2006-2007 Orange Book: Internet Directory
Wildlife Research Institute

Wildlife Research Institute

Founded in 1990, the Wildlife Research Institute, located on Highland Valley Road in Ramona, is set amidst the rare Ramona grasslands that it is pledged to help preserve. In fact, preservation, research and education are the three main efforts of the Wildlife Research Institute.

According to Founder and Director Dave Bittner, the primary focus of the Institute’s preservation efforts is the Ramona Grasslands Project where approximately 3,000 of the 8,000 acres of Ramona grassland are the responsibility of the Institute. Located just west of town, the Ramona Grasslands feature vernal pools, alkali playas and native grasses with the Santa Maria Creek running through it. Animals that call it home include Stephen’s kangaroo rat, fairy shrimp, purple stipa, blue-eyed grass and wooley blue curls.

The research arm of the Wildlife Research Institute began its work with golden eagles. “San Diego County at one time had one of the most dense populations of golden eagles in the country with 104 pair,” observed Bittner. “Now that population has dwindled to 55.” The Institute uses a combination of some 50 volunteers and a number of helicopters to see which birds are reproducing and to determine what is disturbing them. It works with the County in an effort to protect this magnificent species. The Institute’s research, which includes banding the birds and observing their flight patterns through satellite telemetry, has expanded to the California gnatcatcher and some mammals.

The educational program of the Institute is mainly its annual Hawk Watch. Held in January and February. The Hawk Watch began as a way to introduce people to grasslands and why they should be protected. Now as many as1600 people show up to view some 13 different species of raptors, including hawks, owls and eagles. Free to the public, all you have to bring is yourself and a pair of binoculars. The Institute also hosts the Children’s Hawk Watch for local students, ages 9-11.

The institute has grown from the early 1990s, when it had only two biologists, to an organization with 800 members (looking at 1,000 before long) and two projects that total over $400,000. “It’s quite amazing to me and I started it,” admitted Bittner. He added, “We couldn’t have done half of what we do without our volunteers.”

The institute is governed by a board of directors that includes: Jeff Lincer, research director; Dave Bittner, chairman; Doug Schanzenbach, treasurer; and Kathleen McClod, secretary.

The institute’s big fundraiser is a silent auction and dinner held in April at a different location each year. They also publish a quarterly newsletter that is delivered to its members. Dues start at $35 for students, $50 for members, up to $10,000 for corporate sponsors.

Mailing address POB 2209, Ramona, CA. 92065

18030 Highland Valley Road

Phone 789-3992

Email info@wildlife-research.org

Web site: www.wildlife-research.org