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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Beaver Tales from Unexpected Wildlife Refuge, August 2020

Chopper and Hope Sawyer Buyukmihci, 1975

The summer weather has brought out more human visitors to the Refuge. Some, like Paul Leakan, took advantage of the abundant animal and plant life to take some great photographs and shared them with us. We have seen more turtles looking for nest sites – often near Headquarters – this year than in the past, like the wonderful common snapping turtle captured on video by Jen, our manager. Dragonflies of numerous species have been particularly active.

Black vulture fledglings on Headquarters roof, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo

Jen has now relocated our office to the new Headquarters building, which has made a huge difference to the smooth running of the Refuge. In addition to the many functions that the office now performs, we are delighted that it is also attracting other visitors, such as a family of black vultures who raised their young in the attic of the next door cabin barn and used the roof of the Headquarters during the fledging process. We are deeply indebted to all who donated towards the cost of this new building. If you would like to contribute towards our remaining debt on this, please visit our Home page for more information.

Before you continue reading this newsletter, please take a moment to help the beavers in Scotland, before 27th August. Click here to go directly to our action alert later in the newsletter. Recent footage taken at the Refuge, which we have included for you in this newsletter, reminds us of just how special and unique this species is and why it is abhorrent they should still be hunted and persecuted anywhere.

We hope you will enjoy this edition of the newsletter and lend us a hand through the most generous donation you can. We – and the wildlife – are grateful for your continued support.