Give Hope. Give Wild. Give Extra! By Tony

Acorn Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation – Give Hope, Give Wild, Give Extra

Every day at Acorn Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation, tiny lives arrive on our doorstep in need of urgent, specialized care; squirrels orphaned after storms, opossums found alone and confused, young groundhogs displaced by development, and dozens of other small mammals who can’t survive without human help.

Our mission is simple: give them a second chance.

Our work is anything but simple: around-the-clock feedings, medical stabilization, species-specific diets, enrichment builds, behavioral development, safe outdoor pre-release housing, and ultimately, the joy of returning them to the wild where they belong.

This year, our fundraising goal is focused on expanding capacity, strengthening medical care, and supporting the next generation of wildlife stewards. Funds raised help us:

• Provide lifesaving treatment and formula for injured and orphaned babies

• Maintain and improve our new commercial rehabilitation facility

• Build and upgrade outdoor enclosures for species like groundhogs, rabbits, flying squirrels, and opossums

• Supply enrichment, nutrition, heating, and specialized equipment

• Train volunteers, interns, and future wildlife professionals

• Offer free community outreach that teaches coexistence and compassion

When you donate, you're not just giving money, you're giving shelter, safety, hope, and a wild future.

Let’s Give Hope. Let’s Give Wild. Let’s Give EXTRA.

What is one animal at Acorn Acres whose story touched your heart and why?

It started with Poppy, the groundhog who starred in the Superbowl Groundhog Day commercial. As someone who loves squirrels and groundhogs, I fell in love with Poppy. After her passing, I was able to meet Elliott and Lilly, other groundhogs who were found to be unable to be released into the wild. Learning about these animals and the impact they make on the community by educating thousands of people was one of the reasons I wanted to get involved.

How has volunteering or supporting Acorn Acres changed the way you see wildlife and our community?

I see people have compassion and care. It's been something in society that has diminished recently, but to see people step up and support a great cause shows me people still care. 

As a volunteer who has donated time and money, it gave me a perspective on how many prey animals are injured or orphaned and sometimes left for dead or otherwise cared for improperly. It's essential to our environment for proper care to rehabilitate these creatures. Conservation is very important and being part of the rehabilitation process has shown me the importance. 

Having non-releasable ambassadors has given me the opportunity to learn about these animals but to share our knowledge with the community. It's rewarding to share our knowledge with thousands of people, young and old, each year.

What do you wish more people understood about wildlife rehabilitation?

Do not try to rehabilitate an animal on your own. Call a certified wildlife rehabilitator right away. At Acorn Acres, our 100% volunteer staff (including the founder) work tirelessly to care for dozens of critters everyday. We might not be able to drop what we're doing to answer a call or pick up an animal.

Why are you choosing to give extra this year and what difference do you hope your support will make?

I have been blessed financially and have always donated to causes I believe are important for our community. As a financial supporter for several years with Acorn Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation, I joined the volunteer staff. I see firsthand how our donations of money and physical items help this amazing non-profit. We need to care for environment and embrace the needs of all critters. For me, 2025 was a milestone year for me personally. To be able to provide a matching gift for those who donate to Acorn Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation is one way for me to reach out to my family, friends, acquaintances, and others in the community to join me in helping support AAWR and our environment.