If you are interested in being part of the Junior Volunteer Program please go to www.carolinaraptorcenter.org/volunteer.php for more information.

Ann Powlas has been a dedicated volunteer at Carolina Raptor Center since September of 1989. Since Ann started at CRC she has contributed over 8000 hours of volunteer time. Currently Ann is a resident bird care volunteer. She helps to clean our resident bird’s cages as well as give them food and water twice a week. She also helps clean kennels for the rehab center.

"When I first started volunteering here I was still working during the day so I would come in during the evenings and feed rehab birds. I remember my first day was a cold, dark and rainy October evening. I went outside to fee the rehab birds and there was water flowing down the paths and I was sopping wet. I remember thinking why am I doing this and for free too!"

"Thank goodness Ann kept with it, she says she has enjoyed every minute of her time here since then."

"There are so many! I guess the first time I held an owl, he was an imprinted Barred owl named Dumbo, it was a fantastic experience to know that I was holding this owl and then again when I was holding Zlaty, one of our Bald Eagles. I just enjoyed all of it."

"I love wildlife especially birds. I worked as a nurse at a VA hospital until '92 and it got me away from all the stress at work. Then when I retired in '92 volunteering became my passion and it is what keeps me alive."

"Because we need them, no, I'm just kidding, it's just a great way to relax. You are in this beautiful wooded setting away from the materialist world surrounded by all types of wildlife. And as a retiree it keeps you active and feeling alive. There is also the opportunity to have meaningful interactions with staff and fellow volunteers. Everyone should just do something else in their life besides working. There is also so much to do here that anyone can find something that interests them."

This is the second in our new series of monthly volunteer spotlights. If you would like to see a certain volunteer spotlighted please email lbhavnani@carolinaraptorcenter.org. Check back next month for another glimpse into our dedicated and diverse group of volunteers.

Questions: Contact Louise Bhavnani, Director of Volunteer Services 704/875-6521 x 102
lbhavnani@carolinaraptorcenter.org