Events
Current Events:
Sharp-shinned Hawk Release – We’ll be releasing a Sharp-shinned hawk at ____. These is a special occasion! We don’t admit many of these hawks as this is just the 5th one we’ve seen this year. Additionally, these hawks are easily stressed and do very poorly in a rehab setting as a result.
September 12th, 2023
5:30 p.m.
Donations at the Market (Postponed due to rain, hope to reschedule soon) – Check out our booth at the Vinton Farmer’s Market. Come see what we’re all about while enjoying some live music and delicious food! More information can be found HERE!
September 9th, 2023
6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Kroger Fundraiser – We will be having a cookout fundraiser at the Cave Spring Corners Kroger. Please come join us for some good food, check out our education ambassadors, and help us raise some money for our amazing organization!
September 23rd, 2023
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Walk on the Wild Side – Join us and our education ambassadors as we participate in a walk to raise awareness about our cause and raise some money along the way. This event will take place on the Greenway near the Green Goat. More information to come!
October 14th, 2023
Night Owl O’Ween on the Town! – Mark your calendars for October 21st, 2023 for a fun and exciting evening at the Shenandoah Club in downtown Roanoke from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. We’re going to have music by The Kings, silent and live auctions (ending slightly earlier this year so we have plenty of time for dancing), delicious food, spooky cocktails, costume contest, education ambassadors, and much much more! There are a limited number of tickets are they $100/person. Buy them now: Purchase Tickets!
October 21st, 2023
6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Upcoming Public Education Programs:
Hokie BugFest – Hokie BugFest celebrates the fun and exciting science of entomology, and the Virginia Tech tradition of learning and discovery, through outreach and engagement. This event highlights an ongoing youth education program hosted by the Virginia Tech Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Virginia Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program, and the department’s student-run professional organization, the W. B. Alwood Entomological Society.
October 7th, 2023
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Wildlife Around Us – We will be at the Meadowbrook Library in Shawsville, VA with some of our education ambassadors to discuss the importance of wildlife conservation and the wildlife that we have living around us. This event is sponsored by the Shawsville-Elliston Ruritan Club. This is a public event!
September 30th, 2023
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Roanoke Explore Park Spooktacular – We will be at Roanoke’s Explore Park with some of our nocturnal education ambassadors like Virginia Opossums and various species of owls.
October 28th, 2023
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Ambassadors will be present from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Our one-hour programs will feature some of our amazing non-releasable animal education ambassadors. We’ll share fun stories, teach history, and provide information on how we can help the wonderful wild animals around us! If you or someone you know is interested in an educational program please email the center at swvawildlifecenter.edu@gmail.com.
Past Events:
Give A Hoot – Come see us at the Mill Mountain Zoo for an exciting day to celebrate Owl Awareness Day (August 4th). The zoo will have their exhibit owls on display and the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center will be present with some of our education ambassador owls! We plan to do 2, 30 minute talks about the wonderful owls in our area. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children. For more information click HERE!
August 5th, 2023
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
All About Opossums – Come join us at the Roanoke Explore Park to learn about Virginia Opossums. This amazing marsupials are often misunderstood but serve a critical role in the environment. Did you know they are immune to snake venom too?
August 12th, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Wildlife Around Us – Join us at Claytor Lake State Park to get an up close encounter with several of our education ambassadors. There will be owls, turtles, opossums, and much more! We’ll share some stories, teach a little history, and have lots of fun! There is a $7 entrance fee for all cars.
August 19th, 2023
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Yoga with Wildlife @ In-balance Yoga – In-Balance Yoga in Blacksburg, VA will be hosting a yoga session where all proceeds will benefit the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center. This event will showcase our ambassadors and you can come and do some yoga alongside them in the room. This will be be an all-levels class.
July 29th, 2023
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Birdies Fore Birdies – Come join us and our ambassadors for our first annual Birdies Fore Birdies Captain’s Choice Golf Tournament at Hidden Valley Country Club! on Thursday, June 15th for an amazing day of golf, games, prizes, food, and drinks. If you want to participate, register online HERE!
June 15th, 2023
9:00 a.m. shotgun start!
BOCO Wild – We’ll be at the Buchanon Fairgrounds with some of our amazing ambassadors to discuss their roles in the environment and things we can do to help our local wildlife. More information about BOCO Wild.
Saturday June 10th, 2023
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
GIVE Roanoke – GIVE Roanoke is our annual 24 hour giving day campaign. This event has become one of out most important fundraisers of the year. So, please mark your calendars and help us and our native wildlife by making a donation.
April 19th, 2023
12:00 a.m. – 11:59 p.m.
Conservation Conversations – Join us and some of our ambassadors for an exciting and interactive educational program at the Mill Mountain Zoo.
April 27th, 2023
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Owls!!! – Join us at the Roanoke County Explore Park to learn some interesting facts about these fascinating and somewhat mysterious birds of prey. Find out which owls live in the Roanoke area and how to identify them by sight and sound. Learn how and why they raise their young in the winter. Discover the secrets of these intriguing birds, dissect an owl pellet to learn even more, and meet one or two of our owl education ambassadors! Cost is $7 and more information can be found HERE.
April 29th, 2023
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Pitas For Wildlife! – Join us at Pita Pit and support this wildlife friendly restaurant! 15% of the sales between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. on March 24th will go toward saving our local wildlife! Please come out and support us and this wonderful local business. With strong community support we can make a big difference.
March 24th, 2023
4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Nature’s Emporium – We’ll be present at Nature’s Emporium on Brambleton with our Education Ambassadors. So, come out and see what we’re all about!
March 4th & 5th, 2023
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
In-balance Yoga – In-Balance Yoga in Blacksburg, VA will be hosting a yoga session where all proceeds will benefit the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center. This event will showcase our ambassadors and you can come and do some yoga alongside them in the room. This will be be an all-levels class.
February 11th, 2023
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Black Dog Salvage Holiday Open House:
We will be on site with our tables for the length of the day but our ambassadors will only be present from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
More information can be found on Black Dog’s Facebook page.
December 17th and 18th, 2022, 11:00 a.m. – 5.:00 p.m.
Betty White Day 2023:
In honor of the late Betty White we will be raising money for our wildlife in her honor.
January 17th, 2023
Roanoke Home and Garden Show:
We will be at Roanoke’s 13th annual Home and Garden show at the Berglund Center. We’ll be there with some of our amazing ambassadors, discussing wildlife education, what you can do around your home to make it wildlife friendly, and much more!
February 3rd – 5th, 2023
Sycamore Snacks Christmas Market and Wishlist Drive- Sycamore Snacks will be at 1900 Dutch Oven Road with their food truck (which focuses on organic, local, and sustainable foods), 12+ vendors, and a small tree lot. In addition to this, they will be doing a drive the many items we need at the center from our wishlists.
December 2nd, 2022
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
In-balance Yoga – In-Balance Yoga in Blacksburg, VA will be hosting a yoga session where all proceeds will benefit the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center. This event will showcase our ambassadors and you can come and do some yoga alongside them in the room. This will be be an all-levels class.
December 3rd, 2022
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Krispy Creme Digital Dozens – Doughnuts for a Cause!!!
Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke is giving you the best reason to indulge in a dozen (or two) Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Until November 30, 2022, 50% of your order will be donated back to Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke when you purchase via our fundraising sales page! Simply buy online, visit your local store & redeem using your code.
Buy your doughnuts for wildlife HERE!!!
Helping Hands Tap, Beers for Wildlife – Olde Salem Brewing Company (Salem & Roanoke locations) and Twisted Track Brewpub, will have a dedicated pint on tap during the month of November and for each pint sold they will donate $1 to the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center. On the final Wednesday of the month Parkway Brewing will donate $1 for each beer sold! The final Wednesday will be November 30th, 2002.
November 1st – 30th, 2022
Giving Tuesday!!!
This is one of our biggest giving days of the year! So, please mark it on your calendars so you can do your part to make a difference for our wildlife. Click HERE to donate!
November 29th, 2022
Pints for a Purpose – $1 for every beer sold!
November 30th, 2022
Wildlife Around Us – Join us at Claytor Lake State Park to get an up close encounter with several of our education ambassadors. There will be owls, turtles, opossums, and much more! We’ll share some stories, teach a little history, and have lots of fun!
October 15th, 2022
4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
All About Owls – Join us at the Roanoke County Explore Park to learn some interesting facts about these fascinating and somewhat mysterious birds of prey. Find out which owls live in the Roanoke area and how to identify them by sight and sound. Learn how and why they raise their young in the winter. Discover the secrets of these intriguing birds, dissect an owl pellet to learn even more, and meet one or two of our owl educational ambassadors! Cost is $7 and more information can be found HERE.
October 22nd, 2022
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Roanoke Explore Park Spooktacular
October 29th, 2022
Ambassadors will be present from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Click for directions to the Explore Park
Eastern Screech Owl Release – Please join us for the release of an Eastern Screech Owl at Garst Mill Park!
October 15th, 2022 @ 6:30 p.m.
Great-horned Owl Release – Public is encouraged to attend!!!
October 7th, 2022 @ 6:30 p.m
Pandapas Pond – Release will take place down by the water.
Hokie BugFest – Hokie BugFest celebrates the fun and exciting science of entomology, and the Virginia Tech tradition of learning and discovery, through outreach and engagement. This event highlights an ongoing youth education program hosted by the Virginia Tech Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Virginia Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program, and the department’s student-run professional organization, the W. B. Alwood Entomological Society.
October 8th, 2022
Roanoke’s MET Gala – Roanoke’s Renaissance Rendezvous – We will be present with ambassadors Tuskegee (Red-tailed Hawk) and Capt. Jack Sparrow (American Kestrel) for an evening of glitz, glamour, allure, and enchantment and the opening celebration for the new banner exhibition Titian to Monet: European Paintings from Joslyn Art Museum is your opportunity to enjoy the splendor of an exhibition opening featuring masterworks by some of the most celebrated European artists of the last 500 years. Themed as Roanoke’s Renaissance Rendezvous, the Opening Celebration will feature live music, drinks, open galleries, Tableaux Vivants, pop-up performances with costumed actors and dancers, red carpet photo opps, selfie and sketching stations, and a multi-sensory immersive experience in a companion gallery. This is absolutely an evening you won’t want to miss, offering live entertainment paired alongside world-class works of art by European masters such as Titian, Renoir, El Greco, and Monet, and more.
October 8th, 2022
8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Tickets $25 in advance or $35 day of (includes 1 drink ticket)
A Night Owl on the Town – Our annual charity gala is back! We’ll have a silent and live auction, live music and dancing, heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and a great time to be had by all! It will take place downtown at the Shenandoah Club from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Tickets are $80/person prices and will be available for purchase on our website HERE!
October 1st, 2022
6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Southwest Virginia Pride Fest will be taking place at the Vinton War Memorial in lovely Vinton, VA. We’re very pleased to take part in this inaugural event featuring entertainment, a vendor marketplace, a kids zone, food, and more! For more information click HERE!
September 17th, 2022
12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Kroger Fundraiser – We will have some of our education ambassadors present along with food and drinks for sale. More info to come!
September 24th, 2022
Time and Location TBD
Double Broad-winged Hawk Release!
September 9th, 2022 @5:30 p.m.
Green Hill Park in Salem, VA
Rockbridge Community Festival in beautiful downtown Lexington, VA returns for its 45th year! The Rockbridge Community Festival features local vendors, local organizations, family fun, live music, and great food vendors. All proceeds will go to benefit local charities. For more information click HERE!
August 27th, 2022
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
2 Red-shouldered Hawks Being Released
August 18th, 2022 @ 4 p.m.
@ the Merriman Soccer Complex
Release will take place near the soccer field furthest to the left if facing from Merriman Road. Public is encouraged to attend!
First Fridays downtown on Franklin Road between Jefferson and Williamson (Volunteers still needed – contact swvawildlifecenter.edu@gmail.com if you can help)
August 5th, 2022
August 19th, 2022
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Give A Hoot at the Mill Mountain Zoo will be an exciting day to celebrate Owl Awareness Day (August 4th). The zoo will have their exhibit owls on display and the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center will be present with some of our education ambassador owls! Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children. For more information click HERE!
August 6th, 2022
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Double bird release at the Virginia Tech Duck Pond
Thursday, July 21st @ 4 p.m.
The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke is very pleased to announce that we will be releasing a Mallard duck and a Canada Goose at the Virginia Tech Duckpond Gazebo. After spending a couple months with us in rehab these two have become quite good friends and will be going back home tomorrow. Director of Operations, Haley Olsen-Hodges, will be present to conduct the release and answer any questions.
July 7th 2:00 p.m.
Dublin Public Library (Free Memorial Library)
Dublin, VA
July 16th 7:00 p.m.
Claytor Lake State Park
Dublin, VA
More info
June 18th 7:00 p.m.
Claytor Lake State Park
Dublin, VA
More info
June 6th, 10:00 a.m.
Christiansburg Library
Christiansburg, VA
June 6th, 2:00 p.m.
Meadowbrook Library
Shawsville, VA
June 7th, 10:00 a.m.
Blacksburg Library (MFRL- Library)
Blacksburg, VA
June 7th, 3:00 p.m.
Jessica Peterman Library
Floyd, VA
BOCO Wild
Saturday June 4th, 2022
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
*We will be presenting 3 times, for 20 minutes each, on the main stage at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 12:00 p.m.
We will be present with some of our wonderful Education Ambassadors! Previously known as the Botetourt Fishing Carnival, BOCO WILD will encompass a diverse array of outdoor interests— all are welcome to explore a wide range of activities including our historically popular community tradition of fishing instruction, as well as wildlife education, hunting safety, hiking, river activities, boating education and so much more.
Mother’s Day Barnes & Noble Book Fair
May 2nd – 8th, 2022
Use ID# 12623310 with all purchases at any Barnes & Noble nationwide and we’ll receive 5% of the total sales for that week.
“Breakfast, it’s for the birds”
Saturday May 7th, 2022
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Many of our ambassadors will be present for breakfast in the cafe area at Barnes & Noble at Tanglewood Mall.
April 20th, 2022
12:00 a.m. – 11:59 p.m.
GIVE Roanoke is our annual 24 hour giving day campaign. However, EARLY GIVING is now open!!!
Click here to make a difference for wildlife.
Barred Owl Release
Tuesday, April 19th, 2022 @ 7 p.m.
Journeys End at the Roanoke County Explore Park
Eastern Screech Owl Release
Friday, February 18th @ 5:45 p.m.
Eastern Elementary/Middle School (EEMS)
September 28th, 2021
Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign is underway!
Click HERE to donate (only Virginia state employees may donate)
Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus
December 4th, 2021
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Sign up HERE!
ONLINE AUCTION!
October 29th – November 13th
Click HERE to start bidding!
October 23rd, 2021
Come to the Explore Park and learn some interesting facts about these fascinating and somewhat mysterious birds of prey. Find out which owls live in Roanoke County and how to identify them by sight and sound. Learn how and why they raise their young in the winter. Discover the secrets of these intriguing birds and dissect an owl pellet to learn even more! Children must be accompanied by a paid, registered adult.
Roanoke County Parks Explore Park, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
October 16th, 2021
Adventure Saturday @ The Explore Park
-We will be part of Adventure Saturday in the nature activities section with a program called “Trees, and the animals that use them.”
Roanoke County Parks Explore Park , 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
October 13th, 2021
Pita Pit Fundraiser (they’ll be donating a percentage of their takeout sales to Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center)
301 S. Jefferson Street from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
September 25th, 2021
This one hour program will feature 2-3 of Southwest Virginia’s Wildlife Center’s non-releasable animal ambassadors who will share stories, natural history, and information on how we can help the wild animals around us. Event will be held on the patio. Weather permitting. Space is limited. Register online.
Register HERE!
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
September 26th @ 12 p.m.
Kroger Community Fundraiser
September 16th, 2021
American Kestrel and Green Heron Release
Wasena Park @ 3 p.m.
September 10th, 2021
Eastern Screech Owl Release
Mill Mountain Park overlook @ 6:00 p.m.
This Eastern Screech Owl was found as a baby lying on the ground covered in flies. After a couple months of rehabilitation with us it is ready to released to finally begin its life in the wild.
September 11th, 2021 (Saturday)
Fundraiser: West End Cruise In
1917 Chapman Ave S.W. Roanoke, VA 24016
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
(rain date September 12th, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
September 8th, 2021 (Wednesday)
Pints With A Purpose @ Parkway Brewing
739 Kessler Mill Rd, Salem, VA 24153
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saltys Lobster Co will also be there and donating $1 from every Lobster roll sold!
September 9th, 2021
Canada Goose Release @ Virginia Tech
This Canada Goose was originally found stuck in VT’s drone cage having sustained a few injuries to the wings and legs. After a few months in rehab with us it is ready to be free once more.
Release will take place at the Virginia Tech Duck Pond near the gazebo at 4:30 p.m.
Haley Olsen-Hodges, staff naturalist and Virginia Tech Senior, will be on conducting the release.
August 18th, 2021
Chillin’ Shaved Ice will be donating 10% of sales and 100% of their tips. They are located at 1318 Riverland Road, SE, Roanoke 24014
August 13th, 2021
Red-tailed Hawk Release at Fishburn Park at 3 p.m.
Sabrina Garvin, executive director, and Samantha Cline, senior staff, will be on hand to conduct the release and to answer questions.
August 10th, 2021
Samantha Cline, a member of our senior staff, will be releasing a Barred Owl at 7 p.m. The release will take place by the pond near what used to be Ballast Point Brewery
July 23rd, 2021
Tails and Tales Educational Program
Big Island Branch of Bedford County Libraries, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Registration is open click here .
July 16th
Downtown Roanoke 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Live music, beer/wine for sale, food truck onsite, and proceeds help the wildlife center.
June 19th, 2021
Forest Branch of Bedford County Libraries – Event is full!
June 18th
Downtown Roanoke 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Live music, beer/wine for sale, food truck onsite, and proceeds help the wildlife center.
March 2nd, 2021
Red-tailed Hawk Release
We will be conducting a release of a Red-tailed Hawk in Danville, VA at 3:45 p.m at 900 Northmont Blvd at the Johnson Shelter (park). Kaitlyn Rankin will be present to conduct the release.
December 4th, 2020
Great Horned Owl Release – Salem, VA
This release was done by Sabrina Garvin.
Past Events:
We will be releasing a Great Horned Owl at the lower Pandapas Pond parking lot this Friday October 30th, 2020 at 5pm. The patient was found by Beth Lohman of Blacksburg, VA on September 12th, 2020 and was captured with the assistance of Dr. Greg Daniel, professor of Radiology at the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Kaityln Rankin, a member of our staff, will be conducting the release. Kaityln recently graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Biology and a concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior.
We are releasing a Red-Tailed Hawk Saturday October 24th, 2020 at 12pm at Fishburn Park in Roanoke, VA. Timiah Palmer will be conducting the release and Sabrina Garvin, Executive Director, will be on site.
We are also releasing a second Red-Tailed Hawk Saturday October 24th at 3pm at 716 Blue Grass Trail, Newport, VA 24128. Haley Olsen-Hodges will be conducting the release.
5985 Coleman Road, Roanoke, VA 24018
1-540-798-9836
swvawildlifecenter@gmail.com