Hi, my name is Alice and I have been volunteering for the Wayne County Sheriff's Department at Edward Hines Park for the last 11 years, solely at my own expense. Our wildlife in the park have been experiencing "human-inflicted injuries" that have negatively changed their normal lives, caused illness and injuries and more times than not, caused their death, due to patrons of the park not realizing that "human bad habits" have a direct result in the park environment.

Left behind fishing hooks, fishing line, glass, metal tabs from beverages, plastic, 6 Hole plastic can beverage holders, nails, Styrofoam,etc., feeding bread and human food have sickened our birds and animals, and these foods being thrown into the waterways are directly contaminating the waters with botulism, that affects animals as well as birds. We have lost 50% of our birds here in Michigan.

When I'm contacted, I stabilize the affected bird, assess "next steps": medical attention, transport for veterinary services for treatment or euthanasia. Sometimes it requires minor medical attention for example a wrapped wing, leg or foot and transport to a licensed rehabilitator. Other times, it is to care, for a period of time, 10-15 Baby Mallards that have lost their mother and transport to a licensed rehabilitator. My goal is to do my best to get these birds back to the park where they belong, giving them a second chance in life. So I named my Rescue, the Vita Nova Project (Rebirth).

The funds will be used to purchase a 6 x 10 x 10 or larger Outdoor Kennel, pool, covered ceiling to protect them from predators, food, medical supplies and possibly a pond. I call this their Outdoor Activity Pen (weather permitting) during the day and then housed in at night. Of course, this would not be used during the winter months.

A proposed Educational Powerpoint Presentation and Brochure is in the works for events at schools where children can interact with waterfowl, visually see their injuries, how and why it happened and be given the tools to resolve the environmental issues in all of our parks, while having fun seeing these birds in a circus-themed setting.

We have to start somewhere, and this is it for me . . . I really need your help because I don't know how much longer I can do this on my own. It's a community effort, the park belongs to all of us, and with that, the responsibility is directly on us to make changes and resolve the situation. I am hoping that I have explained the problem and made you aware of what is going on and hope you will see your way to donating for this cause . . . even if it's only just $1.00.

Help Me, To Help Them . . .

Thank you for your time and interest.