Save the date! FWRA is already planning our next symposium January 21 – 23, 2027 at the Altamonte Springs Hilton. More information to follow.
Symposium updates
Our next symposium will be here sooner than you think! We’ve been busy arranging speakers and classes for next year. We are happy to welcome back Erica Miller, DVM. Potential classes include Skunk Rehabilitation, Fowl Language, Wildlife Radiology, and the Great Avian Guessing Game. Jessica Anderson will be returning with classes on working with volunteers, working with interns, and hotline set-up. There are a lot more classes in the works, it’s going to be a great schedule.
Applications of Forensic Science in Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers – Megan Stolen
Forensic science techniques can be highly beneficial to wildlife rehabilitation practitioners. Proper collection of evidence during intake and postmortem exams is important when human negligence and abuse are suspected.
Bat Rehabilitation – Shari Blissett-Clark Florida Bat Conservancy, Jennifer White
Includes hands on treatment techniques.
Diets at a Glance – Jessica Andersen, Blue Ridge Wildlife Center, VA
Presentation includes various examples of diets for some common patients, and what resources are available to help you figure out what works best for you and your patients!
Enrichment – Deb Helsel, Back to Nature, Orlando, FL
Enhance the physical and psychological welfare of our animals through the enrichment of their care and environments. Join us for some great ideas and some make & take items.
Great Avian Guessing Game – Erica Miller, DVM, Wildlife Futures Program, PA
This interactive workshop (yes, it’s a game, so everyone plays!) offers a fun way for everyone in the audience to work through the steps of diagnosing and treating several avian rehabilitation cases. Information on theoretical cases will be presented, and the audience will make diagnostic and treatment decisions to successfully treat the patient.
Keeping Cool on the Hotline – Jessica Andersen, Blue Ridge Wildlife Center, VA
Join us to hear about how we’ve adjusted our hotline to go from stressed to blessed over the last few years!
Songbirds 101 – Jessica Andersen, Blue Ridge Wildlife Center, VA
This lecture will include how to handle various hotline calls for songbirds, raising a variety of species of songbirds, appropriate enclosure design for common species, natural history considerations, diets, proper handling & restraint, common veterinary concerns & treatments, euthanasia considerations, and more!
Scholarship Applications
Application deadline is October 30, 2026. To apply you must be a current member of FWRA, have a wildlife rehabilitation permit or have the permitted rehabilitator you work with provide confirmation, and fill out the application completely. Your rehabilitator may use the link on this page, email treasurer@fwra.org, or mail to FWRA, PO Box 590251, Orlando, FL 32859. Applications that are late, incomplete or not from current members cannot be considered. If awarded a scholarship, you will be notified between November 16-20, 2026. Scholarships include 3 days of classes, 3 lunches, Saturday night dinner, workshops, and partial reimbursement of hotel charges if you stay at our host hotel. We are unable to include additional meals or transportation.