Resident creates refuge mini-documentary

Medford resident and Rider University student Emily Mazzio didn’t expect to make a large impact after creating a mini-documentary on the Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge.

The final project, which she expected only her class and professor to see, has become popular on the animal refuge’s Facebook page.

Additionally, the video is used during classes and events outside the refuge, and is listed on the refuge’s website, according to Becca Gutwirth, director of education and outreach.

Mazzio was around 8 years old when she visited the wildlife center for a frog program, which always stuck with her and eventually inspired her five-minute documentary.

“People love animals and you can get right up close and personal with them,” Mazzio said.

Mazzio filmed during volunteer day, when the refuge is packed with kids donating their time to help the non-profit organization.

“I thought it was amazing. You see so many kids sitting indoors and playing video games, and here they were cleaning up the area and seeing the wildlife,” Mazzio said. “I don’t think people get to see that every day.”

According to Gutwirth, the response to the video has been nothing but positive.

“People just don’t know we’re here, even as close as Medford,” Gutwirth said. “Some people get on the Facebook page hoping to see a photo of an animal here or there, but with the video get an in-depth look at what we do here.”

Gutwirth emphasized the facility is much more than an animal hospital, providing tours and classes to children on field trips, in addition to hosting events. Guests have the ability to visit for a minimal fee, which is used by the refuge to take care of the animals and upkeep of the facility.

“The video did us justice,” Gutwirth said.

Mazzio is considering making a second installment to the video.

“I had a blast filming it,” Mazzio said. “I was like a little kid, just as excited as everyone else.”

Mazzio hosts a radio show about sustainability at Rider University and would consider having members from the refuge on the show as guests.

“What’s more sustainable than saving wildlife and setting them free?” Mazzio asked.

“I think it’s hard to get people to notice it, from both ends of the spectrum,” Gutwirth said.

“Kids living here in Medford come and see it and kids from Camden come see it, who might have never been this up-close to animals and nature like this.”

Gutwirth notes the refuge is a year-round destination. There’s something new to discover with each season, from the types of trees that live through the winter and the nests discovered, to the uplands and wetlands to the spring and summer, which is generally baby season for the refuge, she said.

“I think it’s a neat thing to see the natural places around. Things change so much from season to season, you can compare and contrast,” Gutwirth said.

The refuge provides educational sessions to local schools.

Students from Medford Township School District haven’t been able to get the same experiences they were afforded in previous years, though, according to Gutwirth, because Medford’s budget cuts reduced the number of field trips students could go on each year.

“They’re not able to come out as much as they usually can,” Gutwirth said. “We were able to get a grant that takes us into the classroom.”

Mazzio emphasizes the importance of discovering the surrounding wildlife and animals in the area, and hopes more people can make a trip to visit, especially as the months get warmer and school is out.

“You live in the area but you don’t know, besides your neighborhood, what’s in the area, what kind of plants bloom. I came here when I was 8 and it stuck with me so much,” Mazzio said. “It’s really important. One little trip out here can stick with you for a lifetime.”

To learn more about Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge and to view Mazzio’s video, visit www.cedarrun.org.