Support the Sanctuary: A Day of Art & Wildlife Rescue

Come for the animals, stay for the sketching, and leave knowing you've made a difference.

Click the button below to donate and reserve your spot today! Limited spaces!!

Behind every rescue is a story of resilience and a dedicated team providing a second chance at life. At Critter Crossing Wildlife Rehabilitation, the mission is to provide the expert care and every effort necessary to keep our local wildlife thriving. We invite you to join us for a special open house where your presence directly supports the growth and sustainability of this vital sanctuary. EXPLORE. EXPERIENCE WILDLIFE. EXPRESS WITH SKETCHING!

How, When & Where

Date: Sunday, June 7th.

Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

Location: 4154 Norton Road, Syracuse, NY 13215.

Registration Fee: $65 (All proceeds benefit the facility).

Purpose: A wildlife education event and fundraiser to support rehabilitation and conservation.

How to register:

1) Fill out the form below

2) Submit payment immediately.

Without payment, your space is not reserved.

All proceeds go to Critter Crossing

What to Expect

We’ve designed this day to be both educational and creatively grounded in nature:

Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Tour the rehabilitation facilities to learn what actually happens when a rescued animal is brought into our care.

Real-World Education: Discover the truth about the "tick myth," our role in protecting birds of prey, and the threatened status of the wood turtle.

"Sketch a Critter" Study: Join Sandra Sabene for an anatomical and educational sketching session. Our animal residents—including hawks, opossums, raccoons, or turtles—will "model" as we capture their unique forms and personalities.

The "Nature-Led" Flow: When working with wildlife, you never know exactly how the day will unfold! We will follow the lead of the animals and the environment for a truly authentic experience.

Raffles & Refreshments: You can win a variety of gifts, services, and products while enjoying refreshments.

How to Prepare

What You’ll Take Home: Every participant receives a specialized sketching packet. This includes step-by-step instructional sheets on how to draw a hawk—from close-up eye studies to the complex anatomy of talons and wings—along with guides for our other animal guests.

Supplies Provided: All necessary sketching supplies for on-site drawing are included in your registration.

What to Wear: Since you'll be touring a working rehabilitation facility and sketching outdoors, we recommend comfortable, casual clothing. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are best for the facility tours.

What to bring: Water bottle, Camp Chair, and snacks(only for humans).

Who Can Join: This event is designed for ages 12 and up(kids must be accompanied by an adult at all times). The sketching sessions are for any skill level. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned artist, these anatomical packets are designed to help you walk away with a finished study you’re proud of.

Contact Information

Event Organizer & Sketching Instructor: Sandra Sabene

Phone: 315-440-2278

Submit the form, then submit payment by check or Venmo

To complete your registration for attending the June 7th, 1-5 pm Wildlife Open House at Critter Crossing located at: 4154 Norton Road, Syracuse, NY 13215….

Submit payment by Venmo or check made payable to Critter Crossing/Pam Mead, Mail to the address above by June 1st.

Contact person: Sandra Sabene Text: 315-440-2278

Submit payment by Venmo or check made payable to Critter Crossing/Pam Mead, Mail to the address above by June 1st.

Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/Pamela-Mead-5

BE SURE TO TYPE/WRITE IN THE MEMO:

Critter Crossing June 7th