Beavers at the Refuge, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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Young eastern phoebe, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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Carolina grasshopper, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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Muddy Bog, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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Red-spotted purple, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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Young male northern cardinal, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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Northern red-bellied turtle, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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Black vulture, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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Blue dasher, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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Black rat snake, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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Canada geese, 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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Our Mission

Dragonfly, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo

1. To obtain and protect habitat in the New Jersey Pinelands area so that indigenous animals and plants can have an unexploited opportunity to live;
2. To protect free-living (wild) animals from hunting, trapping, fishing and other consumptive activities by people;
3. To provide a "living classroom" for the public to study nature and appreciate the importance of wildlife and habitat protection; and
4. To work with individuals and communities to peacefully resolve conflicts with wildlife.

Our new Headquarters

We are delighted to report that our new Headquarters is now completed (photo shows Trustee Dave Sauder on porch). Jen Collins, our manager, has now relocated our office and residential quarters to the new building. She has an enviable stunning view of the main pond.

We still need, however, to raise a further $63,745 in order to finish paying for the project. If you have not yet donated -- or would like to provide additional funds -- we hope you will help us in this time of need:

  • Send a check to our address: PO Box 765 Newfield, NJ 08344
  • Use your credit card and our PayPal account
  • Use your credit card through JustGiving
  • Arrange a fundraising event in support of the Refuge

Take Action to Help Wildlife

  1. Urgent action needed to stop cruel bear hunt on 12th October
  2. Washington has banned killing contests, help ban them in New Jersey
  3. Support the coalition set up to stop the bear hunt in New Jersey
  4. URGENT ACTION needed to protect Scottish beavers
  5. Alberta is offering a bounty to kill beavers: Tell the government to use humane methods of resolving conflicts

Sick or injured wildlife?

Unexpected Wildlife Refuge is not involved in wildlife rehabilitation. Click here for our information page on this subject on what to do and, especially, what not to do.

Visiting the Refuge

We encourage people to visit our wonderful haven for wildlife. To schedule a visit...