WildCare in San Rafael is finally about to reopen this fall after a long, $24 million renovation. This overhaul transforms Marin County’s wildlife hospital, keeping the nonprofit’s mission alive while making more space, modernizing care, and boosting resilience for the community—especially families in San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, Larkspur, Sausalito, and beyond.
After working out of a temporary spot on North San Pedro Road for what felt like forever, WildCare’s staff and volunteers are counting down the days until they’re back at Albert Park Lane. They’re aiming for early November, and the center will still offer free public access for school groups, families, and local partners.
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A milestone for WildCare in San Rafael
After two years of construction, WildCare’s new facility will cover 11,400 square feet. It’ll anchor a bigger push to protect wildlife and teach neighbors from Sausalito to Fairfax.
The renovation preserves a unique piece of local history—a 19th-century parish building rebuilt from a ship’s hull. At the same time, it brings in cutting-edge veterinary spaces for Marin’s wild animals.
Moving back to Albert Park Lane is a big upgrade for Marin County communities that lean on WildCare for native species and hands-on conservation education. Local officials from San Rafael and nearby towns have called the update a win for the community, especially for students in San Anselmo and San Rafael City Schools, plus visitors from Corte Madera and Tiburon.
What’s inside the rebuilt WildCare
The new hospital has three stories and 40 rooms, including spaces for surgery, radiology, and quarantine. There are separate enclosures for predators and prey, and better setups for birds, even those with tough diseases like avian flu.
Rooftop birdcage areas let feathered patients soak up the sun while they heal. The updated layout makes life easier for vets working with Marin’s wildlife.
The project also puts a focus on accessibility and resilience. There’s a new bridge 12 feet above San Rafael Creek, meeting disability access laws and giving better flood protection.
Rooftop solar panels and a backup energy system can keep the place running for eight hours if the power goes out—pretty handy during Marin’s wild storms near Fairfax and Lagunitas Creek.
Funding, support, and community impact
Funding for the project shows strong support from all over Marin County. WildCare has raised about $20.3 million so far, and private donors have kicked in a $2 million matching fund to inspire more giving.
The total cost is around $24 million, a real sign of commitment from Marin residents and philanthropic partners who care about wildlife, education, and regional care.
- About 35 staff members and 150 volunteers will keep the reopened center running.
- They expect to treat about 3,500 animals each year, a steady number they’ve managed for 17 years.
- WildCare will still offer free public access for families, school groups, and partners after reopening.
Reopening plans and logistics
With most of the work wrapped up, WildCare plans to welcome patients and visitors back by early November. They’ll be moving from the temporary North San Pedro Road site just in time for Marin County’s busy fall season—prime time for wildlife and school field trips from Mill Valley, Larkspur, Sausalito, and more.
For Marin communities from Novato to Corte Madera, the reopening means a stronger, better-equipped facility. It’s a boost for wildlife care, conservation education, and that all-important connection to nature—something Marin’s coastal towns and inland neighborhoods really value.
Impact on wildlife care and Marin County life
Local officials and peer organizations have praised the project as a big boost for wildlife care and environmental education in Marin. By expanding their capacity and updating the care space, WildCare steps up as a real community hub.
Students from San Rafael’s elementary schools and high schools in Larkspur visit to learn about native species and habitat protection. They get hands-on lessons in responsible stewardship for Marin County’s unique ecosystems—from the redwood groves in Mill Valley to the marshes near Novato.
Marin County keeps juggling growth and conservation, and WildCare’s reopening feels like more than just a new building. It’s a renewed promise to keep wildlife at the heart of Marin’s identity.
Whether you’re strolling along the San Rafael degrade or wandering the Sausalito waterfront, you’ll soon find the center’s doors open again. Marin’s about to become a bit safer, kinder, and honestly, a little more interesting for everyone who cares about nature.
Here is the source article for this story: Marin wildlife complex nears end of $24M renovation
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