Nature gets fighting chance at Constance Creek Wildlife Refuge

Posted Sep 22, 2011 By David Johnston

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EMC News - From humble beginnings, great things can grow. Lynne Rowe's labour of love is a prime example.

The Constance Creek Wildlife Refuge has transformed her Galloping Goat Farm near Dunrobin into a place where wild creatures have a fighting chance against today's ever encroaching urban lifestyle.

Life rehabilitation is combined with animal sanctuary for an expanding number of creatures from rabbits and squirrels to raccoons and even deer. A grand opening celebration was held Sunday Sept. 18 though the centre is still waiting for official sanction from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources to provide sanctuary and care to larger animals.

"Our application is still pending," said Lynne Rowe, the energy and visionary behind the centre. "The inspection is complete and the documentation is in, we're just waiting for approval." Though she's anxious to get the centre in full operation, Rowe says the real influx of wildlife won't happen until next spring.

"We're at the end of the season now," she pointed out. "We generally will deal with orphaned young, which happens in the spring so we won't really be busy until then." In the meantime, the property has been prepared to house deer and raccoons, as well as other creatures in need. Onsite veterinarian Dr. Anne Downes will administer treatment when necessary for sick or injured animals.

"In most cases, we will just be providing a safe place for young animals to mature so that they can be released into the wild," says Rowe. "We will be looking for foster homes for animals in transition to being released." Fostering a wild animal is not something everyone can handle. Sufficient space is required to give the animal a secure environment while not caging and stifling its wild instincts as one day it will have to survive on its own.

For example, raccoons have to be returned to within 15 kilometres of where they were found.

"We're always looking for volunteers and people to foster animals," says Rowe.

In fact, she readily points out that it is volunteers that are the lifeblood of the wildlife refuge.

"I have about 25 solid volunteers that I can count on anytime, and that makes all the difference," she said. "Our volunteers do this work simply for the love of animals and a desire to help them. As rehabilitators, our goal is to prepare the animals in our care for successful return to life in their natural habitat." Though she admits she never imagined her hobby farm to turn into a wildlife refuge, she says the progression to its current status has been as natural as the creatures it serves.

"Sometimes all the bureaucracy and red tap can weigh me down, and just when it feels like too much, I see people coming out to give their time and expertise to make this thing work. And I know I have to keep going." The former garage is now a raccoon quarantine room so litters of raccoons can be separated for two weeks to avoid spreading disease. Small cages will house mammals such as squirrels and fence keeps domestic animals away from wildlife. There is even a medical trailer to treat animals.

"My property has been transformed over the last two years," said Rowe. A chain-link fence around the perimeter of the property will complete the installation phase.

"The worst is over, we're ready to a fully accredited sanctuary," says Rowe. "We finally got the funding we needed this summer to make all the preparations." Sharon Miko, Director of Operations with the Ottawa Humane Society, was touring the centre during the open house. She praised Rowe and her tireless team of volunteers for all their efforts.

"We need more wildlife refuges in the Ottawa area," she said. "The Humane Society lacks the resources to provide rehabilitation in our centre for wild animals." At present the only other wildlife facility in the area is the Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary near North Gower.

Rowe says the capacity of her centre will depend largely on the foster network that can be established.

Though fostering small animals like squirrels only requires a dedicated space that is safe, clean and has fresh air, larger animals will need more room.

"We will provide all the training and help people get set up with equipment to foster animals," said Rowe.

She anticipates an average in-house population of about 50 wild animals during the height of the season.

Though most of the animals will be orphans, some sick or injured creatures will be treated.

"We will do our best to bring any animal back to health," says Rowe.

A dedicated volunteer, Rowe is grateful that her 'day job' employer is supportive of her passion to help wildlife. As a full-time data manager at the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre, she is thankful that her employer understands that she might miss work during the peak season at the wildlife centre.

"I'm fortunate to have an employer that supports what I do here, and that means everything too." All things considered, the former hobby farm enthusiast turned guardian of nature has her work cut out for her.

But, when it's a labour of love, there is nothing more rewarding.

The Constance Creek Wildlife Refuge is at 2494 Dunrobin Road. You can find out more online at www.ccwr.ca or call 613-222-4719.

David Johnston is a freelance writer currently on assignment with the EMC.




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