Unexpected Wildlife Refuge

07/24/2025

From mid-spring into summer, a daytime visitor to Unexpected Wildlife Refuge is likely to be greeted by the strident “dweeb” of the great-crested flycatcher. The call is a loud alarm, usually from mid-level in the trees, in the refuge’s more mature oak and pine woods. You don’t have to see t...

01/09/2025

Unexpected Wildlife Refuge, Inc.
P.O. Box 765, Newfield, New Jersey 08344-0765 U.S.A.
Phone: 856.697.3541 • Web http://unexpectedwildliferefuge.org/

9 January 2025

Dear Sir/Ms.:

I am writing to inform you that Unexpected Wildlife Refuge, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is applying for funding from the State of NJ Green Acres Program to acquire property on Unexpected Road, specifically Block: 6602; Lot: 14, in Franklin Township, for recreation and conservation purposes. Acquiring this property would add to the acreage protected by Unexpected Wildlife Refuge, Inc.

We are inviting your input by asking you to complete the survey below.

Written comments on the proposed application may be directed to David Sauder, Vice President/Secretary, at the following email address: [email protected].

Survey:

Do you believe that this land acquisition project, which includes forest and natural area will result in outdoor recreation and/or conservation?

If yes, state how?

If no, state why?

Please scan and return the survey to: [email protected] You can also mail the survey to: Unexpected Wildlife Refuge, Inc., P.O.Box 765, Newfield, NJ 08344-0765.

Thank you.

David Sauder
Vice President/Secretary

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 har...

11/10/2024

The drought has caused the Main Pond to shrink. The animals that rely on this wetland for water will have hopefully found the Miller Pond nearby.

11/01/2024

Young beaver enjoying a meal.

08/05/2024

https://mailchi.mp/41bca738bcc9/unexpected-summer

Unexpected Wildlife Refuge is open for hiking all summer long. You will be sharing the environment with other wildlife including biting insects. Bring your preferred protection. Manager Shane Adams has been hard at work on trails and they are well marked for your safe exploring!

04/17/2024

Crown-tipped Coral mushroom. The Refuge is home to many different fungi in all shapes and colors signifying a healthy ecosystem. The body of this fungus resembles coral found in the ocean and blooms in the spring through the fall.

04/07/2024

Celebrating International Beaver Day! They are the super heroes of the wildlife world given their enormous role as ecosystem engineers.

04/03/2024

Captured on one of our trail cams, this American mink was making her way around the Refuge most likely in search of a meal. Mink are nocturnal and solitary, preferring not to encounter humans. Like skunks, minks can defend themselves by spraying a foul smelling substance!

03/23/2024

"Who cooks for you?" The Barred owl's call is distinctive and you are more likely to hear them rather than see them. Barred owls do not migrate staying within close range of their home territory. During March, nesting begins and the female will lay 2-3 eggs.

03/12/2024

UWR tabled at Lines on the Pines on March 10th at Stockton University. Trustees Janet Romano and David Sauder staffed the table providing educational materials about the Refuge and its mission to preserve and protect New Jersey's woodlands and wetlands. The Refuge provides a home to thousands of species including those who are threatened and endangered.

03/08/2024

American bullfrog along Bluebird Trail making her way out of the winter slumber. This large true frog is native to eastern North America. Their vocalizations are loud and deep. Frogs are considered to be intelligent and critical thinkers!