-history
A local refuge offers a place for wild animals needing help.
Native American history is also a big part of the operation.
"The object of the whole refuge is to keep it as natural as we can."
For the Hirundo Refuge in the Old Town area, this means they don't cut any trees or build anything unless it benefits wildlife.
The refuge is open to the public year-round, seven days a week, for the public to explore.
"If you're walking slow and you're looking, you are going to see animals."
Hirundo also provides a place for animal rehabilitation.
"And what we do is we'll take in usually orphan animals, mother gets killed something like that, and we'll get the babies that will not survive on their own."
Once the animals are healthy, they try to release them back where they were found.
If that's not possible, they make sure it's a remote area.
Another big part of the refuge is it's Native American history.
"And we want to cooperate with the Native Americans because we have such an area that is related directly to them."
This weekend, Maine Tribal Specialist David Sligger is offering some background on Native American history.
"Explain to people some of the plants and animals that they Wabanakis used here in Maine and it's really to give people a understanding of and appreciation of Wabanaki culture and history."
A culture and heritage that Sligger says can easily be over-looked.
"A lot of people read about the Wabanaki but don't know that much about what they use from Mother Earth."
Hirundo care taker Fred Bryant says no matter what, you'll leave the refuge with some great knowledge and a better appreciation of wildlife.
The refuge is open all-year long but the workshop on Native American history is only being offered this Saturday, May thirtieth from 10 til 2.
If you'd like to attend, please call 827-2230 ahead of time to reserve a spot.
www.wabi.tv/news/6057/local-refuge-offers-native-american-history