Woodlands Wildlife Refuge 14th Annual Community Day

Tucked into a corner of Hunterdon County, Woodlands Wildlife Refuge has been caring for and releasing thousands of orphaned and injured native wild animals since 1986. On Sunday, October 4^th, from 1 pm – 5 pm, Woodlands will hold its annual Community Day, offering the public a rare opportunity to visit one of New Jersey’s foremost wildlife rehabilitation facilities. Due to the nature of its work, Woodlands is normally closed to the public except for patient admissions and scheduled education programs.

Community Day is an interactive, fun and educational family day!  The afternoon includes self-guided tours, and the Kid’s Den, an interactive area with wildlife focused activities and crafts. Wildlife experts will be on hand to discuss a variety of topics including your wild neighbors, solutions to wildlife concerns, black bears and the state’s threatened and endangered species. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet Woodlands’ resident Sulcata tortoise, Eastern box turtle, American toad, tree frogs, corn snake, and raccoon and discover how these non-releasable education animals benefit Woodlands.

This year’s event features several exciting scheduled live animal presentations to foster an appreciation and understanding of wildlife. Snakes-n-Scales and Eyes of The Wild will be on site to present educational reptile and mammal programs. These thrilling shows will allow visitors to see these live animals up close and learn about their natural habits and habitats. The requested admission donation includes tours, presentations, food and refreshments, and select kid’s activities.  

Today, Woodlands, under the direction of Tracy Leaver, cares for over 2,000 animals a year including raccoons, skunks, opossums, woodchucks, rabbits, coyotes, foxes, river otters, beavers, turtles, snakes and porcupines, among others. It is the only facility in New Jersey licensed to care for the state’s endangered bobcat and Timber rattlesnake, and the primary rehabilitation facility for black bears.

Event sponsorships and reservations may be made online at http://woodlandswildlife.org/communityday, by phone at       908-730-8300 or by check to Woodlands Wildlife Refuge P.O. Box 5046 Clinton, NJ 08809. Tickets reserved before September 27^th receive a $5.00 discount off the $25 requested admission donation. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Reservations are not required but will be helpful in planning. Event will be rain or shine. Visit http://woodlandswildlife.org/communityday for full event information.