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. 🦉💚