South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Serving Lubbock, Texas and Surrounding Areas with Heart and Habitat.
Welcome to the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Founded in 1988.
SPWRC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to two vital missions:
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Wildlife Rehabilitation: Providing compassionate care to orphaned, injured, ill, and displaced wildlife with the goal of releasing them back into their natural habitats.
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Environmental Education: Encouraging appreciation and conservation of natural resources, emphasizing wildlife’s role in our ecosystem for future generations.
As a wildlife hospital, our facilities are not open to the public. We operate under licenses from Texas Parks & Wildlife, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the USDA. However, we receive no government funding and rely entirely on community support to continue our work.
Meet the Director
Sarah’s journey with South Plains Wildlife RC began in 2016, when she first joined as a volunteer. She returned in May to assist with baby season, ensuring young wildlife received the care they needed. She also helped launch the Into the Wild summer camp, a program designed to educate and inspire the next generation about wildlife conservation—a huge success thanks to her dedication.
Sarah holds a B.S. in Natural Resources Management from Texas Tech University (Class of 2017). After college, she worked as a Wildlife Officer with the City of Austin, gaining valuable experience in environmental management and conservation enforcement. Eventually, she returned to Lubbock to raise her three children and be closer to family. Interestingly, her husband, Jerrod, shares her passion for wildlife—he was one of Gail Barnes' first junior volunteers back in 2004!
Sarah’s work reflects her deep commitment to wildlife, conservation, and education. She believes in second chances—for both people and animals—and is devoted to ensuring SPWRC continues its mission of rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife while fostering awareness within the community. Whether working hands-on with animals or leading outreach efforts, she brings warmth, expertise, and genuine care to everything she does.
"Healing takes time. Every animal’s journey from rescue to release is a testament to patience, care, and progress—not perfection."
