TOGETHER WE SAVE LIVES
When many hearts come together, extraordinary things happen. Every rescue, every recovery, every second chance begins with a community willing to act.
Our Power of Many Campaign celebrates what’s possible when each of us gives a little—because together, those gifts create lasting change for the wild and domestic animals who need us most.
Right now, a generous donor is matching all gifts—up to $50,000—doubling your impact to sustain their care.
Found A Baby Bird?
Upcoming events
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Monthly Project Day
September 6 | 10:00AM-2:00PM
A monthly rewarding day of hard work for the animals of CWR! Open to all members of the public, ages 16 and up.
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Volunteer Orientation
September 6 | 10:00AM-12:30PM
An on-site session for prospective volunteers to learn about animal care volunteering. Registration required.
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Kids in Nature Day
October 4, 2025 | 10:00AM-1:00PM
Meet us at Squirrel Lake Park for a Kids in the Nature Day!
1631 Pleasant Plains Rd., Matthews, NC 28105
Carolina Waterfowl Rescue (CWR) is a non-profit 501(C)(3) wildlife rescue organization located in Indian Trail, NC.
Our doors are open to those animals few rescues are willing to or are able to accommodate: domestic and wild fowl, migratory songbirds, reptiles, farm animals, and even "pocket pets".
What We Do
Rehab
Triage, treatment, and surgical procedures carried out by federally licensed wildlife rehabbers and veterinary staff.
Release
Seeing rehabbed avian and reptile wildlife patients placed back in suitable and wild environments where they will thrive.
Rescue
Rescuing 7,000 animals a year, removing domestic animals from harmful situations and challenging the standards of pet bird care.
Rehome
Finding homes for nearly 2,000 domestic animals in the community and granting second chances to surrendered animals.
Take Action
Join Us!
Carolina Waterfowl Rescue (CWR) is operated almost entirely by passionate volunteers, a critical element to the success of our nonprofit. As a volunteer, you get to spend time working with animals, assisting in their care, and offering a direct hand in their journey back to the wild or to be placed in a loving home.
No matter what interests you or how much time you can spare, with so many different volunteer opportunities at CWR, there’s bound to be one that suits you!
Support the Animals
Carolina Waterfowl Rescue receives no funding from any local, state, or government agency, so we rely on good-hearted people like you to help cover costs. As an example, our Songbird Nursery program requires 100,000 mealworms a week to feed orphaned, baby birds. This costs roughly $10,000/month. Many of the native birds we protect are on the decline but vital to our ecosystem. Can you help them?
“With age and wisdom, I have realized we need to simply make the world right for that one animal who needs it. Be a light in the darkness for an animal who otherwise would have no hope, and always try to do what’s right.”