2


A quarterly publication of the Friends of

Heinz Refuge at Tinicum

Board of Directors Denis Brennan, President

Ron Miller, Vice President

Joe Pugh, Treasurer

Fran Miller, Secretary

Annemarie Rapp, Store Mgr.

Jean Diehl, Newsletter Editor

Jesse Smith, Webmaster

Debbie Beer

Hank Hox

Chuck Lafferty

Ned Levi

Stanley Rapp

Tom Reeves

The Friends of Heinz Refuge at Tinicum is a non-profit

cooperating association founded in 1997 to assist the U. S. Fish &

Wildlife Service in carrying out its educational, interpretive, and

public use missions on the refuge.

8601 Lindbergh Boulevard

Philadelphia, PA 19153

Contact email address:

[email protected]

Also find us on Facebook!!

Marsh MusingsMarsh MusingsMarsh Musings

The official registration and financial information of the Friends of the Heinz Refuge at Tinicum may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999.

At Heinz Refuge you admire a

colorful butterfly on a flower. Do

you know what it is? And, do you

know how it lives and what it needs

to survive? From our elementary

school days, we probably remember

that each butterfly was once an egg.

The egg hatches into a caterpillar.

After eating, this little creature

builds a chrysalis. Magically, it

transforms itself and emerges as an

adult butterfly. Eric Carle told that

story well in The Very Hungry Cat-

erpillar. He was wrong about the

caterpillar eating chocolate cake, but

certainly got it right about the leaves.

Heinz is a great place to enjoy and

identify adult butterflies. They are

plentiful on flowers in the Pollinator

Garden and elsewhere. With a little

practice you’ll be able to name the

large, stunning butterflies like

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Red

Admiral, and Mourning Cloak. With

binoculars you can appreciate their

intricate markings and identify

smaller butterflies like azures and

hairstreaks.

Butterflies need flowers, but leaves

are essential, too. Each species of

butterfly caterpillar requires a

particular kind of leaves. A

Monarch butterfly must lay its eggs

on a milkweed plant because its

caterpillar can’t eat any other leaves.

Similarly, Spicebush Swallowtail

requires Spicebush or Sassafras.

Any adult butterfly can identify its

correct host plants and lays its eggs

only on leaves that its caterpillars

can digest. Many butterfly species

are in decline because they can’t find

their requisite host plants.

Butterflies: Enjoy Them,

Learn Them, Preserve Them

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Butterfly Walks

June 22 & August 31;

Butterfly Count, July 20 (See page 16 for details)

Guide book: Butterflies of North

America by Jim P. Brock and Kenn

Kaufman, Kaufman Focus Guides

(always available in Tinicum

Treasures Gift Shop)

Children are helping butterflies at

Heinz. Kindergarteners from

Longstreth Elementary School have

created a Pollinator Garden with

guidance from their teacher, Chuck

Lafferty. They planted native flow-

ers for the adult butterflies. They

also included the butterflies’ host

plants. Look for caterpillars on the

native perennial milkweeds, asters,

lupines, and violets and on shrubs

such as Highbush Blueberry,

Spicebush, and the viburnums. By

growing the native plants that butter-

flies need, these children are doing

their part to conserve butterflies.

We need more butterfly gardens.

Each of us can plant nectar-

producing native flowers and the

host plants butterflies require. And,

please don’t kill the butterflies and

their caterpillars with pesticides. In

our own yards we can enjoy

butterflies, learn about them, and

help assure their future.

Native Butterfly Plants at

Heinz for Home Gardeners

Asters, Beardtongue, Bee Balm,

Blueberries, Evening Primrose,

Lupine, Milkweeds, Spicebush,

V i b u r n u m s , a n d V i o l e t s . Edie Parnum

A Colorful Buckeye - by Cliff Hence

3


Eastwick Coalition Winning Strategy

“Information is Power” the Darby and Cobbs Creek water-

sheds are increasingly burdened by

urban development.

Additionally, the Folcroft and

Clearview Landfills add a significant

level of complexity, due to their re-

spective locations along the lower

Darby Creek. Operating from the

1950’s to 1970’s, these landfills are

now classified as a national priority

Superfund site, and any flood mitiga-

tion proposals must consider Envi-

ronmental Protection Agency (EPA)

plans for the sites.

Clearly there is much work to be

done, but the Friends of Heinz Ref-

uge remains dedicated to its partner-

ship with Eastwick, and confident of

ongoing successes. Indeed, the fu-

ture of Heinz Refuge resides within

surrounding communities!

Debbie Beer

The Friends of Heinz Refuge re-

mains committed to active engage-

ment in the Eastwick Friends &

Neighbors Coalition (EFNC), as a

founding partner of the organization

and community stakeholder.

The Coalition has succeeded in

halting construction of a high-

density rental apartment complex

planned for 35 acres of green space

adjacent to Heinz Refuge, fostering a

positive relationship with Local Dis-

trict Councilman Kenyatta Johnson

in the process. But there is much

more work to be done on our mis-

sion to plan and advocate for envi-

ronmentally, economically and so-

cially sustainable development for

Eastwick.

Knowing that information is

power, EFNC is determined to pro-

vide Eastwick residents and stake-

holders with as much information as

possible, about key issues and cir-

cumstances that impact physical and

social health. Community awareness

is a critical component to empower-

ing people to make informed deci-

sions about the future of Eastwick,

including John Heinz National Wild-

life Refuge.

Committees have been established

to focus on such topics as flooding,

economic development, tourism,

municipal involvement, education,

and community outreach.

EFNC has engaged with the Phila-

delphia Water Department (PWD),

to review and develop solutions to

the serious local and catastrophic

flooding that occurs in Eastwick.

Residents, experts and officials rec-

ognize the enormity of the task, con-

sidering that the Philadelphia region

is impacted by rising sea levels, and

Hurricane Irene flooded the Heinz

Refuge and Eastwick in August 2011.

Photo by Debbie Beer

Meet Refuge Summer

Intern ~ Erica Forstater, who will be a sophomore at Cornell

University this fall, majoring in

Environmental Science and Sustain-

ability, then concentrate on Forest or

Wetland Ecology during her junior/

senior years. She attended Walter

Biddle Saul High School of Agricul-

tural Sciences, participating in Envi-

ronmental Science competitions each

year. Those competitions led her to

the Student Conservation Associa-

tion, and resulted in her participation

in SCA for three years. Having loved

every minute of it, she is happy to

get to work again this year as a CDIP

intern. Erica is passionate about

teaching others what she knows

about the environment, yet realizes

how much she still has to learn.

In addition to conservation work,

Erica loves to read and draw. She

had the joy of creating art for an

exhibit at her university, for “We

Step Into The Light”, an event high-

lighting survivors of sexual assault

and abuse. She hopes to continue her

artwork this summer, preferably with

inspiration from John Heinz NWR,

and to find some good conservation

related books this summer (in addi-

tion to good old fiction).

4


New Interior Secretary Named

In other exciting news from Wash-

ington, Sally Jewell has been con-

firmed as our new Secretary of the

Interior and has already shown

strong support for connecting youth

with nature… a primary goal of John

Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.

In a statement of the Outdoors Alli-

ance for Kids (OAK) Sally Jewell

showed herself to be a steadfast

champion for connecting children

with nature. Under Jewell’s leader-

ship, REI was an early supporter and

co-founder of the Outdoor Alliance

for Kids (OAK). The commitment of

Jewell and her company to improve

access & opportunities for children

and communities to explore & enjoy

the natural world is extra ordinary”

Expanded Role of Partnerships

and Volunteers Seen as Vital

While partnerships and volunteers

have always been very important,

they will become even more so in

the future as we all work together to

find creative new ways to accom-

plish our shared mission of conser-

vation. Some great examples have

already been shown with the Friends

of Heinz Refuge sponsoring Darby

Creek Cleanup and the Cradle of

Birding Festival, while the Eastwick

Friends and Neighbors Coalition are

busy working on protecting our bor-

derlands. Exciting new partnerships

such as the Philadelphia Science

Festival and Boo at the Zoo now

reach thousands of new folks. Ref-

uge volunteers continue their impor-

tant role in the visitor center, leading

guided walks and battling invasive

weeds.

Refuge Improvements on the

Near Horizon

On the construction side of things,

the new solar and geothermal exhib-

its will be installed this summer.

Also, look for the new interpretive

kiosk displays at both the route 420

refuge entrance, and at our canoe

launch.

Additional road work is being do-

nated by AP Construction and Tini-

cum Township to raise the levee by

the Long Hook Creek self-regulated

tidal gate. This work will improve

access and provide better flood pro-

tection for the township. Once again,

summer will bring the Student Con-

servation Association crews to the

refuge, working on various projects

around the refuge.

It is my hope that you will all enjoy

the longer summer days with healthy

outdoor activities here at John Heinz

NWR. Remember to bring your

friends and families on out to enjoy

the Refuge’s many free programs

offered every weekend and discover

new ways to connect back to nature

on your National Wildlife Refuge

System…....where wildlife comes

naturally.

Spring and Summer Wildlife

Abounding at Heinz Refuge

As summertime fast approaches

with field season underway, be sure

to take the time to enjoy these longer

days outdoors in nature. With more

than ten miles of exciting nature

trails at John Heinz NWR, there is

always something new to discover.

The refuge’s two youngest bald ea-

gles are doing well as are this year’s

broods of great horned owls, wood

ducks and many nesting songbirds.

State endangered leopard frogs were

confirmed breeding in several sites

this year on the refuge again this

spring. From brilliant color flashes

of yellow warblers, Baltimore ori-

oles or scarlet tanagers among the

treetops, to basking turtles sunning

themselves upon logs, rocks and

shorelines, to perhaps even the quick

blur of mink, beaver or river otter on

a lucky day the refuge is urban treas-

ure serving as an oasis for wildlife

within a concrete jungle.

Hope Amongst Budget Cuts

While federal agency budgets have

been significantly reduced this year

and are expected to be potentially

tighter in years to come, there is in-

deed a bright hope. The President’s

budget proposal actually calls for a

significant increase to the National

Wildlife Refuge System, as well as a

proposal to make a permanent annual

allocation from the Land and Water

Conservation Fund (Congressional

Act passed in 1965 that provides

dollars for refuge land acquisition

and other very important conserva-

tion programs).

By Gary Stolz

With wings spread in anticipation of

flight, this elegant Great Blue Heron is

but one of several that can be seen any

day at the refuge.

Photo by Angele Marzi

5


Heinz Refuge was delighted to

coordinate state-wide participation in

the Junior Duck Stamp program, as

we have done for many years, since

the program’s inception in 1989.

This year's contest entries reflected

impressive drawing, painting and

writing skills from more than 300

students all across Pennsylvania!

The Junior Duck Stamp Conserva-

tion and Design Program is a

dynamic, art and science program

designed to teach wetlands habitat

and waterfowl conservation, and

help reconnect youth with the out-

doors. The program guides students

in grades K-12 using scientific and

wildlife observation principles, to

communicate visually what they

have learned through an entry into

the Junior Duck Stamp art contest.

This cross-curriculum approach

brings new interest to both the sci-

ences and the arts. The program

crosses cultural, ethnic, social and

geographic boundaries to teach

greater awareness of our nation's

natural resources.

On March 25, 2013, a quiet snowy

morning at Heinz Refuge, several

judges from professional artist or

wildlife conservation backgrounds

gathered to carefully review and

choose this year’s winners. It wasn’t

easy to choose, but Pennsylvania

state “Best of Show” was awarded to

17-year old Nathanael Weiss of

Lebanon PA, for his striking acrylic,

"Cinnamon Teals on Shrinking

Pond." Nathanael was mentored by

Wayne Hagy of Lebanon County

Career and Technology Center,

whose program has produced many

previous Junior Duck Stamp state

winners.

Many awards were given to 4 dif-

ferent age categories, for 1st, 2nd, 3rd

places and Honorable Mentions.

Junior Duck Stamp Inspires Conservation and Artistry

Nathanael’s Best of Show painting

was forwarded to the national-level

contest, where he earned “Honorable

Mention” from more than 50 entries.

We are particularly pleased to

highlight participation from the

nearby Pepper Middle School,

whose fifth grade students have been

actively engaged in science classes at

Heinz Refuge throughout the 2012-

13 school year. More than 40 Pep-

per students age 10-12 submitted

paintings in this year’s Junior Duck

Stamp contest. They learned about

the importance of wetlands habitat,

drew and painted pictures of water-

fowl, and wrote conservation mes-

sages. For many of the children of

this underserved, urban community,

the Junior Duck Stamp program pro-

vided unprecedented opportunity to

integrate hands-on wildlife experi-

ences with artistic expression. Their

pride and achievement were amazing

to witness, when special (unofficial)

prizes were awarded for their efforts!

Many thanks to all the individuals

and organizations who helped facili-

tate the 21st year of a successful

Junior Duck Stamp program, includ-

ing John Heinz National Wildlife

Refuge staff, Friends of Heinz Ref-

uge, PA Young Birders, expert

judges and volunteers. Such dedi-

cated leadership, support and part-

nerships serve to connect countless

children to nature through science

and art!

The proceeds from the sale of the

national winning entry are used to

support conservation education,

awards, and scholarships. Curricu-

lum and more information on the

program can be found at: http://

www.fws.gov/juniorduck/.

Debbie Beer

In nearby Eastwick, Pepper Middle

School students, assisted by refuge

staff, and volunteers from PA Young

Birders, Artsphere and FOHR, prepare

their entries for the 2013 Junior Duck

Stamp contest.

Photo by Adrian Binns

Judges for the Pennsylvania 2013

Junior Duck Stamp contest, are

determining which of this year’s

finalists will be chosen as this year’s

“best of show”.

Photo by Debbie Beer

Pennsylvania Junior Duck Stamp “Best

of Show” ~ Cinnamon Teals on a

Shrinking Pond”, contributed by

Nathaneal Weiss of Lebanon, PA.

Photo by FWS

http://www.fws.gov/juniorduck/

http://www.fws.gov/juniorduck/

6


Program Descriptions

Bird Walks Last 2—3 hours and are suitable

for all levels of birders. Weather

dependent. Binoculars are avail-

able at front desk.

Story Time

Best for children age 4 to 7.

Nature Explorers

Includes a short program and

walk. This program is best for chil-

dren 8 to 12.

Flower Walks

Dick Cloud leads walks in all sea-

sons looking at plants.

Trail Tamers

Join Hank Hox and the mainte-

nance volunteers for a good work-

out! Generally 3 hours long.

Photo Walks

Learn nature photography from an

expert. Beginners to advanced

photographers welcome. Lasts 2-3

hours. Bring your own camera.

Butterfly Walks

Meet at Rte 420 gravel lot.

Holiday Closings

Refuge Visitor Center will be

closed on July 4th.

The grounds are open from

sunrise to 9pm every day.

*Call 215 365-3118 to save

your seat.

June 1 June’s Birds 9am Mary Ellen Krober 2 Late Spring Birds 8am Edie Parnum Late Spring Flowers 1pm Dick Cloud 8 Birding at Tinicum 9am Cliff Hence Kids Get Out and Bird Walk 8am PA Young Birders Trail Tamers 9am Hank Hox Volunteer Appreciation Party!* 12-3pm 9 Nature Explorers-Incredible Eagles 2pm FWS 15 Story Time- Incredible Eagles 1pm FWS 16 Father’s Day Bird Walk 8am Barb Hiebsch 22 Summer Birds 8am Lynn Roman Butterfly Walk (Meet at Rte 420) 9am Cliff Hence Volunteer Training* 1-3pm 23 Summer Wing Beats Bird Walk 8am Debbie Beer 29 Early Summer Birds 8am Lynn Roman Weed Warrior Basic Training* 9-3pm

July 6 Feathers in Flight Bird Walk 8am Debbie Beer

7 Hot Summer Birds 9am Cliff Hence

Summer Blooms 1pm Dick Cloud

13 Wildlife Photo Walk 8am Ned Levi

Trail Tamers 9am Hank Hox

14 Nesting Birds 8am Gregg Gorton

Nature Explorers-Fantastic Frogs 2pm FWS

20 Butterfly Count (Meet at Rte 420) 9am Cliff Hence

Story Time-Fantastic Frogs 1pm FWS

21 Philadelphia Feathers Bird Walk 8am Debbie Beer

27 Prime Summer Birding 8am Lynn Roman

August 3 End of Summer Birds 9am Mary Ellen Krober

4 Late Summer Blooms 1pm Dick Cloud

10 Hot Summer Birds 8am Lynn Roman

Trail Tamers 9am Hank Hox

11 Late Summer Birds 8am Barb Hiebsch

Nature Explorers-Butterflies 2pm FWS

17 Story Time-Beautiful Butterflies 1pm FWS

24 Sure-Birds and Shorebirds Walk 8am Debbie Beer

25 Hot Summer Birds 9am Edie Parnum

31 Late Summer Birding 9am Robert Confer

Butterfly Walk (Meet at Rte 420) 9am Cliff Hence

All walks and programs originate at the Visitor Center unless otherwise noted.

Summer 2013 Program Events

7


* For the Following Three

Program Events, Please

Call 215-365-3118

For More Information

or to Register

Volunteer

Appreciation Party! *

Saturday, June 8 Noon-3pm

Join us for a walk at noon and

then party at 1. Interested in vol-

unteering? Come and meet the

best volunteers around and learn

from them what they love about

working here. Call and reserve

your party seat today!

Volunteer Training*

Saturday, June 22 from 1-3pm

Roving Ambassador – Would

you like to walk the trails and

assist visitors with questions?

Join us for this program and

learn the ins and outs of informal

interpretation.

Weed Warrior Volunteer

Training*

Saturday, June 29 9am-3pm

Help improve the habitat at the

refuge by joining Weed Warri-

ors. Volunteers are trained to

help restore native plant commu-

nities to improve the habitat for

wildlife at the refuge.

For the last 9 years, the National Wildlife Federation has sponsored its

“Annual Great American Backyard Campout. This year, on June 22nd,

thousands of families like yours will spend a night under the stars in back-

yards, neighborhoods, local parks and campgrounds across the country.

If you haven’t yet registered to be part of this nationwide movement to get

our kids outdoors, visit www.backyardcampout.org to sign up and discover

five great reasons to register now:

It’s FREE! That’s Right - There is ZERO cost to register and add

your name to the thousands of parents, den leaders, teachers,

coaches and more who have already joined in.

Get quality family time with your family. Spending a night under

the stars is a great way for the whole family to gather for some fun

and create memories that your kids will remember for a lifetime.

S'mores Best yet, you don’t even need a fire! We have a great

s’mores recipe you can use even if you won’t have a campfire at

your backyard campout.

Outdoor time = better school performance. Studies show that

kids who spend more time outdoors have improved attention spans,

better overall fitness, less anxiety and higher overall test scores. So

take a simple step towards more time outdoors by registering to

join us for this year’s Campout.

Get immediate access to download our free activities guide with

all kinds of fun camping activities and recipes that will help make

your campout memorable!

Free Fishing Day News

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission sponsors a free fishing day on

July 4th! No license needed for fishing on this day! The public may fish

for free on the Refuge on that day only, but the buildings will be closed,

and no other visitor services will be available!

.

NOTE!! The Great American Backyard Campout, sponsored by

the National Wildlife Federation, is not a refuge activity.

CAMPING ON THE REFUGE IS PROHIBITED.

http://www.backyardcampout.org

http://online.nwf.org/site/R?i=rDrJOGSj7v00qcS0RiTeCQ

8


During the last few months the

Photo Group began its Wildlife

Photo Walks at the Refuge. The first

Walk was held in March, and unfor-

tunately the weather didn’t cooper-

ate. It snowed for a while, and

sleeted the entire time we were out,

but a stout group of photographers

braved the cold, wet and wind to

spend a great three hours shooting

wildlife and talking photography.

Recently the first warblers have

joined our winter residents at the

Refuge and spring migrants are be-

ginning to pass through on their way

north. I hope you were able to photo-

graph lots of these new arrivals

during our last photo walk on May

11th. Our next Wildlife Photo Walk

is scheduled for July 13th at 8am.

The Photo Group recently docu-

mented Astronomy Night at the

refuge. This event, part of the

“Philadelphia Science Festival,”

drew hundreds of visitors to the

Refuge, providing them with a rare

opportunity to view the night skies

through telescopes and even to view

the International Space Station. The

Photo Group also photographed

Darby Creek Clean-up Day, where

hundreds of volunteers cleared

multiple dumpsters worth of debris

from the fragile creek habitat.

In February, the Photo Group trav-

eled to Barnegat Lighthouse State

Park, and in June we’re traveling to

Cape May, NJ for our annual Cape

May Salt Marsh Skimmer outing.

The Photo Group’s updated

“Traveling Exhibit” of wildlife

images just returned to the Visitor

Center from a lengthy run at the

School District of Philadelphia

Headquarters where it was enthusias-

tically received.

The Photo Group has completed a

lengthy review of last year’s success-

ful photo contest, in which the im-

ages submitted were among the best

ever entered. We are working now to

finalize plans for the next Photo

Contest and will keep everyone

advised of our progress.

In addition to documenting refuge

events, and continuously updating

our “traveling exhibit” with our own

new and exciting photos, the Photo

Group also runs workshops for chil-

dren and adults snf leads wildlife

photo walks. Finally, on the “just

for fun” side of our activities, we

periodically engage in photography

trips wildlife away from the Refuge.

Photo Group News Compiled by Ned Levi

All Photography

Enthusiasts Welcome

Photographers of all skill lev-

els who are also members of

FOHR, are welcomed to join the

Photo Group, which meets

quarterly on the 3rd Sunday of

January, April, July, and

October, at 10am, in the Visitor

Center at the Refuge.

Besides having fun, Photo

Group members also provide

both service and educational

functions on the refuge.

The next meeting of the Photo

Group will be held on June 23,

2013. If you’re interested in

joining the Photo Group, need

information about the group and

its activities, or wish to ask

questions about our upcoming

Wildlife Photo Walks, please

contact us at:

[email protected]

Photo Group Wildlife

Photography Tip:

Sometimes the best wildlife pho-

tographs are made in poor

weather like that encountered

during our March Photo Walk.

Be prepared to

protect your

camera from

rain, sleet and

snow. There are

e x c e l l e n t

c o m m e r c i a l

products to protect your gear

from inclement weather, but in a

pinch, a trash bag and some

rubber bands will suffice.

This hardy group of photographers

braved the elements and enjoyed the

Photo Group’s first Wildlife Photo

Walk. Photo by Ned Levi

A rare moment of true beauty - the

bright red of a male Cardinal captured

against a snowy background!

Photo by Ned Levi

9


A Photo Essay of the Heinz Refuge

Portrayed by Karen McCunney

Karen is a computer programmer and amateur photographer, who loves

nature and animals. Besides being a member of the FOHR Photo Group,

Karen also volunteers at the Schuylkill Wildlife Rehab Center.

Karen enjoys both landscape and wildlife photography, and is particu-

larly drawn to the eyes of her animal subjects. Growing up in Delaware

County, Karen didn’t know about the refuge until a few years ago. The

beauty that can be found here, no matter which season, always amazes

her. Karen tries to make a trip to the refuge at least once a week to

soothe her soul. It is so peaceful here, and she is never disappointed!

With city skyscrapers in the background, the golden glory of this small meadow in

the refuge impoundment has the power to fill one’s soul with peace and tranquility.

Juvenile Red Tailed Hawk at sunrise.

A busy Nuthatch feeding its’ babies.

Four Cormorants and a turtle resting

on a snag rising from creek waters.

A Titmouse paused to reflect the

lustrous rays of sunset.

Reflections of an Egret fishing while a

turtle sits nearby, apparently unfazed.

10


At Widener Partnership Char-

ter School, Chester, PA.

Weather on Arbor Day sparkled as

Widener Partnership Charter School

Kindergarten students gathered

with parents, Widener University

staff, and Chester City community

members to celebrate their extensive

knowledge of trees by planting their

very own Meyer Lemon Tree in

the school’s brand new Outdoor

Classroom.

The ceremony kicked off with the

kindergarten rendition of the move-

ment song, “Planting a Tree”, fol-

lowed by each of the 50 kinder-

garteners pouring a scoop of soil

over the tree’s roots, before moving

on to sip (what else?)lemonade.

Chester Mayor, John A Linder,

closed the ceremony, expressing ex-

citement and support of WPCS stu-

dents. “I am so proud of the hard

work and dedication of the young

people at the Widener Partnership

Charter School. They are an inspira-

tion to our city”.

The kindergarten tree will remain

in the school’s Outdoor Classroom

throughout the growing season, for

all WPCS students grades K-7, to

observe and care for.

The Outdoor Classroom on the

WPCS campus was made possible

through a National Wildlife Refuge

Association grant, facilitated by

Friends of Heinz Refuge. Jeanine Mbaeri

FOHR and Kids ~ A “Natural” Connection:

Chester Mayor, John Linder, celebrates

Arbor Day with WPCS kindergarten

students. Photo by Stan Rapp

At Longstreth Elementary

School, West Philadelphia.

Never underestimate what a bunch

of determined kids can accomplish !

Recently a group of volunteers

from FOHR, and the Eastwick Coali-

tion, teamed up with students from

Longstreth Elementary School and

Widener Partnership Charter School

to do a spring clean up in the ref-

uge’s pollinator garden.

The team, calling themselves

“Pollinator Power”, weeded out

scores of invasive plants and then

mulched the several garden plots

previously constructed on the refuge

by Longstreth Kindergarten students.

As maintenance work was being

done on the popular pond area of the

garden, care was taken not to disturb

the resident frogs that call it home.

Longstreth students culminated the

day’s activities by donating native

plants grown at their schoolyard

nursery to students from the Widener

Partnership Charter School.

Because Chuck Lafferty’s first

graders want to promote the practice

of making home gardens pollinator

friendly, they have harvested seeds

from the school garden, counted

them out, and put them into indi-

vidually designed packets, that are

now being sold at Tinicum Treasures

Book Store. Seed packs are only one

dollar and all proceeds benefit the

Heinz Refuge. Chuck Lafferty

Students join teacher Lafferty in spruc-

ing up the Garden. By Debbie Beer

At A. S. Jenks Elementary

School, Philadelphia. In March

kindergarten students from Jenks

Elementary School, facilitated by

bus funding from FOHR, made their

first ever field trip to the Heinz Ref-

uge. Their parents originally hailing

from Indonesia, Tunisia,, Algeria,

Columbia, Venezuela, Mexico and

Bangladesh were amazed that such a

beautiful place existed so close to

their doorstep, yet they had not

known it existed.

Before their field trip students

learned about safe habitats, wetlands

and their impact of the environment.

While at the refuge, they delighted in

walking the trails and boardwalks

while looking for signs of animals,

finding nests in trees, spotting ducks

and birds in flight. Jeanne Grimes

A. S. Jenks Kindergartners search the

skies for birds flying overhead.

Photographer unknown

11


Dept. of Education and the PA Game

Commission. In response to recent

staff changes at the state level and

funding cutbacks, FOHR has carried

the difference by sponsoring recent

workshops and paying for the books

needed, providing them to over to 60

teachers and soon to be teachers, free

of charge! Contact the Refuge Envi-

ronmental Educational Specialist for

more information. FWS

For more information contact:

www.projectwet.org

One of the many Environmental

Education (EE) programs at John

Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is

professional development for area

educators. The refuge has many part-

nerships with local colleges and uni-

versities to train their pre-service

teachers with training provided on an

"as needed" basis for our school and

district partners.

Resources from Project WET, Pro-

ject Learning Tree and Project Wild

have been developed by national

organizations, focus on the environ-

ment, can be utilized by several

grade levels, and are the foundation

of the professional development op-

portunities offered by refuge staff. In

Pennsylvania, the resource books

used to be provided to participants

for free through sponsorship via dif-

ferent state agencies, in particular the

Project WET’s Core Principles

Water connects us all: Water

binds living / nonliving systems,

together in a complex web of life.

Water is for all water users:

Water of sufficient quality and

quantity is vital for all water users.

Water must be managed

sustainably: Water resources

management and education are

crucial for providing tomorrow’s

children with social / economic

stability in a healthy environment.

Water depends on personal

responsibility/action: Awareness

of / respect for water resources

encourages a personal, lifelong

commitment of responsibility and

positive community participation.

It’s summer and

plants are starting

to bloom again; a

new season for the

refuge and its’

wildlife. The Weed

Warriors who have

adopted plots over

the past few years

are starting to come back to see

what is blooming in their plot this

spring. The work done by these

volunteers has made such a differ-

ence — it’s wonderful to see

them coming back.

But there are a few Weed Warri-

ors who just couldn’t wait for

spring, and they’ve spent the winter

cutting back invasive species such

as bush honeysuckle. With Weed

FOHR Supports Refuge Environmental Education Program &

Project WET Teacher Workshops

Weed Warriors Wage War on Refuge Invasives

Warrior assistance, the refuge is

looking better than ever!!

If you’d like to join Weed Warriors

call the refuge information desk (215

-365-3118) to register for training.

No previous experience is needed.

The next training session will be

held at the Visitor’s Center on June

29th from 9am-3pm. The training is a

combination of an inside workshop

and field practice.

Weed Warrior Training also in-

cludes an online portion which

should be completed before attend-

ing the on-site class on June 29th.

Online training covers safety issues,

a basic understanding of invasive

plants, and the importance of this

work to wildlife habitat. Individuals,

families, or groups are all welcome

to join. Please visit http://

www.friendsoftinicummarsh.org/

weedwarriors/intro.html and check

it out. After training you will be

eligible to adopt a plot, cut vines,

and clear trails with the guidance

of the Refuge Biologist. FWS

Cutting Vines in Winter— FWS photo

http://www.friendsoftinicummarsh.org/weedwarriors/intro.html



12


As of this writing in early May,

Heinz Refuge’s resident Bald Ea-

gles are busy raising two eaglets in

their Oak Island nest, marking the

fourth consecutive breeding season

in the Refuge. Sustained by ample

fish in the 200-acre water impound-

ment and nearby Delaware River,

four Bald Eagles have previously

fledged from this nest site – one in

June 2012, two in 2011, and one in

2010.

Hatched on March 13, 2013, the

eaglets are growing quickly, flap-

ping and strengthening their wings

in preparation for flying. The

young birds will “branch out” in

increments, perching on limbs 10-

50 feet away from the nest, before

attempting short practice flights.

They will fledge around mid-June,

after which the Bald Eagle family

may be seen soaring around the

Refuge through early Fall.

The ideal nest vantage point is

from the set of signs describing

Bald Eagle activity, located 1.1

miles down the Dike Road, from the

metal bar gate. Visit in person, or

follow their progress via our “Eye

on the Eagles” Facebook photo al-

bum. www.Facebook.com/

HeinzRefuge. Debbie Beer

As one of the region’s best birding

hotspots, Heinz Refuge highlights an

exciting array of avian activity dur-

ing the summer months. Migratory

species have passed through the

area, leaving breeding birds to focus

on attracting mates, building nests

and laying eggs.

The Refuge’s rich diversity of

habitats hosts a wide variety of avian

families, providing plenty to see and

enjoy. Among their numbers you

will find Great-crested and Willow

Flycatchers, Eastern Phoebes and

Kingbirds, Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers,

Marsh Wrens, Warbling Vireos, Yel-

low Warblers and Common Yellow-

throats, Orchard and Baltimore Ori-

oles, Least Bitterns, Green Herons,

Killdeer, 4 species of swallows,

Wood Ducks and many more. Scores

of Great Blue Herons and Great

Egrets wade knee-deep in the water

impoundment, hunting fish with end-

less patience.

While songbirds finish raising their

offspring at Heinz, some even work-

ing on a second nesting, shorebirds

are already on the move. Having

completed a short breeding season in

the northern reaches of our conti-

nent, sandpipers, plovers, yellowlegs

and dowitchers embark upon a long

migratory journey south to overwin-

tering grounds.

In the hot months of July and Au-

gust, mudflats in the Refuge marshes

and impoundment provide life-

giving fuel and nutrients to these

long-distance flyers. In ideal condi-

tions, you may see a spectacle of

shorebirds, with flocks numbering in

thousands, all probing hungrily in

the mud for worms or invertebrates.

Occasionally they are joined by a

Glossy Ibis, Snowy Egret, juvenile

Little Blue Heron or American Bit-

tern, all taking advantage of the wet-

lands protected by Heinz Refuge.

As the summer wanes, avian activ-

ity continues with warblers and other

passerines again moving through

Heinz Refuge, mirroring their more-

famous springtime migration. This

time, many have molted their bright-

colored breeding plumage, and are

not inclined to sing. Magnolia, Nash-

ville, Tennessee, Prairie, Palm,

Black-and-White, and Yellow-

rumped Warblers, Northern Parulas

and Northern Waterthrushes – all

may be trickier to identify in silent,

drab shades of brown!

Join one of the weekend guided

bird walks at Heinz Refuge, or ex-

plore on your own, to observe and

learn more about the 300+ bird spe-

cies that may be found in this urban

oasis. You won’t be disappointed.

“WINGS OVER THE CITY” Avian Insights by Debbie Beer

Keeping an Eye

On Our Eagles

Photographer, Kay Meng, has captured

a truly exquisite shot of some of the

many Wood Ducks which now make

the refuge their home.

Bald Eagle Soaring ~ by Ned Levi

13


Special Astronomy Night Event Thrills Refuge Visitors

On Saturday, April 27, 2013, the

29th Annual Darby Creek Cleanup

engaged 205 dedicated volunteers in

collecting trash at John Heinz Na-

tional Wildlife Refuge, as part of an

“Earth Day” community service

event. People of all ages, represent-

ing Student Conservation Associa-

tion, Cobbs Creek Nature Center,

community groups, families, local

businesses and local residents

worked for hours to fill two huge

dumpsters with 160 cubic yards of

trash, including plastic bottles, bags,

cans, Styrofoam, and some tires.

After the clean-up, free hot dogs,

cold drinks and cupcakes were pro-

vided by Friends of Heinz Refuge.

Refuge Manager Gary Stolz ex-

tends his deep appreciation to all

Earth Day Celebrated at Refuge ~ Successful Darby Creek Cleanup

This year, Astronomy Night at the

Heinz Refuge, a Philadelphia Sci-

ence Festival event, was held on

Friday evening, April 26. It was a

night filled with frogs, owls, stars,

planets, and the International Space

Station. Refuge staff, Heinz volun-

teers, professional and amateur as-

tronomers, and Philadelphia Zoo

representatives helped make the

night memorable, for the hundreds of

visitors attending the event.

Children and adults alike enjoyed

the special display of mammal skins,

and live frogs in the Visitor Center.

The amazing tadpole-pole paper cut-

out crafts project enthralled many

youngsters. The snack provided by

the Friends of the Heinz Refuge was

quickly devoured by Refuge visitors.

As sunset approached, everyone

hiked up the Dike Road. At the fish-

ing pier, the astronomers set up five

telescopes, so everyone would have

ample time to view the heavens.

Looking through the telescopes, all

were treated to close-up views of the

Moon, Saturn and its rings, Jupiter,

and later after it came over the hori-

zon, the International Space Station,

orbiting our own Earth.

Further up the road, Philadelphia

Zoo Outreach Coordinator, Danielle,

inspired enthusiastic youngsters and

adults with FrogWatch’s citizen sci-

ence. FrogWatch is a national pro-

gram of the Association of Zoos and

Aquariums. Not only were the par-

ticipants treated to a serenade by the

amphibians, but just a few yards

away, they were able to see a Great

Horned Owl, and its nest, with two

chicks, periodically bobbing their

heads above the top of their nest to

the delight of all, until nightfall oc-

curred. Ned Levi

involved, noting that the lower

Darby Creek watershed is signifi-

cantly cleaner now than it was three

decades ago, as a result of increased

public awareness.

This annual earth day Darby Creek

cleanup event is made necessary be-

cause storm borne trash is carried

downstream through an 80 square

mile watershed, and tide borne trash

floats upstream from the Delaware

River, much of it settling out in the

refuge’s shallow wetlands.

Thank you to everyone who par-

ticipated in the Darby Creek Clean-

up, especially to Refuge staff Mike

McMennamin and Brendalee Phil-

lips for their leadership in organizing

the annual Darby Creek Clean-up at

Heinz Refuge. FOHR

It’s a LONG trail ~ By Frank Doyle

Tire emerges from marsh muck.

Photo by Ned Levi

Animal skins on display elicit many

visitor’s questions. Photo by Ned Levi

Eagerly awaiting darkness and the

evening’s main event.

Photo by Ned Levi

14


The lazy, hazy, crazy days of sum-

mer will soon be upon us, so there is

no time like the present to come up

with a plan to induce neighborhood

birds to stop by your yard, and then

give them a very good reason to

become daily visitors.

A key component of your plan to

increase your daily connections with

nature, might include putting out

bird feeders in locations which fa-

cilitate easy viewing.

In case you think that bird feeders

might not fit into your budget, we

suggest that you stop by the Refuge

Tinicum Treasure Tales As Told By Our Store Manager,

Annemarie Rapp

Current members of FOHR get 10% off of their purchases (there are some exclusions) and profits

from sales are targeted for Refuge projects.

As a bonus, your FOHR membership also entitles you to a 10% discount at bookstores on all National Wildlife Refuges

located in New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. Just show them your membership card!! It is that easy!!

Connect With Nature ~ Inexpensively Visitor Center, and come on in to

“Tinicum Treasures” gift shop,

where you will be surprised to find

the perfect solution! For only $4.75,

the perfect combination of feeding

the birds and recycling can be found

in our new “Wild Bird Hanging

Feeder” kit.

To create your feeders, you will

start by recycling old one or two liter

soda bottles, then connect the clever

gadget that comes in the kit, and

“voila” - that old bottle becomes a

bird feeder!! In addition to the

feeder assembly, the kit comes with

a hanger and a convenient funnel for

easy feeder filling. Please stop in to

“Tinicum Treasures” to pick one (or

several) up.

If you have never watched birds at

a feeder, you might be surprised and

thrilled while watching their antics

as they vie with one another for feed-

ing space at the feeder.

If you are lucky, your backyard

bird watching will become a life-

long habit, and you will have a need

to know more about these wonderful

creatures. Once again, “Tinicum

Treasures” can come to your rescue,

We carry bird identification books

for beginners through experts,

ranging in price from $3.00 to

$45.00, so as you can see, we have

something for everyone.

While you are in the shop, take a

minute to look at another new

product, the Wasp Trap, (a $5.02

value) to get rid of those pesky

critters that would ruin a perfectly

good outdoor barbecue. This wasp

trap also employs one - or two-liter

recycled soda bottles, and comes

with a special cap that invites the

wasps in and they can’t get back out.

15


Report Violations

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

John Heinz N.W.R. at Tinicum (215) 365-3118

Pennsylvania Game Commission SE Region Law Enforcement

(610) 926-3136

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission SE Region Law Enforcement

(717) 626-0228

EMERGENCY 911

Refuge visitors can borrow fishing rods, reels, hooks and

other tackle at the front desk of the Visitor Center. Equip-

ment check-out procedure is similar to that found in librar-

ies. The Visitor Center hours are from 8:30am to 4:00pm.

This program is a partnership between the Pennsylvania Fish and

Boat Commission, the American Sportfishing Association, and the

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. The program is

designed to make it easy for anyone to access fishing tackle. It's

hoped that those making the loans will enjoy fishing so much they

are hooked for life. This equipment may also be loaned to groups

conducting angler education programs in the community.

To find other sites which loan fishing tackle, go to the PA

Fish and Boat Commission’s web site at: http://

www.fish.state.pa.us/loaner.htm.

Join or Renew your Friends of Heinz Refuge Membership This is a (please check) [ ] new [ ] renewal [ ] gift membership.

Please choose your preferred membership level from the following list :

[ ] $10 Duckling (Student/senior)

[ ] $15 Heron (Individual)

[ ] $25 Monarch (Family)

[ ] $50 Red-bellied Turtle (Group)

[ ] $100 Red Fox (Contributing)

[ ] $250 Merlin (Sustaining)

[ ] $500 Osprey (Corporate)

[ ] $ __________ Donation

[ ] Notify me when newsletter is online.

[ ] I wish to receive monthly e-bulletins.

[ ] Please contact me about potential volunteer opportunities.

Membership supports conservation of the largest fresh water tidal marsh in Pennsylvania and entitles you to attend member

only events and a 10% discount at gift shops operated by Friends of National Wildlife Refuges in the Mid Atlantic. If you give us

your email address, we will email you (no more than monthly) with reminders of upcoming events and when the newsletter is

posted to our website. We do not share your information with any other organizations.

Make checks payable to FOHR Tinicum and mail to FOHR, PO Box 333, Folcroft PA, 19032-0333, or bring to the refuge next time you visit.

Name ______________________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________________

City, State, Zip _______________________________________________

Phone ______________________________________________________

Email ______________________________________________________

FOHR BOARD MEETINGS

The public is always welcome to attend Board Meetings, which are held at 6:30 pm in the Visitor Center

on the 4th Tuesday of every month.

16


Friends of the Heinz Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum

PO Box 333

Folcroft, PA 19032-0333

Non Profit Org

U.S. Postage

Paid

Permit 45

Havertown, PA 19083

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