Events: Culinary treats to help Wolf Hollow

With each passing year, the number of wildlife being treated at the Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center continues to grow. The result of this phenomenon is that the cost to operate Wolf Hollow also continues to grow, because this non-profit organization depends entirely on grants and private donations in order to survive.

"We need more food and medical supplies," said Director John Hopkins, pointing out that Wolf Hollow treated about 1,200 animals in 2004. This compares to about 1,000 in 2003 and 800 the year before. When Wolf Hollow opened its doors in 1985, it treated just 150 animals. The increased numbers are largely the result of the San Juans' growing population, which leads to more interactions between humans and animals, Hopkins said.

The animals are cared for at Wolf Hollow's facility, on San Juan Island. But the wildlife rehabilitation center also relies on volunteers on the main islands who are trained to assess the nature of each animal's problem and, when necessary, to capture it and arrange for its transportation to Wolf Hollow.

Islanders who come upon an animal that may be in need of help should not touch or move it. Instead, they should call 378-5000, and Wolf Hollow will contact one of the volunteers.

Wolf Hollow treats wildlife throughout San Juan County as well as nearby counties on the mainland.

At Saturday's Bite of Orcas, which is in its 10th year, the island's finest restaurants will serve their culinary treats and tasty cuisine under a big tent on the Eastsound Village Green. Always a popular event, the Bite has become one of the island's must-go-to events. It will take place, rain or shine, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In addition to the inexpensively priced good food, there will be displays showing examples of Wolf Hollow's work. On hand to answer questions will be Wolf Hollow's Education Director Shona Aitken.

The Bite of Orcas is extremely important to Wolf Hollow, Hopkins said. "It's one of our biggest money makers," he said, adding that it brings in between 10 and 12 percent of the wildlife rehabilitation center's operations budget.

Orcas Island is also important to Wolf Hollow, Hopkins said, explaining that the organization will be offering more educational presentations on this island that deal with protection of wildlife and what to do when you find an animal that is injured or ill. The offerings are being made possible thanks to a grant from the Orcas Island Community Foundation. The outreach programs will take place in the schools, the Elderhostel program, and the community as a whole.

Hopkins, a retired biologist, has been with Wolf Hollow for the past 14 months. Much of his work is fundraising, but it also includes "maintenance and carpentry," he said.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read.