ARC Wild Hiawatha

Specific Need

In April 2025, ARC Wild lost its primary wildlife rehabilitation facility in a catastrophic fire, disrupting rescue, rehabilitation services across northeast Kansas. Fundis raised will support ongoing rehabilitation efforts (currently have more than 300 wildlife in our care) and the restoration of critical operational needs including:

Replacement of medical equipment needed for wildlife care
Completion of the new facility, currently 60% complete.
Restoration of the education and outreach center, currently being used as a temporary hospital
Replacement of lost education equipment and outreach materials, including binoculars, microscopes, water testing kits, nets, and geocaching supplies used for programs in northeast Kansas.

Mission

ARC Wild’s mission is to give wildlife a second chance through rescue, rehabilitation, and release while empowering the community to live respectfully alongside wildlife. Through education and conservation outreach, ARC Wild's primary focus is to inspire youth to become future changemakers and leaders. We believe that if we teach, they will follow.

Profile

Organizational Background and Impact

Since 2017, ARC Wild has grown into a vital regional resource and a nationally recognized wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organization. A 100% volunteer-driven organization, our professionally trained and licensed team is committed to the highest standards of care and education. Licensed by the state of Kansas and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for wildlife rehabilitation and education, we work in collaboration with zoos, nature centers, universities, law enforcement, veterinarians, and state and federal agencies to provide critical wildlife services across northeast Kansas.

ARC Wild also operates a wildlife rescue hotline and serves ten counties in northeast Kansas. Our education programs travel to 12 counties in northeast Kansas and Southeast Nebraska. Through our education department, we have reached more than 100,000 individuals with programs since 2017 - with a focus on conservation and coexistence, while actively mentoring the next generation through our Ranger program, which currently serves 20 youth participants who participate in citizen science projects and explore careers in conservation and science.

All of this work is provided at no cost to the public. While free-will donations are accepted, ARC Wild does not charge for services—even when assisting outside our immediate service area. We operate efficiently, ask for little, and consistently deliver high-impact services to both wildlife and the communities we serve.

Project Description: ARC Rising from the Ashes

In April 2025, ARC Wild’s 50’ x 45’ wildlife rehabilitation facility was destroyed in a catastrophic fire. Nothing survived. Despite this loss, the demand for our services did not stop. With a week, we had 45 babies in our care and were receiving 6-10 calls for help a day. By the end of 2025, ARC Wild had rescued more than 780 wildlife, answered more than a thousand calls for help from the public, delivered 21 education programs, mentored 20 youth through the Ranger program—all while cleaning up from the devestating fire and beginning to rebuild.

Project Timeline Summary

April 8, 2025: A catastrophic fire destroyed ARC Wild’s rehabilitation facility, resulting in the loss of the building and 13 animals in care.
April 2025: Over 19 tons of debris were removed, along with four mature trees. Rebuild estimates ranged from $120,000–$180,000. While the facility itself was uninsured, founders James and Sherri McNary donated insurance proceeds from personal property losses, along with an additional $20,000 to initiate rebuilding.
May 2025: Community fundraising efforts began, raising $10,000 from local supporters and partner rehabilitation organizations nationwide. Due to limited funds, the ARC board decided to do much of the work themselves. Plans for the new facility were finalized. Due to an extremely busy baby season, no work was begun.
September–November 2025: Site preparation (moving thousands of plants, two trees and flower bulbs), land clearing, and foundation work were completed. The building framework and roof structure were constructed.
December 2025–January 2026: The exterior building was fully enclosed, with exterior siding and roofing installed.
February–April 2026: Electrical systems, insulation, and interior walls were installed, along with completion of roof caps.
May 2026: Tools are removed, the area is cleaned. Interior painting and cabinetry installation begins.

As of May 15, 2026, construction of ARC Wild - Rise from the Ashes is approximately 60% complete. However, this progress coincides with the most critical and demanding time of year—baby season. ARC Wild currently has 300+ orphaned and injured animals in their care, with intake numbers increasing daily. As baby bird season begins, we anticipate these numbers will double, placing extraordinary strain on our limited space, supplies, and volunteer capacity. Because wildlife emergencies cannot be delayed, construction must be. Work on the facility will be temporarily paused as our team shifts entirely to lifesaving care. Every available resource is being directed toward feeding, treating, and stabilizing vulnerable animals—many of whom would not survive without immediate intervention.

This situation underscores the urgency of completing the facility. While we are saving lives today, the lack of a finished facility limits how many animals we can serve in the future. Especially without an aviary! Without additional funding, delays will continue, and our ability to meet growing regional demand will remain constrained.

The need is immediate, and the impact is tangible. Completing this facility will directly increase survival outcomes for wildlife and strengthen essential services for our community.

What we do for you.

ARC Wild is a fully licensed and insured wildlife rehabilitation and education organization, holding all required state and federal permits. Our work includes:

Rehabilitation of all species of mammals, reptiles, and migratory birds
Operation of a free wildlife rescue hotline, responding to emergencies seven days a week
Community education through programs, outreach events, and partnerships
Collaboration with veterinarians, first responders, zoos, nature centers, and wildlife agencies nationwide
Participation in research initiatives, including avian influenza and COVID-related wildlife studies
Mentorship of 20–25 youth annually through the ARC Wild Rangers program
Scholarship support for Rangers pursuing science-related careers
Workforce development through summer job opportunities for youth participants
Training and internship opportunities for future wildlife rehabilitators

ARC Wild was built from the ground up. The fire set things back, but we are strong on this path to recovery. With additional support, we can complete the facility, restore full capacity, and continue providing critical, no-cost services to wildlife and the communities we serve.

We welcome the opportunity to host a site visit and share more about our work and impact. Please call if you would like to set up a time or have any questions.