"Working at the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program is easily the most unique experience I have had in my life. Where else could I come in such close contact with these birds and help them on their path to recovery all the while gaining knowledge and experience foreign to most people? The volunteers and staff members of this program all have wonderful hearts and the love and effort they put into keeping the RMRP running is so inspiring. I am truly lucky to have come in contact with so many selfless people each working together with one mission in mind: rehabilitating raptors and returning them to the wild, and educating the public about these birds. Nowhere else will I gain the experiences I have gained here and I know I’ll be keeping my days as a volunteer with me for the rest of my life. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity of working with all these beautiful birds and people! The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program will always have my love and support."

    ~ Kara Gendron

    ~ Pat Hayward, Long-Time RMRP volunteer

“The Raptor Program has done an outstanding job for many years. The proposed wildlife center will be a wonderful addition to our city and this region.”

    ~ Darin Atteberry, Fort Collins City Manager

“I love seeing the kids’ eyes light up when they get an educational raptor up close. I think they will be more likely to respect, love, and do whatever they can for wildlife in the future.”

    ~Ashley Brockett, Zoology Major, Violinist, Horse Lover, Volunteer of the Month, September 2006

“Trained volunteers take educational birds to schools and other venues where exist opportunities to inform people of the birds, their habits and their needs. Such educational outreach efforts…foster a greater understanding of the need for habitat protections, and generate considerable public support for the RMRP.”

    ~ William H. Miller, President, Fort Collins Audubon Society

“Every time I volunteer, someone does or says something that gives me goose bumps, wells up my eyes, or makes me laugh. I love working with the birds, but I’m here because of the people. My dad claims that the RMRP is better run than the fortune 500 company he works for.”

    ~ Paul O’Connor, Teacher, Bass Player, Writer, Rock Climber, Volunteer of the Month, October 2006

“RMRP is not only a great benefit to the injured raptors that are treated and released back into the wild, but also to the community through educational outreach and volunteer programs. Members of the community feel a sense of pride to have such a great program in our town and value the opportunity to do their part to help the animals.”

    ~ Dr. Priscilla Dressen, North Star Veterinary Clinic, Fort Collins

“The raptor program is awesome...I've never seen such an interesting, diverse, and dedicated group before. And that's just the people! I’m sure that as I get to know the birds better, I will find even greater inspiration.”

    ~ Matt Borland, USDA Computer Technician, Cyclist, Writer, Volunteer of the Month, November 2006

“I’m a firm believer that we can only affect what is immediately around us. By the way I live my life, including volunteering at RMRP, I hope to make my little corner of the world a little better.”

    ~ Carol Dollard, CSU Utility Engineer, College Professor, Volunteer Fire Department Captain, Volunteer of the Month, December 2006

“What attracted us to RMRP was the birds, but we became supporters because of the people.”

    ~ Helen Petrak, Embroidery Artist, Volunteer and Supporter

“Thank you and your entire staff for taking care of the Owl that we brought in last week. You are so dedicated to the healing and care for all the birds at the center. I look forward to seeing how we can help raise awareness and monies for your organization, and I am committed to helping in anyway I can to make a difference for raptors and birds in need.”

    ~ Brigette Christy, Owner, Spin Creative Studio, Breckenridge, Aspen, Denver, Boulder

“What an honor and a thrill it is to work so closely with these animals. They have such amazing spirits. I love it so much that I hardly even flinched at the 1 hr+ (each way!) commute, even when gas was $3 a gallon!”

    ~Amanda Redford, Volunteer of the Month, June 2006

“I began volunteering at RMRP in August 1996 after taking Judy's Birds of Prey class. When I’m working with the birds I feel a unique connection to the natural world. It's a real privilege. I want to see the new raptor center through to completion.”

    ~ Jeff Stark, Volunteer of the Month, July 2006

“Rocky Mountain Raptor Program is one of the best-run programs in the country and a valuable asset to both birds of prey and our community.”

    ~ Rick Harness, EDM International, Inc., Fort Collins

“The world is such a harsh place sometimes, and it is really refreshing to see the passion among the volunteers who are doing good things and making a difference. If I can help spread hope, or just brighten someone's day, then I am happy.”

    ~ Anna Rothman, Volunteer of the Month, August 2006