The Rotary Club of Tehachapi welcomed Megan Maitland, executive director of the California Living Museum in Bakersfield, to speak at a recent weekly meeting.
A resident of Tehachapi, Maitland holds a bachelor’s degree in biology with a concentration in zoology from CSU Stanislaus, and a master of science degree in nonprofit administration from Louisiana State University in Shreveport, La. Maitland presented CALM’s 20-year master plan that will provide extensive modernization, expansion and enhanced guest experiences to this little gem of a zoo.
CALM focuses on educating the public about California’s native wildlife and plant species while providing exceptional care for the animals that call CALM home.
Since 1995, Kern County Superintendent of Schools and CALM have partnered to provide hands-on field trips and STEAM programs for more than 25,000 students each year and serves more than 100,000 community members annually, inspiring learning through wildlife, nature and science. If you ever would like to learn about an animal that you see in your neighborhood, a trip to CALM can help you discover the animals that call Tehachapi home!
The 20-year Master Plan includes expansion of their rehabilitation and animal operations hub, to allow for an increased focus on CALM’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate and release local wildlife. Currently, CALM focuses on endangered species, and a new commissary and animal quarantine building will allow CALM to care for more ailing animals.
In addition, the building would include housing for veterinary interns, which would support their educational experience while providing 24-hour care for hospitalized animals. The existing campus would see expansion of existing habitats, and improved infrastructure, such as more guest restrooms. Other undeveloped areas would be expanded to bring in larger animals, like wolves, grizzly bears and elk.
The plans also include a new entry plaza that will reorganize the existing footprint, with improved parking, landscaping and dedicated areas for school buses and field trip groups to unload and enter. There are also plans to build a new multipurpose event pavilion, which would allow for expanded program and event offerings. Information on the 20-year Master Plan can be found at https://protectcalmzoo.org/master-plan-overview/.
Maitland explained that CALM is currently exploring various funding options to repair and upgrade the zoo to better serve the community. One of those options may include gauging voter interest in a local revenue measure to support CALM. To explore this, community members may be asked to sign a petition to place the measure on the ballot, giving voters the opportunity to decide. To learn more about CALM’s funding options, go to https://protectcalmzoo.org/.
To thank Maitland for her presentation, President Suzie Andreas-Bervel presented her with a certificate and a Rotary swag bag, and a donation will be made to the Rotary Foundation in her honor.
The Tehachapi Rotary Club meets at noon every Thursday at Kelcy’s, and is a time to gather for fun, friendship, learning about important and relevant topics, and working together to support our local community. Rotary is the largest service organization in the world, and is committed to “Service Above Self,” devoting time and resources to projects that make a difference around the globe. For more information about the Rotary Club, you can visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/RotaryClubofTehachapi/.
Suzie Andreas-Bervel is president of Rotary Club of Tehachapi.