To celebrate Endangered Species Day, we’ll have a fun visit with one of our resident ambassadors! Grab your lunch and come on over to hang out with a mystery feathered, scaly or furry friend. Questions welcome! 12:00pm. Suitable for all ages. This is a free program included with daily admission or membership, but donations to support our work are always welcome! Advanced registration required. This event will take place outside so please dress for the weather.
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.
Questions? Email [email protected] for more info.
Experience the refuge in an exciting way, at night! Enjoy a guided hike under the darkness of the new moon 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. 8:00-9:30pm. ADULTS ONLY! $15/person. 20 participants maximum. Advanced registration required.
This event is now full!
As part of a long-term citizen science project, Cedar Run aims to observe the quality and life of one of its most prominent features, Cedar Run Lake. What is Citizen Science? During this project, we will collect physical and chemical samples to determine the biological health and sustainability. This sampling will be done by means of collecting water in specimen cups and performing field tests, and will later entail a macroinvertebrate collection!
On May 20th our session will be combining Citizen Science and our Nature Journaling and Field Sketching classes! Registering for one experience gets you the other! The morning session, 10am, is geared toward ages 8-12. The afternoon session, 1pm, is for ages 13 and up. $15 ages 8-12 or $20 ages 13 and up. Pricing includes Refuge admission. Advanced registration required.
Registration for this event has ended.
Give your child a break from screen time and encourage a connectedness to nature by providing the skill of nature journaling! This journal is not only a record of observations in their natural surroundings, but one that has value in the process as well. It encourages your child to increase their mindfulness of their natural habitat and pay attention to detail. The goal is to increase an appreciation of nature’s beauty, improve recognition of different species, and have an understanding of their local flora and fauna. Classes will run once monthly, and participants are encouraged to come as often as they can. Nature is always changing! 10:00-11:30 am. Suitable for ages 8-12*. $15/child. Fee includes daily Refuge admission for the participant only. Add on a Cedar Run journal for an additional $10 (retails for $15). Advanced registration required. Please register each participant separately.
*Note: This is an optional drop-off program for children – 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.
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.
This event is now full. Keep an eye out for our fall session!
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.
As part of a long-term citizen science project, Cedar Run aims to observe the quality and life of one of its most prominent features, Cedar Run Lake. What is Citizen Science? During this project, we will collect physical and chemical samples to determine the biological health and sustainability. This sampling will be done by means of collecting water in specimen cups and performing field tests, and will later entail a macroinvertebrate collection!
On May 20th our session will be combining Citizen Science and our Nature Journaling and Field Sketching classes! Registering for one experience gets you the other! The morning session, 10am, is geared toward ages 8-12. The afternoon session, 1pm, is for ages 13 and up. $15 ages 8-12 or $20 ages 13 and up. Pricing includes Refuge admission. Advanced registration required.
Registration for this event has ended.
Whether you’re looking for a creative spark for your artistic expression, a way to develop your observational skills, or an immersive and mindful journey through nature, this course will guide you with friendly art instruction and engaging practice sessions that will help you make the most out of your journaling. Joining an in-person nature journaling group can be an amazing experience. Sitting in nature with others and exploring the world brings community, connection and mutual support. Classes will run once monthly, and participants are encouraged to come as often as they can. Nature is always changing! 1:00-2:30pm. Ages 13 and up*. $20/person. Fee includes daily Refuge admission for the participant only. Add on a Cedar Run journal for an additional $10 (retails for $15). Advanced registration required. Please register each participant separately.
*Note: This is an optional drop-off program for children – 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.
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.
We wanted to celebrate our founders, Betty & Jim Woodford and all that they created here at Cedar Run. Come spend an afternoon tea hearing some words from Co-founder Jeanne Woodford as she shares memories of growing up at the refuge, her work in conservation and preserving the 171 acres we know as Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge today! After tea we will take you on a guided hike around Cedar Run and our wildlife housing area to see how it all got started.
Celebrate our founders with us and share your memories of Betty & Jim and your adventures at Cedar Run over the years. We will have tea, light snacks and some prizes for everyone to win!
Space is limited, advanced registration required.
Our History
In 1951, Jim and Betty Woodford bought a 185-acre parcel of land, in what were then the wilds of Medford Township, to use as a summer getaway.
They quickly fell in love with the beauty of the Pinelands and decided to live here full time. By 1957 they built their first home with a view of the lake, and founded Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge. Betty became a local authority on the flora and fauna of the NJ Pinelands, and quickly began teaching others what she knew.
Over the next 40 years, Betty and Jim 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 ultimate dream was realized when a Green Acres grant preserved Cedar Run’s land and buildings for future generations.
Enjoy a special day at the refuge in celebration of World Turtle Day! Kids can make a special craft inside the Nature Center and check out our turtle-y cool artifacts. And don’t forget to say “hi” to our resident turtles while you’re in! All ages welcome. Program included with the price of admission. No pre-registration needed.
Thank you for supporting Cedar Run’s mission of the preservation and protection of New Jersey’s wildlife and habitats through education, conservation and rehabilitation. You make a direct impact in our community!
Join us for some time around the campfire for some delicious s’mores and stargazing! Ages 8 and up preferred. Advanced registration required. Non-members – $15/adult, $10/child; members free.
Not a member, but want to be? Check out our membership page.
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.
