The Wildlife Center of Virginia invites you to the 28th annual Call of the Wild conference on wildlife rehabilitation, co-sponsored by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Wildlife rehabilitators, veterinary professionals, wildlife biologists, environmental educators, and wildlife enthusiasts from Virginia and beyond will share ideas and knowledge that can benefit wildlife, the environment, and the continually evolving field of wildlife rehabilitation.
This is an excellent learning opportunity for rehabilitators of all skill levels — and a chance for you to relax, rejuvenate, and be inspired to continue the great work you do!
Hybrid Format
The Center will be offering a hybrid learning experience this year with both online lectures and panel discussions as well as in-person hands-on workshops and training. Please read the schedule of events carefully before registering! In summary:
Friday, November 17: Online Content Only. Join us online for more than 10 hours of lectures, discussions, and Q&As. Online content will be available through the Whova site until the end of 2023, so even if you can't attend "live", you can still attend!
Saturday, November 18: In-person Only. Join us at the Best Western Inn & Suites in Waynesboro, Virginia! We'll be offering a variety of hands-on workshops and two very special bat seminars.
Sunday, November 19: Online Content Only. Join us online for more than 10 hours of lectures, discussions, and Q&As. Online content will be available through the Whova site until the end of 2023, so even if you can't attend "live", you can still attend!
Please note that start/end times for online content [Friday and Sunday] are tentative -- we'll be making minor adjustments in the weeks to come!
Lodging at the Best Western
Saturday's in-person sessions will be held at the Best Western Inn & Suites Conference Center in Waynesboro, VA, conveniently located off of Interstate 64 at Exit 94.
The Best Western offers spacious non-smoking rooms with wireless internet access, cable satellite television, an in-room coffee maker, microwave, and refrigerator. This pet-friendly hotel features an array of amenities, including a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, an indoor heated saltwater pool, and a fitness center. Many local restaurants are within walking distance of the hotel.
A room block for conference attendees is available for deluxe guest rooms on November 17 and 18. Room reservations and payment must be made through the Best Western. Room reservations may be made online or by calling the hotel directly at: 540-942-1100. When making reservations, be sure to mention the Center's Call of the Wild conference to receive your discount conference rate.
Special pricing ($139.99/night) is guaranteed (as long as room is available in the block) through October 20, so be sure to make your reservations early!
Scholarship Opportunities
Rehabitat Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Scholarships
Thanks to a generous donation from Rehabitat Inc., scholarships are available for permitted Pennsylvania wildlife rehabilitators, veterinarians who work with a rehabilitator, and/or permitted capture and transport (C&T) permittees. Funds may be used for registration fees only. To apply, please email your name, address, and a copy of your current Pennsylvania wildlife rehabilitation permit to edu@wildlifecenter.org. Please include a brief summary of the species you rehabilitate. Scholarship recipients will receive a coupon code in September to cover the conference fees through online registration.
Maryland Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (MWRA) Scholarship
MWRA is offering a limited number of scholarships for this event. If you are a member of MWRA and are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To apply, please email your full name, species that you rehabilitate, and the days(s) that you'd like to attend to edu@wildlifecenter.org. Qualifying members will receive a coupon code to cover their conference fees until we exhaust our scholarship fund for this event, so be sure to get your request in early.
New Jersey Association of Wildlife Rehabilitators Scholarships
The New Jersey Association of Wildlife Rehabilitators (NJAWR) is excited to announce they will be awarding scholarships to two NJAWR members for registration reimbursement to several 2023-24 symposiums, including the Call of the Wild conference! Applicants must be current NJAWR members and applications must be received by October 31, 2023. If you are interested in this scholarship opportunity, please visit NJAWR.org for application announcements and membership information.
Continuing Education Credits
The Call of the Wild conference offers CE opportunities to permitted wildlife rehabilitators; these hours qualify for obtaining or renewing a wildlife rehabilitation permit. Each online day of the conference offers at least 10 hours of CE. Certificates of attendance are emailed in the weeks following the conference.
A number of classes may qualify for Veterinary CE as well as Animal Control Officer training.
Cancellation Policy
Recordings from the online program [Nov 17, 19] are available until December 31, 2023. Even if you can’t attend the conference live, you’ll have access to all the material through the end of the year! If you must cancel, please notify us in writing (via email) as soon as possible. Cancellations (in writing only) received prior to November 1 are eligible to receive a full refund. Cancellations received after November 1 may qualify for a partial refund. No refunds will be given after the start of the conference or for no-shows at the in-person portion of the conference.
Questions? Please email edu@wildlifecenter.org.
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