Ruth Stanwood and Jean Henry came to Martin County in 1969, bringing with them their commitment to all living things. Before long, their ranch on Kanner Hwy in Stuart was filled with animals, wild and otherwise. The Treasure Coast Wildlife Center traces its beginning back to 1974 when Jean was asked by the local Audubon Society to accept phone calls about birds needing help. That first year, over 50 birds received care at Jean and Ruth’s home, paid for entirely out of their own pockets.

With help from friends, the group became known as the Martin County Audubon Wildlife Hospital. Over time, the patient load steadily increased, as did the diversity of species treated. Retirement of first Ruth, then Jean, turned their part-time avocation into a more-than-full-time life work. Funds were always short but the ladies made do and kept on treating wildlife.​ 

Recognizing that most animals in their care suffered from human-related injuries, Jean became a high-profile advocate for wild creatures and the wild places they require. Long before "environmental advocacy" became a buzzword, she spoke before school classes and other groups, educating everyone around her on environmental issues. Never hesitant to castigate anyone, from county commissioners on down, for decisions she considered detrimental to the environment, nevertheless February 21, 1980, was declared “Jean Henry Day” by the Martin County Commission. 

Other awards included the Sertoma Club's Service to Mankind Award, St. Lucie County Conservation Alliance's 1984 Conservationist of the Year Award, President Reagan’s Private Sector Volunteer Initiative Award, and seven Partners in Education citations from the Martin County School Board. Jean was the subject of countless local newspaper and television stories, and a number of national press and television features. Environmentalist, Nat Reed, called her “one hell of a human being”. The effect of Jean's work is apparent today as Martin County and the Treasure Coast remain some of the most environmentally aware places in Florida.

Long-time partner Ruth Stanwood passed away in November of 1985, coincidentally on the day that a major fundraising drive for the Hospital was to begin. The community response was tremendous, helping Jean to overcome the personal tragedy. Still, Jean’s failing health made it increasingly difficult for her to continue her heavy load of wildlife care and educational programs. Salvation came in 1987 in the form of a six-and-a-half-foot-tall volunteer named Ken Christensen.

Immediately recognizing a kindred spirit, Jean said “He is the first person who has come into this organization since my partner died who has been able to fill her shoes- and is as caring”. Before long, Ken was Assistant Director of the now Treasure Coast Audubon Wildlife Hospital, Inc. Jean’s death on February 2, 1989, was a tragedy felt by people throughout the Treasure Coast. But Ken, along with Jean’s friends and champions, resolved to make sure that her dream endured. 

New Director Ken Christensen orchestrated an aggressive campaign to improve both the facilities and the financial security of the Hospital. Patient numbers increased to roughly 800 per year and new skills and enclosures were acquired to accommodate them. Ken continued Jean’s educational programs and expanded them by opening parts of Treasure Coast Wildlife Hospital to the public, helping TCWC evolve into a form still recognizable today. Ken’s tenure continued until the end of 1992 when he decided to return to his hometown in Ohio.

Dan Martinelli was hired and became Executive Director of TCWC. His training in both biology and education allowed Dan and his staff to improve the Outreach Educational Programs, create and use new medical facilities, improve rehabilitation procedures, and add popular new exhibits. Dan would say “I am both proud and gratified to be involved with this amazing organization. Few groups of its kind can claim such a noteworthy history, nor such a bright future."

With the passing of our former Director, Dan Martinelli,  2019 will be a year not just remembered in memoriam, but in dreams working to become fruition.​

Today the organization is carrying on this legacy of "Wildlife Recovery and Human Discovery" with newly appointed Director Susan Nash, and a capital campaign for a new Treasure Coast Wildlife Center.