Medford NJ Wildlife Refuge ~ A Refuge You Could Never Refuse.

Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge

4 Saw Mill Road
Medford, NJ
Admission $5
Donations are welcome and all money goes to their care.

Yummygal’s Top things to do in the Philadelphia Area before you die.

The Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge or better known as the Medford Wildlife Refuge, sits quietly in the Braddock Mill section of Medford.

Braddock’s Mill Sign right outside the wildlife location

I’m going to give you a brief synopsis for all of you non South Jersey native folks. The name Braddock is synonymous with the town of Medford.

In the mid-1800s, William Braddock set up a sawmill in the area. They would cut down the forested oak trees in the vicinity and use a method called “charcoaling.” It consisted of burning these oak trees down for their carbon. The finished product of embers were bagged and shipped out to homes to provide fuel for the furnace. There is also a Braddock’s Tavern still in existence and was built in 1844 on the Main Street in Medford.
This tavern was purchased by another Braddock family member, Charles Braddock.

As you can see, the Braddock family ran most of the town of Medford.

Picture of the Woodford’s fireplace. Presently, the main building for the refuge. Notice the family pictures and pictures of the refuge’s animals.

Fast forward to 1951, a young couple looking for a summer retreat, purchased a home in Medford’s Pine Barrens. This couple would be Elizabeth or “Betty”, as she was referred to and her husband James Woodford. The land was wild and encompassed over 185 acres. They built a nice lodge home on the property in 1957.

The back of the home

After spending some time in their retreat that was recently constructed, the Woodford’s decided they would live in the town of Medford permanently. They became enamoured with the land and beauty.

Notice the stuffed squirrel with a birthday hat on. I love my quirky Jersey folks!

I also fell in love with the land immediately upon entering their driveway.

The forest surrounding the property

The Woodfords dedicated over 40 years of their life to Pineland preservation and aiding injured or sick wildlife. Their hobby turned into a full-scale operation. The refuge is now ran by their daughter Jeanne. The refuge is a top-notch immaculate animal hospital and education center. They take in between 4,000-6,000 injured animals a year and rehabilitate them. Only to hope they will be healed and released in the wild.

Cedar Run Lake on these magnificent grounds

When I first arrived here. I was blown away.

The staff is INCREDIBLY friendly and helpful with any questions you may have.

Uh oh, bear on the loose in the Woodford house.

As you exit the house and take in the nice indoor area and mural, make your way outside. They will provide you with a well-detailed map of the property. Including lots of gorgeous trails, where the animals are located and the Cedar Run Lake.

Beautiful mural. This is heaven, the wildlife refuge property. It actually puts a tear in my eye.

If you come here, you have to see the entire property. No if’s And’s or But’s. Take the white trail towards the left of the property. Trust me.

Have I ever steered you wrong?

Follow me my friends

Moms with a stroller, don’t worry it’s an easy trail. I took my son along and toured the entire property with him in his personal means of transportation.

The white trail Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge

Along the path, you will encounter pretty little bridges such as this and some wildlife. We actually saw some squirrels that were playing and they ran straight towards us. We screamed. These squirrels were not use to human interaction.

Sigh

Sigh again

You will eventually come out to see this most magnificent place on earth.

The refuge.

Sassafras will greet you first.

Sassafras the friendly white-tailed deer

Each animal has a name and a story. The exhibits/pens of these animals are EXTREMELY clean and large for them to spread themselves out.

The story of my swan friend

He runs free on the property

The animals are beautiful. They don’t seem stressed. They actually seem quite happy. The volunteers we met were all wonderful and truly care about the animals.

Ducks and Geese loving eachother

One animal I felt sad for is Little Joe.

Little Joe

Little Joe a red-tailed hawk. He just lost his mate of 25 years in May of this year, Big Momma.

RIP Big Momma

They are in the process of finding little Joe a compatible mate at this time.

The Woodford Refuge is a beautiful place.The kids will absolutely love it and be educated. The parents may have to take out a tissue after reading all of the animals’ stories.

I saw every single creature on display. Hiked every trail. Even the blue trail which is a bit more rustic.

Bald Eagles

After you are done seeing the animals, check out the rest of the trails and then make your way to the gorgeous bridge.

Cedar Mill Bridge

This bridge was dedicated to The Woodland Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge in honor of Jeanne Woodford. Current president (and daughter of James and Elizabeth Woodford) of this magical place.

Honorary plaque

The gorgeous bridge offers pure beauty and serenity.

Cedar Run Lake

My swan friend coming to pay me a visit.

Hey Babycakes!

another shot

You need to run here. Run here as fast as you can. We need to sponsor these local places that actually do good here in our backyard. The Woodland Refuge is more beautiful than the Philadelphia and the Cape May Zoos combined.

This place is entirely run on public donation. Please support this facility. They offer educational and summer camp workshops for the kids, as well as scout programs. Also, birthday parties are welcome to be held here.

Bring a picnic lunch

My only suggestion to the refuge management is to do what the Cape May Zoo does.
Place donation boxes throughout the property.

I think people would be more giving especially after seeing these exquisite creatures.

Pedestrian Bridge

This is a first-class place.

My son and I enjoying our day at the refuge

You will walk away educated and with an immediate desire to return.

Like I said, run here. As FAST as you can.

The grounds are immaculate and it’s a great place to educate and bring the kids.