Brewing up something special

SANDUSKY — On Thursday, CLAG Brewing Co. in Sandusky hosted an event in which workers released a new drink — a double IPA named Back to the Wild — to support the local nonprofit nature center sharing this same name. "We collaborated with Back to the Wild to help bring awareness of their ongoing efforts to save wounded Ohio wildlife," company spokesman Zane Maughmer said. A portion of the proceeds from these beer sales supports Back to the Wild. People can purchase the drinks at CLAG, 218 Columbus Ave., in downtown Sandusky located beside Small City Taphouse. The event took place a few days ahead of a major center event. One of the nonprofit's ambassadors, a bald eagle, turns 30 years old on June 11. To commemorate the occasion, CLAG "went a step beyond and created a beer with our name to help raise money for our mission," said Heather Tuttle, Back to the Wild's general manager. "We're extremely grateful." Tuttle invited the community to a celebration, doubling as a fundraiser, scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. on June 11 to celebrate the eagle's birthday. There will be "lots of amazing raffle prizes, a chance to meet our eagle ambassador and event a birthday gift," Tuttle said. Bio blast Founded in 1990, Back to the Wild, through a medically approved rehabilitation process, returns injured and sick animals into their natural habitats. In recent times each year, more than 3,000 animals come to Back to the Wild. Each year, almost two-thirds go back into nature — a high rate compared to national standards. When animals don't go back to their environments, they're either too sick or die during rehab. Some creatures the nonprofit cares for include a host of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. To volunteer, or for more information on the Castalia-area nonprofit, visit facebook.com/backtothewildohio and join the "BTTW Garden Volunteers Group." -- Appreciate news from your community? Click here to subscribe to the Register.