Henry’s Switch: A Proposal for King County’s Only Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

A couple days ago, Maple Valley Reporter featured the idea for Henry’s Switch in their newspaper.

Henry’s Switch is the brainchild of the management of South Sound Critter Care, which is currently the only wildlife center in King County for the care, rehabilitation and release of orphaned and injured wildlife.

South Sound Critter Care is running out of room and needs to upgrade to a new space. The nonprofit launched in 2009, and has grown to max out its capacity of 2000 animals per year. With zero paid staff and over 160 volunteers of all ages, the volume of hours worked and animals served is astounding.

Switching Up the Purpose of Henry’s Switch

The proposal, put forth by South Sound Critter Care’s owner Jan White, seeks the use of the land known as Henry’s Switch. The land was originally a railway transfer spot, and was purchased by the City of Maple Valley in 2001.

Jan’s proposal is being heavily considered by the city, partly because she brings to the table her experience and resources – she developed a 14-acre piece of marshland in 1985 for a wildlife rehabilitation center.

Take a look at the proposed layout of the site: 

Please take a minute to read the following information on the project, courtesy of Jan White:

South Sound Critter Care was created to meet the needs of the public in these areas:

1. Establish the only wildlife rehabilitation center in King County to assist people who find wild animals in distress.
2. Instill a love for conservation by allowing the public to participate in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of wildlife.
3. Develop a community-based nature center that offers school-aged children and families activities that focus on environmental conservation.
4. Provide wildlife education programs and activities for community groups (garden clubs, children’s groups and local schools).
5. Assist the public with orphaned and abandoned kittens and cats who are otherwise turned loose in uninhabited land.

The new site could provide:

• Sufficient space for the center*
• Walking trails for the public
• A new community lake (Depending on land-moving requirements)

Developing these spaces and programs will add to the quality of life for Maple Valley residents and give us all opportunities to support both animals and conservation in our community in interesting and unique ways.

*The State requires that wildlife being rehabilitated be kept separate from the public. However, given the size of this parcel, wildlife and community life can be accommodated.

South Sound Critter Care Mission Statement:

To enhance the preservation of animals (both wild and some small domestic) in King County and surrounding areas in Western Washington by providing education, rehabilitation, placement, and environmental advocacy in the community through people, one person at a time.

To support the project, please share this article and check out South Sound Critter Care’s website and follow along with their incredible work on their Facebook page.