This month, MWR Wildlife Director Stephanie Hogan and core volunteer Penny Gallenbeck attended the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association annual conference in New Orleans. They participated in an outstanding lecture series covering animal training, medical care, facility and program management, and best practices in wildlife rehabilitation.
They also built valuable connections with fellow rehabilitators from across the country—strengthening our network and bringing home new skills and knowledge. Ongoing professional development like this reflects MWR’s commitment to excellence and providing the highest standard of care for native wildlife.
The National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association advances the profession of wildlife rehabilitation by promoting high ethical standards, collaboration, education, and respect for wildlife and natural ecosystems. Learn more about NWRA HERE
Memphis Stone & Gravel, A Granite Company volunteer workday
A huge THANK YOU to the volunteer crew from Memphis Stone & Gravel, A Granite Company!
For the second year in a row, as part of their annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, this dedicated team tackled essential maintenance on the ARK Trails — clearing fallen trees and branches, repairing bridges, and removing an old pergola that had collapsed from age and weathering.
We are so grateful for your hard work and commitment to keeping the ARK Trails safe and enjoyable for our community to connect with nature. Memphis Stone & Gravel’s ongoing support plays a vital role in our mission to save wildlife, inspire our community, and provide natural spaces for everyone to enjoy.
See their work in action here: Facebook link
If your business or group is looking for a meaningful volunteer project, reach out to us at contact@mswildliferehab.org.
🏥 Wildlife Hospital – By the Numbers
In February, MWR admitted 36 new patients in need of care, representing 16 bird and 2 reptile species. Winter conditions, habitat disruption, and seasonal challenges continue to bring wildlife through our doors.
Check out these patient highlights from February:
If you come across a wild bird or reptile in distress, please do not attempt to care for it yourself. Improper handling or feeding can do more harm than good and may violate federal or state wildlife laws. Please reach out to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
📞 Call our wildlife hotline: 662-612-6455
🗺️ Need a rehabilitator near you? Use this rehabber MAP
💙 Donor Thank You
💚 Thank You for Supporting MWR
We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation (MWR) in February, whether through monthly giving, one-time donations, or Wishlist support. Your generosity makes it possible for us to provide critical care, rehabilitation, and education for Mississippi’s native wildlife every single 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 • Sharon Runkel • Natalie Bright • Suzan Stewart • Kellye Makamson • Leah Hasselle • Heather Eisan • Christina Monasco • Jason Reid
💻 Online Donors
We are also grateful to the following individuals and organizations who gave online this month:
Jo Hanahan • Susan Bauer Lee
📦 Amazon Wishlist Support
Thank you to everyone who donated much-needed supplies through our Amazon Wishlist:
May • Yvonne McCommon • Melissa Vaughn.
Every gift—no matter the size—plays an essential role in helping us protect, rehabilitate, and advocate for Mississippi’s native wildlife.
💙 🌱 Become a Monthly Donor
Monthly giving provides reliable, year-round support for injured and orphaned wildlife. Even a small recurring donation helps ensure food, medical care, and emergency response when animals need us most. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to make an ongoing impact, consider joining our community of monthly donors.
🛒 Prefer to donate supplies? Shop our Amazon Wishlist to send essential items directly to our center.
📚 Education & Outreach: Connecting with Communities
Education continues to be a cornerstone of our mission to protect native wildlife. In February, MWR connected with our community through several exciting programs:
🐦 Birds & Seeds @ Lichterman Nature Center
MWR joined this annual event to share our passion for native wildlife alongside dedicated conservation partners. Special thanks to volunteers Lauren Schwartz Van and Natalie Rodgers, and Board Members Kate Friedman and Brett Hogan for helping make the day a success!
See more
🪶 Beginner Birdwatching Walk
Participants spotted 15 native bird species during a fun and educational winter morning on the trail. Thanks to Mary Schmidt for sharing her birding expertise, Brett Hogan and education ambassador Barred Owl Marshmallow for making the event unforgettable, and volunteers Lauren Schwartz Van, Stephanie Brock Allen, and Holly McDaniel for their support. Binoculars were generously provided by Wild Birds Unlimited of Southaven, MS.
See more
North MS Bluebird Symposium
MWR attended the first annual North MS Bluebird Symposium, hosted by Wild Birds Unlimited of Southaven, MS. Board Member Kate Friedman and volunteer Audrey Lucas represented MWR while connecting with fellow conservationists and learning more about bluebird conservation.
See more
These events strengthen our commitment to educating the public, fostering conservation partnerships, and protecting native wildlife.
Want to bring MWR to your school, group, or event?
➡️ Learn about our education programs
📅 Upcoming Events – Join Us!
🍀 Lucky Dog Pub Run for Wildlife
March 17 | 6:30 PM | Southaven
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with MWR at Lucky Dog Music Hall & Bar (Silo Square)! Family- and pet-friendly fun run supporting local wildlife. Details & registration
🌎 Desoto County Earth Day Celebration – April 18 | DeSoto County Agri-Education Center
Visit our display to meet our education ambassadors and learn about how we are saving native wildlife. Learn more
🌱 Spring Tree Hike April 25 |9-11a | The ARK Trails
Celebrate the forest coming back to life! Join us on the trail to explore Mississippi’s ephemeral wildflowers, budding native trees, and active wildlife. Discover early nesters, returning migrants, and the creatures that thrive during spring’s burst of growth. Bonus: Take home free native trees to plant in your yard! More details coming soon.
📌 Save the Date — More details coming soon
🌿 Nature Explorers Summer Camp — June 8–12 | @ The ARK Trails
⛳ MWR Annual Golf Tournament — September 21 | @ Wedgewood Golf Club
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. 🦉💚