MILEPOSTS #1016

By Ken Brafman, Image from the ROWHS Collection

TITLE: WILDHAVEN RANCH: The San Bernardino Mountains Wildlife Society has been in existence since 1994. In the early 1990s, Diane Dragotto Williams and a small group of concerned citizens began taking care of injured wildlife in their homes. While they were able to treat and release many injured birds and small mammals back into the forest, there was nowhere to keep the rehabbed wildlife that could not be released. Through work with legislators a state bond was passed, which provided funding for a sanctuary. In 2000 the organization acquired 35 acres from the Forest Service and founded Wildhaven Ranch in the community of Cedar Glen. Wildhaven’s mission has not wavered from 1994: “By caring for animals unable to return to the wild, Wildhaven Ranch’s primary focus is to educate the public about the protection and conservation of the San Bernardino Mountains ecosystem, wildlife, and natural habitats.” Countless phone calls are handled yearly giving assistance for wild animal interaction between the public and wild ones that may be uninvited, or in compromising positions in attics, build-ups, ponds or boats. There are tours, bear watches, presentations, internship programs, wildlife classes, and nature classes and walks. Trained staff assist injured and orphaned animals to heal and be raised. “Non-releasables” are given a lifetime in a protected, encapsulated natural ecosystem. This week’s image shows a staff member bottle nursing an orphaned mule deer. The early 2000s saw the organization experience growing pains, with more and more rescued animals requiring more space. The 2003 Old Fire devastated Wildhaven. The staff was able to transport the animals to safety but most of the buildings and enclosures were destroyed. Through grants, donations, loans, and partial insurance settlements Wildhaven has gradually been able to come back from the ashes to continue its mission. To volunteer or donate, or to make reservations for a visit, go to www.wildhavenranch.org.

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