Lake Erie Nature & Science Center wildlife staff member receives award

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center wildlife rehabilitation specialist Tim Jasinski was recently recognized by the Ohio Wildlife Rehabilitators Association.

Tim Jasinski, a wildlife rehabilitation specialist at the non-profit Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, was recently recognized by the Ohio Wildlife Rehabilitators Association at their annual conference in Newark, Ohio, for his work in the field of wildlife rehabilitation.

OWRA is a non-profit organization and its mission is to promote wildlife conservation by providing resources to wildlife rehabilitators, educators and the community. OWRA has over 250 members and provides consulting services to the Ohio Division of Wildlife regarding laws and regulations for wildlife rehabilitation in the state of Ohio. Each year OWRA provides a conference with workshops and general sessions on a wide variety of topics from non-profit management to wildlife care.

At each annual conference, the awards committee of OWRA recognizes a new rehabilitator in Ohio by presenting him or her with an award for demonstrating outstanding achievement and excellence in service.

“This award is very well-deserved and I cannot say enough positive things about Tim’s work in the field of wildlife rehabilitation," said Amy LeMonds, Director of Wildlife at the Center. "Tim has no doubt demonstrated his commitment to the field of wildlife rehabilitation over the years."

As a child, Tim possessed a deep admiration for nature and wildlife, particularly birds, as he would frequently receive bird feeders and seeds for holiday and birthday presents. Since then, his love of birds has only continued to grow. Tim’s interest in Lake Erie Nature & Science Center began in 2006, when he found an injured Hairy Woodpecker that had struck a window. Tim brought the injured bird to the Center for treatment and began volunteering for the non-profit organization shortly after. In 2013, he reached his goal of becoming the Center’s wildlife rehabilitation specialist.

Tim’s favorite birds to seek out each year are gulls, waterfowl and warblers. In his spare time, he leads hikes for the Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society and The Biggest Week in American Birding. He has received professional training through OWRA, National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association and the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council. In addition to being recognized for his service, Tim presented at this year’s OWRA conference and provided education on how to care for sensitive species in a rehabilitation setting.

Tim, along with the rest of the expert staff at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, cares for about 1,400 young, sick and injured wildlife throughout the year composed of 120 different species, mainly birds.