It’s a story that is truly warm and fuzzy:Woodlands Wildlife Refuge and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) have teamed up to give rehabilitated native animals in New Jersey a new lease on life.
A Place to Call Home:
Since rehabilitated critters need to return to
their natural habitat at a location near where they were originally
found, not all of Woodlands’ patients head for TNC land. But having
the habitat available for locals is extremely helpful. “The partnership
with TNC has considerably expanded our network of release site
options,” says Leaver. “This can be especially beneficial when
we set free animals that have to establish their territory. TNC
land gives them a bit more breathing space.” For TNC, the relationship
aligns perfectly. “At its most basic level, this is what conservation
is about,” says Olsen. “We protect the lands and waters on which
all life depends, and that includes skunks!”
Watch our videos below to see how
Woodlands Wildlife Refuge and TNC work together.
Raccoon Release: Follow the journey of four orphaned baby raccoons from rehabilitation at Woodlands Wildlife Refuge to release in the wild.
When they are old enough or fully healed, the animals
need to be released back into the wild, and that’s where The
Nature Conservancy comes in. For more than 60 years, TNC has been
protecting lands and waters in New Jersey. Their network of nature
preserves throughout the state provide much-needed habitat for a
wide variety of wildlife. “Our preserves offer quality habitat,”
says Eric Olsen, Director of Land for TNC in New Jersey. “Often
the sites are away from roads and development, and provide the right
forest, field and water resources to give wildlife the best chance
for survival.”
Wildlife Release: Skunk The Nature Conservancy
and Woodlands Wildlife Refuge have teamed up to give rehabilitated
native animals in New Jersey a new lease on life.
Protecting Land and Water: We use science to identify the most critical lands to protect for people, wildlife and resilience to climate change. To date, TNC has protected over 60,000 acres of critical natural lands in New Jersey. Healthy, connected lands are crucial to wildlife more than ever as they struggle with habitat loss and forest fragmentation. In Northwestern New Jersey, we are focused on protecting land in Bobcat Alley, a 32,000-acre corridor linking the Highlands to the Appalachians that provides vital habitat for species like endangered bobcats and other wildlife who need room to roam. The habitat corridor is anchored by two TNC preserves, Johnsonburg Swamp to the east and Blair Creek to the west. Both offer beautiful scenery, fresh air and are open to the public. Enjoy varied hike opportunities, and an up-close look at quintessential New Jersey landscapes that our wildlife rely on.
Bobcat Release: This orphaned bobcat was released
into preserved habitat in Bobcat Alley, a conservation priority
for TNC. Connected forests and fields in our heavily trafficked
state are critical for bobcats and other wildlife.
Help Support Our Efforts