MWR Minute February 2025
Even as the cold lingers, Cupid’s arrow has found its mark—birds are pairing up to nest, and baby bird season is just around the corner! This is our busiest time of year, as hundreds of baby birds will soon need our care. Every spring, we provide life-saving support to orphaned nestlings and fledglings, ensuring they have the best chance of survival in the wild.
🛒 Help us prepare! Please consider supporting MWR by purchasing much-needed supplies from our Amazon Wishlist—
every item helps us save lives!
🐦 Found a baby bird? Not all young birds need to be rescued! Check out this helpful guide on what to do: Wildlife Resources
Valery E. Smith Nature Center Update
Exciting progress is happening at the Valery E. Smith Nature Center, a future hub for wildlife rehabilitation, conservation education, and community engagement. Here’s what we’ve been working on:
✔ New raptor mews – Materials have been ordered, and construction begins this spring! These enclosures will provide a safe and enriching space for our education ambassador raptors, like owls, hawks, and falcons. Huge thanks to Memphis Stone & Gravel and Lowe’s Southaven for supporting this project.
✔ Outdoor box turtle enclosure – Completed! This enclosure will allow our non-releasable turtles to have a naturalistic habitat while serving as ambassadors for their species.
✔ Native bird & pollinator garden – We’re prepping the planting beds to create a vital habitat for native wildlife, including butterflies, bees, and migratory birds.
✔ Interpretive center design – Plans are coming together, and we can’t wait to share more soon! This space will offer hands-on learning opportunities and interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages.
We’re thrilled to bring this unique nature experience to the community and look forward to welcoming visitors in the near future! Stay tuned for updates.
Patient Update
This month, we admitted 21 new patients representing 13 different bird species. Our team has been working around the clock to provide care, from emergency triage to long-term rehabilitation. With baby season fast approaching, we expect admissions to increase significantly in the coming weeks.
Heartfelt Thanks to Our February Donors!
Your generosity makes our mission possible. Thanks to your support, we continue to provide critical care to injured and orphaned wildlife, educate the public, and protect Mississippi’s native species.
A special THANK YOU to our February donors:
Yvonne McCommon • Tami Anderson • Jordan W. Gatlin • Theresa Hissong • Holly Brazil • Karen Brown • Carla M. Avant • Jeff Leathers • Stephanie Allen • Lissy Reed • Mary Downen • Ally Downen • Diana W. • Kate Friedman • Nancy Orton • Rebecca Carter • Karen S. Brown • Christina Milbourne
💙 Want to join our amazing supporters? Donate today: MWR Donations
Education & Outreach
📚 Desoto Christian Academy Visit – We were thrilled to present an interactive education program to the enthusiastic students at Desoto Christian Academy! Our team introduced them to native wildlife, discussed the importance of conservation, and provided hands-on learning opportunities. See more here.
🔎 Want to bring MWR to your school, library, or community group? Learn about our education programs: Education Programs
Upcoming Events – Join Us!
🍀 Lucky Dog Pub Run for Wildlife – March 17 | 6 PM | Southaven
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with MWR at the Lucky Dog Music Hall & Bar at Silo Square! This fun run benefits local wildlife and is a great way to enjoy an evening with friends while supporting a great cause. Event Details
🎭 Tupelo Con 2025 – March 15-16 | Tupelo, MS
Calling all pop culture and wildlife lovers! Join us at Tupelo Con to meet our Education Ambassadors, including raptors and reptiles, and learn how MWR has been saving wildlife since 1995. Come by our booth to hear fascinating wildlife stories and get involved! Learn More
🦜 Spring Birding for Beginners – April 19 | 10 AM – 12 PM | MWR Nature Center
Love birds but don’t know where to start? Back by popular demand, our Spring Beginner Bird Watching Walk will be led by expert birder Mary Schmidt. Learn how to identify birds, use binoculars effectively, and appreciate the beauty of nature. $10/person. Space is limited! Register Here
Stay Connected!
🌿 Stay up to date with all things MWR! Visit mwr.ms or follow us on Facebook for the latest news, patient stories, and upcoming events.
Thank you for being part of the MWR family! 🦉💚