WOODFORD Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge

If you and your family are looking for a great way to experience the Pine Barrens, make the Woodford Cedar Run WIldlife Refuge a "must see". Located in Medford NJ, this wonderful place is a haven for injured animals of all types. Whenever possible, the animals are rehabilitated and released, but some have become permanent residents here at the refuge due to the nature of their injuries.

The refuge is run entirely on donations - they receive no government funding. Donations are welcomed and I encourage everyone to donate more than the small admission fee.

The scenery is gorgeous. A long dirt road fringed by pines leads to the Refuge, and it's located along the shores of peaceful Cedar Run Lake.

"Snowy" the Snowy Owl lost his wing, apparently in a collision with a jet at Maguire Air Force Base. You'll also see barn owls, screech owls, and my favorite, great horned owls.

This bald eagle was magnificent to see - he is another permanent resident due to a broken wing. Other raptors include red-tailed hawks, Cooper's Hawks, Perigrines, Ospreys and a beautiful turkey vulture!

Raised as a pet, this grey fox could not be released into the wild, so he too is now a permanent resident of WCRWR . He has a large enclosure with lots of "toys". Other mammals include deer, beaver, squirrels and more.

The Visitor's Center has a nice display of snakes and turtles, and a variety of taxidermied animals - there are lots of activities for kids - of all ages! Even "Piney Senior" is having a great time!

DIRECTIONS:

Route 70 to Route 541S (Medford). Go through town (and a beautiful town it is). Make a right on Jackson Rd.

Continue on Jackson Rd; it will become a dirt road; keep going until you see the CEDAR RUN WILDLIFE REFUGE sign on the left.

We all need to connect with Mother Earth at least once in a while. Whether you live in the Pine Barrens, the coastal regions, or the bustling cities of Philadelphia, Trenton, Newark, New York City, or other nearby areas, a day in the beautiful Pine Barrens will do wonders for your soul. The Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge is a great starting point for anyone who wants to reconnect with nature. It's a magical place....give it a try!

QUESTIONS? Visit their website at www.cedarrun.org, or better yet, visit in person! Either way, help out this very worthwhile organization with a donation, or sign up for the "Adopt-A-Wild-One" program, ranging from $25 for a Box Turtle, rabbit or songbird, to $150 for a Bald Eagle or Snow Owl. Various levels of memberships are also available.