This year will go down as a true milestone for Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation/Coldwater River Nature Conservancy. In what can only be described as a year for the history books, our team cared for 1,136 animals—1,062 birds representing 104 species, 73 reptiles from 11 species, and even one amphibian. That total marks a 46% increase over the previous year and the largest number of patients we have ever treated, reflecting both the growing need for wildlife rehabilitation and the unwavering dedication of our staff and volunteers, who collectively contributed more than 9,000 hours of service.
Beyond patient care, our reach into the community expanded in powerful ways. Through 34 education and outreach programs, we connected with nearly 10,000 people across the region, welcoming families to beloved traditions like our 6th Annual Trunk or Treat and our 2nd Annual Critter Christmas.
We also celebrated new beginnings by launching our first annual Lucky Dog Pub Run, returning this St. Patrick’s Day, and hosting our second annual MWR Charity Golf Tournament—both of which generated essential funds to directly support our mission of saving native Mississippi wildlife.
From the laughter and discovery of Nature Explorer Summer Camp to the joy of hosting a wedding at our Entergy Education pavilion, the ARK trails in Hernando and the Virginia Trails in Senatobia, continue to be places where people, wildlife, and community connect with nature.
All of this unfolded as we made significant progress on the Valery E. Smith Community Nature Center, bringing us ever closer to a future rooted in conservation, education, and connection. We are incredibly grateful to every volunteer, donor, partner, and supporter who makes this work possible, and we warmly invite you to continue the journey with us as we look ahead to new adventures and meaningful progress in 2026.
Valery E Smith Nature Center update
We’ve made incredible progress on the Nature Center! While we’ve encountered some unexpected delays, steady work is bringing us closer to a hoped-for spring opening.
Seven new enclosures in our Raptor Garden will soon house our education ambassador owls, hawks, an American kestrel, and Vinny the Black Vulture. Visitors will have the chance to get up close and learn about these amazing birds. Check out the progress.
Our native plant garden has been planted to support local birds and pollinators, featuring sustainable ideas you can adopt at home—like rain barrels, insect hotels, and rain gardens. We are eagerly anticipating spring when these plants return and bring even more life to the garden. We’ve also completed an outdoor box turtle exhibit, where you can observe these charming turtles going about their day in a natural setting.
A special thank you to our sponsors who have made this project possible: Entergy, Memphis Stone & Gravel, Lowe’s of Southaven, Valspar, Tennessee College of Applied Technology Memphis, Quality Landscape Olive Branch, Construction Waste Management, Camp Creek Native Plants, Shea Staten, Manning Fence Company, our incredible MWR volunteers, and the US Army Corps of Engineers.
There’s still more to come! Work will soon begin on our indoor interpretive center, featuring live reptile exhibits, interactive displays, and a memorial wall honoring our founder. Stay tuned for more exciting updates!
🏥 Wildlife Hospital – By the Numbers
In November, MWR admitted 38 new patients in need of care, including 13 bird species and 2 reptiles.
Check out this post from a recent Eastern Screech Owl release.
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 Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation (MWR) in December, whether through monthly giving or one-time donations. Your generosity allows us to provide critical care, rehabilitation, and education for native wildlife every day.
🌟 Monthly Donors
A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated monthly supporters, whose ongoing commitment sustains daily wildlife care:
Beau Edgington • Kate Friedman • Nancy Orton • Rebecca Carter • 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 • Heather Eisan
💻 Online Donors
We are also grateful to the following individuals and organizations who gave online in December:
Teresa Thomas • Harvey Wallrath • Marie Reed • Jeff Holmes • Brianna Stoddard • Stephanie Allen • Diana Wilkerson • Nancy J. Jones • Searcy Cunningham • Charlene Frost • Paula Morgan • Tim Shelley • Vickie Dye • Selina Oelberg • Lana Taylor • Devinne Williams • Lisa S. OConner • Amanda Liford • Erin Fussell • Mary Ingram • Karen Brown • Lloyd Wilkins • Toni Higdon • Carol L. Bohon • Memphis Stone & Gravel • A Granite Company • Robin E. Pigot • Chrissy Smigelski • Carrie Moyers • Jeremi Pritchett • Jo Hanahan • Jere Herrington • Mona Crothers • Trisha Schwartz • Richard Larrimore • Glorinette Lopez • Brian Moyers • Russ Kicker • Alan Parks • William Cerbone • Angelina Wallrath • Julie Chang • Kelly Abeles • Lisa Gated • Dane Chamberlin • Brett Hogan • Karen S. Brown
We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our supporters throughout the year — your ongoing commitment has made it possible for us to grow our programs, expand our facilities, and continue making a lasting impact on wildlife and the community. Every gift, whether large or small, plays an essential role in helping us protect and care for Mississippi’s native species.
💙 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
Education is a vital part of our mission to protect wildlife. In December, we enjoyed engaging with many community members through these programs:
- White Station Elementary Owl program– We had a great time at White Station Elementary School with their 3rd grade CLUE program! Our team loved teaching students all about owls, and the kids were thrilled to meet our education ambassadors — Hazelnut the Eastern Screech Owl and Marshmallow the Barred Owl. Learn more.
- Critter Christmas 2025 – After weeks of planning, our 2nd annual Critter Christmas was a huge success—bringing together holiday cheer and our mission to protect native wildlife. Families enjoyed festive activities, crafts, music, treats, scavenger hunts, and unforgettable animal encounters, made possible by wonderful guest partners, performers, and the magic of Santa and Buddy the Elf. We are deeply grateful to our generous sponsors, dedicated volunteers, special guests, community partners and everyone who made this event memorable. See more.
Want to bring MWR to your school, group, or event?
➡️ Learn about our education programs
📅 Upcoming Events – Join Us!
Wildbirds Unlimited of Southaven – Saturday, 01/17 | 10 AM – 12 PM
Come meet some of our Ambassador raptors and explore our table display! Volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and share ways you can help local wildlife.
Birds and Seeds Event @ Lichterman Nature Center – Saturday, 01/31 | 9 AM – 1 PM
Celebrate National Seed Swap Day with us and our conservation partners! Swap seeds, learn about native and backyard gardening, and get ready for spring with birding and more. This is a FREE event.
Learn more here: Event Details
Bird Watching for Beginners – Saturday, 02/21 | 10 AM – 12 PM @ The ARK Trails
Back by popular demand! Ever wanted to watch birds in the wild but didn’t know where to start? Join expert birder Mary Schmidt for a beginner-friendly bird watching walk.
Cost: $10/person | Space is limited.
Register here: Sign Up
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. 🦉💚