Friends of Texas Wildlife celebrates 20th anniversary

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- The Friends of Texas Wildlife (FTWL) is celebrating its twentieth anniversary of helping The Woodlands original inhabitants, and invites the community to join the celebration Saturday, November 16, for a night in the beautiful Jones State Forest located at 1328 FM 1488, south of Conroe. A Night in the Forest will include food, music, games, a wildlife petting zoo, informational displays, and an educational hayride.

The Friends of Texas Wildlife is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, operating solely on donations, many of which come out of the pockets of the rehabbers. FTWL supports the rehabilitation of native Texas wildlife, and promotes co-existence of wildlife and people through education.

FTWL receives no federal or state funds or grants, yet the Montgomery County-based organization rehabs wildlife from all over the state of Texas, and will be partnering with Texas A&M on a West Nile virus research project. Research and rehabilitation comes at a tremendous cost. The most beneficial way the public can help is by making donations directly through the FTWL website at Friends of Texas Wildlife and paying via Paypal or mailing checks to:

Friends of Texas Wildlife, P.O. Box 130786, The Woodlands, TX 77393-0786

“We invite the community to come out to the forest for a great family event for a great cause,” said Center Director, Lisa Wolling. “This is our largest outreach event of the year in the community.”

The FTWL website has a sponsor page for those who wish to sponsor “A Night in the Forest” fundraiser, or contribute to the rehabilitation of the wildlife they treat. Anyone wishing to contribute can do so by going to Sponsor an Animal, and clicking on the donate button.

As of August 1, 2013, the Kroger's Community Rewards Program requires renewal. This program donates back a portion of everything you purchase at Kroger to a specified charity. Even if you have enrolled in this program before it is required that you re-enroll every year. (This year's program runs from August 1, 2013 to July 30, 2014.) To register or renew, go to Kroger Community Rewards Program.

Friends of Texas Wildlife is located at 29615 Highland Boulevard, west of FM 2978. Prior to taking injured wildlife to The Friends of Texas Wildlife’s center, contact them through the links below for specific instructions on how to safely handle and transport the animals. If you need assistance with an animal, call 281-259-0093.