Longtime Wildlife Rehabilitator Evangeline 'Vange' LaMore Dedicates Life to Caring for Birds

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Evangeline 'Vange' LaMore, a wildlife rehabilitator and artist living in Tryon, North Carolina, has dedicated much of her life to caring for injured birds and educating the public about bird conservation. After growing up in Ohio with a deep appreciation for nature, LaMore began volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Connecticut in her 40s. She later obtained her own federal and state permits to care for migratory songbirds, focusing especially on bluebirds, whose populations have declined due to habitat loss. Today, LaMore serves as the Polk County coordinator for the North Carolina Bluebird Society, providing guidance to residents on setting up and monitoring bluebird nest boxes. While she has stepped back from hands-on rehabilitation in recent years, LaMore continues to advocate for bird welfare and educate the community about the importance of protecting bird habitats.

Why it matters

LaMore's story highlights the critical role that dedicated individuals can play in wildlife conservation, particularly for vulnerable bird species like bluebirds. Her decades-long commitment to caring for injured birds and raising awareness about the threats they face, such as habitat loss and outdoor cats, demonstrates the impact that one person can have in their local community. As development continues to encroach on natural areas, the work of rehabilitators and educators like LaMore becomes increasingly important in preserving bird populations and fostering appreciation for the natural world.

The details

Evangeline 'Vange' LaMore began her lifelong passion for birds as a child growing up in Ohio, where she spent much of her time outdoors observing and learning about different species. After moving to Connecticut in her 40s, LaMore started volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitation center, eventually obtaining her own permits to care for injured migratory songbirds. When LaMore and her husband retired to Tryon, North Carolina in 2005, she continued her rehabilitation work and became particularly focused on bluebirds, a species that has faced population declines due to habitat loss. LaMore now serves as the Polk County coordinator for the North Carolina Bluebird Society, providing guidance to residents on setting up and monitoring bluebird nest boxes. While she has stepped back from hands-on rehabilitation in recent years, LaMore remains dedicated to educating the community about the importance of protecting bird habitats and the threats they face, such as outdoor cats.

• LaMore was born in 1957 in Cleveland, Ohio.
• LaMore began volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Connecticut in her 40s.
• LaMore and her husband moved to Tryon, North Carolina in 2005 after retiring.

What they’re saying

What’s next

LaMore plans to continue her work with the North Carolina Bluebird Society, providing guidance and education to local residents on how to support bluebird populations through proper nest box placement and monitoring.