Kawartha Wildlife Centre is developing an immersive campaign called the Kawartha Wildlife Coexistence Initiative (KWCI). The goal is to educate the public in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough and surrounding areas on the benefits of wildlife coexistence. KWCI is built on the premise that wildlife not only has intrinsic value but provides real and tangible benefits in the form of a balanced ecosystem and bringing together the local and regional community of all people.  Everyone has a stake in a healthy environment. We need fish in our lakes; animals in our forests, and birds in our skies. The local recreational fishing, forestry, and outdoor tourism industries depend on a healthy balanced ecosystem and everyone from all walks life, regardless of faith, cultural background, and social-economic groups can share in this initiative.
 

KWCI focuses on three groups: children, adults, and seniors. We believe that all generations provide value in the protection of wildlife, both in providing opportunities for our newest generation to become involved in wildlife conservation activities, but relying on the active support of our older generations and the wealth of heritage of stories, memories, and experiences that make up the rich connections between wildlife and our local community.

KWCI will involve a multi-effort approach in its educational mandate.

• We are developing a comprehensive training session for Kawartha Wildlife Centre Volunteers to responsibly and carefully handle injured Ontario wildlife.

• We will offer an immersive training program for local organizations and businesses that are keen to decrease their impact on local wildlife

• We are designing a suite of educational programming dedicated to target to classrooms, libraries, and other youth organizations to promote the essential concept of wildlife coexistence. We want to create the next generation of passionate and dedicated wildlife coexistence agents.

• We will empower our most senior generation by capturing the heritage, stories, and experiences through art, music and multimedia to personalize their wildlife passion for everyone to enjoy.