All posts by : mwr-admin

Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc. (MWR) is thrilled to formally announce our plans to open the Valery E. Smith Nature Center in 2025, made possible through a generous grant from Entergy’s Environmental Initiatives Fund. This exciting new community resource will be located at our current wildlife hospital on Arkabutla Lake in Coldwater, MS.

This project does not replace our long-term vision of building a brand-new facility at our ARK trails location. This was Valery’s dream, and her passion that sustained the organization she founded in 1995, lives on in our mission to save wildlife. While that larger goal remains a priority, the Valery E. Smith Nature Center serves as a crucial stepping stone on our path forward. This initiative reflects our commitment to responsible stewardship of resources and demonstrates our readiness to operate and manage a larger, more ambitious facility in the future. By taking this strategic step, we continue to build momentum toward our ultimate vision of expanding our capacity to save and protect wildlife.

The Valery E. Smith Nature Center will provide visitors with an immersive experience where they can connect with native wildlife and learn more about conservation efforts. Key features of the Nature Center will include:

• Raptor Garden: Observe our ambassador raptors up close in their newly designed enclosures.
• Native Plant Garden: Take a peaceful stroll through our garden, featuring a variety of Mississippi’s native plants which attract and support local birds and pollinators.
• Box Turtle Habitat: Witness the natural behaviors of box turtles in a dedicated habitat that mimics their natural environment.
• Interpretive Center: Enjoy live animal exhibits and interactive educational displays that offer insight into our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and release native wildlife.
• Valery E Smith Memorial: Learn about the history of MWR as we honor our founder.

The Nature Center will be a free resource for the community, offering hands-on learning opportunities for children, families, and nature enthusiasts alike. It will be a place where MWR’s mission to protect native wildlife comes to life, allowing visitors to see the impact of our work firsthand.

“Entergy is excited to support Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation’s new effort to educate and connect visitors with conservation resources and native wildlife. For more than two decades, we have used our Environmental Initiatives Fund to invest in similar projects that promote environmental stewardship, and make lasting impacts on the communities we serve,” Haley Fisackerly, President and CEO of Entergy Mississippi.

We sincerely thank the US Army Corps of Engineers for their steadfast support, which has been instrumental in making this project a reality.

And a special thank you to Memphis Stone & Gravel for their ongoing support and providing resources to break ground on this project in January.

We look forward to welcoming the community to the Valery E. Smith Nature Center in 2025 and sharing our passion for Mississippi’s native wildlife. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to make progress on this exciting project.

Volunteers are the hands, feet, and heart that power Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation’s (MWR) mission. We simply couldn’t do what we do without their incredible contributions of time and talent. Each month, we celebrate one of our amazing volunteers with a spotlight post.

This month, we’re thrilled to introduce Ally Downen!

Ally joined the MWR volunteer team at the beginning of 2024 and has made an incredible impact across many areas. From transporting injured patients and releasing recovered wildlife back into their natural habitats to assisting with patient triage, setting up for holiday events, working with education ambassadors, and tackling tasks like cleaning crates and mews, Ally truly does it all!

When asked why she started volunteering with MWR, Ally shared:
“I resonate with their mission and care deeply about the natural world. Being able to aid in the rehabilitation process of Mississippi’s native wildlife has been incredibly rewarding!”

We couldn’t agree more, Ally! Your passion and dedication make you an invaluable part
of the MWR family.

Fun Fact: Ally has visited 42 out of 50 states and five countries! On a recent trip to Grand Canyon National Park, she had the incredible opportunity to spot three critically endangered California condors.

Thank you, Ally, for your unwavering commitment and all that you do to support MWR’s
mission. We’re so grateful to have you on the team!

MWR is currently in need of dedicated volunteers to help in the following areas:

• Social media coordinator

• Wildlife Rehabilitation/ Animal care

• Baby Bird Brigade (Spring and Summer)

• Education programs

• Rehab patient transport

If you are interested in volunteering with MWR please complete this application 

https://www.mswildliferehab.org/files/MWR-Volunteer-Registration-Form.pdf

and submit to volunteer@mswildliferehab.org  

As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the countless blessings that surround us—none more cherished than the unwavering support of our donors, community partners, and incredible volunteers. Together, you make second chances possible for the native wildlife we serve.

This month, we celebrate the triumphant story of “River,” an American Bald Eagle who came to us on New Year’s Eve 2023 with grave injuries and slim odds for release. Thanks to the expertise of our
Wildlife Director, Stephanie Hogan, and the tireless efforts of our dedicated volunteers, River defied the odds. Released back into the wild this month, she now soars once again, a symbol of hope and
resilience.

And hers is just one of the many stories of the more than 700 patients MWR has cared for this year.

Learn more about River’s story here.

Patient Update:
This month we admitted 37 new patients into care representing 21 bird and 2 reptile species.

Sponsor Thank You:
This month, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our online supporters for their incredible
contributions. A big MWR THANK YOU to:

A Special thank you to those who donated in memory of Jill Woodruff Maddox, including: Vicki Smith, Shari Smith, Glenn Rowe, Joe and Mary Lou Walker.

Thank you for your continued dedication to saving Mississippi’s native wildlife!

Support MWR Today and become part of stories like River’s!

Donor support ensures we have the food and supplies needed to care for our many patients. If you
would like to join our amazing supporters visit here.

Program update:

• Enchanted Forest at Lee Tartt Nature Center: We had a magical time at the Lee Tartt Nature Preserve’s Enchanted Forest this weekend! Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the beauty of nature with a touch of wonder.  See more here.
• Hernando Dickens of a Christmas: Thank you to the City of Hernando for inviting MWR to participate in the annual Dickens of a Christmas at the Square! We’re grateful for everyone who braved the weather to stop by and support our mission, and a huge thank you to our incredible volunteers for embracing the holiday spirit and making this event memorable. More information here.
• Scout Cub Quest: What an amazing day with the scouts! Their enthusiasm and curiosity were absolutely inspiring, and it was incredible to see so many parents eager to learn alongside them. We’re honored to help shape the next generation of conservation champions! Learn more here.

Looking Ahead:

• Critter Christmas: 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, walk a portion of our trails for a prize duck hunt by Hernando Duck Hunt, and see a real antique Marx O Gauge model train set in a mini winter wonderland! This will be a true Christmas event to remember. Learn more and get tickets here.
• Want to learn more about Birding or Beekeeping. Keep an eye out for these upcoming programs in January and March.

Visit our website or follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with all our programs!

Volunteers are the hands, feet, and heart that power Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation’s (MWR) mission. We simply couldn’t do what we do without their incredible contributions of time and talent. Each month, we celebrate one of our amazing volunteers with a spotlight post.

This month, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Kate Friedman!

Kate began volunteering with MWR in 2005 after meeting the organization’s founder, Valery E. Smith, at the Hummingbird Festival at Strawberry Plains Audubon Center. “We immediately hit it off because of our shared love for birds and education,” Kate recalls. Kate has served as a longtime Board Member and is MWR’s Education Director. In July 2022, she also stepped into the role of Treasurer, further showcasing her dedication to our mission.

When asked why she loves volunteering for MWR, Kate says, “I believe in the organization’s mission. I continue to serve on the Board of Directors as we work toward fulfilling Valery’s vision of the Arkabutla Lake Wildlife Rehabilitation and Nature Center at the ARK Trails. We also have a wonderful team of volunteers—I truly enjoy working with these great people who help keep MWR moving forward!”

Fun Fact: During the 1990s, Kate worked in the Education Department at the Memphis Zoo and even appeared on The Today Show with Jim Fowler for a Halloween special!

Thank you, Kate, for your unwavering commitment and all that YOU do for MWR!

MWR is currently in need of dedicated volunteers to help in the following areas:

• Social media coordinator

• Wildlife Rehabilitation/ Animal care

• Baby Bird Brigade (Spring and Summer)

• Education programs

• Rehab patient transport

If you are interested in volunteering with MWR please complete this application 

https://www.mswildliferehab.org/files/MWR-Volunteer-Registration-Form.pdf

and submit to volunteer@mswildliferehab.org  

October was highlighted by our 5th Annual Trunk or Treat! This year’s event was our best yet, thanks to everyone who joined us and to the creative, enthusiastic trunk participants who truly made it special.

We want to extend a special thank you to our attractions, food trucks, and our generous sponsors. Your support means the world to us and helps make events like this possible.

And to our amazing volunteers—thank you for your dedication and hard work. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Thanks to all of you for making this year’s Trunk or Treat the best one yet. We’re already looking
forward to next year!

Click here for more information.

Patient Update:

This month we admitted 30 new patients into care representing 12 bird and 2 reptile species.

Sponsor Thank You:

A huge MWR THANK YOU to Kim Hill and the enthusiastic team of volunteers from Investors Associated LLP! Your hard work and dedication tackling essential maintenance at the Wildlife Hospital has made a big impact. We truly couldn’t do what we do without the support of amazing groups like yours! More here.

We’re always looking for more teams to join us in making an impact. If your business or organization is interested in a group volunteer project, please reach out to us at volunteer@mswildliferehab.org or visit our website.

Donor support ensures we have the food and supplies needed to care for our many patients. If
you would like to join our amazing supporters, donate here.

Thank you for your continued dedication to saving Mississippi’s native wildlife!

Program update:

• Education Days: We had a fantastic time supporting the Desoto County Soil and Water
  Conservation District’s Outdoor Education Days! It’s always inspiring to connect with young
  minds who are passionate about wildlife and conservation. See more here.
• Birding Merit Badge Class: We had a wonderful experience hosting a Birding Merit Badge class for local Scouts this month. We love helping spark a lifelong appreciation for wildlife in our local Scout troops! Check it out here.
• Family Night with First Baptist Church of Olive Branch: A big thank you to First Baptist Church for including us in your family night! We had a great time connecting with children and parents, sharing ways they can help save our native wildlife.
• Nocturnal Animals Program at Northpoint Christian School: We enjoyed an exciting program focused on nocturnal animals with Northpoint Christian School! Students explored the wonders of night vision and the unique adaptations that allow animals to thrive in darkness. See more.

Looking Ahead:

Visit our website or follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with all our programs!

Have You Explored the ARK Trails Lately?

With the cooler weather, it’s the perfect time to hike the ARK Trails! If you’ve noticed some overgrown areas along the trails, don’t worry—it’s not neglect. This is a deliberate effort to support native meadow habitats, which are vital for the survival of many native species. By allowing these areas to grow naturally, we create a thriving environment for wildlife to flourish. Learn more here.

The ARK Trails are located at 7001 W Commerce St, Hernando MS 38632. Open daily sunrise to sunset.

Patient Update:

This month we admitted 45 new patients into care representing 21 bird and 1 reptile species.

Sponsor Thank You:

This month, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our online supporters for their incredible
contributions. A big MWR THANK YOU to:

Your support ensures we have the food and supplies needed to care for our many patients. If you would
like to join our amazing supporters, please visit https://www.mswildliferehab.org/donate/
Thank you for your continued dedication to saving Mississippi’s native wildlife!

Program update:

• MWR wrapped up our Backyard Habitat Workshop series with Part 3, focusing on the
importance of water in supporting local wildlife! Participants created their own leaf mold
birdbaths, adding a new feature to their backyard habitats. A huge thank you to everyone who
joined us throughout the series—we’re excited about the habitats you’re creating to help our
native wildlife thrive. Small actions like these make a big difference!

• A big thank you to Jill Morris of Stars in Motion for leading the Autumn Equinox Yoga at the ARK
Trails! It was a perfect way to find personal balance as our planet did the same during its
seasonal cycle.

• We had a great time at the Hernando Water Tower Festival. Thank you to everyone who
purchased MWR merchandise to support our mission!

• MWR was delighted to contribute to the first annual Rock Bottom Naturefest in New Albany, a
successful expansion of the Tallahatchie River fest.

Looking Ahead:

Join us for MWR’s 5th Annual Trunk or Treat!
Saturday, October 19 | 1-4 PM
Dub Patton Recreation Area, Arkabutla Lake
FREE event for the whole family!
Bring the kids for an afternoon of Halloween fun:

• Stop by festive trunks for some treats!
• Meet incredible wildlife—birds of prey, reptiles, and creepy crawlies!
• Enjoy snacks from Funky Monkey and StaMar’s Concessions.
• Chill out with a MemPops treat.
• Snap a pic at our Photo Spot and enter our BEST Costume Contest!
• Face painting, fire trucks, and so much more!
Learn more

Stay connected:
Visit our website or follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with all our programs!

After an extremely busy summer, August allowed us a moment to catch our breath—just a little. This break gave us the opportunity to focus on exciting programming for the remainder of the year and to pursue important improvements to our facilities.

We also want to extend our gratitude to our generous supporters who helped sustain us through the summer, ensuring we have the resources to continue our vital work caring for Mississippi’s native wildlife.

Stay tuned for more updates as we roll out new programs and initiatives in the coming months! We continue to encourage everyone to take advantage of the cooler mornings and connect with nature on our two miles of hiking trails at the ARK Trails. Located at 7001 W Commerce St, Hernando MS 38632. Open daily sunrise to Sunset.

Patient Update:

This month we admitted 72 new patients into care representing 29 bird and 1 reptile species.

Sponsor Thank You:

This month, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our online supporters for their incredible contributions this summer. A big MWR THANK YOU to:

A very special thank you to H. David Bradley, who generously matched the $1,000 raised by Mephit Fur Meet as one of their supported charities at this month’s annual convention.

Your support ensures we have the food and supplies needed to care for our many patients. If you would like to join our amazing supporters, please click here.

Thank you for your continued dedication to saving Mississippi’s native wildlife!

Program Update:

Thank you, Mephit Fur Meet, for choosing MWR as one of your sponsored charities for this year’s event. We truly enjoyed meeting all the enthusiastic and creative participants. The funds raised will significantly impact our mission to save native wildlife.

Learn more about the education and outreach programs MWR offers by clicking here.

Looking Ahead:

Celebrate the Autumn Equinox with Jill Morris of Stars in Motion for a FREE community yoga at the ARK trails.

Visit us at the annual Hernando Watertower Festival on Saturday, September 28.

And we will be celebrating National Public Lands Day at the first annual Rock Bottom Nature Fest on Saturday, September 28, from 11 am until 4 pm at the Park Along the Tallahatchie River in downtown New Albany, MS.

MWR is excited to announce that we are planning our fourth annual TRUNK or TREAT event for Saturday, October 19 from 1-4p at the Dub Patton Recreation Area on Arkabutla Lake. We are currently seeking local businesses and organizations to participate as TRUNKS. It is free and a great way to promote your business/ organization while supporting a safe community family event.

As summer ends and schools are back in session, MWR continues to take in over 100 patients each month. That’s a lot of mouths to care for, and we are incredibly grateful to all our supporters who make it possible for us to save our native wildlife. Check out this post to see some of the amazing animals we have cared for recently!

We encourage everyone to take advantage of the cooler mornings and connect with nature on our two miles of hiking trails at the ARK Trails. Located at 7001 W Commerce St, Hernando MS 38632. Open daily sunrise to Sunset.

Patient Update:
This month we admitted 109 new patients into care representing 31 bird and 4 reptile species.

Sponsor Thank You:
This month, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our monthly supporters. Your ongoing contributions are critical in ensuring we have the food and supplies needed to care for our many patients. A big MWR THANK YOU to:

If we could add 100 people giving just $10 a month, it would significantly help ensure we can continue to care for our many patients. If you would like to join this group and become a monthly supporter, please visit here.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to saving Mississippi’s native wildlife!

Program update:
We have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to connect with so many wonderful families at our local libraries this summer. This month, we visited:
Hernando
Amory

Education is an important part of our mission, and we are thankful for being a part of the MS
Homeschool Life Fair.

Learn more about the education programs MWR offers here.

Looking Ahead:
MWR is excited to be part of the annual Mephit Fur Meet convention labor day weekend at the Whispering Woods Hotel and Convention Center.

Join us Saturday, September 14, for part 3 of our Backyard Wildlife Habitat workshop series. Learn how to attract wildlife to your backyard by providing water and make your own leaf mold bird bath to take home. Space is limited and filling up fast. Register here.

Visit us at the annual Hernando Watertower Festival on Saturday, September 28.

And we will be celebrating National Public Lands Day at the first annual Rock Bottom Nature Fest on Saturday, September 28, from 11 am until 4 pm at the Park Along the Tallahatchie River in downtown New Albany, MS. More details coming soon.

MWR is excited to announce that we are planning our fourth annual TRUNK or TREAT event for Saturday, October 19 from 1-4p at the Dub Patton Recreation Area on Arkabutla Lake. We are currently seeking local businesses and organizations to participate as TRUNKS. It is free and a great way to promote your business/ organization while supporting a safe community family event. Learn more here.

Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation (MWR) is excited to announce we are planning our 4th annual Trunk or Treat event, and we would love for your business or organization to participate as a TRUNK!

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
• Time: 1 – 4 PM
• Location: Dub Patton Recreation Area @ Arkabutla Lake

Why Participate?

• Promote Your Business/Organization: This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business or organization to the local community.
• Support a Safe, Family-Friendly Event: Help us provide a fun and secure Trick-or-Treat experience for local families.
• Creative Fun: Decorate your vehicle with a family-friendly theme! Kids’ TV and movie characters, superheroes, and other fun ideas are encouraged. Plus, we will have a “Best TRUNK” contest, so let your creativity shine!
• It’s FREE to participate.

What We Need from You:

• Decorate Your Vehicle: Make your trunk a festive and welcoming spot for kids. Themes should be appropriate for young children.
• Bring Lots of Candy: We anticipate over 2500 participants, so please bring plenty of candy. Consider also bringing small items like stickers, pencils, bubbles, or coloring books for children who cannot eat sugar or peanuts.
• Embrace the Spirit: Join us in making this event memorable and fun for everyone involved!

How to Get Involved: To confirm your participation as a TRUNK or to learn more about the event, please contact us at events@mswildliferehab.org.

We are excited to have you join us and contribute to a magical and safe Halloween experience for our community.

Thank you for your support!”

June turned up the heat for MWR both literally and figuratively. While temperatures hit summer highs, MWR was busy taking in new patients and connecting with over 1,000 North Mississippi residents through educational programs. To learn more about the education programs we offer, visit MWR Education Programs.

Annual Golf Tournament
We started the month with our first Annual Golf Tournament, which was a huge success! The weather was amazing, and fourteen teams competed for prizes donated by local businesses like Mesquite Chop House, Lucky Dog, Zaxby’s, Tops BBQ, and Cooper Hotels. Check out our Facebook page for more.

Patient Update
This month, we admitted 117 new patients into care, representing 34 bird and 5 reptile species. So far, MWR has cared for more than 400 wildlife patients in 2024.

Sponsor Thank You
A big thank you to the following people who answered the call to sponsor our rehab patients through Sponsorship Sunday this month:

• Elizabeth Montcalm-Smith
• Wendy Darlene Caldwell
• Dana Young Alvarez
• Marie Reed
• Lisa O’Conner
• Stephen Folks

Your gift is life-giving for these animals. Keep an eye out for upcoming Sponsorship Sunday opportunities or donate today.

Program Update
At the beginning of the month, MWR participated in the Desoto County Soil & Water Conservation District summer camp. Learn more on Facebook. MWR supported several of our local libraries’ summer reading programs this month. Check out the links below to learn more:

• Southaven
• Senatobia
• Pontotoc
• Smithville
• Coldwater
• Olive Branch

MWR had the unique experience of presenting an education program in the 150-year-old Courthouse Museum in Iuka, MS. See more on Facebook.

Our Wildlife Summer Camp was a huge success. Fifteen enthusiastic campers got to meet a variety of live animals and participate in fun activities and crafts while learning all about wildlife. Read more about it.

We completed the month at Hernando Taekwondo’s after-school program. Check it out on
Facebook.

Looking Ahead
We still have a couple more library programs this summer. Come check us out at:

• 7/17 Hernando
• 7/18 Amory

We are working on more exciting and informative programs for the fall. Keep following our website and Facebook page for program announcements.