Critter Catchers backs Rouge River Water Festival

Thriving Michigan animal control company helps support Cranbrook Institute of Science event that promotes environmental education to Oakland County students.

September 14, 2010

Ortonville, Mich. — Since 2003, the third week of September at the Cranbrook Institute of Science (CIS) in Bloomfield Hills has marked the annual Rouge River Water Festival. That tradition continues this week, and is bolstered by a generous contribution from the Ortonville-based Critter Catchers, Inc., one of Oakland County’s premier wildlife control businesses.

Since the business was launched in 2005, Critter Catchers has thrived despite the challenging Michigan economy.  The firm employs four full-time employees and has established a culture of corporate philanthropy, dedication to quality service and mutual respect for wildlife.  A long-time supporter of the Organization for Bat conservation (OBC), Critter Catchers president Dave Kugler embraced the opportunity to reach as many as 3000 Oakland County students and educate them about the wildlife that depend on Michigan’s wetlands.

“Critter Catchers is thrilled to contribute to the Rouge River Water Festival,” said Kugler. “The festival educates fourth and fifth grade students about one of our most precious natural resources, and how it can be impacted by pollution. This year, students will have the opportunity to tour the Bat Zone and discover how bats depends on the Rouge River Watershed for survival.”

Running Sept. 14-17, the festival can accommodate up to 3,000 students in a half-day educational experience.  CIS is nestled on three Rouge River tributaries and is a terrific venue for the event.  Each class will attend a series of 30-minute outdoor and indoor presentations. The interactive, hands-on sessions will relate to Michigan’s watersheds, and topics include biodiversity, pollution, urban/rural settings, wetlands, stream erosion, habitat impacts, wastewater treatment, and sources of pollution. 

“Growing up, I was fascinated by wildlife and the environment.” Kugler added. “Beyond being a good corporate citizen, the opportunity to support the Water Festival represents a chance to foster similar feelings in students interested in learning about Michigan’s most precious resource.”