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!