Unexpected Wildlife Refuge

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Moss on Boundary Trail, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo

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Moonlit main pond, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo

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Elegant spreadwing damselfly, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo

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Racoon on trail camera near Wild Goose Blind, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo

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Northern water snake in main pond, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo

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House wren near Headquarters, photo by Leor Veleanu

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Luna moth male on porch at Headquarters, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo

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Bleeding heart flowering near Headquarters, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo

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Northern cricket frog in Miller Pond, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo

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Fungi on fallen tree on Boundary Trail, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo

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Unexpected Wildlife Refuge is a protected natural habitat comprising 767 acres of pristine pine lands, forest, fields, bogs, streams and lakes. It provides a refuge to animals and plants indigenous to southern New Jersey; a place where wildlife can live freely and naturally without fear of being harmed at the hands of human beings. We began as the home of Hope Sawyer Buyukmihci and Cavit Buyukmihci, who dedicated their land to habitat preservation so that native wildlife and habitat could thrive. We are a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) entity, federal ID 23-7025010.
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Original artwork by Edmund J. Sawyer

Edmund J. Sawyer was a renowned naturalist and artist who spent much of his life observing and making sketches and portraits of the wildlife he encountered. He was also the father of Hope Sawyer Buyukmihci, the co-founder of Unexpected Wildlife Refuge, and inspired her to become a naturalist and artist in her own right. Although Edmund died many years ago, he did get a chance to visit the Refuge to see the wonderful work his daughter was doing. We pay tribute to this remarkable and talented man by providing links to some of his artwork. You can right click on an image to view it in its own tab; use the Back button to return to this page.