About Us

 

A HEALING PLACE FOR CREATURES
GREAT AND SMALL

Make a Donation

Found An Animal?

Our Story

Nottingham Nature Nook is a non-profit 501(c)(3) wildlife rehabilitation center in East Lansing, MI. At our center we raise and eventually release wildlife baby animals and birds, as well as caring for injured adult animals and birds that are brought to us from the public thereby  providing an invaluable service to the community by filling the gap left by services that concentrate on domestic animals.

After working as a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for many years I have come to realize that the wildlife I heal also heal the people that they connect with. I have found that people will go to extraordinary lengths to save a wild creature and bring it safely to me. The connection that exists between all living beings is felt even stronger when an animal or bird is injured or orphaned. If we look at people, wildlife and nature separately we ignore the energy of life that connects us to one another. In order to bring peace and healing to one we must embrace the whole. When we work to save wildlife we ultimately save ourselves.

Our Vision

After working as a licensed wildlife rehabilitator since 2013 I have come to realize that the wildlife I heal also heal the people with whom they connect. I have found that people will go to extraordinary lengths to save a wild creature and bring it safely to me. The connection that exists between all living beings is felt even stronger when an animal or bird is injured or orphaned. I believe that when we work to save wildlife we ultimately save ourselves.

My vision for Nottingham Nature Nook is to combine our current rehabilitation home with a natural sanctuary for wildlife, nature and people. Within this sanctuary all of the wildlife that are being rehabilitated, as well as those that cannot be released (due to injuries) will live in natural enclosures located throughout the property. The indoor and outdoor enclosures at the Nook will be constructed and improved to enhance the animal’s ability to develop the skills they will need for survival in the wild. By creating enclosures that closely resemble their natural environments we will be better able to meet the physical, mental and emotional needs of these creatures.

As we create a sanctuary with these outdoor enclosures we will also be able to provide a unique opportunity for people to observe these animals in their natural settings. Simply by sitting and watching these creatures, people can feel the peace and healing that comes from being in nature. By creating this sanctuary the connection between people, wildlife and nature will be strengthened and established.

Projects in 2023

1. Outdoor Squirrel Enclosure

2. Rebuilding our Fawn Barn with two more stalls for older and injured fawns

3. Providing electricity to All Outdoor Enclosures

4. Benches and Chairs for Outdoor Viewing

5. Outdoor Mink enclosure

6. Educational displays for fawns and birds

Donations can be ear-marked for one of these specific projects.

In addition to financial donations we also welcome donations of construction material and labor in the construction of these projects. If you would like more details on these projects please feel free to contact Cheryl by email or by phone at (517) 488-7451
.

Our Mission & Approach

Nottingham Nature Nook is a wildlife rehabilitation center that raises and releases wildlife babies as well as cares for injured adults. We also work to educate the public about the wildlife around them.

 

A Letter from Cheryl

To All our Friends of Nottingham Nature Nook

Although the past year has brought incredible challenges financially, physically and emotionally, the healing energy of nature and the wildlife here brought me the peace I so desperately needed. In the early morning hours I begin my day quietly walking among the deer I have raised over the years, while greeting the huge flock of wild turkeys that now call Nottingham their home. As dawn arrives I am greeted by a chorus of songbirds that I have lovingly raised and released here. Finally after the sun has risen, the groups of squirrels that I have raised sleepily climb down from their nest boxes for their morning meal. When you are surrounded by this magical beauty you are instantly drawn into the serenity and healing that they bring. Reflecting back on the past 15 years since I began Nottingham Nature Nook I now realize that what I want to bring into this world has evolved into a place where together we can all heal. A place where we can find our role as stewards of nature. A place where we can help to heal nature as much as it can heal us. And so, this year I am creating a stewardship program at the Nook. A program that encourages people to find peace and healing energy in the nature that surrounds us. Our Stewards of the Nook Program will include a monthly membership fee with benefits that will include:
  • One monthly guided walk of nature and wildlife at the Nook with Cheryl
  • Four private sessions of self-guided time at the Nook. If you are interested in enrolling in our Stewardship Program or have any questions about it please contact me at (517)488-7451 or email at nottinghamec@gmail.com for more details.
Thank you to everyone who has supported the Nook over the past year, your kind words and generosity has overwhelmed me. May the coming year bring all of the living creatures that we share this earth with peace and love.

 

Blessings and Gratitude,

Cheryl Connell-Marsh

Our Business Supporters

Become a Sponsor