Finger Lakes Wildlife Center Fund

Visit our website:  www.fingerlakeswildlifecenter.org 

   Finger Lakes Wildlife Center (FLWC), Inc. is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that is currently working hard to build a wildlife education center exhibiting native New York State species.  FLWC plans to serve as an environmental visitor center for the Finger Lakes by teaching people of all ages about the natural history, behaviors, ecological value, and conservation status of plants and animals in the region. FLWC also has plans for a small petting zoo titled "Little Farm", which will feature miniature domestic farm animals aimed at teaching the public about agricultural influence on the region.
    FLWC was founded by John and Erin Lord-Astles in 2014. John is a graduate of St. John Fisher College with a BS in Accounting. He has nearly a decade of experience in public accounting, specializing in not-for-profits, and currently is the Director of Finance at the Seneca/Cayuga ARC. Erin is a graduate of SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry with a BS in Wildlife Science. She worked as a naturalist and educator for Wolf Mountain Nature Center in Smyrna, NY before accepting a position as a California Sea Lion Trainer and Zookeeper of primates, small mammals, hoofstock, reptiles, and invertebrates at the Utica Zoo. Erin then worked as a Wildlife Education Specialist for Bridges for Brain Injury in Farmington, NY where she helped care for 60 native and exotic animals, as well as educated adults with diabilities on animal husbandry, training, and enrichment. Erin also is working as a Adjuct Instructor of Wildlife at Finger Lakes Community College for the Fall 2017 semester, where she teaches Wildlife Field Techniques and Intro to Wildlife. Erin currently is dedicated to maintaining and improving facilities here at FLWC, and is working hard to allocate funds necessary to progress with FLWC goals.
   FLWC is currently in the planning phase and has built a project list we wish to achieve by 2020 so that we may open to the public and provide the very best quality visitor expierince. We have estimated current costs of meeting these goals and expect to acquire a percentage of the costs from fundraising events, grant awards, business loans, etc. But we still need your help with start up costs! Your donations will be used to repair and upgrade our facilities, and care for our animal ambassadors. FLWC also is always in need of donations of materials, services, and volunteers and is always seeking partnerships with other local organizations. Please visit FLWC on Facebook, SHARE and LIKE our page and help our startup campaign! 

Finger Lakes Wildlife Center (FLWC) Synopsis:
-Site Location: Fox Road, Farmington, NY, 14425. Town of Farmington. Ontario County.
-Site Description: 20.146 acres of mixed pasture, grass/shrub land, and deciduous/coniferous forest. 6.2 acres of wetland and large man-made pond stocked with bass and bullhead.
-Current State of Facilities: 3 separate pastures (average of 1 acre each) in need of repair and a spacious pole barn with 15 stalls and large exercise room in need of minor repairs. Long Driveway and several parking areas in need of repaving.
FLWC Mission Statement:
-To provide the public with educational opportunities about local wildlife and natural history through the exhibition of flora and fauna in naturalistic habitats.
-To promote wildlife conservation and stewardship of nature through unique experiences that connect people with the natural world.
-To provide better understanding of animal behavior and ecological value through observation and research.
-To support and contribute to the local economy through tourism and providing attractive facilities and unique experiences.
-To operate for any purpose for which corporations may be organized under the not-for-profit corporation law as a charitable corporation.
 
FLWC 2017 Project List:
 I.        Land Management
-Survey property and stake boundary lines.
-Grounds Cleanup (haul out manure pile, remove trash/old fencing, dismantle or repair dock, clean pond, etc.).-Fill driveway and parking lot potholes (eventually repave area and add visitor walkways).
-Brush hog and remove dead lumber from "Wolf Country" site. Mow path to old trailer on back end of property for ease of demolition).
-Security perimeter fence installation, new gate at entrance with signage.

II.        Little Farm
-Repair pasture fencing on all 3 pastures.
-Repair and clean barn stalls and hay lofts.
-Animal acquisition/care funding.
-Educational signs and materials.

III.        Wolf Country
-Remove delapidated trailer from back of plot (must be removed in professional controlled demolition to ensure proper disposal of any and all potential hazards).
-Proper fencing, holding areas, shelters, feeding stations and environmental enrichment. (All enclosure specifications and safety protocols based on USDA and AZA standard practices).
-Visitor fencing, viewing platform, and educational signs and materials.
- Animal acquisition/care funding

IV.        Visitor Center
-Conversion of barn exercise room into visitor center (flooring, drywall and insulation, heat, lighting, etc.).
-Admissions/gift shop (cash register, ATM, vending machines, product shelving, etc.).
-Classroom seating/Podium/Stage
-Indoor collection (reptiles, invertebrates, etc.)
-Portapotties/bathroom
-Trash/recycling receptacles

V.        Planning for Additional Exhibits
-Future development for NYS Native Species (Fox, Coyote, Bobcat, Lynx, Porcupine, Woodchuck, Opossum, Raptors, etc.).
-Educational materials on local climate, ecosystem, biota, agriculture/viticulture, sustainable energy, and conservation issues.
-Nature Trail, Camping with wolves area

Future Animal Ambassadors:
      I.        New York State Animals
-Gray Wolves
-Red Fox
-Grey Fox
-Coyote
-North American Porcupines
-Opossum
-Woodchuck
-Bobcat
-Canada Lynx
-Raptors/Corvids
-Reptiles/Amphibians
-Fish Tanks/Mounts
-Invertebrate Tanks/Mounts    II.        Little Farm Animals
-Nigerian Dwarf Goats are here! Meet Lewa & Nimma!
-Oessant or Mini Icelandic Sheep
-Micro Pigs
-Alpacas
-Mini Zebu
-Mini Italian Donkeys
-Mini Horses
-Bantam Chickens
-Flemish Giant Rabbits
-Domestic Ducks
-Barn Owl

Finger Lakes Wildlife Center would be happy to accept any help you would be willing to offer. No contribution is too small. Please Like and Follow our Facebook page to track our progress and find volunteer opportunities. We are happy to be given the chance, with your support, to serve our community through environmental education, wildlife conservation, and scientific literacy. Please help us make this dream a reality! www.fingerlakeswildlifecenter.org