FREE WITH ADMISSION!
- Participate during refuge hours: 7 days, 10:00am–4:00pm (including Easter Sunday)
- Families with children ages 3–17 may take part in the FREE community competition.
- Each child can electronically submit one digital image taken during their visit to Cedar Run, during the dates above only, to be eligible for a prize.
- ALL participants will receive a matted 8 × 10 print of their submission and ALL the photographs will be displayed at Cedar Run during our gallery starting May 1, 2023 and through the month of May.
- Winners will be chosen with a first, second and third place winner for best photograph in each age category (3–7 • 8–12 • 13–17) and in overall Animal and Landscape categories.
- There will be no admission charge for participants during the gallery weekend. Prizes can be picked up during the gallery, but prints will be displayed all month long. They can be picked up starting June 1, 2023 and up to 60 days afterwards.
- Prizes include t-shirts, symbolic wildlife adoptions, Cedar Run memberships, admission to kids photography workshops and more.
Help us celebrate National Environmental Education Week by learning a little more about the small creatures that call our lake home – macro-invertebrates. Aquatic creatures ranging from dragonfly larvae to caddisflies to backswimmers. All of these organisms play an important role in helping scientists assess the health of a body of water by their presence, or lack thereof. Come delve into these amazing creatures with us. Dress to potentially get wet or muddy! Program meets at 6:00pm and will run approximately 1.5 hours. This program is geared toward an adult and older teen audience*. $15/person. Advanced registration required.
*Note: This is an optional drop-off program for teens – parents will be emailed a contact form and waiver prior to class.
Please no birthday parties or scout programs for these events. If you are interested in hosting a birthday party or scout program at Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, please check out our website links for Birthday Parties & Scout Programs.
Registration for this event has ended.
Join us for Cedar Run’s first ever BioBlitz! We’ll be getting out and about exploring all of Cedar Run. Be an observer or just come out and get a behind the scenes look at Cedar Run’s artifacts of all kinds. Are birds your favorite? We got ’em’. How about reptiles? Check. Bugs? You’re covered!
Artifact viewing will take place from 10am-2pm, but observations will be collected all day! Sign-up below if you plan to submit observations to receive information on what to expect. Plan to just come check out all of the cool stuff?! That’s great too! No registration necessary. Event is free with Refuge admission. All ages and abilities are welcome!
What is a BioBlitz?
A BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time. A BioBlitz is also known as a biological inventory or biological census. The primary goal of a BioBlitz is to get an overall count of the plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms that live in a place.
The first BioBlitz was sponsored by the National Park Service and the National Biological Service in Washington, D.C.’s Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens in 1996. Surrounded by heavy residential and industrial development, Kenilworth Park was thought to have very little biological diversity. Scientists, however, tallied more than 900 species that first year and added even more species to their list at successive Kenilworth bioblitzes.
What Are Observations?
An observation records an encounter with an individual organism at a particular time and location. This includes encounters with signs of organisms like tracks, nests, or things that just died. When you make an observation, you’ll record:
How to be an Observer:
Sign up below! If you can find a wild critter and take a picture of it you can participate as a BioBlitz observer!
This program offers participants the opportunity to hone their photography skills while capturing stunning images of our magnificent birds of prey. From soaring hawks to stealthy owls, Cedar Run’s resident raptors provide the perfect subjects for aspiring photographers to practice their craft.
In addition to capturing stunning images, participants will learn about the natural history, behavior, and conservation of Cedar Run’s resident raptors. Gain a deeper appreciation for these majestic birds as you observe them and learn about the important role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
The Raptor Photography Session offers a unique blend of education, adventure, and hands-on experience, making it ideal for photographers of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking to expand your portfolio, connect with nature, or simply enjoy a day of outdoor photography, this program promises an enriching and rewarding experience.
Join us and let your passion for photography take flight. Don’t miss this opportunity to capture the majesty of raptors in their and create lasting memories that will inspire and delight for years to come.
*Please note: photography will be self-guided. Our educators will bring select birds out of their enclosures for photographing up-close and personal on perches and in a natural setting and provide information about the species. Participants must bring their own cameras and materials.
This program will be limited to 12 participants. 10-11:30am. $60/member, $70/non-member. Advanced registration & pre-payment required.
Raptor Photography Session
FrogWatch USA™ is a citizen science program of the Akron Zoo that invites individuals and families to learn about the wetlands in their communities and help conserve amphibians by reporting data on the calls of local frogs and toads. What is Citizen Science? FrogWatch USA comprises a national network of skilled coordinators and volunteers that form a community with the common goal of providing large-scale, long-term data on frogs and toads in the United States to help answer questions like:
- How diverse is the local population of frogs and toads?
- Where are there rare or invasive species?
- Are there long-term shifts in species diversity, range, and seasonal timing?
As part of a long-term citizen science project, we’ll head out on the trails each month just before dark to see what amphibians we can find! We’d love to have you join us! This event is geared for adults and teens. $15/person. Advanced registration required.
Join us for a morning of photography for KIDS ONLY! Our trained staff will help children ages 6-13 learn tricks and techniques for photographing wildlife. $10/member, $15/non-member. 10:00-11:30am. Space is limited to 10 children. Must bring your own camera. Advanced registration required.
Kid’s Photography Session
Our You and Me program is held once a month year-round, with Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday sessions available to choose from. Classes run 10:00-11:00 am or 11:15 am -12:15 pm. Ages 3-5. Cost is $10/child with one adult free. Registration includes refuge admission for child and parent. Extra adults must pay regular admission.
We will read, do a craft and head out and about on an adventure about the month’s theme. Space is limited to 12 children. Advanced registration required. *Please note: classes are held outdoors. Please dress for the weather.
Remaining 2023 Dates and Books:
- 12/9, 12/12 or 12/13 – Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson
Important Info:
- Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Registration can be made above. Please register each child separately.
- Parents are required to sign a release form once per school year so we have emergency contact information for all children. The form will be emailed to you after registration or can be completed at your first class.
- Due to the demand for our classes and numerous last minute cancellations. We require that payment be made at the time of registration. We will be unable to provide refunds or credits for changes in schedules/personal conflicts or other personal reasons. However, in the event of a class cancellation due to inclement weather we will offer all registrants a credit towards the next month’s class or a fee refund.
- These classes are “adult and me” so an adult is required to stay with the student. Younger siblings who are not enrolled in our program are welcome, but please make sure that they are not being disruptive to the other children. If we find a younger sibling is being disruptive to the class, we may ask you to excuse yourself from our program.
- Classes will be held outdoors. Only snow closings of the Medford Twp School District will cancel our classes. Please be sure your child is adequately prepared for weather conditions including rain, snow, sun, cold, and heat.
Questions/Concerns? Email our Education Department at education@cedarrun.org
NOTE: Sessions that are FULL will be removed from the sign-up list.
You and Me Payment
Our You and Me program is held once a month year-round, with Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday sessions available to choose from. Classes run 10:00-11:00 am or 11:15 am -12:15 pm. Ages 3-5. Cost is $10/child with one adult free. Registration includes refuge admission for child and parent. Extra adults must pay regular admission.
We will read, do a craft and head out and about on an adventure about the month’s theme. Space is limited to 12 children. Advanced registration required. *Please note: classes are held outdoors. Please dress for the weather.
Remaining 2023 Dates and Books:
- 12/9, 12/12 or 12/13 – Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson
Important Info:
- Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Registration can be made above. Please register each child separately.
- Parents are required to sign a release form once per school year so we have emergency contact information for all children. The form will be emailed to you after registration or can be completed at your first class.
- Due to the demand for our classes and numerous last minute cancellations. We require that payment be made at the time of registration. We will be unable to provide refunds or credits for changes in schedules/personal conflicts or other personal reasons. However, in the event of a class cancellation due to inclement weather we will offer all registrants a credit towards the next month’s class or a fee refund.
- These classes are “adult and me” so an adult is required to stay with the student. Younger siblings who are not enrolled in our program are welcome, but please make sure that they are not being disruptive to the other children. If we find a younger sibling is being disruptive to the class, we may ask you to excuse yourself from our program.
- Classes will be held outdoors. Only snow closings of the Medford Twp School District will cancel our classes. Please be sure your child is adequately prepared for weather conditions including rain, snow, sun, cold, and heat.
Questions/Concerns? Email our Education Department at education@cedarrun.org
NOTE: Sessions that are FULL will be removed from the sign-up list.
You and Me Payment
Our Knee-High Naturalists program is held once a month running September-November and March-June, with Wednesday or Thursday sessions available to choose from. We also hold a Family Night Hike (times vary) in December. Classes run 1:00-2:30 pm. Ages 4-5. Cost is $12/child with one adult free.
Classes coincide with our Homeschool Classes (ages 6-11) for families with children of multiple ages.
We will read, do a craft and head out and about on an adventure about the month’s theme. Space is limited to 12 children. Advanced registration required. *Please note: classes are held outdoors. Please dress for the weather.
2022-2023 Dates and Books:
- 9/7 or 9/8 – Senorita Mariposa by Ben Gundersheimer
- 10/5 or 10/6 – Because of An Acorn by Lola M. Schaefer
- 11/2 or 11/3 – Cubs First Winter by Rebecca Elliott
- December – NO CLASSES
- January – NO CLASSES
- 2/8 or 2/9 – SPECIAL SESSION: Family Night Hike (*5:30-7:00pm) – Register for this session here.
- 3/8 or 3/9 – Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature by Joyce Sidman
- 4/5 or 4/6 – Raindrops Roll by April Pulley Sayre
- 5/3 or 5/4 – My First Day by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page
- 6/7 or 6/8- Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner
Important Info:
- Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Registration can be made above. Please register each child separately.
- Parents are required to sign a release form once per school year so we have emergency contact information for all children. The form will be emailed to you after registration or can be completed at your first class.
- Due to the demand for our classes and numerous last minute cancellations. We require that payment be made at the time of registration. We will be unable to provide refunds or credits for changes in schedules/personal conflicts or other personal reasons. However, in the event of a class cancellation due to inclement weather we will offer all registrants a credit towards the next month’s class or a fee refund.
- These classes are “adult and me” so an adult is required to stay with the student. Younger siblings who are not enrolled in our program are welcome, but please make sure that they are not being disruptive to the other children. If we find a younger sibling is being disruptive to the class, we may ask you to excuse yourself from our program.
- Classes will be held outdoors, even if weather is inclement. Only snow closings of the Medford Twp School District will cancel our classes. Please be sure your child is adequately prepared for weather conditions including rain, snow, sun, cold, and heat.
Questions/Concerns? Email our Education Department at education@cedarrun.org
NOTE: Sessions that are FULL, or cancelled due to low numbers, will be removed from the sign-up list.
Knee-High Naturalists Payment
Our Knee-High Naturalists program is held once a month running September-November and March-June, with Wednesday or Thursday sessions available to choose from. We also hold a Family Night Hike (times vary) in December. Classes run 1:00-2:30 pm. Ages 4-5. Cost is $12/child with one adult free.
Classes coincide with our Homeschool Classes (ages 6-11) for families with children of multiple ages.
We will read, do a craft and head out and about on an adventure about the month’s theme. Space is limited to 12 children. Advanced registration required. *Please note: classes are held outdoors. Please dress for the weather.
2022-2023 Dates and Books:
- 9/7 or 9/8 – Senorita Mariposa by Ben Gundersheimer
- 10/5 or 10/6 – Because of An Acorn by Lola M. Schaefer
- 11/2 or 11/3 – Cubs First Winter by Rebecca Elliott
- December – NO CLASSES
- January – NO CLASSES
- 2/8 or 2/9 – SPECIAL SESSION: Family Night Hike (*5:30-7:00pm) – Register for this session here.
- 3/8 or 3/9 – Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature by Joyce Sidman
- 4/5 or 4/6 – Raindrops Roll by April Pulley Sayre
- 5/3 or 5/4 – My First Day by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page
- 6/7 or 6/8- Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner
Important Info:
- Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Registration can be made above. Please register each child separately.
- Parents are required to sign a release form once per school year so we have emergency contact information for all children. The form will be emailed to you after registration or can be completed at your first class.
- Due to the demand for our classes and numerous last minute cancellations. We require that payment be made at the time of registration. We will be unable to provide refunds or credits for changes in schedules/personal conflicts or other personal reasons. However, in the event of a class cancellation due to inclement weather we will offer all registrants a credit towards the next month’s class or a fee refund.
- These classes are “adult and me” so an adult is required to stay with the student. Younger siblings who are not enrolled in our program are welcome, but please make sure that they are not being disruptive to the other children. If we find a younger sibling is being disruptive to the class, we may ask you to excuse yourself from our program.
- Classes will be held outdoors, even if weather is inclement. Only snow closings of the Medford Twp School District will cancel our classes. Please be sure your child is adequately prepared for weather conditions including rain, snow, sun, cold, and heat.
Questions/Concerns? Email our Education Department at education@cedarrun.org
NOTE: Sessions that are FULL, or cancelled due to low numbers, will be removed from the sign-up list.
Knee-High Naturalists Payment
Our You and Me program is held once a month year-round, with Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday sessions available to choose from. Classes run 10:00-11:00 am or 11:15 am -12:15 pm. Ages 3-5. Cost is $10/child with one adult free. Registration includes refuge admission for child and parent. Extra adults must pay regular admission.
We will read, do a craft and head out and about on an adventure about the month’s theme. Space is limited to 12 children. Advanced registration required. *Please note: classes are held outdoors. Please dress for the weather.
Remaining 2023 Dates and Books:
- 12/9, 12/12 or 12/13 – Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson
Important Info:
- Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Registration can be made above. Please register each child separately.
- Parents are required to sign a release form once per school year so we have emergency contact information for all children. The form will be emailed to you after registration or can be completed at your first class.
- Due to the demand for our classes and numerous last minute cancellations. We require that payment be made at the time of registration. We will be unable to provide refunds or credits for changes in schedules/personal conflicts or other personal reasons. However, in the event of a class cancellation due to inclement weather we will offer all registrants a credit towards the next month’s class or a fee refund.
- These classes are “adult and me” so an adult is required to stay with the student. Younger siblings who are not enrolled in our program are welcome, but please make sure that they are not being disruptive to the other children. If we find a younger sibling is being disruptive to the class, we may ask you to excuse yourself from our program.
- Classes will be held outdoors. Only snow closings of the Medford Twp School District will cancel our classes. Please be sure your child is adequately prepared for weather conditions including rain, snow, sun, cold, and heat.
Questions/Concerns? Email our Education Department at education@cedarrun.org
NOTE: Sessions that are FULL will be removed from the sign-up list.
You and Me Payment
Experience the refuge in an exciting way, at night! Enjoy a guided hike at night to visit nocturnal habitats that are home to owls, raccoons, opossums and other wildlife that emerge after dark. Be there as the ‘night shift’ awakens. Program begins at the Nature Center. Hike is approximately 1 mile. $15/adult, $10/child. Suitable for ages 8 and up. Advanced registration required.
Please no birthday parties or scout programs for these events. If you are interested in hosting a birthday party or scout program at Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, please check out our website links for Birthday Parties & Scout Programs.
