Wildlife Encounters Ecology Center & Farm School

Originally established in Dec of 2004, we EXCLUSIVELY delivers the popular Wildlife Encounters® educational outreach programs.
USDA Class C Exhibitor License #12-C-0051
Licensed as required to provide services in NH, ME, VT, MA, CT and NY!

Derek Small - Owner and Director was raised on a family farm in Maine & attained a B.S. of Education in Physiology and Nutrition from Plymouth State College. Previously the Fitness Director of the Laconia Athletic and Swim Club and then later a successful personal trainer in Manhattan... Derek's life and career took a turn toward environmental conservation & public education through working with live animals in 2002.
For more than a decade since, through formal and informal schooling Derek has diversified his knowledge, and his message strongly into areas that span not only wildlife, ecology and biological sciences... but land stewardship, energy & food production and more! In 2010 he was introduced to the concepts of "ancestral health" and bio-mimicry which have since blended into a philosophy that guides Wildlife Encounters on a path, and a goal to effect major change for the benefit of Animals, People & Earth!

Derek been delivering live-animal educational programming in New England for 12 years. Well known for his presentations in the educational community as well as the more "for fun" venues, he is also well regarded in the professional environmental education community.
-Professional Member: Zoological Association of America (ZAA)
*Member of the ZAA Education Committee
-Past Board Secretary & Legislative Chairperson: Association of Professional Wildlife Educators (APWE)
-Certified Member: Feline Conservation Federation (FCF)
-Member of the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA)
-Consultant to Maine Inland Fisheries & Wildlife