This month marks an incredible milestone for Julie Skoglund: her 20th anniversary at International Bird Rescue. Julie’s two decades of service have been nothing short of extraordinary. As we celebrate this significant anniversary, we reflect on not only her many accomplishments but also on the dedication and compassion that have defined her career.
Julie began volunteering with Bird Rescue in 2003 and officially started her career in 2004 at the Los Angeles Wildlife Center. She served as Rehabilitation Manager for seven years before becoming Operations Manager, a role she held for eight years. In 2020, she was promoted to Director of Operations, and most recently, to Senior Director of Operations and Programs.
“Julie is a passionate and creative leader,” said JD Bergeron, CEO. “She has led the clinic teams of both of our wildlife centers under the banner of ‘one program, two centers’ and brought forth countless improvements that have improved animal care, staff learning, and more efficient operations. Personally, Julie brings a positive and upbeat energy and a deep focus on self-care that are a model to the entire team.”
Over the past 20 years, Julie has responded to more than 20 oil spills across the globe. Her leadership and expertise have been instrumental during some of the most significant spill events, including the Cosco Busan spill in San Francisco Bay (2007), the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf Coast (2010), and the Mystery Goo spill in San Francisco Bay (2015).
This year, Julie was also honored with The Marlys J. Bulander Working Together for Wildlife Award, presented at the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association Symposium in March. This award celebrates her significant role in resolving the Elegant Tern crisis in the Long Beach Harbor in 2021, where she led efforts to coordinate wildlife partners from across California to help save thousands of chicks at risk of drowning.
Beyond emergency response, Julie has made lasting contributions through training and research. She has played a pivotal role in oil spill drills and trainings, preparing teams to respond effectively to future crises. Her expertise has been shared through countless presentations at professional conferences and workshops, helping advance the field of waterbird rescue and rehabilitation. Julie has also contributed to important scientific research, with her work published on multiple occasions.
Apart from her work at Bird Rescue, Julie demonstrates her commitment to wildlife conservation by serving as the Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Pacific Seabird Group and as the Secretary for the CalTip Rewards Commission.
From managing large-scale emergency response efforts to overseeing individualized animal care, training clinic staff, and coordinating major events, Julie’s skill set is as impressive as it is diverse. Her extensive experience and commitment to excellence ensure that Bird Rescue continues to provide world-class care to injured, orphaned, and oiled birds every single day.
Julie’s Journey in Her Own Words
Question: Reflecting on your 20 years of service, what has been the most rewarding aspect of working at Bird Rescue?
Answer: What’s most rewarding is being part of a field that has grown so much over the years. Wildlife rehabilitation has come a long way in terms of recognition as a professional field, and it’s been great to contribute to that growth. I’ve also been fortunate to learn from so many people who laid the groundwork for this work. I’m standing on their shoulders, and the chance to pass on what I’ve learned—whether through research, publications, or helping mentor the next generation—is incredibly fulfilling.
Q: How do you stay motivated and passionate about your work, even during the tough or challenging times?
A: I think about the animals we help and the positive impact we have, even when things get tough. What keeps me going is knowing we’re part of something bigger, especially in a field that’s still maturing. I’ve learned so much from those who’ve been in this field longer than I have, and their guidance keeps me grounded and focused. I also find a lot of motivation in working with the new generation of wildlife rehabilitators—they’re passionate, and that energy is contagious.
Q: What are some key lessons you’ve learned in your journey that you would pass on to someone new in the field of wildlife rehabilitation?
A: The biggest lesson is the importance of collaboration. This field is all about working together—no one can do it alone. Also, stay humble. I’ve learned a lot from others in this field, and I’ve always believed in sharing knowledge. The more we share, the stronger we become at what we do. Finally, patience is key. This work can take time, and it’s important to stay focused on the end goal, even if the results aren’t immediate.
Q: As you celebrate this milestone, what message would you like to share with your colleagues, volunteers, partners, and supporters who have been part of this journey?
A: As much as this milestone is a reflection of my work, it’s also a reflection of the support and teamwork that made it possible. I want to thank everyone who has been part of this journey. None of this work happens in isolation, and I’ve learned so much from the people around me—whether it’s colleagues, mentors, volunteers, or partners. We’re all in this together, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished.
I also want to take a moment to acknowledge my friends and family, who have supported me in every way possible—whether it’s understanding when I’ve missed important family events, supporting me during long absences, or simply helping me be the best I can be. Their unwavering support has been essential in allowing me to contribute to the organization and the wildlife we care for.