Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife and Refuge is acknowledging National Poetry Month by inviting the public to be inspired by the natural world and submit original poetry to its Nature Poetry Contest.
The winning poem will be published in the refuge’s summer 2026 “Tales from Cedar Run” newsletter. Poems do not have to center on Cedar Run, but should in some way focus on the natural. All ages are welcome to compete.
Entries must be submitted by April 12 at midnight, with a $5 fee. Contestants may submit a maximum of three poems on a maximum of five pages, with only one entry per poet. Only original work will be considered; plagiarized poems or poems created by or with the assistance of AI will be disqualified.
The winner will be announced in early May. All proceeds from the contest go directly to Cedar Run, whose mission is the preservation and protection of New Jersey’s wildlife and habitats.

