how it started

From our Founder

Greetings,

It is truly remarkable to reflect on the completion of our second full year of operations, during which we witnessed a doubling in the number of intakes. While our team harbored ambitious goals and aspirations for 2023, our journey was tinged with profound sorrow following the loss of our esteemed ambassador, Poppy the Groundhog, on February 28, 2023.

With the loss of Poppy we devoted ourselves to nurturing her successor, Elliott, into a remarkable ambassador. The time and effort invested in Elliott's development not only facilitated his growth but also aided in our collective healing process. Our bond with Elliott deepened through personalized attention, aiding him in navigating his grief. The past year marked significant growth for Elliott as an ambassador, as well as Acorn Acres.

Our key achievements from the past year include:

 - Securing and implementing our Threatened/Endangered permit, expanding our rehabilitation scope.

 - Enhancing operational efficiency through the development of comprehensive procedural manuals and checklists. 

- Iteratively refining our standard operating procedures (SOPs) to align closely with operational practices.

 - Strengthening our Internship Program by actively participating in Internship Fairs at local educational institutions.

 - Enriching public educational offerings with STEM programs utilizing the Makerspace approach.

 - Launching a fee-free donation platform on our website, facilitating contributions in memory of cherished individuals.

 - Conducting in-person training sessions at both state and national levels on squirrel rehabilitation.

 - Enlarging our Volunteer Team by welcoming new team members.

We take pride in our achievements, anticipate continued growth, remain steadfast in delivering unparalleled care, and eagerly anticipate the opportunities that 2024 will bring.

As the saying goes, "Mighty oaks from little acorns grow!"

With gratitude,

Betsy Shank, CWR

Founder and Executive Director