About Us
Our Team
Meet The Founder
Donna L. Powers, President of Water n’ Webs, is a licensed wildlife rehabilitation specialist with over 24 years of experience. She holds state and federal permits to rehabilitate migratory birds issued by the Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Donna has honed her expertise through work with veterinarians, consultations with avian experts, and advanced training via the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council. Her dedication to wildlife care and conservation is the foundation of her lifelong mission to heal and protect vulnerable animals.
Our Team
Meet The Founder
Donna L. Powers, President of Water n’ Webs, is a licensed wildlife rehabilitation specialist with over 24 years of experience. She holds state and federal permits to rehabilitate migratory birds issued by the Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Donna has honed her expertise through work with veterinarians, consultations with avian experts, and advanced training via the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council. Her dedication to wildlife care and conservation is the foundation of her lifelong mission to heal and protect vulnerable animals.
Meet The Founder
Donna's
Certifications and Credentials
Donna Powers, founder of Water N’ Webs, holds state and federal licenses for wildlife rehabilitation, specializing in waterbirds and migratory species. Her extensive training, experience, and dedication ensure the highest quality care for every animal she rescues.
Ethics And Values
At Water N’ Webs, we are guided by a deep commitment to the welfare of waterbirds and wildlife. Our ethics prioritize compassion, responsible care, and respect for every bird’s right to a safe, healthy life. We advocate for the rescue and rehabilitation of injured birds, the preservation of natural habitats, and public education to prevent harm. Every action we take is rooted in integrity, ensuring the wellbeing of wildlife and fostering harmony between humans and nature.
Below is our Code of Ethics, outlining the principles that guide our mission and work:
Domestic waterfowl deserve a loving home, proper diet, veterinary care, and respect throughout their lives (13+ years).
Domestic waterfowl should not be temporary pets, mistreated, or abandoned, as they cannot survive in the wild.
Supported only when the animal is in severe pain or when survival would be inhumane or futile.
The center provides lifetime homes or places birds in carefully screened, appropriate homes.
All financial contributions support the care and well-being of the animals.
Wild waterbirds deserve freedom from harassment, hunting, and pollution in protected wetlands.
Distressed, orphaned, or injured wild waterbirds have the right to proper care at wildlife centers specializing in waterbird health.
Rescuers are informed of the condition of animals they reported within one week of admission.
Trained staff provide all birds with proper care and rehabilitation.
Caretakers need training in wildlife rehabilitation, animal care, or related fields.
Birds should receive expert medical care as needed.
Public education is vital to preventing wildlife abuse and environmental destruction.
Members should safely rescue and assist distressed waterbirds.
Members should shelter abandoned waterfowl, especially Easter pets, until rehoused.
Members should educate the public about waterbirds and recruit volunteers at lakes, parks, workplaces, or events.
Members should remove litter from waterbird habitats to prevent harm.
Encourage community support for wildlife care and protection.
Members should take pride in supporting Water N’ Webs and wildlife protection.
Protecting Wildlife
At Water N' Webs, we protect waterbirds and their habitats through rescue, rehabilitation, and education.By offering care to injured wildlife and raising awareness about pollution, we give these creatures a second chance. We strive for a future where wildlife thrives in safe, healthy environments.
Dawny’s Triumph: A Story of Resilience and Care
Dawny Duck was an amazing white pekin duck whom Arnold Cease (co-founder and vice president of Water n’ Webs) rescued behind Our Lady of Pompeii Church on Foxon Pond. A snapping turtle had bitten off the top and bottom of both her upper and lower bill, leaving only half a bill.
Our veterinarian suggested euthanizing her as fabricating an artificial bill posed a high degree of infection and would have to be replaced every few years. The other choice was a feeding tube a few times a day. Arnold refused these options. He tried making piles of corn and pellets in her dish and to his surprise, she learned to scoop the food into her mouth! We will never forget her bravery and determination. She lived happily at Water n’ Webs for many years.
Opossum
When Donna encountered an opossum one evening who had been struck by a vehicle, it would be one in a series of events that would choose her lifelong calling to help wildlife.
The opossum lay in the road blood issuing from her mouth. There was no movement. She was checked for a pulse, there was none. It was too late to help this mother opossum. Scattered in the road all around her were 8 pink squirming babies. She gently gathered them into her hand and placed them in her t-shirt, rolling up the bottom of the shirt to envelope them. She felt inside of the mom’s pouch on her tummy, it was empty.
She rushed them to the nearest veterinary hospital where the receptionist told her that they were too young to survive and they would have to be “destroyed.” Donna asked if she could try to raise them. She said she couldn’t raise them as she was not licensed. Horrified she asked what she would do with them. “Flush them down the toilet” she said matter of factly.
She reluctantly handed them over to her and that’s when she decided she would get a rehabilitation license so if this situation ever happened again, they would be saved. She became licensed in April of 1991.
Baby Geese
When wild animals arrive at Water n’Webs it is out of necessity. They are in need of help that only qualified rehabilitators can provide. Sometimes but thankfully not often, cruelty is involved.
This was the cause with a pair of newly hatched Canada goslings only hours old born at Water n’ Webs after we received 2 eggs under horrific circumstances.
Three men were boating on a lake when they approached too closely to a nest of an incubating Canada goose mom. The ever-vigilant gander (male) tried to defend his nest mate by attacking the boat. This resulted in the gander being shot as well as his mate.
These hunters didn’t stop there. They proceeded to destroy the developing eggs and succeeded in crushing 4 eggs before a man who witnessed the carnage rushed over, held up his badge and demanded they stop. Thinking he was a conservation officer, they quickly departed.
He gingerly cradled the two remaining goose eggs in his shirt to keep them warm. Then he contacted us. The incubator was readied in anticipation of the precious eggs. 48 hours later, two healthy goslings emerged, were raised and ultimately released.
Were it not for the courage and compassion of this fireman, they would not have had the opportunity to live.
Spring: New Beginnings
As ponds awaken in spring, waterbirds rely on emerging food sources like duckweed and insects. Vulnerable birds, such as injured migratory species or abandoned domestic ducks, often require rescue and care. Supplemental feeding remains essential for over-wintering residents until natural resources are plentiful.
How You Can Help:
Keep an eye out for abandoned or injured waterbirds.
Report abandoned domestic ducks or geese to Water N' Webs for care.
Summer: Hidden Hazards
Summer brings growth and activity to the pond, but it also heightens risks from fishing litter, including discarded lines and hooks that can harm birds. Dry spells may lead to botulism outbreaks, poisoning waterbirds through rotting vegetation and maggots. Protecting wildlife during this time requires vigilance and prompt action to address hazards.
How You Can Help:
Remove fishing litter and debris from ponds and lakes.
Ensure proper disposal of fishing lines, hooks, and other waste.
Autumn: Migration Rest Stops
During autumn, ponds serve as crucial rest stops for migratory birds like Mallards and Canada geese. While these birds prepare for long journeys, they face dangers from fishing debris and habitat disturbances. Monitoring and assisting injured birds is key to ensuring their safe migration.
How You Can Help:
Keep watch for birds in distress and report any signs of injury.
Support migration conservation efforts by donating or volunteering.
Winter: Survival Challenges
Winter presents the greatest hardships for waterbirds. While many wild species migrate, abandoned domestic ducks and geese, unable to fly, are left to fend for themselves. Without dependable food sources, these birds face starvation or predation. Providing support during this season is critical to their survival.
How You Can Help:
-
Feed and monitor abandoned domestic birds during the winter months.
-
Donate to provide resources for winter bird care and support.
A Picture of Resilience
These powerful visuals highlight the challenges waterbirds face—entangled in fishing lines, injured by pollution, or abandoned—and the compassion driving our efforts. From rescues to releases, they capture both recovery and the harsh realities wildlife endure. Each image honors those working to give these creatures a second chance and calls for action to protect our environment. Let these moments inspire you to join our mission to preserve wildlife.
Be Kind
Don't Leave Line Behind
Every year, discarded fishing gear injures or kills waterbirds, songbirds, and pets. At Water N’ Webs, we observe the devastating effects—birds tangled, injured, or strangled. These tragedies are preventable. Please dispose of fishing gear responsibly and clean up litter in lakes and ponds. Together, we can protect wildlife and keep our waterways safe.
Viewer Discretion Advised
Some images may depict injured animals and may be emotionally difficult to view.
Use
Protecting Wildlife
At Water N' Webs, we protect waterbirds and their habitats through rescue, rehabilitation, and education.
By offering care to injured wildlife and raising awareness about pollution, we give these creatures a second chance.
We strive for a future where wildlife thrives in safe, healthy environments
Dawny Duck was an amazing white pekin duck whom Arnold Cease (co-founder and vice president of Water n’ Webs) rescued behind Our Lady of Pompeii Church on Foxon Pond. A snapping turtle had bitten off the top and bottom of both her upper and lower bill, leaving only half a bill.
Our veterinarian suggested euthanizing her as fabricating an artificial bill posed a high degree of infection and would have to be replaced every few years. The other choice was a feeding tube a few times a day. Arnold refused these options. He tried making piles of corn and pellets in her dish and to his surprise, she learned to scoop the food into her mouth! We will never forget her bravery and determination. She lived happily at Water n’ Webs for many years.
Dawny’s Triumph: A Story of Resilience and Care
When Donna encountered an opossum one evening who had been struck by a vehicle, it would be one in a series of events that would choose her lifelong calling to help wildlife.
The opossum lay in the road blood issuing from her mouth. There was no movement. She was checked for a pulse, there was none. It was too late to help this mother opossum. Scattered in the road all around her were 8 pink squirming babies. She gently gathered them into her hand and placed them in her t-shirt, rolling up the bottom of the shirt to envelope them. She felt inside of the mom’s pouch on her tummy, it was empty.
She rushed them to the nearest veterinary hospital where the receptionist told her that they were too young to survive and they would have to be “destroyed.” Donna asked if she could try to raise them. She said she couldn’t raise them as she was not licensed. Horrified she asked what she would do with them. “Flush them down the toilet” she said matter of factly.
She reluctantly handed them over to her and that’s when she decided she would get a rehabilitation license so if this situation ever happened again, they would be saved. She became licensed in April of 1991.
Opussum
When wild animals arrive at Water n’Webs it is out of necessity. They are in need of help that only qualified rehabilitators can provide. Sometimes but thankfully not often, cruelty is involved.
This was the cause with a pair of newly hatched Canada goslings only hours old born at Water n’ Webs after we received 2 eggs under horrific circumstances.
Three men were boating on a lake when they approached too closely to a nest of an incubating Canada goose mom. The ever-vigilant gander (male) tried to defend his nest mate by attacking the boat. This resulted in the gander being shot as well as his mate.
These hunters didn’t stop there. They proceeded to destroy the developing eggs and succeeded in crushing 4 eggs before a man who witnessed the carnage rushed over, held up his badge and demanded they stop. Thinking he was a conservation officer, they quickly departed.
He gingerly cradled the two remaining goose eggs in his shirt to keep them warm. Then he contacted us. The incubator was readied in anticipation of the precious eggs. 48 hours later, two healthy goslings emerged, were raised and ultimately released.
Were it not for the courage and compassion of this fireman, they would not have had the opportunity to live.
Baby Geese
As ponds awaken in spring, waterbirds rely on emerging food sources like duckweed and insects. Vulnerable birds, such as injured migratory species or abandoned domestic ducks, often require rescue and care. Supplemental feeding remains essential for over-wintering residents until natural resources are plentiful.
How You Can Help:
-
Keep an eye out for abandoned or injured waterbirds.
-
Report abandoned domestic ducks or geese to Water N' Webs for care.
Spring: New Beginnings
Summer brings growth and activity to the pond, but it also heightens risks from fishing litter, including discarded lines and hooks that can harm birds. Dry spells may lead to botulism outbreaks, poisoning waterbirds through rotting vegetation and maggots. Protecting wildlife during this time requires vigilance and prompt action to address hazards.
How You Can Help:
-
Remove fishing litter and debris from ponds and lakes.
-
Ensure proper disposal of fishing lines, hooks, and other waste.
Summer: Hidden Hazards
During autumn, ponds serve as crucial rest stops for migratory birds like Mallards and Canada geese. While these birds prepare for long journeys, they face dangers from fishing debris and habitat disturbances. Monitoring and assisting injured birds is key to ensuring their safe migration.
How You Can Help:
-
Keep watch for birds in distress and report any signs of injury.
-
Support migration conservation efforts by donating or volunteering.
Autumn: Migration Rest Stops
Winter presents the greatest hardships for waterbirds. While many wild species migrate, abandoned domestic ducks and geese, unable to fly, are left to fend for themselves. Without dependable food sources, these birds face starvation or predation. Providing support during this season is critical to their survival.
How You Can Help:
-
Feed and monitor abandoned domestic birds during the winter months.
-
Donate to provide resources for winter bird care and support.
Winter: Survival Challenges
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) focus on rescue, stabilization, and treatment, guided by the six stages of the Star of Life: Detection, Reporting, Response, On-Scene Care, Transit, and Transfer to Definitive Care.
Wildlife Emergency
Every piece of discarded fishing gear or litter removed from our waterways can save a life. At Water N’ Webs, we’re dedicated to empowering individuals to make a difference. Here’s how you can help: Always dispose of fishing lines, hooks, and other gear in designated receptacles. Switch to biodegradable fishing materials to reduce long-term pollution. Bring a bag to a lake or pond on your next visit and collect any litter you find. Organize or join local cleanup efforts in your community. By taking these small but impactful steps, you’re not just protecting wildlife—you’re preserving the beauty and health of our environment for future generations. Let’s act together to ensure safer waterways for all creatures.
Be Kind
Don't Leave Line Behind
A Picture of Resilience
Each image tells a story of heartbreak, healing, and hope. These powerful visuals reveal the challenges waterbirds face—entangled in fishing lines, harmed by pollution, or abandoned—and showcase how Water N’ Webs provides them a second chance. Through expert care and compassion, the organization transforms crises into stories of survival, playing a vital role in protecting wildlife and fragile ecosystems. Every rescue highlights its impact on birds and the environment. These images remind us that small acts of kindness can create meaningful change. They serve as calls to action, inspiring us to support Water N’ Webs’ mission and take steps toward a brighter future for all creatures. Together, we can turn compassion into action and make a lasting difference.
Viewer Discretion Advised
Some images may depict injured animals and may be emotionally difficult to view.
Detection
Begins when the public identifies an animal in distress.
Reporting
People seek help for the animal, often providing photos/videos for better identification.
Response
Determine if the animal needs rescuing, often through phone calls and visual assessment.
On-Scene Care
First responders capture the animal using proper techniques and address immediate medical needs (e.g., stopping bleeding, stabilizing fractures).
Care-In Transit
Monitor and secure the animal during transportation, ensuring it remains safe and stable.
Transfer to care
If necessary, transport the animal to a veterinary clinic for further treatment.
Wildlife Emergency
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) focus on rescue, stabilization, and treatment, guided by the six stages of the Star of Life: Detection, Reporting, Response, On-Scene Care, Transit, and Transfer to Definitive Care.
Our Story
Water N' Webs
For Donna L. Powers, wildlife rehabilitation has always been more than a career—it’s a calling rooted in compassion, curiosity, and a profound connection to the natural world. Long before becoming a licensed rehabilitation specialist in 1991, Donna and her sister shared a transformative moment: rescuing a litter of orphaned baby possums. That small act of kindness sparked a lifelong commitment to helping the most vulnerable creatures among us. Over the past 24 years, Donna has dedicated herself to continuous learning and excellence in care. She holds a state license from the Department of Environmental Protection and a federal permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, allowing her to rehabilitate migratory birds. Her expertise has been honed through collaborations with veterinarians, consultations with avian specialists, and participation in national wildlife rehabilitation conferences. As a member of the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, Donna has completed advanced training, always striving to provide the highest standard of care. Water n’ Webs reflects Donna’s mission to heal waterbirds and restore the natural world while celebrating the magic in life’s unexpected moments. This journey began at Todd’s Pond. One day, she visited Todd’s Pond. She saw a stuffed toy on the ground, and curious, she picked it up. It had a string around its neck with a handwritten tag that read, “Please do not take. Duckling thinks this is his mother.” She then heard a loud peeping and a yellow puff ball run over and stop at her feet. Having imprinted on the toy, the orphaned duckling sought comfort as though it was its parent. She couldn't believe someone would abandon a tiny duckling in the wild. Then and there, she decided to form a non-profit to educate the public about the waterfowl, a very underserved population of animals. These animals hide in plain sight, with people unaware of their troubles. And so he would become co-founder with the help of her friend Aarnold Ccease, someone also dedicated to helping abandoned ducks and geese. And on May 25th, 1995, their dream became a reality. People are unaware of their troubles. And so, with the help of her friend Arnold Cease, someone also dedicated to helping abandoned ducks and geese, he would become a co-founder. And on May 25th, 1995, their dream became a reality.
