‘Living with wildlife' symposium set for May 19

Cuddebackville — The Neversink Valley Area Museum, in Association with the Ravensbeard Wildlife Center, will present a symposium on “Living With Wildlife” on Saturday, May 19 at 3 p.m. Kristine Flones, an Ulster County bear expert, will talk about the do’s and don’ts of living with black bears. Ellen Kalish will speak on her involvement as a wildlife rehabilitator, baby animals (when and if they need to be rescued), endangered species and what we can all do as our personal contributions to greener living. They will share stories of their experiences and will bring their very special friend Gaia (pronounced Jee-a), a Peregrine Falcon they rescued. Kalish and Flones founded Ravensbeard in 2003 as a not-for-profit corp. At that time wildlife rehabilitators in the Mid-Hudson Valley were working independently and the cost of the work to individuals was significant. Ravensbeard is like a co-op, each rehabilitator contributing to the group by helping with projects and fundraising, and sharing knowledge. In return, those participating receive mentoring from more experienced rehabilitators and access to funds for expensive veterinary services. They strive to be on the cutting edge of new veterinary practices and procedures; they pride themselves with being informed of the newest products and consistent research medicine and homeopathy. Their results are documented and used for long-term record keeping. Kalish has been a birder and animal lover her whole life. She has dedicated a large part of her life to the well-being of the birds and animals that she has loved for so long. Flones has been a wildlife rehabilitator for five years since the animals started arriving at her doorstep. She has traveled to Minnesota to study the life of Black Bears with Dr. Lynn Rogers “The Bear Whisperer.” This event will be held at the D & H Canal Park Visitor’s Center, 58 Hoag Road, (just off Route 209) in Cuddebackville. Suggested minimum donation of $5 will be divided between the two organizations. For more information, call 754-8870 or visit www.neversinkmuseum.org.