Results: The co-founders of the Refuge were Hope Sawyer Buyukmihci and Cavit Buyukmihci. Hope was an impassioned naturalist, artist, activist and writer. Her compassion was infectious and Cavit, a metallurgical engineer, fully embraced an ethic of reverence for all life. Together, they recognized early on that the biggest threat to wildlife involves loss of habitat through destruction or fragmentation. As a result, they donated their land and home in the New Jersey Pinelands region to begin Unexpected Wildlife Refuge in 1961. Since then, the Refuge has achieved nonprofit status and has added additional contiguous land so that today it encompasses 767 acres of vital habitat comprising wetlands, forests, bogs and standing ponds. This provides living opportunities for hundreds of species of amphibians, birds, insects, mammals, reptiles and other animals, and plants. Some are considered biologically threatened (Pine Barrens tree frog), endangered (red-bellied turtle) and scarce (southern twayblade orchid and the wild lupine, the latter which is the only known host plant for the nationally endangered butterfly, the Karner blue).
From its inception, the Refuge has remained undeveloped and wild, with the exception of miles of nominally maintained and minimally intrusive trails. These trails provide an avenue for public outreach and education as well as protecting the Refuge's borders. Hunting, fishing, trapping and other consumptive exploitation have always been prohibited. Peaceful coexistence with wildlife is a key part of wildlife and habitat protection and the Refuge extends its influence beyond its borders to help the public achieve this.
The Refuge has always been frugal in its management, never having more than one paid employee. The latter has traditionally been a director, living onsite and providing a positive presence throughout the year. Extensive use of volunteers for things like border patrol during hunting 'seasons' or maintaining trails has kept operating costs to a minimum. Administrative management is through a dedicated, all-volunteer Council of Trustees.
Target demographics: natural habitat and wildlife
Geographic areas served: New Jersey, USA
Programs: 1. Educational forums for the public (onsite and elsewhere);
2. Working with the public to humanely resolve wildlife-human conflicts, particularly between beavers and people;
3. Nominally maintained trails for guided access to the Refuge in order to encourage a 'hands-on' education about wildlife issues and to promote a non-consumptive appreciation for wildlife;
4. Opportunities to artists, photographers and serious nature enthusiasts for observing, painting, photographing, sketching or audio or video recording animals and plants in their native habitat;
5. Community outreach through local events such as fairs, art shows and similar; and
6. Educational material via standard mail or our Web site.
