Beavers at the Refuge, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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Fungi on living tree, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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American black ducks flying, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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American bullfrog, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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American bur reed, photo by Sage Russell
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Bald eagle calling, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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Canada geese in icy main pond, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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Flame skimmer dragonfly, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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Pine Barrens tree frog, photo by Bob Birdsall
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Waterfall stream between ponds, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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Jumping spider in Miller House, 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 $31,544 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. Call for Patrol Volunteers
  2. Three hundred and twenty-eight bears killed; please take action to end this brutal slaughter
  3. Washington has banned killing contests, help ban them in New Jersey
  4. Support the coalition set up to stop the bear hunt in New Jersey

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...