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Wild At Heart
Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge is giving animals a second chance at life while providing affordable programs and hiking trails to its community.

by Chelsea Valcourt

For many animals, obtaining a serious injury is a death sentence—but it doesn’t have to be that way thanks to the folks at Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital. Here, the team takes in native New Jersey wildlife in an effort to rehabilitate them and give them a second chance at life. 

This year Cedar Run has seen incredible growth, having helped over 7,300 injured and orphaned wild animals as of the first week of October—a huge increase from its typical average of 6,000 animals a year.

This rise in animal care comes with a hefty price tag, as the average cost per animal can range from $60 to $477 and beyond. This does not deter them, however, as the Medford hospital continues to accept New Jersey native wildlife in need of medical attention seven days a week.

If you come across native wildlife in need—and it is safe to do so—cage the animal and call ahead to the hospital to allow them time to prepare for their arrival. Best practices for capturing and transporting these animals can be found on the website.

In addition to its Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital, Cedar Run’s 171 acres are home to the Woodford Nature Center and a Wildlife Housing Area. Its mission is “to serve as a community resource on the importance of protecting and enhancing healthy ecosystems for all.” The refuge also believes the best way to get people engaged in environmental conservation and protection efforts is to allow them to engage with it themselves.

In January, registration will open for summer camps. These camps provide children the ability to learn in fun and exciting ways while engaging in hands-on experiences, visits with native wildlife and creative play. With programs offered for anyone from pre-K to eighth grade, these camps provide opportunities to foster a lifelong affinity for nature.

Recognizing financial hardships can create a high barrier of entry, Cedar Run offers sponsorships for families who require no-cost or reduced pricing.

“For youth from economically challenged homes, the opportunity to enjoy a carefree summer spent learning and playing outdoors might be an impossible dream,” says executive director Mike O’Malley. “The Cedar Run Summer Camp Scholarship Fund was created to allow all children to learn and grow at Cedar Run.”

Summer camps aren’t the only opportunity for fun at Cedar Run.

“We offer a host of high-quality customizable programs both on and off-site at Cedar Run,” says O’Malley. “We offer on-site field trips, off-site ‘Refuge on Wheels’ programs at schools, churches, community centers, preschool and homeschool classes, birthday parties, scout programs, and so much more. We also offer a number of public programs for anyone to attend throughout the year.”

In addition to scheduled programs and camps, Cedar Run offers over three miles of hiking trails, a Wildlife Housing Area, rotating exhibits, and more for an affordable price, open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information on admission, group pricing and reduced price ticket offerings can be found on the website.

With no federal, state or local funding, Cedar Run is heavily dependent upon donations in order to continue providing affordable educational opportunities to its community, and rehabilitation and care to over 7,000 wounded wildlife each year.

Tax-deductible donations can be made online at CedarRun.org/Get-Involved/Give, by check, or by phone by calling (856) 983-3329 ext. 108. In addition to monetary donations, its Amazon wish list provides an opportunity to purchase materials needed at the refuge.

Cedar Run also provides opportunities to symbolically adopt one of its wildlife ambassadors. Included items vary depending on the donation amount, with options ranging from $35 to $150.The base adoption kit comes with an adoption certificate, information on the species of your animal, a one-year subscription to an e-newsletter and one free visit pass to the refuge. Higher levels of adoption donations include a private, guided tour of Cedar Run, a plushie of its signature fox, periodic updates on your animal and more. These adoptions make excellent and unique gifts while doubling as a way to support the cause.

“I invite our South Jersey community to consider a special year-end gift to Cedar Run. Your generous donation, no matter the size, will make an impact,” says O’Malley. “By contributing, you become an integral part of our conservation family, playing a crucial role in preserving local wildlife and fostering a deeper connection between people and the natural world.”

Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge
Medford
(856) 983-3329

CedarRun.org


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Published and copyrighted in South Jersey Magazine, Volume 21, Issue 7 (October 2024)

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