Preserve, Protect, Participate: The Benefits of Joining Cedar Run’s Membership Program
by Ashley Krusen, Nature Center & Membership Manager
If you travel a short distance through the New Jersey Pinelands you’ll come across a Nature Center that might be familiar to you. You can visit the Reptile Room, greet Henry the albino Northern Cardinal, hike the trail system, and learn about the many Wildlife Ambassadors that call Cedar Run their permanent home. But what is it about Cedar Run that makes your visit so special? When you visit with us you know you’re in a place that is filled with love and passion for wildlife, conservation, and healthy ecosystems for all. Passion is at the root of each and every day here at Cedar Run. You will find it in our staff who work tirelessly to give injured and orphaned wildlife the very best chance at survival, in over 200 volunteers who help us make those miracles happen each day, and in people like you who care enough to bring us wildlife in need, attend programs, and build lasting connections with nature.
None of this would be possible if people like you didn’t care. The people and the community that gathers here and supports our mission cultivate a sense of belonging you won’t find anywhere else. When you become a Cedar Run member you’re not only getting discounted programs and special perks, but you’re joining a community of people who share your passion and excitement for all things wild.
There’s nothing quite like getting to see a child’s face light up when they discover their love of nature during one of our programs or hear the enthusiasm from our members when they come across a rare find on a hike with us. At Cedar Run exploration and learning is for all ages and our members are welcome to come explore with us year round. This past fall I had the pleasure of getting to see this first hand when a family visited with two young children who were both very hesitant about being out in nature. By the end of their day with us, both children eagerly came back to the Nature Center to tell me all about the amazing things they found while doing a nature scavenger hunt, and how they couldn’t wait to have their birthday parties here.
As a member, you show true dedication to Cedar Run’s mission and make a direct impact towards the health of our local flora and fauna. Our Annual Memberships come with amazing benefits; free admission to explore all year long from dawn until dusk, discounts on select programs, reduced pricing on birthday parties (they are a hoot and fun for all ages), discounts on Gift Shop goodies (plus additional bonus discount days), and reciprocal benefits at over 1,000 Nature Centers nationwide just to name a few. But the greatest benefit of all is knowing that YOU have made a difference to native wildlife and our community! We invite you to join our flock this season and come discover what it truly means to make Cedar Run your place in the wild.
