“Autumn with the Animals” and “Hoot, Waddle and Stroll” are the anticipated events for the fall.
You’ll be going wild for wildlife with two fall events at Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge held within the same week. Both celebrate the season and benefit the non-profit. The family-favorite event “Autumn with the Animals” takes place Sunday, Sept. 16. Then on Sept. 22, the following Saturday, runners and families alike can enjoy the fifth annual “Hoot, Waddle and Stroll” 5K trail run and walk.
The unique 5K single-track trail run used for “Hoot, Waddle, and Stroll” is almost entirely on the property of Cedar Run. The course is flat with varied terrain and scenic views, and participants must maneuver through tree ruts, steps, bridges and soft sand. The top finishers in several age categories will receive awards.
Those not feeling up to the 5K challenge can walk the one-mile path or have fun in a nature-based play area. The one-mile route follows a less-rugged trail, which is perfect for strollers and young children. Cedar Run’s resident wildlife also will be nearby to hoot for the participants, and everyone is invited to walk to the wildlife housing area after the race.
Check in will begin at 7:30 a.m. on the day of the race, and the 5K will start at 9 a.m. Walkers will begin at 9:15 a.m. and the award ceremony will take place at approximately 10:30 a.m. Participants must register by Sept. 13 to secure their spot at the starting line. The cost is $25 per person and $20 for students and $10/1/2 mile walker. Find registration forms at http://www.CedarRun.org/content/Visit_us/5k_trail.asp.
“The 5K course is beginner to intermediate, and the racers get a chance to travel across some of the most picturesque parts of Medford. We also offer a one-mile walk, suitable for strollers and small children,” said Executive Director Jeanne Gural. “The best part about this event is that proceeds go to Cedar Run, supporting wildlife rehabilitation, nature-based education and habitat preservation.”
“Autumn with the Animals” will also benefit Cedar Run and is held on Sunday, Sept. 16. This much-anticipated event is an annual family tradition in Medford that children and adults of all ages can enjoy. The event runs from 11am to 4pm and features wildlife programs, live music, nature hikes, child-friendly games, crafts, food, canoeing and much more. This year, Cedar Run is excited to welcome our annual sponsors, Holman Automotive as a sponsor and partner for both of the fall events. Special guest appearances for this year’s Autumn with the Animals include Cedar Run’s mascot SCOUT and Smokey the Bear.
Brother Bear BBQ & Catering and the other local Medford favorites will serve up delicious food and ice cream treats as guests enjoy walking through the festival. Companies and organizations that will attend and provide family-fun activities include LL Bean, REI, Burlington County Parks Department, Marine Mammal Stranding Center, The Wetlands Institute and many more.
Purchase tickets at the entrance to the festival: $10 per person, ($8 for Cedar Run members) children 3 and under are free.
Cedar Run’s wildlife rehabilitation hospital is the busiest in the state, and operates entirely from private funding and donations. The hospital, which treats more than 4,700 wild animals each year, is in need of additional funding to support its work in 2018. Sponsorships are available for both events, supporting Cedar Run and its mission. For more information on sponsorships, contact Shannon Kilpatrick, Cedar Run Donor Relations Manager at (856) 983–3329 x 102 or via email at Shannon.Kilpatrick@CedarRun.org.
