Acorn Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation

In November 2024, we opened the first-ever commercial, non-residential wildlife facility in Lancaster County. Here at Acorn Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation, our mission is simple: quality care for our patients means quality of life for our wildlife. 

With human expansion increasingly impacting natural habitats, it’s essential for us to learn how to coexist with wildlife. These animals play vital roles in our ecosystem, and through our work, we aim to protect, rehabilitate, and educate the community about these invaluable creatures.

Here’s what makes us unique:

• We are the only facility in the state specializing in the rehabilitation of squirrels, groundhogs, and eastern cottontails.
• Our dedicated wildlife rehabilitator is one of only 4 individuals in Pennsylvania—and the only one in Lancaster County—holding the Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator™ (CWR) designation.
• Our new facility includes a state-of-the-art education room for live animal programs and advanced medical capabilities like x-ray and fluoroscopy.
• Acorn Acres is entirely volunteer-run; all donations directly support animal care.
• We provide a predator-free environment, the only one of its kind in the state of Pennsylvania, where our patients can safely grow, recover, and thrive.
  
  

Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Release

Acorn Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation is a grassroots, non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured, displaced, and orphaned wild mammals across Lancaster County and nearby areas. Specializing in squirrels, bunnies, and young groundhogs, we bridge the gap between the public and wildlife in need, ensuring that each animal receives the care required to safely return to its natural habitat. Acorn Acres is the only facility in Pennsylvania specializing in the rehabilitation of squirrels, woodchucks, and cottontail rabbits.

Our dedicated team of volunteers provides critical care for animals that often arrive as tiny babies or juveniles. Through skilled feeding, nurturing, and hands-on life skills training, we prepare them for a successful release back into the wild, where they play vital roles in sustaining a healthy ecosystem. Our lead rehabilitator, one of only four Certified Wildlife Rehabilitators™ (CWR) in Pennsylvania and the sole CWR in Lancaster County, brings advanced expertise and compassionate care to every animal.

Your support is invaluable to Acorn Acres, where every contribution goes directly toward providing life-saving care to our patients. Together, we’re building a world where humans and wildlife thrive side by side. Thank you for making this mission possible.      

 

A Resource for Lancaster County’s Wildlife and Community

Acorn Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation is here to serve as a resource for our human neighbors in Lancaster County and surrounding areas. We provide specialized care for native species, offering a safe, clean, and predator-free environment tailored to each animal’s needs. Our patients receive species-specific nutrition, optimal caging, and essential veterinary care, giving them the best chance to grow, thrive, and ultimately return to the wild. Our commitment extends to both our community and wildlife, as we continually pursue education and adopt the latest technologies to enhance our rehabilitation practices. Acorn Acres operates solely through the dedication of volunteers—no one on our team receives a salary, and we do not receive any tax funding. Our work relies entirely on the support of our community. We’re proud to collaborate with local veterinarians, community businesses, and respected wildlife organizations nationwide.

Our founder, a skilled rehabilitator and educator, also serves on the Board of Directors for Wildlife In Need (WIN), Pennsylvania’s only statewide capture and transport network for wildlife. She regularly shares her expertise at both state and national conferences, ensuring Acorn Acres remains at the forefront of wildlife care.

Your support empowers us to keep providing life-saving care for our wild neighbors and enriching the human-wildlife connection in our community. Thank you for being part of our mission!

Educational and STEM Programs for Our Community

Acorn Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation proudly offers engaging, educational, and STEM-focused programs for schools, community organizations, and individuals. Taught by dedicated volunteer educators, these programs feature our special educational ambassadors—rescued wildlife who cannot be released back into the wild. Through hands-on learning and close encounters, participants gain a deeper understanding of wildlife, conservation, and the vital roles animals play in our ecosystem.