Visitors come for education, recreation and time with the Center’s many animals

By Janet Easter
    On Saturday, September 6, the A.E. Howell Wildlife Conservation Center in North Amity, a non-profit organization with the goal of rehabilitating injured wildlife, providing residence for animals that cannot be released, and for the education and enjoyment of the public, opened its’ doors for this season’s last Open House.
    Highlights of the day included guided tours conducted by Girl Scout Troops 63 and 83 of Presque Isle, and Troops 410 and 1487 of Houlton. Educational resources about rabies and other pathogens in the wild were provided by Patty Carson of the CDC.
    And for the first time at the Center, Bryce Easter, a certified archery instructor with the National Archery Association/USA Archery/NADA was on site to demonstrate the use of the Olympic Recurve Bow and provide instruction for children and adults alike. The archery equipment was provided by the Easton Sports Development Foundation II/NADA and is available through the Presque Isle Parks and Recreation Department for neighboring communities.
    The Center’s Education Building also provided a place to choose from many informative pamphlets and fliers on subjects ranging from fire safety in the wild and at home to procedures for addressing injured wildlife. The building also houses the Center’s Gift Shop with a variety of beautiful hand-made items donated by local artisans and the wildlife photography of the late Bill Silliker.
    The Center will continue to provide guided tours by appointment through November 15. For more information, please call Art Howell at (207) 532-6880.