Eagle Scout Project Creates Lasting Habitat for Wildlife
Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation is grateful to Life Scout Coy VanPelt of Scout Troop 73 in Southaven for completing an exceptional service project that will benefit both our organization and Mississippi’s native wildlife for years to come.
As part of his Eagle Scout project, Coy designed and built custom nesting boxes and resting cubbies for the new raptor enclosures at the Valery E. Smith Community Nature Center. These additions provide our education ambassador raptors with quiet, secure spaces where they can rest comfortably between educational programs.
Coy also extended his impact beyond the Nature Center by constructing and installing a Barn Owl nesting box on the Entergy Education Pavilion at the ARK Trails, as well as six Eastern Screech Owl nesting boxes—three at the ARK Trails in Hernando and three at our Virginia Trails in Senatobia. These boxes will provide valuable nesting habitat for native owls while serving as a visible reminder that simple conservation actions can make a meaningful difference for wildlife.
Projects like Coy’s not only enhance MWR’s educational facilities but also create lasting habitat that will benefit wildlife for many years. They inspire visitors to take similar steps in their own backyards and communities to help protect native species.
We extend our sincere thanks to Coy for his hard work, craftsmanship, and dedication to conservation. Congratulations on pursuing the rank of Eagle Scout, and thank you for leaving a lasting legacy for Mississippi’s wildlife.
🏥 Wildlife Hospital – By the Numbers
This month we admitted more than 112 new patients, representing 38 bird and 4 reptile species.
Check out this patient highlight from this month:
Shaw the Bald Eagle has had a rough road.
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 July, whether through monthly giving, one-time donations, or purchasing items from our Amazon Wishlist. 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 helps provide food, medical care, and rehabilitation for Mississippi’s native wildlife every day.
• Karen S. Brown • Natalie Bright • Rebecca Carter • Carol A. Decker • Beau Edgington • Heather Eisan • Josephine Falcone • Kate Friedman • Larry Green • John Gullett • Leah Hasselle • Bill & Tracy Hill • Theresa Hissong • Marie K. Richardson • Kellye Makamson • Christina Milbourne • Christina Monasco • Yvonne McCommon • Irene McClain • Aimee Nezhukumatathil • Nancy Orton • Heather Ray • Jason Reid • Nicholas Richards • Natalie Rodgers • Sharon Runkel • Diane Sales • David Simonton • Suzan Stewart • Rebecca Terry • Chrystie Teague • Cassandra R. Truan • Melinda Turley • Stephanie Allen • The Waldrip Family • Madison Warren • Uriel Zua’Iga
💻 Online Donors
We are also grateful to the following individuals who made online gifts this month. Your generosity directly supports the rescue, rehabilitation, education, and conservation work of MWR.
• Irene Ball • Julia Broussard • Karen Brown • Christine Caron • Heather Forrest • Kate Friedman • Tiffany Germany • Pete Grigg • Jo Hanahan • Nancy Madden • Renee Marcum • Scott & Renee Massey • Stan Mims • Carla Moyer • Sharon Muenzenmay • Albert Robinson • Tommie Rodgers • Mary Kathryn Taylor • Chastity Toth • Jessica Wang • Diana Wilkerson • Nichole Williams
📦 Amazon Wishlist Support
Thank you to everyone who donated much-needed supplies through our Amazon Wishlist:
• Randi Estrada • Brie and Sly • Elizabeth Sewell
🦅 Special Thanks
A very special thank you to R&R Rodents and Gigi’s Serpents for their generous donations of mice and rats to help feed Shaw the bald eagle and the many raptors in our care. Their continued support helps ensure these magnificent birds receive the nutrition they need on their journey back to the wild.
Every gift—no matter the size—plays an essential role in helping us protect, rehabilitate, and advocate for Mississippi’s native wildlife.
💙 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
July continued our busy summer as MWR’s Education Team brought wildlife education to communities across the region through local library and group programs. These programs gave children and families the chance to meet native wildlife ambassadors, learn about conservation, and discover simple ways they can help protect Mississippi’s wildlife.
Check out the links below to learn more about each program!
These programs are an important part of MWR’s mission, helping us educate the public, build conservation partnerships, and inspire future generations to care for native wildlife.
Want to bring MWR to your school, group, or event?
➡️ Learn about our education programs –
📅 Upcoming Events – Join Us!
🌺 North Mississippi Hummingbird Festival
📍 September 12-13 | 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
⛳ 2nd Annual MWR Charity Golf Tournament
📍 September 21 | 12 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! Learn more and register/ sponsor
MWR 7th Annual Trunk or Treat
📍 Saturday, October 17| 1 – 4 PM – Dub Patton Recreation Area at Arkabutla Lake
Our free, family-friendly Halloween celebration returns! Enjoy an afternoon of trick-or-treating, live birds of prey, reptiles and other creepy crawlies, food trucks, photo opportunities, a costume contest, and prizes for the Best Trunk and Best Costume. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated to support MWR’s wildlife rehabilitation and education programs. Come celebrate Halloween with wildlife and fun for the whole family! 🎃🦉🐍🐢
Enchanted Forest presented by the Friends of Chakchiuma Swamp
📍 Saturday, October 24| 4- 8 PM – Lee Tartt Nature Center
Join MWR at this magical event! Experience the Enchanted Forest at Lee Tartt Nature Preserve as the cypress swamp comes alive with glowing lights, incredible art, music, and whimsical surprises created by local artists and community volunteers. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience for all ages that celebrates imagination, creativity, and the beauty of the natural world. 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. 🦉💚