All posts by : mwr-admin

From feathers to fur, bugs to bark, our Nature Explorers spent five unforgettable days diving into Mississippi’s native wildlife and wild places—and they did it with wide eyes and curious minds!

Day 1: Birds of a Feather
Camp took flight with Bird Day, where campers met ambassador birds Hazelnut the Eastern Screech Owl and Mochni the Red-shouldered Hawk. Binoculars in hand, they set out on a birding hike and learned how birds’ feathers, wings, and beaks help them survive. Using hands-on tools, they even mimicked how different beaks work—bird nerdy fun at its best!

Day 2: Plant Power
Next up: Plant Day! Campers explored Mississippi’s flora from root to leaf—identifying poison ivy, spotting jewelweed and wild blackberries, and admiring tall trees like the tulip poplar. They planted Coreopsis (our state wildflower!) in hand-painted clay pots and played the “Tree Game” to learn how roots, trunks, branches, and bark support the ecosystem.

Day 3: Reptiles Rule
Reptile Day was slithery, scaly, and seriously cool! Rob from the Wildlife Discovery Center captivated campers with a live reptile show featuring a 50-year-old ball python, an indigo snake, and even a Gila monster. Campers learned the differences between reptiles and amphibians and painted wooden snakes to reflect either bright warning colors or clever camouflage.

Day 4: Marvelous Mammals
Fur, footprints, and skulls stole the show on Mammal Day. Campers examined real skulls and pelts to uncover how mammals stay warm, hide from predators, or hunt their prey. They made animal tracks in clay and sand, imagining the daily life of Mississippi’s native mammals as they became wildlife detectives.

Day 5: Bugging Out
We wrapped up with Arthropod Day, buzzing with excitement! From roaches and isopods to spiders and butterflies, campers explored the tiny critters that keep ecosystems humming. Buggo (aka bug bingo) made learning fun, and “Nature Explorers Jeopardy” let campers show off all they learned throughout the week. A trapdoor spider and a red-spotted purple butterfly even made wild surprise appearances!

🍴Special thanks to our generous lunch sponsors—Domino’s, Sonic in Olive Branch, Jason’s Deli, Chick-fil-A Southaven, and Jimmy John’s—for keeping our campers fueled and ready for adventure all week long!

🌟 A giant shoutout to our incredible volunteers—Katie Richardson, Lauren Lee, Leah Steen, Lauren Schwartz, and Kate Friedman—for making each day run smoothly and joyfully. Your energy and enthusiasm made the week unforgettable!

And to our amazing campers: THANK YOU! Your curiosity, creativity, and love for nature make you true MWR Nature Explorers. Stay wild, stay kind, and keep discovering the wonders just outside your door. 🌎💚

Volunteers are the hands, feet, and heart that power Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation’s (MWR) mission. We simply couldn’t do what we do without their incredible contributions of time and talent. Each month, we highlight one of the amazing people who help bring our mission to life.

This month, we’re thrilled to introduce Leah Steen!

Leah began volunteering with MWR in 2024 and has contributed in many areas, including caring for turtles at the hospital, feeding nestlings and fledglings, and assisting with animal handling and public education at conventions and events. She has also played a key role in the success of our wildlife camps for the past two years.

Leah shares, “I love being around animals, but I also love being around like-minded animal people! I feel like I can make a difference environmentally while helping out with even the small stuff at MWR. I also love educating people on the importance of preserving wildlife in Mississippi—and this is a great way to do it. Getting to be up close with so many amazing birds and reptiles is just the cherry on top.”

🌿 Fun Fact:
Since joining MWR, Leah makes a point to visit local wildlife preserves and refuges whenever she travels. She’s always loved nature, but volunteering has amplified her passion for wildlife by 200%!

Thank you, Leah, for your unwavering commitment and for all you do to support MWR’s mission. We’re so grateful to have you on the team! 💚

MWR is currently in need of dedicated volunteers to help in the following areas:

• Social media coordinator
• Wildlife Rehabilitation/ Animal care
• Baby Bird Care/ Feeding (Spring and Summer)
• Education programs
• Rehab patient transport
• Fundraising

If you are interested in volunteering with MWR please complete this application 

https://www.mswildliferehab.org/files/MWR-Volunteer-Registration-Form.pdf

and submit to volunteer@mswildliferehab.org 

MWR Minute – May 2025

May has been our busiest month yet—we’ve now admitted nearly 500 patients in 2025, marking a 50% increase from this time last year. Baby season is in full swing, and our team is working around the clock to care for birds and reptiles from across Mississippi.

Nature Center Update: 

Exciting Progress continues at the Valery E. Smith Nature Center, and we couldn’t have done it without the amazing support from local businesses and volunteers.

🚚 A huge thank you to 8 Anchors Farm and C and P Site Solutions for transporting our newly built raptor enclosures to the wildlife hospital site.

🔨 Students from the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (Memphis campus) and our hardworking volunteers assembled them onsite.
📸 See the build in action 

🌱 Thanks to a generous donation of garden soil from Quality Landscape and Garden in Olive Branch, all planting beds for our native plant garden are prepped and ready for planting!
📸 Take a peek at our garden progress 

Wildlife Hospital – By the Numbers

In May, we admitted 222 patients, including:

• 46 bird species
• 6 reptile species

📖  Click on the links below to see some of their stories:

• Nestling Vulture 

• Baby Red-shouldered Hawk 

• The Owl Collection 

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:  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1PhvaDB2ne/

💙 Donor Thank You

We’re so grateful to everyone who contributed in May, especially those who gave during our Wiggly Wednesday campaign to feed baby birds!

Online Donors:
Beau Edgington • Kate Friedman • Nancy Orton • Rebecca Carter • Karen S. Brown • Yvonne McCommon • Karen Wills • Cynthia Wills • David Simonton • Eowyn Riggins • Frances Loyd • Amanda Gilman • Tracy Klenk • Jessica Lee McMinn-Cotton • Audra Dockendorf • Heather Clarkson • Robert Bowersox • Erin Houston Myatt • Christina Milbourne • Bill & Tracy Hill • Marianne Wilson • Larry Green • Nicholas Richards • Irene McClain • Rebecca Terry • Josephine Falcone • Cheryl Hays • Cassandra R. Truan • Jeff Holloway • Anna Scott • Wendy Darlene Caldwell • Rebecca S. Pepper • Kellye Makamson • Natalie Rodgers • Sharon Runkel • Suzan Stewart • Melinda Turley • Natalie Bright • Mary J. Hanahan • Leah Hasselle

Wiggly Wednesday Insect Fund Donors:
Tori Orr • Tommie Rodgers • Allen Lewis • Karen S. Brown • Jean Wynne Nunnally • Melissa Wallace • Jeffrey Leathers • Mimi Cavagnaro • Dana Young • Diane Sales• Carl and April Lewis

—thank you for your generosity. You are saving lives.

💙 Want to support MWR? Donate today: MWR Donations 

🛒 Prefer to donate supplies? Shop our Amazon Wishlist to send essential items directly to our center. 

Summer Camp Scholarship Winners Announced!

Congratulations to Lawson Hatten and Ruth Wiewora, recipients of our 2025 Nature Explorers Summer Camp Scholarships! We can’t wait to welcome them to a week of wildlife, wonder, and learning.
📸 See the announcement 

Education & Outreach: Connecting with Communities

This month, our outreach team reached hundreds of people across the region through interactive wildlife programs. From festivals to school visits, we’re sparking curiosity and compassion for Mississippi’s wild neighbors.

📍 May Outreach Highlights (click on the link to learn more):

• We had a totally terrific time at the Memphis Botanic Garden’s  TrollFest 

• It was positively perfect to be part of the annual Camp Creek Native Plant Nursery’s Pollinator Palooza 

• MWR really enjoyed teaching the magnificent students at the Magnolia Montessori School 

• Participants at our Trees & Wildlife Workshop learned why native species matter, how to select the right trees, and how thoughtful planting can support birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. And as a bonus each person got to take home a native tree to plant in their own yard. 

📣 Want to bring MWR to your school, group, or event?
➡️ Learn about our education programs 

Upcoming Events

🌿 Nature Explorers Summer Camp
📍 June 23–27 | 9 AM–1 PM – ARK Trails
An immersive nature camp for kids ages 7–12. Each day focuses on a different animal group, with live ambassador visits, hands-on activities, and guided hikes.  There is still some space available.
Register here 

⛳ 2nd Annual MWR Charity Golf Tournament
📍 September 9 | 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 

📖 Library Summer Reading Series – MWR will be participating in several Library Summer Reading Programs in June and July.  Come join us at one of these locations:

• 6/3 – Phillips County, AR
• 6/6 – Sherman, MS
• 6/12 – Old Courthouse Museum, Iuka
• 6/25 – Coldwater, MS
• 6/27 – Senatobia, MS
• 7/10 – Amory, MS

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. 🦉💚

MWR Minute – April 2025

April has been a whirlwind of activity at Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation (MWR)!
We admitted 161 wild patients—more than the first three months of 2025 combined—and continued building the future of wildlife care and education at the Valery E. Smith Nature Center. Meanwhile, our education team connected with hundreds of children and families across the region, spreading awareness and appreciation for Mississippi’s native wildlife.

Nature Center Progress: New Homes for Raptors

Construction has officially begun on our new raptor enclosures! This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the talented students and instructors from the Building Construction Technology program at Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Memphis, who are generously donating their time and skills to help us build safe, spacious habitats for our ambassador birds.

🔨 Check out the incredible progress: Facebook post

In addition, site prep is underway for the Raptor Garden, a unique educational space that will allow visitors to meet our raptors up close and learn about their importance in our ecosystem. Enclosures will be delivered and installed soon—stay tuned for a ribbon-cutting announcement later this year!

🏥 Patient Intake: April by the Numbers

This month, our wildlife hospital admitted 161 patients representing 38 different native species. As spring unfolds, the need for rescue and rehab increases—especially for young and orphaned animals.

Breakdown of April’s patients:

• 🐦 33 birds, including hawks, owls, doves, and songbirds
• 🐢 5 reptiles, including injured turtles and snakes

We’re also fielding dozens of daily calls about wildlife emergencies. 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

💙 Thank You, Monthly Donors!

Our monthly donors form the backbone of MWR. Their recurring gifts help ensure we have steady resources for medicine, food, housing, and rehabilitation care throughout the year.

Special thanks to our April monthly donors:
Beau Edgington • Kate Friedman • Nancy Orton • Rebecca Carter • Karen S. Brown • Yvonne McCommon • David Simonton • Christina Milbourne • Bill & Tracy Hill • John Gullet • Carol Decker • Chrystie Teague • Larry Green • Nicholas Richards • Rebecca Terry • Irene McClain • Josephine Falcone • Cheryl Hays • Cassandra R Truan • Sharon Runkel • Rebecca S Pepper • Melinda Turley • Natalie Bright • Kellye Makamson • Suzan Stewart • Natalie Rodgers • Leah Hasselle

Join our monthly donor community and help us care for wildlife year-round:
👉 Become a Monthly Donor

🛒 Prefer to donate supplies? Shop our Amazon Wishlist to send essential items directly to our center.

📚 Education & Outreach Highlights

This month, our education team reached hundreds of students and families across the region. These hands-on programs build awareness, empathy, and a deeper understanding of Mississippi’s wildlife.

Here’s where we’ve been:

• 🏫 Iuka Elementary School – We presented to over 400 students! Kids learned how to safely help wildlife and why native species need our protection.
  📷 See the smiles
• 🌱 Roots and Shoots Club – We visited Crosswind Elementary School in Collierville, where students explored the role of birds and reptiles in healthy ecosystems.
  📸 View post
• 🐦 Beginner Birdwatching Walk – Guided by expert birder Mary Schmidt, participants enjoyed a peaceful spring morning on our ARK trails and identified 23 species!
  🔍 See species list and highlights
• 🌍 DeSoto County Earth Day Celebration – We were thrilled to return to this annual event, helping kids make pine cone bird feeders and sharing tips for backyard wildlife conservation.
  🌿 Event photos

📣 Want to bring MWR to your school, group, or event?
➡️ Learn about our education programs

📅 Upcoming Events – Join Us!

🐝 Pollinator Palooza
📍 May 10 | 10 AM–4 PM – Camp Creek Native Plants, New Albany, MS
Learn about native pollinators and how to support them in your own garden!
More Info

🌳 Trees & Wildlife: A Crucial Connection
📍 May 31 | 10 AM–12 PM
Discover how native trees provide food, shelter, and nesting habitat for Mississippi wildlife. Take home free native trees to plant in your community!
Register here

🌿 Nature Explorers Summer Camp
📍 June 23–27 | 9 AM–1 PM – ARK Trails
An immersive nature camp for kids ages 7–12. Each day focuses on a different animal group, with live ambassador visits, hands-on activities, and guided hikes.
Early Bird Registration ends May 17. Scholarships available.
Register here

⛳ 2nd Annual MWR Charity Golf Tournament
📍 September 9 | 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

📢 Stay Connected

Visit mwr.ms
Follow us on Facebook for the latest patient stories, event updates, and wildlife tips.

Thank you for being part of the MWR family and helping us protect Mississippi’s wild neighbors!

Volunteers are the hands, feet, and heart that power Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation’s (MWR) mission. We simply couldn’t do what we do without their incredible contributions of time and talent. Each month, we celebrate one of our amazing volunteers with a spotlight post.

This month, we’re excited to introduce Tracey McDaniel!

🗣 Why does Tracey volunteer?
”Animals deserve our respect and help. They are an important part of our Earth and our ecosystem, so offering them a safe space and providing help are simple ways to respect our backyard friends.”

Tracey began volunteering with MWR in Spring 2024 and has already made a huge impact! She has assisted with many animal transports and has helped at outreach events like the Memphis Fur Meet and the Hernando Water Tower event. She is also currently training to become a handler!

💡 Fun Fact:
Tracey is passionate about pollinator gardens—but she’s terrified of butterflies! 🦋

Thank you, Tracey, for your unwavering commitment and for all that you do to support MWR’s mission. We’re so grateful to have you on the team! 💚

MWR is currently in need of dedicated volunteers to help in the following areas:

• Social media coordinator

• Wildlife Rehabilitation/ Animal care

• Baby Bird Care/Feeding (Spring and Summer)

• Education programs

• Rehab patient transport

• Fundraising

If you are interested in volunteering with MWR please complete this application 

https://www.mswildliferehab.org/files/MWR-Volunteer-Registration-Form.pdf

and submit to volunteer@mswildliferehab.org  

MWR Minute February 2025

Even as the cold lingers, Cupid’s arrow has found its mark—birds are pairing up to nest, and baby bird season is just around the corner! This is our busiest time of year, as hundreds of baby birds will soon need our care. Every spring, we provide life-saving support to orphaned nestlings and fledglings, ensuring they have the best chance of survival in the wild.

🛒 Help us prepare! Please consider supporting MWR by purchasing much-needed supplies from our Amazon Wishlist—

every item helps us save lives!

🐦 Found a baby bird? Not all young birds need to be rescued! Check out this helpful guide on what to do: Wildlife Resources  

Valery E. Smith Nature Center Update

Exciting progress is happening at the Valery E. Smith Nature Center, a future hub for wildlife rehabilitation, conservation education, and community engagement. Here’s what we’ve been working on:

✔ New raptor mews – Materials have been ordered, and construction begins this spring! These enclosures will provide a safe and enriching space for our education ambassador raptors, like owls, hawks, and falcons. Huge thanks to Memphis Stone & Gravel and Lowe’s Southaven for supporting this project.
✔ Outdoor box turtle enclosure – Completed! This enclosure will allow our non-releasable turtles to have a naturalistic habitat while serving as ambassadors for their species.
✔ Native bird & pollinator garden – We’re prepping the planting beds to create a vital habitat for native wildlife, including butterflies, bees, and migratory birds.
✔ Interpretive center design – Plans are coming together, and we can’t wait to share more soon! This space will offer hands-on learning opportunities and interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages.

We’re thrilled to bring this unique nature experience to the community and look forward to welcoming visitors in the near future! Stay tuned for updates.

Patient Update

This month, we admitted 21 new patients representing 13 different bird species. Our team has been working around the clock to provide care, from emergency triage to long-term rehabilitation. With baby season fast approaching, we expect admissions to increase significantly in the coming weeks.

Heartfelt Thanks to Our February Donors!

Your generosity makes our mission possible. Thanks to your support, we continue to provide critical care to injured and orphaned wildlife, educate the public, and protect Mississippi’s native species.

A special THANK YOU to our February donors:

Yvonne McCommon • Tami Anderson • Jordan W. Gatlin • Theresa Hissong • Holly Brazil • Karen Brown • Carla M. Avant • Jeff Leathers • Stephanie Allen • Lissy Reed • Mary Downen • Ally Downen • Diana W. • Kate Friedman • Nancy Orton • Rebecca Carter • Karen S. Brown • Christina Milbourne

💙 Want to join our amazing supporters? Donate today: MWR Donations  

Education & Outreach

📚 Desoto Christian Academy Visit – We were thrilled to present an interactive education program to the enthusiastic students at Desoto Christian Academy! Our team introduced them to native wildlife, discussed the importance of conservation, and provided hands-on learning opportunities. See more here.        

🔎 Want to bring MWR to your school, library, or community group? Learn about our education programs: Education Programs    

Upcoming Events – Join Us!

🍀 Lucky Dog Pub Run for Wildlife – March 17 | 6 PM | Southaven
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with MWR at the Lucky Dog Music Hall & Bar at Silo Square! This fun run benefits local wildlife and is a great way to enjoy an evening with friends while supporting a great cause. Event Details   

🎭 Tupelo Con 2025 – March 15-16 | Tupelo, MS
Calling all pop culture and wildlife lovers! Join us at Tupelo Con to meet our Education Ambassadors, including raptors and reptiles, and learn how MWR has been saving wildlife since 1995. Come by our booth to hear fascinating wildlife stories and get involved! Learn More   

🦜 Spring Birding for Beginners – April 19 | 10 AM – 12 PM | MWR Nature Center
Love birds but don’t know where to start? Back by popular demand, our Spring Beginner Bird Watching Walk will be led by expert birder Mary Schmidt. Learn how to identify birds, use binoculars effectively, and appreciate the beauty of nature. $10/person. Space is limited! Register Here      

Stay Connected!

🌿 Stay up to date with all things MWR! Visit mwr.ms or follow us on Facebook for the latest news, patient stories, and upcoming events.

Thank you for being part of the MWR family! 🦉💚

Volunteers are the hands, feet, and heart that power Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation’s (MWR) mission. We simply couldn’t do what we do without their incredible contributions of time and talent. Each month, we celebrate one of our amazing volunteers with a spotlight post.

This month, we’re excited to introduce Holly McDaniel!

Holly began volunteering last year and has been a huge help at special events like Earth Day and Trunk or Treat. She’s also a dedicated member of our transport team, ensuring that injured wildlife safely make it to our hospital for care.

🗣 Why does Holly volunteer?
“I feel very strongly about Creation Care, and I believe we’ve been given the privilege of caring for our planet and the creatures that share this space with us.”

💡 Fun Fact:
Holly admits that she once couldn’t stand being near birds, bugs, or snakes—she’d run the other way! But after having kids, she put on a brave face so they wouldn’t inherit her fears. Over time, she grew to appreciate birds and now helps rescue them!
“Now look at me… helping to rescue them and watch out for their wellbeing. I don’t even mind being around Cornelius and Vinny! Still not a fan of bugs, but I don’t automatically reach for the bug spray anymore.”Thank you, Holly, for your unwavering commitment and for all that you do to support MWR’s mission. We’re so grateful to have you on the team! 💚

MWR is currently in need of dedicated volunteers to help in the following areas:

• Social media coordinator

• Wildlife Rehabilitation/ Animal care

• Baby Bird Care/Feeding (Spring and Summer)

• Education programs

• Rehab patient transport

• Fundraising

If you are interested in volunteering with MWR please complete this application 

https://www.mswildliferehab.org/files/MWR-Volunteer-Registration-Form.pdf

and submit to volunteer@mswildliferehab.org  

The new year is off to an exciting start! We’ve officially announced plans to open the Valery E. Smith Nature Center this year—a major milestone for MWR. Learn more about this incredible project here.

Our education programs are already booking up fast! If you’re interested in scheduling a program, visit here for details.

Mark your calendars—2025 is packed with opportunities to support MWR! Our Second Annual Golf Tournament is set for September 8th, and Summer Camp will run from June 15-20. Stay tuned for more details!

On the rehabilitation front, 2024 was one of our busiest years ever, and 2025 is already shaping up to be even busier —we’ve taken in nearly twice as many patients this January compared to last year.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to making 2025 a landmark year for Mississippi’s wildlife!

Patient Update:
This month we admitted 31 new patients into care representing 18 bird species.

Special Thank You:
A big shoutout to the enthusiastic volunteer team from Memphis Stone & Gravel! Your hard work on essential ARK trail maintenance and clearing space at our wildlife hospital for the upcoming Nature Center expansion has made a tremendous impact. We truly couldn’t do this without the support of dedicated groups like yours!

See more about their efforts here.

Interested in a group volunteer project? We’re always looking for teams to help us make a difference! If your business or organization would like to get involved, email us at volunteer@mswildliferehab.org or visit here.

Sponsor Thank You:
A Heartfelt THANK YOU to Our January Donors! We are incredibly grateful for the generous support of those who donated to MWR online in January. Thank you to:

Nancy Jones, Harvey Wallrath, Greg Hurley, Dominic Zaccheo, Diane Scruggs, Beth Taylor, and Rachel Chard.

A special thank you to those who answered our call to become monthly supporters—your ongoing commitment makes a lasting impact! Thank you to:

Kate Friedman, Nancy Orton, Rebecca Carter, Karen S. Brown, Yvonne McCommon, and Christina Milbourne.

Your generosity helps us continue our vital work in wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, and education. Thank you for being a part of the MWR family!

Donor support ensures we have the food and supplies needed to care for our many patients. If you would like to join our amazing supporters visit here.

Program update:
We had a fantastic time at our Beginner Birding program! A huge thank you to Mary Schmidt for sharing her incredible knowledge and leading us on an amazing hike where we identified 21 bird species! See more on Facebook.

MWR was honored to be a part of the annual Birds and Seeds event at Lichterman Nature Center. We are always happy to support our fellow conservation partners. More information here.

Looking Ahead:
USACE Bald Eagle Survey: Come meet our ambassador raptors and view Bald Eagles in their native habitat as we support the USACE at their annual Bald Eagle Survey. Learn more here.

Beekeeping for Beginners: Saturday, March 8th from 10a-12p. Discover the fascinating world of beekeeping in this FREE hands-on workshop! Join Thomas Watson, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited of Southaven and an experienced beekeeper, as he shares his passion and expertise.

Whether you’re curious about bees or dreaming of starting your own hive, this is the perfect
introduction. Space is limited. Learn more and register here.

Tupelo con 2025– Join us at Tupelo con on March 15 & 16 to meet our Education Ambassadors and learn more about how MWR has been saving wildlife since 1995 through rehabilitation, education and conservation. Check out: https://www.tupelocon.org/

Visit mwr.ms or follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with all our programs!

Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc. (MWR) is thrilled to formally announce our plans to open the Valery E. Smith Nature Center in 2025, made possible through a generous grant from Entergy’s Environmental Initiatives Fund. This exciting new community resource will be located at our current wildlife hospital on Arkabutla Lake in Coldwater, MS.

This project does not replace our long-term vision of building a brand-new facility at our ARK trails location. This was Valery’s dream, and her passion that sustained the organization she founded in 1995, lives on in our mission to save wildlife. While that larger goal remains a priority, the Valery E. Smith Nature Center serves as a crucial stepping stone on our path forward. This initiative reflects our commitment to responsible stewardship of resources and demonstrates our readiness to operate and manage a larger, more ambitious facility in the future. By taking this strategic step, we continue to build momentum toward our ultimate vision of expanding our capacity to save and protect wildlife.

The Valery E. Smith Nature Center will provide visitors with an immersive experience where they can connect with native wildlife and learn more about conservation efforts. Key features of the Nature Center will include:

• Raptor Garden: Observe our ambassador raptors up close in their newly designed enclosures.
• Native Plant Garden: Take a peaceful stroll through our garden, featuring a variety of Mississippi’s native plants which attract and support local birds and pollinators.
• Box Turtle Habitat: Witness the natural behaviors of box turtles in a dedicated habitat that mimics their natural environment.
• Interpretive Center: Enjoy live animal exhibits and interactive educational displays that offer insight into our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and release native wildlife.
• Valery E Smith Memorial: Learn about the history of MWR as we honor our founder.

The Nature Center will be a free resource for the community, offering hands-on learning opportunities for children, families, and nature enthusiasts alike. It will be a place where MWR’s mission to protect native wildlife comes to life, allowing visitors to see the impact of our work firsthand.

“Entergy is excited to support Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation’s new effort to educate and connect visitors with conservation resources and native wildlife. For more than two decades, we have used our Environmental Initiatives Fund to invest in similar projects that promote environmental stewardship, and make lasting impacts on the communities we serve,” Haley Fisackerly, President and CEO of Entergy Mississippi.

We sincerely thank the US Army Corps of Engineers for their steadfast support, which has been instrumental in making this project a reality.

And a special thank you to Memphis Stone & Gravel for their ongoing support and providing resources to break ground on this project in January.

We look forward to welcoming the community to the Valery E. Smith Nature Center in 2025 and sharing our passion for Mississippi’s native wildlife. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to make progress on this exciting project.

Volunteers are the hands, feet, and heart that power Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation’s (MWR) mission. We simply couldn’t do what we do without their incredible contributions of time and talent. Each month, we celebrate one of our amazing volunteers with a spotlight post.

This month, we’re thrilled to introduce Ally Downen!

Ally joined the MWR volunteer team at the beginning of 2024 and has made an incredible impact across many areas. From transporting injured patients and releasing recovered wildlife back into their natural habitats to assisting with patient triage, setting up for holiday events, working with education ambassadors, and tackling tasks like cleaning crates and mews, Ally truly does it all!

When asked why she started volunteering with MWR, Ally shared:
“I resonate with their mission and care deeply about the natural world. Being able to aid in the rehabilitation process of Mississippi’s native wildlife has been incredibly rewarding!”

We couldn’t agree more, Ally! Your passion and dedication make you an invaluable part
of the MWR family.

Fun Fact: Ally has visited 42 out of 50 states and five countries! On a recent trip to Grand Canyon National Park, she had the incredible opportunity to spot three critically endangered California condors.

Thank you, Ally, for your unwavering commitment and all that you do to support MWR’s
mission. We’re so grateful to have you on the team!

MWR is currently in need of dedicated volunteers to help in the following areas:

• Social media coordinator

• Wildlife Rehabilitation/ Animal care

• Baby Bird Brigade (Spring and Summer)

• Education programs

• Rehab patient transport

If you are interested in volunteering with MWR please complete this application 

https://www.mswildliferehab.org/files/MWR-Volunteer-Registration-Form.pdf

and submit to volunteer@mswildliferehab.org