Wildlife is Pennsylvania’s greatest gift
Wildlife is Pennsylvania’s greatest gift
By Tyler Frantz
Pennsylvania is undoubtedly one of the most wildlife-rich states in the country. Having an abundance of game to pursue, plentiful birds to watch and diverse landscapes to explore is perhaps the greatest gift an outdoorsman could ever possibly receive.
Thankfully, there is a determined group working to preserve all of these wild things we love by raising the much need funds to help them flourish. The Wildlife for Everyone Endowment Foundation (WFEEF) was established in 2004 so future generations can enjoy PA’s extensive natural beauty and rich wildlife heritage. It serves as the only foundation dedicated to all 480 Pennsylvania birds and mammals, as well as the ecosystems in which they reside.
WFEEF operates independently from the PA Game Commission, but raises private funds to help bolster wildlife projects across the state. Several former PGC officials have joined the foundation upon retirement to continue making a difference for our state’s birds and mammals.
As a 501(c) 3 non-profit, WFEEF can raise, receive, acquire and distribute funds and other property. The Foundation works to aid wildlife where support is most needed and plays an important role in protecting existing habitat or creating new habitat for all species. Since its inception, WFEEF has raised roughly $3-million for more than twenty major projects within the Commonwealth.
A sampling of projects include Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area’s revamped Visitor’s Center, the replacement of Colyer Lake’s dambreast, a water control structure at the Pymatuning Wildlife Management Area, updates to the Scotia Range, multiple land acquisitions, as well as the Gov. Tom Ridge Wetlands Preserve.
According to WFEEF’s mission statement, the goal “is to provide private support for wildlife habitat enhancements, wildlife scientific research, wildlife education, land preservation, youth programs, youth education and the creation of a wildlife education and research center.”
The research center is presently the focal point of a $12-million capital campaign to build an Education and Research Center near State College to teach children and adults about Pennsylvania's diverse wildlife species and to house the Pennsylvania Game Commission's wildlife research staff.
The state of the art complex would be the first of its kind. Plans for the education center include a theatre, gift shop, classrooms and interactive laboratories and exhibits, while the Research Center will feature offices, a library, and laboratory space for biologists to continue paving the way for the future of wildlife research in the state.
How does a foundation come up with 12-million dollars? Enter newly appointed President Jerry Reagan, who spent the past 13-years leading Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art. Reagan was instrumental in raising funds to grow both organizations into world-class destinations. “The vision of connecting nature, people and the arts is just part of my DNA,” Reagan said. “I have a great love for nature and wildlife and look forward to working with the foundation and expanding our conservation efforts for all of Pennsylvania’s birds, mammals, and people.”
Major upcoming 2017 fundraisers include Sporting Clay Classics at Lehigh Valley on March 31st and Seven Springs Mountain Resort on May 12th, the Great Outdoor Picnic & Raffle at Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park on June 17th, the Wildlife for Warriors Spruce Creek Classic fly fishing tournament on September 11th, and the Tee Off for Wildlife Golf Tournament in Gettysburg on October 6th.
Reagan replaces 12-year Executive Director and co-founder Vern Ross, who retired in early December. After leading the Pennsylvania Game Commission for almost eight years, Ross helped establish WFEEF in 2004 and turned it into the well-oiled machine it is today. The Foundation recognized Ross’s many years of service by naming their newly created scholarship after him.
The Vern Ross Wildlife Scholarship Fund will provide more than $12,000 annually by raising $250,000 over the next three years and will create a permanent fund to give promising students scholarship and internship opportunities through the Foundation. “It’s been a great honor,” Ross said in regards to serving WFEEF. “When you take a look at what we’ve been able to do over the past 12 years, you say- that’s a lot of money. But it all went to habitat, for the game, for fish. What more can you ask for?”
“It took a lot of work, but when things happen, its not on account of me, it’s because of the people on the board, the help, all the volunteers, the donors- that’s how we’ve gotten things done. These people all stepped up to take care of what we needed on behalf of the wildlife,” he said.
“It’s great to see these people still involved in wildlife,” Ross said of his former colleagues. “In my heart, when I leave this earth… I want to leave in Cameron County. Like I told my wife, don’t buy me a burial plot. I want my ashes spread where the wildlife run.”
To contribute directly to the Vern Ross Wildlife Scholarship Fund, sponsor an event, or join the Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation via one of its various individual membership levels, please visit www.wildlifeforeveryone.org.
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