It is notable for its research and rehabilitation efforts concerning wildlife affected by oil spills, which have been international in scope.
[1] Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research was established in the winter of 1976 after the Liberian oil tanker Olympic Games ran aground in the Delaware River.
The first Effects of Oil on Wildlife Conference (EOW) was established and hosted by Tri-State Bird Rescue in 1982.
Tri-State was the lead wildlife rehabilitation response organization during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
The facility operates under federal and multiple state permits, and is staffed by both veterinary staff and volunteers.