🍀 Lucky Dog Pub Run for Wildlife – A Huge Success!
March brought an incredible celebration of community and conservation at our Second Annual Lucky Dog Pub Run for Wildlife — and what a success it was!
With a fantastic turnout and an atmosphere full of energy and fun, we raised more than $10,000 to support our mission of saving native wildlife. Every dollar raised helps us provide lifesaving care to injured and orphaned native birds and reptiles while expanding our education programs across the Mid-South.
This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors:
• Presenting Sponsor: Crye Leike – DC Team / Donnie Chambliss
• Eagle Sponsors: Guardian Title, Southaven Honda, Drake Waterfowl
• Raptor Sponsors: Memphis Stone and Gravel, Dana Alvarez, Community Bank, Desoto Athletic Club, Dream Home Construction, Community Mortgage
• Songbird Sponsors: Custom Remodeling, North Central Electric, Wild Birds Unlimited of Southaven, Pet Suites, Hollywood Feed
• Supporting Sponsors: Ghost River Brewing Co, Lydia’s Graphics, Grivet Outdoors, Pampered Paws, Mesquite Chophouse, Juniors Eatin House, Dales, Butchers Block, Pepsi, Pool Scouts of the Mid-South, Pars & Pints, Tekila, Rotolos
Your sponsorships made everything possible — from the race experience to the amazing food, drinks, and prizes. We are deeply grateful for your partnership in protecting native wildlife.
A very special thank you also goes to our dedicated Planning Committee: Dana Alvarez; Bubba Crowder – Fund the Nations; Anthony Lane – North MS Endurance; Jim Lasopio; John David Wheeler; Lucky Dog Music Hall and Bar – Caleb and staff; Lexi Grisanti – Silo Square; Leah Brigance – Silo Square; and Donnie Chambliss – Board Member & Presenting Sponsor.
This event truly takes a village, and we are thankful for every business, volunteer, and supporter who stepped up to make it happen.
We are already looking forward to next year’s event — mark your calendars for St. Patrick’s Day 2027! Visit the event page to see the highlights
- Valery E. Smith Nature Center Update
💧 Raptor Garden Water Feature Progress
We’ve made exciting progress on the new water feature in our Raptor Garden! The waterfall, stream, and pond are really taking shape and will soon enhance both the beauty and ecological value of the Nature Center.
This addition will provide a vital water source for native birds and insects while creating a peaceful, natural gathering space for visitors. And of course, Vinny — our education ambassador Black Vulture — stopped by to supervise the project and ensure everything met his standards!
Stay tuned as the Raptor Garden continues to grow. See more here
🎨 Memorial Rain Barrel – Artwork Complete
We’re thrilled to share that the rain barrel in our Native Plant Pollinator Secret Garden is now a finished work of art! Thanks to the incredible talent and dedication of MWR volunteer Natalie Rodgers, this functional conservation feature has become a beautiful memorial tribute to Patricia Windland.
This rain barrel not only helps conserve water for native wildlife but also serves as a lasting reminder of creativity, conservation, and love for the natural world. A heartfelt thank you to Patricia’s sister, Diana Wilkerson, and family for making this meaningful gift possible.
We can’t wait for visitors to see this stunning piece in person when the Valery E. Smith Nature Center opens later this year. See more
🏥 Wildlife Hospital – By the Numbers
In March, MWR admitted 38 new patients, representing 20 bird species and 2 reptile species. So far this year, we have cared for a total of 125 new patients. With baby season approaching, we anticipate a significant increase in intakes in the coming months.
Check out these patient highlights from March:
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 March, 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:
• Karen S. Brown • Natalie Bright • Rebecca Carter • Carol A. Decker • Beau Edgington • Heather Eisan • Josephine Falcone • Kate Friedman • Larry Green • John Gullett • Leah Hasselle • Cheryl Hays • Bill & Tracy Hill • Theresa Hissong • Marie K Richardson • Kellye Makamson • Christina Milbourne • Christina Monasco • Yvonne McCommon • Irene McClain • 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
💻 Online Donors
We are also grateful to the following individuals and organizations who gave online this month:
• Kagan Coughlin • Arin DiBello • Angie Hales • Jo Hanahan • Ben Ifshin • Claudia Lyko • Caitlin Magnuson • Brock McCarty • Robert Maze • Mark Lewis • Diana Linville • Carrie Moyers • Aimee Nezhukumatathil • Erika OMalley • Lisa Parks • Hallie Thomas • Kathryn York
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 remains a cornerstone of our mission to protect native wildlife. In February, MWR connected with our community through several engaging and impactful programs:
🌿 Hernando Elementary School
We had a fantastic visit with 200 enthusiastic first graders at Hernando Elementary, introducing them to Koda the American Kestrel, Marshmallow the Barred Owl, and Durian the Three-toed Box Turtle. The students were wonderful listeners and asked thoughtful questions as they learned about caring for native wildlife.
Thank you for having us — and a special thanks to Board Member Brett Hogan for helping make the program possible! See more
🦉 Junior Rehabilitator Workshop
Our Junior Rehabilitator Workshop was a dynamic, hands-on experience for youth ages 11–14, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to care for injured and orphaned native birds and reptiles. Students explored patient intake, wildlife first aid, injury assessment, and rehabilitation techniques, while also meeting our live education ambassadors. Most importantly, they learned that when wildlife is in need, the first step is always to contact a licensed rehabilitator.
We are incredibly proud of these young conservationists and grateful to Wildlife Director Stephanie Hogan, our dedicated volunteers, and Jimmy John’s for donating lunch and helping make the day a success. See more
💚 Desoto Christian Academy
We enjoyed a wonderful visit with the engaged and curious 5th and 6th graders at Desoto Christian Academy. Their thoughtful questions and enthusiasm for native wildlife and conservation remind us why this work matters. Programs like this inspire the next generation to appreciate and protect the natural world.
A special thank you to MWR volunteer Stephanie Brock Allen for helping make this program a success! Learn more
These programs strengthen our commitment to educating the public, fostering conservation partnerships, and protecting native wildlife for generations to come.
Want to bring MWR to your school, group, or event?
➡️ Learn about our education programs
📅 Upcoming Events – Join Us!
🌎 DeSoto County Earth Day Celebration
April 18 | DeSoto County Agri-Education Center – Join us as we celebrate Earth Day in DeSoto County! Visit the MWR display to meet our education ambassadors and learn how we are working to save native wildlife through rehabilitation, conservation, and education. Learn more
🌱 Spring Tree Hike
April 25 | 9:00–11:00 AM | 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: Participants will receive free native trees to plant at home!
Space is limited — registration required. Register here
🍄 Tea & Toadstools – An Afternoon of Nature & Whimsy
May 02 | 1:00-4:00p | The ARK Trails – Join Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation for a magical, storybook-inspired afternoon for guests ages 16+. Enjoy tea and snacks (provided by our generous sponsor Tea & Tisanes) , nature-themed arts and crafts, whimsical activities, and take-home treasures. Costuming is encouraged but not required.
Space is limited — registration required. Register here
🐝 Pollinator Palooza
May 10 | 10 AM–4 PM – Camp Creek Native Plants, New Albany, MS
MWR is excited to join this annual celebration of native pollinators! Learn how to support pollinators in your garden, meet our education ambassadors, and discover ways to help native wildlife thrive. Plus, pick up a few native plants from Camp Creek’s vast selection to grow your own pollinator-friendly habitat. More Info
🌿 2026 Nature Explorer’s Summer Camp
June 08-12 | 9a-1p daily | The ARK Trails
MWR invites campers to discover how Mississippi’s native plants, insects, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals are all connected in the web of life. Each day highlights a different group and its vital role in the ecosystem. Campers will enjoy live animal presentations, interactive games, and fun, hands-on crafts that bring each day’s theme to life.
Lunch is provided daily. Early Bird registration (through May 9) is $175 per camper; after May 9, registration is $200. Space is limited. Learn more and Register HERE
📌 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. 🦉💚