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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 excited to spotlight Karen Brown, MWR Board Secretary!

Karen began volunteering in the fall of 1997, when she found orphaned flying squirrels in need of rescue. A local veterinarian connected her with MWR’s founder, Valery E. Smith, sparking not only Karen’s longtime involvement with MWR but also a treasured friendship. At the time, MWR was just beginning—Val had one volunteer and worked out of her basement triage hospital. Karen was deeply inspired by her vision and dedication.

Karen quickly jumped in to help, supporting fundraising efforts with yard sales, bake sales, small donations, and even grant writing to build federally approved enclosures. As the years went on, she witnessed MWR’s growth—more volunteers, more patients, more training workshops, and a steadily expanding impact.

Over the years, Karen has faithfully served on MWR’s Board of Directors in nearly every office, and today she continues to serve as Board Secretary. She says, “Val’s dream continues to develop with extremely dedicated volunteers and a Board led by caring individuals. Val is why I am here—MWR’s mission and its people of integrity are why I continue to volunteer, and I am grateful to be a small part.”

Fun Fact: Karen remembers one unforgettable call from a farmer who discovered a Red-tailed Hawk in his chicken coop. Val made the rescue—braving the frightened hawk while fending off an angry rooster!

🌿 Thank you, Karen, for your many years of dedication and leadership in protecting Mississippi’s native wildlife!

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 & Summer)
• Education Programs
• Rehab Patient Transport
• Fundraising

Interested in volunteering?
Complete our volunteer application here:
👉 https://www.mswildliferehab.org/files/MWR-Volunteer-Registration-Form.pdf
And send it to: volunteer@mswildliferehab.org

Our second annual Charity Golf Tournament for Wildlife was a huge success! 

We were blessed with another beautiful day on the course and are thrilled to share that we raised over $11,000 to support our mission of saving native wildlife through rehabilitation, education, and conservation.

A heartfelt thank you to:

• All the golfers who came out to play
• Our generous sponsors who made this event possible
• MWR volunteers and Board Members who worked tirelessly behind the scenes

🏆 Congratulations to our winning teams and door prize winners! Prizes included a TV, Turtlebox speakers, a Yeti cooler, gift cards, spa packages, Drake Waterfowl gun bags and backpacks, and one-of-a-kind artwork by Vinny the Vulture.

A special thank you to our title sponsors:

Eagle Sponsor: Memphis Stone & Gravel, A Granite Company
Raptor Sponsor: Donnie Chambliss – DC Team at Crye-Leike, Realtors

Learn more about the event HERE

🍂 Embrace the Fall Season at the ARK

With cooler weather upon us, we invite you to explore the ARK trails at 7001 W Commerce Rd, Hernando. Take in the crisp air, connect with the land, and reflect on the natural beauty we are all working to preserve.

🌿 Nature Center Update

Progress is blooming at the Valery E. Smith Nature Center:

• Our final raptor enclosure for small birds is up, and work is beginning on the water feature and raptor weathering area.
• The Secret Garden continues to thrive, serving as a crucial refueling stop for migrating butterflies and birds. A few Gulf Fritillary caterpillars are still enjoying the remnants of passion vine!
• Thanks to a generous donation from Pea Ridge Recycling/Construction Waste Management, we were able to add mulch to our planting beds, helping our native plants flourish.  Check out more HERE

🏥 Wildlife Hospital – By the Numbers

In September, MWR admitted 91 new patients in need of care, including:

🕊️ 28 bird species – including songbirds, raptors, waterbirds, and nestlings
🐢 6 reptile species – including box turtles, water turtles, and young snakes

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 September, whether through monthly giving or one-time donations. Your generosity helps us 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

💻 Online Donors
We are also grateful to the following individuals who gave online in September:

Samuel L. Agnew • Norah Bruce • Kathleen Quinlen • Sandy Hangey • Stephanie Bennett • Laura Wright • Yvonne McCommon • Greg Howe • David Simonton • Jo Hanahan • Tavleen A. Singh • Harrison Scott • Sandra Olita Barron • Christopher Roth • Sarah Kenney • Raymond Jancso Jr.

Each gift makes a difference, and together you make our mission possible—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

North Mississippi Hummingbird Festival – We had an incredible day at this amazing event! It was such a joy engaging with the crowds—young and old—who stopped by our display to learn more about native wildlife.  Learn More HERE.

Craft for Conservation – DIY Birdbath workshop – We had such a wonderful time at this workshop! We learned how to add the life-giving element of water to home wildlife gardens and created unique leaf mold birdbaths to take home. A huge thank you to our sponsors Interior Transformations & HillCo Construction and Christie Cut Stone for making this workshop possible.   SEE MORE

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

📅 Upcoming Events

🎃 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 

🎄 MWRs Critter Christmas
📍 Saturday, December 13 | The Ark Trails in Hernando
Save the date! This family friendly event is back.  Join us for a merry and joyous event for nature lovers of all ages! Meet Santa and the Grinch as well as our animal ambassadors! Sip hot cocoa or cider while enjoying winter wildlife presentations, programming, and stories! See our wild room of reptiles and invertebrates and much more.   Details are coming soon.

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. 🦉💚

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 MWR Board President, Wayne Spell!

Wayne has been with MWR so long he says, “I don’t actually remember the date I first volunteered. It was in the early 2000s.” At the time, he noticed there were few options for school field trips in north Mississippi. With elementary-aged children of his own, and after yet another trip to the Pink Palace in Memphis, someone suggested he reach out to MWR’s founder, Val Smith, who had a vision for a local nature center. Intrigued, Wayne joined the board to help secure the funding needed to make that vision a reality.

Since then, Wayne has served faithfully on the board of directors, now as President. Over the years, he has pitched in at fundraisers, workdays, and community events—often with his family alongside him. “I have tried to use the influence the Lord has given me in various stages of my life to promote the interest of MWR when it aligned with funding opportunities,” Wayne shares. “I involved my family when I could and used our volunteer time to promote community service and environmental stewardship.”

Fun Fact: Wayne had a mentor who was like a grandfather to him, often reminding him, “It’s a long road without a bend in it.” Reflecting on his own journey with MWR, Wayne says, “My journey with MWR has had many bends in the road, but I’m encouraged with the progress we’re making and thankful for the leadership of our Executive Director, Mykl Wallrath.”

🌿 Thank you, Wayne, for your dedication and leadership in making a difference for Mississippi’s native wildlife!

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 & Summer)
• Education Programs
• Rehab Patient Transport
• Fundraising

Interested in volunteering?
Complete our volunteer application here:
👉 https://www.mswildliferehab.org/files/MWR-Volunteer-Registration-Form.pdf
And send it to: volunteer@mswildliferehab.org

MWR Minute – August 2025

August brought both reflection and renewal for MWR. We said goodbye to Rufous, our beloved Eastern Screech Owl ambassador, who touched countless lives since joining us in 2014. Through school visits, library programs, and community events, Rufous helped thousands of children and adults discover the wonder of owls and the importance of protecting wildlife. His quiet presence sparked curiosity, compassion, and respect for nature in ways that words alone could not. While he will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on in every person he inspired. 💙 Learn more here

Even as we grieve this loss, our work continues. In August we admitted our 899th patient of the year, each representing another chance to heal, release, and protect Mississippi’s native wildlife.

With fall just around the corner, we are looking forward to cooler weather, engaging education programs, and community events that bring people closer to nature. We encourage you to embrace the season by exploring the ARK trails at 7001 W Commerce Rd in Hernando—a place to connect with the land, enjoy the crisp air, and reflect on the beauty we are all working to preserve.

🌿 Nature Center Update

Progress continues at the Valery E. Smith Nature Center:

·   We’re close to outfitting the enclosures in the Raptor Garden with species-appropriate perches and “furniture.” Our goal is to move the raptors into their new homes this fall so they can settle in before the grand opening.

·   The Secret Garden is thriving and has become an important refueling stop for migrating butterflies. Host plants are supporting the next generation of pollinators, including Gulf Fritillaries and Cloudless Sulphurs.

🎥 See the latest updates HERE

🌸 Patricia Windland Memorial

MWR is deeply honored to dedicate the rain barrel in our Secret Garden native plant garden to the memory of Patricia Windland, made possible through the generosity of her sister Diana Wilkerson, family, and friends.  Learn more

🏥 Wildlife Hospital – By the Numbers

In August, MWR admitted 79 new patients in need of care, including:

🕊️ 33 bird species – including songbirds, raptors, waterbirds, and nestlings
🐢 1 reptile species – including box turtles, water turtles, and young snakes

📖 Check out this video of a recent Mississippi Kite 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 MWR in August whether through monthly giving or one-time donations.

🌟 Monthly Donors
A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated monthly supporters whose commitment sustains daily wildlife care:

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

We are also grateful to the following individuals who gave online in August:

Angela G. Eckburg • Nicholas Russell Winston • Jose Alejandro • Sandy Hudson • Michael Dakota Rushing • Christy Richmond • Lorrie A. Bay • Patricia P. Smith • Paula J. Hunter • David Pratt • Nita Hutcheson • Clay Templeton • Ruel D. Arrington • William Pratt • Ben Nowell • Diana Wilkerson • Susanne P. Dye • Elizabeth Cornett • Rhonda Solberg • Sherry Sigler

Each gift makes a difference, and together you make our mission possible—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

🌳 Mephit Fur Meet
MWR was honored to be one of the supported charities at this event again this year! 💙
We had a wonderful time meeting so many enthusiastic attendees who stopped by our display. Thank you for your support—we’re already looking forward to next year!  See more

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

📅 Upcoming Events

🌺 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. 🦉💚

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 Shannon Curry!

Shannon began volunteering with MWR in January 2024 after a long, stormy night at the ER with one of her kids took an unexpected turn. Driving home in the rain after an ice and snowstorm, she spotted an injured barred owl in the middle of the highway—and her journey with MWR began.

While she primarily serves as a wildlife transporter (sometimes driving several hours to save a life), Shannon often stays after deliveries to help with patient intake, initial assessments, and treatments. She also lends a hand feeding baby birds in our aviary nursery. Shannon even helped connect MWR with Mephit Fur Meet, a local convention that now supports our mission.

A lifelong animal lover, Shannon grew up with a father who assisted the local game warden and rehabber, leading to some unusual “pets” and sparking her special fondness for great horned owls.

Fun Fact: In addition to her work with MWR, Shannon volunteers as a trainer for Chosen2Serve, a service dog training program. She’s currently earning her bachelor’s degree in Animal Training and Behavior, with the goal of becoming a licensed rehabber and expanding her impact with MWR.

Thank you, Shannon, for your dedication, compassion, and drive to make a difference for Mississippi’s native wildlife! 🌿

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 & Summer)
• Education Programs
• Rehab Patient Transport
• Fundraising

Interested in volunteering?
Complete our volunteer application here:
👉 https://www.mswildliferehab.org/files/MWR-Volunteer-Registration-Form.pdf
And send it to: volunteer@mswildliferehab.org

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:

• It’s HOT
• Green Heron Release
• Juvenile Osprey

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. 🦉💚

MWR Minute – June 2025

We’ve officially reached the halfway mark of the year—and what a wild ride it’s been! Despite the soaring temperatures, June brought a steady stream of patients, a packed calendar of public programming, and major progress on long-term goals.

Here’s a snapshot of what Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation (MWR) has accomplished so far in 2025:

✅ Presented 17 education programs and participated in 5 outreach events, connecting with over 3,500 people across Mississippi and beyond
✅ Hosted our annual Nature Explorers Summer Camp, giving kids immersive, hands-on experiences with native wildlife and sparking lifelong curiosity for the natural world
✅ Kicked off the 1st Annual Lucky Dog Pub Run Fundraiser—a fantastic turnout and generous support made it one of our most successful first-year events ever
✅ Admitted and provided care to over 600 wildlife patients so far this year, representing 100+ native species, from tiny hummingbirds to injured turtles
✅ Made steady headway on the Valery E. Smith Nature Center, bringing us closer to a permanent home for wildlife education, rehabilitation, and community connection

And the year is only halfway over. Onward!

🌿 Nature Center Update

Despite scorching weather, a full summer schedule, and unexpected power outages, construction and garden work at the Nature Center marched on.

• Work continues on the Raptor Garden, which will provide safe, enriching outdoor enclosures for our non-releasable raptor ambassadors.
• Our Secret Garden has been officially planted! We can’t wait to show you the blooms, pollinators, and surprises growing there.
• New additions: a rain garden, rain barrel, and an insect hotel—all part of our sustainable landscaping plan that models how to support native wildlife at home.

Stay tuned for more progress updates in the coming months!

🏥 Wildlife Hospital – By the Numbers

In May, MWR admitted 165 new patients in need of care, including:

🕊️ 43 bird species – including songbirds, raptors, waterbirds, and nestlings
🐢 4 reptile species – including box turtles, water turtles, and young snakes

📖 Learn more about some of our recent patients:

• 🦅 Mississippi Kite – rescued and recovering
• 🐟 Belted Kingfisher – stunning bird with a big personality
• 🪶 Green Heron Babies – tiny and hungry, but thriving

🐾 Reminder: If you find a wild bird or reptile in distress, don’t attempt to care for it yourself.
📞 Call our hotline: 662-612-6455 or check this rehabber map for help near you.

💙 Donor Thank You

We are deeply grateful to the many people who supported MWR in June—whether through monthly giving, one-time donations, or special campaigns like Wiggly Wednesday, which raised funds to help feed the hundreds of baby birds in our care.

Monthly Donors

Thank you to our monthly supporters who make our work possible day in and day out. Your commitment sustains the care we provide:

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

We appreciate your generosity and support:

Brock McCarty • Judy Dorsey • Thomas Sikes • Fulvia Subauste • Patricia Kreider • Joseph Chaudry • Neely Alberson • Sarina Horn • Airica Jones • Sally Proctor • Ken & Katherine Trotter • Deborah Goessling • Katherine Mickelson

🎉 Special shout-out to Madison Reynolds, who hosted her own business-based fundraiser and raised $1,000 for wildlife care!

Wiggly Wednesday Insect Fund

Thanks to those who helped keep our baby birds fed with fresh bugs!

Jamie W. Welsh • Cassandra Truan • Deborah Yoakum • Mark Green

🦉 You’re helping us save wild lives—thank you.

👉 Want to support our work?
Donate here

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. 🦉💚