Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge is the recipient of the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce 2015 Community Enrichment Award. As a component of the BCRCC’s 2015 Voice of Business Awards, Cedar Run is recognized for the significant contributions made to the community, including the professional and business components of Burlington County and beyond. South Jersey businesses, government officials and community leaders will gather to honor the Cedar Run team.
The Community Enrichment Award is offered to a non-profit organization or agency that makes Burlington County a better place to live, work and grow up. Award criteria dictates that the organization must also make a positive impact on the lives of residents within the county. Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge welcomes visitors throughout the year to its nature center, hiking trails, science based education programs and wildlife housing area where folks can see resident wildlife that cannot be returned to the wild due to their injuries.
The nature center offers fun and educational programs for all, with more than 20,000 students participating annually in Cedar Run’s school and scout programs. Hundreds more join them for naturalist hikes, night hikes, and birthday parties. More than 4,000 wild animals are treated in the rehabilitation hospital each year. Of those the Cedar Run staff and volunteers are able to treat, 57 percent are returned to the wild. Others, whose injuries prevent release, remain in the outdoor Wildlife Housing Area to help the public learn about native species.
Through the New Jersey Green Acres Program, the Woodford Family has been able to preserve Cedar Run for future generations. The leadership staff has plans to work with state and local agencies and other nonprofits to create a Greenway across the southern parts of Medford and Evesham Townships.
The Chamber’s Voice of Business awards program recognizes companies, not-for-profits, individuals and government entities for significant business, economic development and community contributions that make Burlington County a better place to live, work and play.
“We are delighted to accept this award,” said Cedar Run’s executive director, Jeanne Gural. “We have an incredible team of talented professionals who work passionately and innovatively to educate the community about New Jersey’s habitats and wildlife. We do what we do for the next generation, so that the youth of today will embrace the planet they’ll inherit with a natural desire to preserve, protect, explore and appreciate. This award is very much appreciated because it truly validates our original mission.”
Cedar Run will be honored during the Chamber’s Voice of Business Dinner Reception on Tuesday, April 28 at The Merion in Cinnaminson. The cocktail reception begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m., and a formal award presentation at 7:30 p.m.
