Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie D’errico
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up in Miami, I spent my childhood immersed in nature. I swam in the Oleta River with my brother and snorkeled for horseshoe crabs in Crandon Park. These early experiences with the wild Miami sparked a passion in me that led to a career in wildlife conservation, specifically urban wildlife. After graduating from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor’s in Biology and a minor in Marine Science (earned while working full-time at a wildlife hospital!), I gained valuable research experience through different internships that took me around the world. I studied seagrass beds, marine mammal gut content, frog populations, and, most recently, displaced gopher tortoise populations.
Throughout my adult life, I’ve dedicated myself to protecting wild animals and their habitats. With my husband and best friend, we are raising my two boys to be stewards of the environment and advocates for the voiceless. Currently, I serve as Assistant Director at Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, where I’m committed to supporting the organization’s growth and helping Miami foster a deeper appreciation for our local fauna.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Working for a non-profit is never a smooth road, but the best treasures are found off the beaten path! When it comes to my current job as Assistant Director of Pelican Harbor Seabird Station (PHSS) the unwavering community support has been the cornerstone of our life-changing work, making a profound difference not only for the animals we serve but also for the generations born as a result of their successful return to the wild. This support has also nurtured a sense of hope within our community, a feeling renewed with every call we answer. Now, we face the challenge of continuing this vital mission amidst rising costs, increased urbanization, and a fragile ecosystem. We’re thrilled to be building a new Wildlife and Education Center nestled in Oakland Grove, serving the vibrant communities of Little Haiti, Little River, and El Portal. This much-needed facility is nearing completion, thanks to generous support, but we need further community investment to ensure our shared legacy continues for another 40 years and beyond. Join us in securing the future of wildlife rehabilitation in our region.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What truly brings me joy is working towards that initial dream I had as a child: to heal the world by improving its relationship with animals and nature. It’s the driving force behind everything I do. I wake up every day hoping that my efforts, whether big or small, contribute to saving the lives of the voiceless animals I so deeply care about. Beyond direct intervention, I’m passionate about providing resources and educational initiatives to anyone open to learning and fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world. I believe that education is key to long-term change.
What perhaps sets me apart is the unwavering nature of my passion. It’s easy to become discouraged, especially when juggling the demands of a young family and a full career. Life can get hectic, and sometimes that initial spark can dim. But I’ve managed to nurture and maintain that fire, and it fuels me. I think a big part of that is my ability to see the beauty in animals that many people disregard as “pests” or “dirty.” I find it incredibly rewarding to connect with someone who initially views a creature with fear or disdain and help them see its intrinsic value, its role in the ecosystem, and perhaps even its unique beauty. Turning a doubter into an ally, even for just one animal, feels like a significant victory. It’s those moments, those connections, that remind me why I do what I do and reaffirm my commitment to this work. It’s not just about saving animals; it’s about changing introducing someone to their new favorite animal, their new favorite dinner part story, or even better a new ally!
Any big plans?
We’ve found it! After years of searching, Pelican Harbor Seabird Station (PHSS) has landed its dream location: the 2.6-acre Little River Preserve! This historic property, a whopping 14 times larger than our current cramped 950-sq.-ft. facility, will finally allow us to expand our vital work and truly serve our community. We’re bursting at the seams treating over 2,000 animals annually (150+ species!), a far cry from what our 1992 hospital was designed for. The Preserve will house a 7x-larger, state-of-the-art wildlife hospital and nature center, complete with a critical care unit, quarantine quarters, and dedicated education space – everything we desperately need! This historic Tequesta site will also become a vibrant nature park, connecting people with the land’s rich history. My focus now is securing the funding to make this incredible vision a reality. We need additional support to cover construction costs, essential equipment purchases, and the development of impactful educational programs. And because we’re committed to the long haul, this environmentally friendly facility is pursuing Green Globes certification! We’re aiming to move in early 2026 and can’t wait to welcome the community to explore our open green spaces, participate in educational events and volunteer programs, and witness firsthand the healing of our precious wildlife. The future is bright!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pelicanharbor.org
- Instagram: instagram.com/seabirdstation
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pelicanharbor/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/seabirdstation/
- Twitter: https://x.com/SeabirdStation
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SeabirdStation
