Beavers at the Refuge, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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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

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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Council of Trustees

Darwin Sawyer, President
Darwin is a nephew of Hope Sawyer Buyukmihci. He has been actively involved with the Refuge since the early 1960s. He is a vegan and retired.

Janet Romano Schubert, Treasurer
Janet is a long-time animal activist and supporter of the Refuge. She is a vegan, musician and teacher.

David Sauder, Vice President/Secretary
David is a long-time animal activist and supporter of the Refuge. He had the honor of knowing Hope Sawyer Buyukmihci and patrolling the Refuge together with her years ago. He is a vegan, president of Animal Rights Activists of New Jersey, Inc., and a decades-long social worker.

Navin Sasikumar, Trustee
Navin is passionate about animals and the natural world and connecting people to nature. He is a vegan and a software engineer. (he is in the foreground in the photo, looking for birds)

Melissa Spedaliere, Trustee
Melissa is a long-time vegan and nature enthusiast. She had the privilege of volunteering at the Refuge alongside its founder, Hope, for many years.

Manager

Legal Counsel

William M. Gilson, Esq.