MWR Minute – July 2025
As summer winds down and kids prepare to head back to school, MWR continues to care for a high volume of injured and orphaned wildlife. We have already cared for over 800 patients this year, which is more than we cared for in all of 2024.
We hope you’re finding ways to stay cool—but don’t forget that extreme heat can take a toll on native wildlife, too. One simple way to help is by offering a clean water source, such as a shallow bowl or tub, in your yard.
A big thank you to Memphis Stone & Gravel for supporting our mission as the Eagle Sponsor for our upcoming charity golf tournament on September 8 at Wedgewood Golf Club! Their continued generosity makes a lasting impact on native wildlife.
There’s still time to sign up as a team or sponsor—check out the details HERE
🌿 Nature Center Update
We’re looking forward to cooler weather as we continue making progress at the Valery E Smith Nature Center!
- We’re putting the finishing touches on the new education ambassador enclosures in the Raptor Garden. Our goal is to move the raptors into their new homes this fall so they can settle in comfortably before the grand opening.
- The Secret Garden is thriving. Our native plants are growing in beautifully, and several blooms have already begun attracting local pollinators.
- See the latest updates
Stay tuned—more exciting progress is just around the corner!
🏥 Wildlife Hospital – By the Numbers
In May, MWR admitted 139 new patients in need of care, including:
🕊️ 41 bird species – including songbirds, raptors, waterbirds, and nestlings
🐢 3 reptile species – including box turtles, water turtles, and young snakes
📖 Check out these stories of recent patients:
If you come across a wild bird or reptile in distress, don’t try to care for it yourself.
📞 Call our wildlife hotline: 662-612-6455 or check out this MAP for a wildlife rehabber close to you.
💙 Donor Thank You
We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported MWR in June—whether through monthly giving, one-time donations, or special campaigns like Minnow Mondays, which helped feed baby green herons in our care.
🌟 Monthly Donors
A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated monthly supporters. Your ongoing commitment sustains the daily care we provide to native wildlife:
Beau Edgington • Kate Friedman • Nancy Orton • Rebecca Carter • Mykl Wallrath • Karen S. Brown • Yvonne McCommon • David Simonton • Christina Milbourne • Bill & Tracy Hill • Chrystie Teague • Carol A. Decker • John Gullett • Nicholas Richards • Larry Green • Irene McClain • Rebecca Terry • Josephine Falcone • Cheryl Hays • Cassandra R. Truan • Melinda Turley • Natalie Rodgers • Rebecca S. Pepper • Sharon Runkel • Natalie Bright • Suzan Stewart • Kellye Makamson • Leah Hasselle
💻 Online Donors
Thank you to these generous individuals who gave online in June:
Barry Howard • Virginia Onetto • Genevieve Leenan • Holly French Brazil • Melissa Turner • Donovan Eubank • Loretta Martello • Ariel Johnson • Matthew House
🐟 Minnow Mondays Fish Fund
Special thanks to those who helped keep our baby green herons well-fed with fresh fish:
Carol A. Decker • Jamie Welsh • Charlene Frost
Your support fuels our mission and makes an impact every single day—thank you!
💙 Want to support MWR? Donate today
🛒 Prefer to donate supplies? Shop our Amazon Wishlist to send essential items directly to our center.
📚 Education & Outreach: Connecting with Communities
While July was a slower month for programs, we still had the opportunity to connect with many local families.
🌳 Amory Library Program
MWR wrapped up our summer library series with a final stop at the Amory Library!
It was a joy to see so many curious, engaged young faces as they learned about Mississippi’s incredible native wildlife. See more HERE
Want to bring MWR to your school, group, or event?
➡️ Learn about our education programs
📅 Upcoming Events
⛳ 2nd Annual MWR Charity Golf Tournament
📍 September 8 | 1 PM – Wedgewood Golf Club
Join us for a fun afternoon on the links and help raise critical funds for wildlife care. Become a Sponsor or register your team today!
Register and learn more
🌺 North Mississippi Hummingbird Festival
📍 September 13 | Snowden Grove, Southaven MS
This long-loved community event is BACK! Celebrate the beauty of hummingbirds and learn how to support them in your own backyard. More details HERE
🕊️ Craft for Conservation: DIY Leaf Bird Bath workshop
📍 September 27 | 10a-12p – The ARK Trails, $35/ person
Create a unique, nature-inspired bird bath for your outdoor space. Includes all materials. Bring a favorite leaf to personalize your design. Space is limited – registration required. Register HERE
🎃 6th Annual Trunk or Treat Festival
📍 Saturday, October 18 – Dub Patton Recreation Area at Arkabutla Lake
Our free, family-friendly Halloween celebration returns! Costumes, candy, games, and wild surprises. See the official announcement
🎄 Dickens of a Christmas
📍 Saturday, November 22 | Historic Hernando Square
We’ll be joining this charming holiday event in our finest period costumes! Come celebrate the season with us and support this cherished community tradition. Learn more
Stay Connected
📍 Visit mwr.ms
💬 Follow us on Facebook for wildlife stories, tips, and event updates.
Thank you for being part of the MWR family. Together, we’re protecting Mississippi’s wild future. 🦉💚