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Sierra Wildlife Rescue Classes 2026 signup sheet

Sierra Wildlife Rescue offers a variety of classes for anyone interested in local wildlife, the environment, and the world of wildlife rehabilitation. These sessions help participants learn what rehabilitation involves and decide whether they’d like to pursue further training. SWR classes also explore our native species and how to peacefully coexist with wildlife in our community. We round out the series with special-interest topics taught by experienced rescuers and educators. Take one or take them all. Click on each class title below to read the full description. They are free to members or $10 each for non-members. We look forward to seeing you there!
After you sign up for a class, the instructor will send an email reminder the week of your class with parking information and any other special details.
All classes will be held at Sierra Wildlife Rescue located at 777 Pleasant Valley Road, Diamond Springs, CA 95619.

To learn about memberships, please visit https://sierrawildliferescue.org/donate-become-a-member/

To sign up, select a row below

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CO-EXISTING WITH WILDLIFE- This program provides a fun and informative overview of the wildlife in El Dorado County. Come see and ask questions about your neighborhood wildlife and how to coexist with them.

February 21, Saturday, 10 am – 12 pm

Frances G., Sandra J., Andrea A., Iva Y., Carol L., Debby S., Lorelei E., Nancy W., TRACI M., Sarah B., Pamela S., Pamela S., Melissa B., Clay B.,

RABBIT REHABILITATION- The rabbit class has a basic overview of rehabbing and the requirements involved (housing requirements for the rabbits and the time involved for rehabbing). The class will also cover some of the natural history for the 3 species that are in our county.

February 21, Saturday, 1 pm – 3 pm

Barbara A., Sandra J., Iva Y., Darci B., Lisa W., Carol V., Nancy W., TRACI M., Sarah B.,

THE WORLD OF WOODPECKERS- This class explores the natural history of woodpeckers, including their unique adaptations, behaviors, and communication. Learn how different species live and raise their young, the challenges they face, and simple ways to coexist with and support these important birds in our local ecosystems.

February 22, Sunday, 10 am – 12 pm

Iva Y., Phillip Y., Eileen J., Rick J., Janelle T., Kathy O., Kathy S., Sue P., Mary G., Eloisa R., Janet N., Gayle L., Debbie B., William C.,

SQUIRREL REHABILITATION- The Squirrel Rehabilitation class will be equal parts learning about squirrels, our squirrel rehabbing program, and a glimpse into what it's like to be a squirrel rehabber. The class will also provide ample opportunity to get your questions answered. Our hope is that by the end of this class, you'll want to join us on the rehabbing team, or at a minimum you'll have a deeper appreciation for these wonderful animals.

February 22, Sunday, 1 pm – 3 pm

Show 25 names Barbara A., Aimee S., Andrea A., Ali W., Jenny P., Darci B., Carol M., Sandra J., Lisa W., Christiane H., Kristin W., Stephanie B., Macy-June B., Sabrina’s M., Jennifer B., Chris H., TRACI M., Dyan V., Pamela S., Kim C., Margie G., Russ W., Kristin C., Rebecca M., Katherine S.,

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FOXES, COYOTES, & BOBCATS REHABILITATION- This class will go over the natural history of each species. It will also give you an overview of the SWR requirements for rehabbing Fox, Coyote and Bobcat (procedures for care, transporting, caging and time commitment).

March 1, Sunday, 10 am – 12 pm

Shane C., Kay D., Carol V., Hailey G., Carol M., Danute M., Leslie A., Jason F., Carol V., Heather S., Stephanie B., Macy-June B., Vanessa F., Chris H., Brandi H., Anne H., Pamela R., Kim C., Russ W., Kristin C., Katherine S., Brian S.,

DOVES & PIGEON REHABILITATION- “I will show you my pigeons! Which is the greatest treat, in my opinion, which can be offered to [a] human being” - Charles Darwin Please join our class and hear fascinating facts about the cultural and historical significance of pigeons on our planet Earth during the last 60 million years. Perhaps you’ll want to join our team and support our mission to respect and care for them!

March 1, Sunday, 1 pm – 3 pm

Barbara A., Jenna and Lucy E., Darci B., Kathy S., Sue P., Cynthia B., Miah M., Jenna E., Lucy E., JT S., Lisa S.,

CREATE YOUR OWN BACKYARD HABITAT- Everyone can enjoy and protect wildlife where they live, learn, work, and play. Creating a wildlife habitat garden to attract birds, butterflies, and other neighborhood wildlife is fun, rewarding, and makes a big difference. It’s easier than you might think.

March 7, Saturday, 10 am – 12 pm

Kaylee S., Sandra J., Danute M., Nancy W., Sarah B., Clay B., Melissa B.,

SKUNK REHABILITATION- Come learn about one of wildlife’s most under-appreciated critters! Whether you’re interested in helping rehab baby skunks or just want to learn more about the striped fellows, please attend this class. No future commitment necessary but much appreciated. Taught by Skunk Team Co- leader Debra Webster, now in her sixth year.

March 7, Saturday, 1 pm – 3 pm

Aimee S., Hailey G., Kaylee S., Danute M., Christiane H., Stephanie B., Stephanie B., Nancy W., TRACI M., Susan C., Sarah B., Brandi H., Penny P., Eloisa R., Anne H., Lee G., Russ W., Kristin C.,

BATS & CRITTERS TALK- Sierra Wildlife Rescue Rehabilitation’s mission isn’t just to help injured or orphaned wildlife recover. We also work to educate ourselves and the public about California’s diverse species so we can care for them better, clear up old myths, and share a bit of their natural history. This year, we’re putting a special spotlight on bats—one of the most misunderstood groups we work with. They’re incredibly important to our ecosystems, and we want to help people see them for the remarkable animals they are. To support this effort, Sierra Wildlife Rescue is offering a relaxed, “show and tell” style talk featuring some of our often-overlooked species, snakes, tarantulas, lizards, etc., to help everyone get to know them a little better.

March 8, Sunday, 10 am – 12 pm

Shelly H., Eileen J., Rick J., Kaylee S., Carol M., Jill T., Leslie A., Lynette V., Kelly G., Mary G., Stephanie B., Vanessa F., Sarah B.,

RACCOON REHABILITATION- Come and learn about the remarkable raccoon. These amazing mammals are underrated and complex. Introductory class covers raccoon history, habitat and behavior.

March 8, Sunday, 1 pm – 3 pm

Chris H., Hailey G., Kaylee S., Danute M., Pamela S., Anne H., Anne H., Russ W., Kristin C., Brian S., Katherine S., Tina L.,

RAPTOR REHABILITATION- Learn about local raptors and how you can become part of the SWR raptor team.

March 14, Saturday, 10 am – 12 pm

Hailey G., Arne J., Kritika B., Leslie A., Carol V., Christiane H., Nancy W., Vanessa F., Jonathan Z., Susan C., Sarah B., Sarah B., Brandi H., Vanessa A., Anne H., George L., Aimee S., Debbie B., JT S., Rebecca M., Katherine S., Brian S.,

A HUMMINGBIRD: HOW DO YA DO?- 90 minute class introducing the common hummingbird species of EDC, their life cycle, natural history, and fun tidbits about the tiny jewels of the sky. The class will also cover how to attract and retain healthy hummingbird populations year after year. Come join us, and our instructor Anita, as we explore the incredible world of the hummingbirds of EDC

March 14, Saturday, 1 pm - 2:30pm

Barbara A., Eileen F., Shelly H., Eileen J., Rick J., Kritika B., Danute M., Lynette V., Kathy S., Kelly G., Nancy W., Vanessa F., Elaine L., Sarah B., Anne H., Kerri M., Ken M., Debbie B.,

Returnees to BABY BIRD NURSERY (BBN)- This class focuses on strengthening our knowledge and care of the songbird species received at BBN, with an emphasis on improving techniques for individual needs. Returning volunteers will help shape the season by sharing what worked and what can be improved, while those seeking more hands-on experience with young, injured, or sick birds will be encouraged to step into expanded support and training roles.

March 15, Sunday, 10 am – 12:30 pm

Show 25 names Nancy D., Kathy O., Irene M., Dawn D., Cindy S., Julie M., Jacob M., Holly B., Sharon M., Arne J., Eileen J., Flora S., Kimberly C., Emma C., Danute M., Lynette V., Kathy S., Sue P., Carrie S., Maddie S., Tai S., Sharon E., Vanessa A., Vanessa A., Irene M.,

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Introduction to BABY BIRD NURSERY (BBN)- This class introduces prospective volunteers to our organization and the essential work of caring for baby birds in our seasonal Baby Bird Nursery. Participants will learn about our mission, nursery operations, and the commitment involved, as well as the vital role volunteers play in giving young songbirds a second chance at life.

March 15, Sunday, 1:30 pm – 4 pm

Andrea A., Ali W., Jenna and Lucy E., Lucas Z., Lisa W., Robin H., Leslie H., Christiane H., Nancy W., TRACI M., Kim R., Miah M., Tiffany G., JT S., Lisa S., Tina L., Tina L., Noe L.,

WATERBIRDS & WATERFOWL REHABILITATION- We will explore the many beautiful and fascinating birds that love to live in marshes and waterways of El Dorado county. We will look at how we can learn about how to care for this diverse group of birds in rehabilitation based on their unique characteristics and natural history.

March 21, Saturday, 10 am - 12 pm

Aimee S., Darci B., Robin H., Mary G., Nancy W., Stephanie C., JT S.,

CORVID REHABILITATION (Crows & Ravens)- In this class we will explore the amazing world of Corvids, their natural history and species that belong to the super smart Corvidae family. We will discuss how we care for them when they come to us for rehabilitation and release based on their natural history, habitat and specific needs.

March 21, Saturday, 1 pm - 3pm

Shane C., Barbara A., Kay D., Jaqueline W., Aimee S., Ali W., Jenny P., Hailey G., Darci B., Kaylee S., Mary G., Stephanie B., Vanessa F., Cynthia B., Tina L., Tina L.,

OPOSSUM REHABILITATION- This class will go over the natural history of opossums, stages of development, diet & MBD (metabolic bone disease), housing & cleaning and is for people who just want to learn about opossums as well as those who are interested in rehabbing.

March 22, Sunday, 10 am – 12 pm