Covington, VA (July 22, 2025)— In the wake of recent floods that have swept through our region, the local wildlife has been left vulnerable and in need of help. Falling Springs Wildlife Rescue, led by the Joyce Forbes —who has been actively involved for the past 25 years— has been tirelessly working to care for injured and displaced animals recently affected by flooding.
Not only have the animals been affected, but so has Forbes' nonprofit, volunteer-based organization. After speaking to Forbes, she informed us that the Falling Springs Wildlife Rescue's new intake/triage building was flooded last month following constant rain and her neighbor's culvert being dammed up.
"I've lived here for 30 years," Forbes said, "and nothing like this has ever happened before." Unfortunately, her homeowners' insurance won't be covering the damage, and her organization is now in desperate need of the public's help in assisting not just the Falling Springs Wildlife Rescue, but the animals they work so tirelessly to protect.
Unfortunately for the organization, the cost of living has continued to climb, prompting several volunteers to resign, thus creating a heavier load for the remaining volunteers to carry. That burden has not dissuaded Joyce Forbes from her mission. In fact, she seems more passionate than ever to move forward in her efforts to rehabilitate and release wildlife back into their natural habitats.
If you're passionate about protecting our local ecosystem and want to make a meaningful difference, there are several ways you can support this vital cause. The Falling Springs Wildlife Rescue is in need of both monetary donations, as well as materials —some everyday— to help keep the organization afloat. Checks can be made out to Falling Springs Wildlife Management, located at 6417 Indian Draft Road in Covington, and the items needed are as follows and have been copied from their "Wildlife Wishlist":
Dry puppy chow/canned dog food, bird/sunflower seed, baby food puree (fruit and vegetable flavored), canned tuna, sardines in water, Strawberry Ensure, all sizes of food and water dishes, *cleaning supplies (bleach, Lysol, etc.), *paper towels and tissue, DAWN dishwashing liquid, dishwashing gloves, *towels, *old flannels, *cotton shirts, *heating pads, tape (any kind), *trash bags of all sizes, *monetary donations (for veterinary care and helping pay to have the intake/triage building moved to a better location.)
All above items with a preceding asterisk (*) are currently the most needed items for the facility.
Forbes also shared that the veterinary care the animals receive are complimentary from Dr. Campbell (Intervale Animal Hospital on 1818 Hot Springs Road) with the exception of the animals' medications. All medications are paid for by the Falling Springs Wildlife Rescue.
With so many needs —some of which are financial and others created by Mother Nature, dammed culverts— Forbes is now reaching out to the public for assistance on helping her to help the wildlife. She stated, "Thank you, and God bless everyone that has helped." |  | (Photo Courtesy of Joyce Forbes)
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