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, June 2020

New Headquarters with Dave Sauder, photo by Leor Veleanu

We are delighted to report that our new Headquarters is now completed and has been given the final approval by the local authority, including a certificate of occupancy so that our manager can begin setting up the new office. We know that Jen is eager to get situated in the new space, with a stunning view of the main pond.

We are grateful to Trustee Dave Sauder who became the de facto supervisor for this project (standing on the porch in the photo). Dave made many trips in order to ensure that construction was proceeding as planned, ironing out issues as they arose, creating a photographic record of the work and, most importantly, making sure any wild animals who 'wandered' into the building site were carefully moved to distant locations.

This new building is crucial in securing the long-term future of the Refuge and we are very grateful to those of you who so generously donated money towards the construction. We could not have gotten as far as we have without your support.

We still need, however, to raise a further $72,000 in order to finish paying for the job. If you have not yet donated -- or would like to provide additional funds -- we hope you will help us in this time of need:

With the increasing global awareness of the fragility of the natural world and the destructive impact that human activity is having on wildlife and the environment, sanctuaries such as Unexpected Wildlife Refuge play a crucial role in providing and protecting habitat for wildlife survival.

We -- and the wildlife -- are grateful for your continued support.