Background and History  

Elizabeth and James Woodford founded Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge in 1957, on land they purchased in 1951 in what was then the wilds of Medford, New Jersey. Over the next 40 years they devoted their lives to Pinelands preservation, environmental education and wildlife rehabilitation. Betty became an expert botanist, naturalist, nature photographer and wildlife rehabilitator. She was renowned for her Pinelands education programs. In 1997 the Woodford's dream was realized when a Green Acres grant preserved Cedar Run's land and buildings for future generations.

Today, Cedar Run staff and board members continue Betty and Jim's work, led by their daughter, Jeanne, who is the Refuge president.

Missions

• Wildlife Rehabilitation
• Environmental Education
• Habitat Preservation

Facilities

• 184 wooded acres surrounding pristine Cedar Run Lake
• Wildlife rehabilitation hospital and outdoor live-animal compound
• Elizabeth Woodford Environmental Education and Nature Center with classrooms, hands-on exhibits, library and offices
• Wooded nature trails that link uplands and wetlands

Education

More than 18,000 students participate annually in the Refuge's education programs and hundreds more join outdoor adventures in the Pine Barrens and attend family weekend workshops. Programs include group tours, Refuge on Wheels, weekend workshops for families, field trips and adult courses.

Wildlife Rehabilitation

Nearly 4,000 wild animals were treated at the rehab hospital in 2004, with a 30% survival rate. Many are returned to the wild. Others, whose injuries prevent release, remain in our outdoor compound to help the public learn about native species.

Habitat Conservation

Through the New Jersey Green acres Program the Woodford Family has preserved Cedar Run for future generations. We are working with state and local agencies and private non-profits to create a Greenway across the southern parts of Medford and Evesham townships. The Refuge has provided educational programs on behalf of the Rattlesnake Protection Coalition working to save endangered species habitat at "The Sanctuary."

Members and Supporters

Cedar Run Refuge has over 5,300 members, donors and Adopt-a-Wild-One "parents." Our quarterly publication, News and Events, reaches 7,500 people.

Community Involvement

The Executive Director is a board member of the Zen Society's Pine Wind Monastery. The President serves on the board of the Rancocas Conservancy and the Burlington County Natural Sciences Club.