Unexpected Wildlife Refuge began as the home of Cavit and Hope Buyukmihci, who dedicated their land to habitat preservation so that native wildlife and habitat could thrive.
Today we are a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, supported entirely by private donations. The Board of Directors continues to maintain it as an inviolate sanctuary for wildlife and supports the promotion of humane education.
The 85 acres purchased by the Buyukmihcis in 1954 have grown to 737 acres of swamps, bogs, forests and lakes — an extensive habitat for species indigenous to the Southern New Jersey Pinelands region. The Refuge is the home to seven active beaver lodges located within Main Lake Branch, which flows through the Refuge.
Guided tours are provided to groups of five, and each year approximately 200 visitors hike the ten miles of trails that wind through the Refuge property. Educational and reference materials are available to visitors at the Nature Center.
More than 100 bird houses provide nesting sites for bluebirds, chickadees, nuthatches, tufted titmice, crested flycatchers, tree swallows, prothonotary warblers, house wrens, wood ducks and screech owls. Most of the land is left undisturbed except for two acres of bluebird habitat that is mowed regularly. As many as six pairs of bluebirds nest in the Refuge, some of whom winter over, feeding on cedar berries deep in the swamps.
Support Unexpected Wildlife Refuge
The Unexpected Wildlife Refuge is supported entirely by private donations from individuals who have visited us or read about the refuge. The generosity of our supporters will allow us to continue to protect this special habitat and educate the public about its importance. Refuge expenses include local taxes, insurance premiums, truck repairs and insurance, and equipment maintenance. Please consider a small donation to our cause. You can contact UWR via mail or phone.