www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Winter 2012
Marsh MusingsMarsh MusingsMarsh Musings Winter 2012 Volume 0412
Friends of Heinz Refuge and Eastwick Community Work
Together For an Environmentally Sustainable Future
Newsletter of the Friends of Heinz Refuge at Tinicum
with accompanying noise and air
pollution. The Coalition formed
when Eastwick residents and refuge
supporters united in opposition to a
proposed high-density apartment
construction project, whereby the
Korman Company would build 722
rental apartment units with 1,034
parking spaces on 35 acres adjacent
to Heinz Refuge, part of a larger 128
acre green space parcel.
Water is at the core of the issue.
The John Heinz National Wildlife
Refuge encompasses nearly 1,000
acres of freshwater tidal marsh and
wooded wetlands. These natural
ecosystems are not only valuable
habitat for a wide variety of wildlife,
but they act like a giant sponge help-
ing to reduce flood damage by slow-
ing and storing flood water. The 128
acres of green space adjacent to the
Refuge acts similarly, soaking up
excess water and filtering ground
contaminants from runoff. The land
is located in a FEMA-designated 100
year floodplain.
Both Eastwick residents, and the
Heinz Refuge currently experience
consistent and significant flooding.
The Eastwick Friends and Neighbors
Coalition (EFNC) is concerned that a
development of this magnitude, with
expansive impervious surfaces,
would exacerbate flooding, put new
residents in harm’s way, and strain
the ability of the Refuge’s wetlands
to absorb this related increase of
floodwaters. Recognizing the long-
overdue need to address the issue
comprehensively, Local district
Continued on page 3 “Eastwick”
“The Refuge was born with East-
wick and will go extinct with East-
wick.” Inspired by these words from
Terry Williams, a lifelong commu-
nity resident, the Eastwick Friends &
Neighbors Coalition, including the
Friends of Heinz Refuge, forges
ahead with its goal of planning and
advocating for an environmentally,
economically and socially sustain-
able future for the community.
It’s a weighty goal, considering
both the Eastwick community, and
the Heinz Refuge have had to con-
tend with more than their fair share
of environmental burdens, including
two national priority superfund land-
fills located in their midst, and their
proximity to one of the nation’s busi-
est airports and interstate highways,
Michael Nairn, Professor of
Urban Studies at University of
Pennsylvania, asked, “Why are
we considering another high
density residential development
in this floodplain? Have we not
learned that filling in wetlands,
which provide natural flood
protection, is not a good idea?
Have we not figured out that
these areas are meant to flood,
and do flood, despite our best
intentions?”
Coalition members attend City Council
Hearings in October. Karen Pilling
Coalition members Mariatu, Monique
Holland, Debbie Beer, and Carol Sim-
mons share a happy moment.
Photo by: Emily Wren
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www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Winter 2012
The FOHR annual membership
meeting took place on a beautiful
sunny Sunday, October 21st at the
refuge visitor center. About 50 peo-
ple participated in a hoagie and salad
brunch, before we adjourned to the
auditorium for the business portion
of the meeting,
Refuge Manager, Gary Stolz, up-
dated members on refuge business.
FOHR treasurer, Joe Pugh, then pre-
sented our annual financial report,
which painted a favorable financial
position for the group.
Elections of board members fol-
lowed, with current board members
Stanley Rapp, Annemarie Rapp, and
Jean Diehl being re-elected to the
board for 3 year terms. The mem-
bership also elected a new board
member, Ned Levi, for a 3 year term.
Jean Diehl then gave a power point
presentation highlighting the history,
birth and growth of the Heinz Ref-
uge and our Friends group.
The program was topped off with
the awarding of door prizes.
A quarterly publication of the Friends of
the Heinz Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
Board of Directors Denis Brennan, President
Hank Hox, President Emeritus
Joe Pugh, Treasurer
Fran Miller, Secretary
Annemarie Rapp, Store Mgr.
Jean Diehl, Newsletter Editor
Jesse Smith, Webmaster
Debbie Beer
Chuck Lafferty
Ned Levi
Ron Miller
Stanley Rapp
Tom Reeves
The Friends of the Heinz Wildlife 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.
8601 Lindbergh Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19153
Contact email address:
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.
Volunteer Training Opportunity
Heinz Refuge Visitor Center
Sunday, Feb. 17 from 1-3pm
Basic Training
Learn about the refuge, the National Refuge System, and the US Fish &
Wildlife Service;
Learn about the many volunteer opportunities such as visitor reception-
ist, store clerk, roving ambassador, Weed Warriors, Trail Tamers, and
others that are available here.
* Call 215-365-3118 to reserve a spot.
Board Update
The FOHR annual report which
was passed out to all meeting
attendees, highlights FOHR’s ac-
complishments in the last year, and
outlined future plans as well.
Anyone who is interested and de-
sires a copy of the annual report may
obtain it through the Friends website,
www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org.
Jean Diehl
To Our Members and
Friends
Friends of Heinz Refuge 2011 ~ 2012 Annual Report
Now available on our website:
www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org
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www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Winter 2012
Eastwick
(Continued from page 1)
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is pleased to announce
the release of the final Comprehensive Conservation Plan
(CCP) for John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum.
We thank everyone who provided comments on our draft CCP/
Environmental Assessment (EA) released in March 2012. These com-
ments provided us with valuable information for preparing our final
document.
This CCP represents our 15-year management plan for the refuge.
The plan furthers the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge Sys-
tem; provides direction to achieve the refuge’s purposes, vision, and
goals; and contributes to State and regional conservation plans. Im-
plementing the plan will help us to fulfill the refuge’s important role
in conserving and managing wildlife resources.
How to Access the Final Plan
You may view or download the final CCP from the planning Web
site: http://www.fws.gov/northeast/planning/John%20Heinz/
ccphome.html. You may also request a printed copy or CD-ROM ver-
sion by contacting refuge management. Mariana Bergerson, FWS
Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan is Now Available!
Councilman Kenyatta Johnson con-
vened a City Council hearing to fo-
cus on flooding in Eastwick.
On October 9, 2012 over 100 East-
wick residents and supporters gath-
ered at City Hall to make their voices
heard about the environmental con-
ditions in Eastwick. Experts testified
as to outdated FEMA maps that u n -
derstated regional flood hazards, and
the need for myriad, complex studies
required before construction permits
could be issued. Residents painted a
powerful, compelling picture, testi-
fying about impromptu backyard
swimming pools that rise after even
mild rainfall, sinking streets, over-
flowing drains, and concerns about
toxic contaminants flowing from the
superfund site.
The Eastwick issue has caught the
attention of media, as well as Phila-
delphia City officials and lawmak-
ers. Councilman Johnson is on re-
cord saying that bills are not moving
forward anytime soon [that would
facilitate the development to pro-
ceed]. There is widespread agree-
ment that Eastwick’s flooding prob-
lems must be fixed, but when and
how that would occur remains uncer-
tain. For more information and up-
dates on Coalition activities, check
out our highly informational website: www.eastwickfriends.wordpress.com.
Debbie Beer
We are excited to announce that
the John Heinz National Wildlife
Refuge at Tinicum now has a
FaceBook Page!!
To keep abreast of the most current
refuge events, from rare bird sitings
and special events, to educational
and volunteer opportunities on the
refuge, we urge everyone to log in
and “friend” the refuge. Mariana Bergerson, FWS
News Flash!
Eastwick residents testify at Council
hearings. Photo by Karen Pilling
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www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Winter 2012
Refuge Comprehensive Plan
The refuge Comprehensive Conser-
vation Plan (CCP), Habitat Manage-
ment Plan and Deer Management
Plan were all completed and ap-
proved this fall, and are now ready
for implementation (For more infor-
mation, see article on page 2) .
Development and Maintenance
The concrete surfacing has been
completed on the new outdoor pavil-
ion and a new matching green metal
roof added to the adjacent kiosk.
Funding has been locked in for the
new metal roof for the maintenance
shop and a contract has been
awarded for project completion this
winter. Additional funding was re-
cently obtained and contract awarded
for construction of kiosks on the
Delaware County side (west end) of
refuge that will be installed this fis-
cal year.
Engineering plans and permitting
for the a new 200 foot marsh board-
walk (at site of old photo blind along
Dike Road) are now complete and
“shovel ready” while we continue to
seek funding for installation. Design
work on the 55 acre wetland restora-
tion area is moving along and we
hope to start moving dirt next year.
The final phase of the solar panel
addition - which included updating
the exhibit in the visitor wing - is in
design phase and slated for comple-
tion this year.
Partnership Activities
Thanks to great partnerships with
PA Audubon, Delaware Valley Or-
nithological Club (DVOC) and the
Philadelphia Zoo we will be adding
new exhibit panels to interpret the
widow strike prevention additions on
visitor center glass. It is estimated
that one out of every five birds in
North America is killed by window
strikes. Just as many are killed every
year by feral, stray, and pet cats that
are allowed to roam outdoors. These
are very important conservation mes-
sages to share, and the new exhibits
will highlight ways that we can all
help protect birds that do so much to
help us by controlling insects, polli-
nating plants and blessing our world
with their unmatched beauty (For
more information, see page 13).
Mark Your Calendars—Lots of
Exciting Mid-Winter Activities
Coming Up (See Page 7 for details)
Please mark your calendars and
join us for refuge special events this
winter including the annual Winter
Bird Count for Kids and Groundhog
Day Winter Festival. Remember to
bring your friends and families on
out to enjoy the Refuge’s many other
free programs offered every week-
end and discover new ways to con-
nect back with nature on your Na-
tional Wildlife Refuge System….
where wildlife comes naturally.
Flora and Fauna Update
As the last colorful autumn leaves
are still rustling with the breezes, we
are fast approaching another winter
season here at John Heinz NWR.
Thanks to the great work of our field
staff in biology and maintenance and
the never ending dedication of weed
warrior volunteers, wildlife habitat
on the refuge has never looked better
to support our native fauna through
their toughest time of year. The 145
acre impoundment is now chock full
of high protein sedges that are feed-
ing a wide array of puddle ducks and
even an occasional rail.
Pennsylvania state listed birds in-
cluding American and least bitterns
as well as great egrets, eagles, os-
preys and peregrines have been regu-
lar guests this year along with count-
less shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors
and songbirds that depend on the
refuge as an important stepping
stone along the Atlantic Flyway.
By Gary Stolz
American Wigeons pick food from the
surface of shallow ponds and marshes,
or graze gooselike in open fields; all
habitats we have at the Heinz Refuge.
Their flight is agile, in compact groups
or uneven lines.
Photo by: Ann Reeves
This map shows the important flyways
used by migratory birds as they traverse
the United States twice each year. Note
that the eastern flyway divides at the
Delaware Bay and tracks northward
crossing the Heinz Refuge; a primary
resting and feeding spot.
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www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Winter 2012
PA Young Birders engages kids
with exciting birding and nature pro-
grams at Heinz Refuge. We are as-
sisting Refuge staff with integrating
birding into science-based studies,
to students from Eastwick’s Pepper
Middle School, and connecting kids
to birds with special events.
The BIG SIT on October 14 at-
tracted over a dozen keen-eyed
young observers who joined Heinz
Refuge “Big Sittas” in counting
birds from dawn to dusk. Ten-year
old PA Young Birder Kit Conklin
discovered a rarely-seen Sora that
day, a life bird for many at the Big
Sit!
Upcoming PA Young Birder
events include the third annual
“Winter Bird Count for Kids” on
Saturday, January 5, from 8 am to
Wings In the City
Connecting Kids to Birds noon. Last year, several dozen kids
came out on an unseasonably warm
day to enjoy eagles, hawks, mergan-
sers, Rusty Blackbirds, kinglets,
creepers and the afternoon highlight
– hot pizza! (generously provided
by the Friends of Heinz Refuge). On
Saturday, February 16, families
are invited to participate in the
Great Backyard Bird Count at
Heinz Refuge, starting at 9 am, in
Philadelphia’s wildest backyard!
PA Young Birders offers a great
way to connect kids to nature at
Heinz Refuge. If you know a young
person who might enjoy getting out-
side and learning about birds, bring
them to the next PAYB event.
Group leaders may contact us at pay-
[email protected] to organize
outings. Adrian Binns
Christmas Bird Count at the Heinz Refuge The annual Christmas Bird Count
(CBC) began over 100 years ago,
organized by Frank Chapman and a
small group of people who were con-
cerned about declining numbers of
birds. They decided that counting
birds was better than shooting them,
which was a popular Christmas tra-
dition at the time.
The CBC has evolved to become
the most important citizen-science
initiative in history, engaging thou-
sands of volunteers and collecting
millions of pieces of data across the
country.
As the longest-running wildlife
monitoring project, the CBC pro-
vides critically-important informa-
tion for scientists, naturalists, stu-
dents and law-makers. Data from
the CBC documented the decline of
raptors from the toxic pesticide
DDT, and led to it’s eventual ban in
the early 1970’s. CBC results reflect
environmental health and trends,
evidenced by avian activity and dis-
tribution.
Christmas Bird Counts are con-
ducted annually, during a 3-week
period from mid-December through
early January. CBC compilers mobi-
lize volunteers to survey specific
areas, and quantify individual birds.
Data is compiled, reviewed, and sub-
mitted to National Audubon Society
and Cornell Lab of Ornithology, to
be included in the massive CBC da-
tabase.
The John Heinz National Wildlife
Refuge, covered by the Glenolden
CBC circle, serves as one of the
most important Christmas Bird
Count locations in the state. Expert
birders, including many longtime
refuge volunteers, will conduct the
CBC at Heinz Refuge in late Decem-
ber. Look for warmly-dressed bird-
ers with clipboards, on December
15th, and wish them luck on the
CBC! For more information about
the CBC, or get involved in your
area, check website: http://
birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-
count. Debbie Beer
White Throated Sparrow.
by Scott Kemper
Reconnecting kids to nature!!.
Photos by Adrian Binns
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www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Winter 2012
Program Descriptions
Bird walks last 2—3
hours and are suitable for all
levels of birders. Weather
dependent. Binoculars are
available at front desk.
Story Time is best for
children ages 4 to 7.
Nature Explorers
includes a short program
and walk. The program is
best for children 8 to 12.
Flower Walks Dick
Cloud leads walks in all
seasons looking at plants.
Trail Tamers Join the
maintenance volunteers
for a good workout!
Generally 3 hours long.
*Call 215 365-3118 to save your seat
Holiday Closings
Refuge buildings will be
closed on:
Tuesday, December 25,
Tuesday, January 1,
Monday, January 21,
Monday, February 18,
Wednesday, February 20,
Thursday, February 21.
The grounds are open
from sunrise to sunset
every day.
December
1 Beginners Bird Walk 9am Mary Ellen Krober
2 Late Fall Birds 9am Edie Parnum
8 Birds, Trees, and Flowers 9am Tom Reeves
Trail Tamers 9am
Winter Plant Forms 1pm Dick Cloud
9 Winter Birding 9am Gregg Gorton
Volunteer Party and Open House* 1-3pm
Nature Explorers - Winter 2pm
15 Early Winter Birding 9am Debbie Beer
Story Time - Winter 1pm
16 Who’s Still Here? 9am Barb Hiebsch
22 Holiday Birds 9am Cliff Hence
29 Post Holiday Birding 9am Lynn Roman
January
5 Birding Resolution Walk 9am Mary Ellen Krober
Winter Bird Count for Kids 8am PA Young Birders
6 Cold Birds 9am Barb Hiebsch
12 Birds, Trees, and Flowers 9am Tom Reeves
Trail Tamers 9am
Midwinter Plants 1pm Dick Cloud
13 Winter Birding 9am Gregg Gorton
Nature Explorers – Birds’ Nests 2pm
19 Mid-Winter Birds 9am Robert Confer
Story Time – Birds’ Nests 1pm
20 Winter Birding 9am Cliff Hence
26 Chilly Birds 9am Debbie Beer
27 Any Snow Birds Around? 9am Lynn Roman
February
2 Will the Birds See Their Shadow? 9am Lynn Roman
Ground Hog Day Family Festival 9am-1pm Friends of Heinz Refuge
9 Late Winter Birding 9am Debbie Beer
Trail Tamers 9am
Late Winter Plants 1pm Dick Cloud
10 Tinicum’s Winter Birds 9am Cliff Hence
Nature Explorers 2pm Ground Hog Fun!
16 Winter Birding 9am Gregg Gorton
Family Great Backyard Bird Count 9am PA Young Birders
Story Time - Ground Hogs 1pm
17 Late Winter Birds 9am Edie Parnum
Volunteer Training – Basic Training* 1-3pm
23 Late Winter Birding 9am Cliff Hence
Winter 2012 ~ 2013 Program
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www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Winter 2012
Volunteer Holiday Party and Open House*
Sunday, Dec. 9 from 1-3pm
Join us as we celebrate our volunteers and all the wonderful things they do for the refuge. Thinking about
volunteering? Come talk to current volunteers who share your interests and learn about what they love to
do here. Light refreshments and raffle.
*Call 215 365-3118 and let us know you’ll be here!
Winter Bird Count
For Kids
Saturday, January 5th
8 am - noon
Free fun for the family!! Kids
get to learn how to count birds
like an expert. Discover the
birds who winter at the refuge,
then follow up with a hot pizza
lunch. Binoculars are available
for loan.
Groundhog Day Family Festival
Saturday, February 2nd
9 am till 1 pm
Begin the day with a “Groundhog Walk” at 9 AM
Followed by indoor fun beginning at 10 AM
Sing along, or dance to live music
Engage in day-long crafts for kids
Delight in groundhog games and activities
Enjoy light refreshments
Visit our gift-shop for groundhog goodies
Meet animals from the Philadelphia Zoo
Join a Parade to Tinicum Tim’s Burrow
Discover fun facts about the Heinz Refuge’s special
Groundhog Family, “Tinicum Tim” his wife “Tina”,
and their kids – “Tinicum Twins”
Will “Tinicum Tim” see his shadow?
Join the celebration to find out!
Celebrate Winter at the Heinz Refuge
With Special Family Fun Activities
Great Backyard Bird
Count at Heinz Refuge
Saturday, February 16th
9 am - noon
Take part in this FREE annual
event that compiles bird counts
from across the country to cre-
ate a winter snapshot of bird
populations. Enter your data
online, then view maps, graphs,
and summaries, and find out
what scientists are learning
from your results.
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www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Winter 2012
Ever watch a child “flower”?
The budding relationship between
the John Heinz National Wildlife
Refuge at Tinicum and the Widener
Partnership Charter School (WPCS)
continues to develop with the expan-
sion of the school. Late last year,
WPCS received approval to add a
STEM (Science, Technology, Engi-
neering & Math) based middle
school, good timing as the school
had started construction on a new
large addition! So, with the ringing
of the opening school bell, 7th grade
students were welcomed into the
school. In November, these students,
many of whom have been coming to
the refuge for years, will begin their
investigation of water quality issues
with a Micro Adventures lesson.
Good things come to those who
wait…
Many of you know that the refuge
has a strong partnership with the In-
terboro School District. Field trips to
the refuge were written into the
K – 5 science curricula several years
ago. Recently, the district was
awarded a large “Keystone Educa-
tion” grant. This grant will provide
the district with resources needed to
align the high school curriculum to
the new Keystone exams. Students
exiting all Pennsylvania high schools
will need to pass these exams as part
of their graduation.
A science curriculum meeting on
integrating field trips to the refuge
with curriculum was held recently, in
an effort to help science teachers
meet eligible content. All parties
agreed and plans were made to bring
several high school classes to the
refuge in 2013 .
Erika Scarborough, FWS
Partnership Between Refuge & Area Schools/Districts Expand
As we celebrate the 20th anniver-
sary of the Junior Duck Stamp Con-
servation & Design Program we are
excited to announce the debut of the
2012 Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) Pro-
gram Educator Guide and Youth
Guide.
For the first time in many years,
the JDS Program has redesigned its
arts and science curriculum, modern-
izing it to make it more relevant to
today's teachers and students. The
new curriculum will spark youth in-
terest in habitat conservation through
science, art, math and technology.
Written, field-tested and evaluated
by environmental educators, biolo-
gists, teachers and consultants, the
new curriculum includes such ele-
ments as using the Internet as a con-
servation tool and new scientific in-
formation about today's conservation
challenges (e.g., climate change and
its impact on wetland habitat). It is
multi-culturally relevant and incor-
porates information to stimulate stu-
dents' interest in careers in nature.
In addition, for the first time, we
will offer conservation education
tools designed for use by
homeschoolers and by those in
charge of community after school
programs and various other youth
activities. These guides will be re-
leased later this year.
The re-designed curriculum, aimed
at students in grades 5-8, will en-
courage children to engage with their
natural world and develop a deeper
appreciation of natural resources. It
stresses wildlife observation, nature
journaling, photography, enjoying
and exploring the outside world, and
investigating the treasures of the Na-
tional Wildlife Refuge System.
The new curriculum and activities
meet National Science Education
Content Standards, North American
Association for Environmental Edu-
cation (NAAEE) Guidelines for
Learning, and National Visual Arts
education standards for children in
grades K-12.
John Heinz National Wildlife Ref-
uge at Tinicum serves as the collec-
tion and judging site for Pennsyl-
vania entrants. All contest entries
must be postmarked by March 15th
in order to be eligible. For more in-
formation about the new curriculum
and contest please log in to http://
www.fws.gov/juniorduck/ or con-
tact the refuge.
Mariana Bergerson FWS
New Junior Duck Stamp Educational Curriculum is Here!
Widener Partnership Charter School
second grade students share a learning
experience in the woods on the Heinz
Refuge. Photo by: Jean Diehl
9
www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Winter 2012
Excitement Abounds as Pollinator Garden Activities Expand
The Kindergarten Interpretive
Pollinator Garden at the Heinz Ref-
uge is completing its second growing
season. This green space, located
adjacent to the small volunteer con-
tact station (VCS), was built and
planted by students and teachers
from Longstreth Elementary School,
and has become an awe inspiring
“first-stop” destination for many
families and others as they begin
their visit to the John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge. Our award-
winning garden is the result of a col-
laborative effort between The
Friends of Heinz Refuge, The U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, Penn
State Master Gardeners, the Pennsyl-
vania Horticultural Society, and
Longstreth Elementary School in
west Philadelphia.
This collaboration resulted in a
Nature of Learning Grant from the
National Fish and Wildlife Founda-
tion to create this outdoor classroom
and laboratory. The grant also pro-
vided funds for the construction of a
native plant nursery in the school-
yard at Longstreth Elementary. We
are proud to announce that work has
been completed on the schoolyard
planting beds. The schoolyard na-
tive plant nursery will become a
source of plant material for other
schools in both Philadelphia and
Delaware Counties, as well as the
Longstreth Neighborhood. Planning
is also under way to supply targeted
native plants to the refuge’s Weed
Warrior program as they work to
remove rampant invasives and re-
store native habitat. A primary goal
of our pollinator garden project mas-
ter plan is to encourage the creation
of pollinator habitat islands through-
out the School District of Philadel-
phia.
The students of the Radnor Middle
School Watershed Program and the
Longstreth First Graders in teacher
Chuck Lafferty’s class will be con-
tinuing their Partnership which
started this past spring. The Radnor
students will act as buddies and men-
tors to the Longstreth students. Their
teachers’ plan is for their students to
work together on maintaining the
pollinator Garden at the Refuge as
well as working jointly to promote
the use of native pollinator plants in
home landscapes. Students will be
making trips to each other’s schools
as well. The two schools are working
on a plan to create an exhibit which
they hope to show at the PHS Phila-
delphia Flower Show. The exhibit
would detail their collaborative ef-
forts to explore area watersheds and
the importance of native pollinator
plants in habitat restoration for
healthy bio-diversity.
Story and Photos by: Chuck Lafferty
FOHR Board Members are proud
to present an updated version of the
Heinz Refuge Award. Originally
designed to closely follow scouting
badge requirements, the award is
now available not only to scouts, but
also to all children who wish to
know the refuge better. The award
also provides an opportunity for chil-
dren to perform volunteer activities
as part of the badge requirements.
The updated brochures may be
obtained at the front desk in the visi-
tor’s center, or by downloading a
copy from the refuge website
www.fws.gov/heinz. FWS staff will
distribute awards when presented
with a request form signed by the
supervising adult. Donations to
cover the cost of the badge are re-
quested.
For more information, please call
215-365-3118.
Jean Diehl
Heinz Refuge Award Now Available to All Interested Kids
Students at work constructing native
plant beds in Longstreth schoolyard.
Radnor Middle School Students work
with Longstreth students at refuge
pollinator garden.
10
www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Winter 2012
FOHR’s 12th Annual Photo Contest ~ A Stunning Success
This year marked the 12th annual FOHR Photo Contest at John Heinz
NWR. Jurors Ann Reeves, Raini Holmes, & Susan Rachlin worked hard
sorting through over 100 photos to choose this year’s winners. Ribbons
were awarded to 14 photographers in three categories: Adults, Teens, and
Children, with contest results being announced to a crowded room at the
Cradle of Birding Festival on September 15th. Colleen McCubbin Stepanic
Allen Schiavani’s “Snow Geese” won
second prize in the Adult Category
Connor Adams’s stunning portrait of a
brilliant “Hibiscus” took 3rd place in
the Children’s category.
Anastasia Kauffman was awarded 1st
place in the Teen category for her
photo entitled “Green Frogs”.
Chris McCoun took home the second
place teen prize for his “Barn Swallow.”
James Hornickle won the children’s 1st
place with his great close-up shot of
this “Praying Mantis”.
Grace Hornickle took 2nd place Chil-
dren’s category for “Limbo Duck”.
John & Andy Shallow captured Teens
3rd place with their “Red-tailed Hawk
and Rabbit” photo.
Frances Ventura’s spectacular photo;
“Barred Owls” took 1st place in the
adult category.
Harris Brown’s “Snowy Egret” took 3rd
place and also won the prestigious
“Buchanan Award of Excellence”.
11
www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Winter 2012
Photo Group News
Compiled by Ned Levi
Committee Chair, Colleen Stepanic,
and the entire Photo Group Contest
Committee for their dedicated work
over the last year to make the contest
a reality for nature and wildlife pho-
tographers throughout the Greater
Philadelphia Region.
In October, the Big Sit was held
from pre-dawn to dusk and Photo
Group members were there. If you
missed this wonderful event, in
which birds are observed, photo-
graphed, and counted, strictly from
the top level of the observation deck
of the Refuge, at the impoundment,
all day, please participate with us
next year.
New workshops are on the
drawing board. With the success
of our wildlife photography work-
shop earlier this year, we hope to
plan new workshops for both nature
photography beginners and more
advanced photographers in 2013.
Nature Photography walks
will be added to the spring walk
schedule. As most people are al-
ready aware, refuge volunteers lead
bird/wildflower/tree walks virtually
every Saturday and Sunday through-
out the year. The photo group plans
to add two walks to this lineup. On
these walks, experienced photogra-
The Friends of Heinz Refuge Photo
Group has been very busy in recent
months.
We have had great fun on
field trips. We’ve just completed a
one day trip to Bombay Hook NWR
located in Smyrna, Delaware. De-
spite some damage from Superstorm
Sandy, the refuge was able to reopen
after the storm ended. This 13,100
acre tidal salt marsh provides an ex-
cellent sanctuary for birds and mam-
mals, as well as great wildlife view-
ing and photographic opportunities.
In December, we’ve scheduled an
early morning trip to the Conowingo
Dam, located in Maryland, on the
Susquehanna River. The Dam at-
tracts large numbers of bald eagles
from late November through mid
December. In addition to the Eagles,
great blue herons, black-crowned
night herons, black vultures, terns,
osprey, cormorants, anhingas, and
ducks may also be seen.
We have a wonderful time vol-
unteering. Of course, as a service
organization of the Friends, we have
been hard at work, documenting
many of the recent events at the Ref-
uge. This past September when the
Refuge held its annual Cradle of
Birding Festival, we were there from
early morning through late after-
noon. It was a wonderful day with
hundreds of participants coming to
the Refuge, and just as many photo-
graphic opportunities.
A Photo Group highlight event
also took place on the afternoon of
the Cradle of Birding Festival; the
Photo Group announced the winners
of the Friends of Heinz Refuge An-
nual Photography Contest, and
awarded ribbons and prizes to the
winners in its three age categories, in
the auditorium of the Visitor Center.
The Friends wish to thank Photo
Refuge Photographers at Work and Play
phers will discuss and practice both
basic and advanced nature and gen-
eral photography techniques. They
will also discuss equipment, expo-
sure, and any topic in which our
walkers might be interested.
If there is enough community inter-
est in the new photography walks,
we will expand the number of walks
held during the year.
The Photo Group is open to
any member of the Friends of
the Heinz Refuge. We welcome
photographers of any skill level
from beginners, all the way to pro-
fessional photographers. Since we
are both a service and educational
arm of the Friends organization,
we expect every member of the
Group to volunteer for the Refuge
during each year.
We have a lot fun volunteering at
the Refuge, learning about photog-
raphy and wildlife, and taking
trips.
We run the annual Friends of
Heinz Refuge Photo Contest and
have a “traveling exhibit” of our
own photography. We expect the
exhibit to again begin its’ journey
to several locations in the Greater
Philadelphia Region.
The Photo Group meets quarterly
on the 3rd Sunday of January,
April, July, and October, at 10am,
in the Visitor Center at the Refuge.
The next meeting of the Photo
Group will be held on January 20,
2013.
If you’re interested in joining the
Photo Group, attending a nature
photography workshop, or a Na-
ture Photography Walk, or any
other Photo Group Activity, please
contact us at : jhnwrpho-
An egret and turtle share a moment.
Photo by: Karen McCunney
12
www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Winter 2012
Sunday, October 14, 2012 marked
the fourth BIG SIT at Heinz Refuge,
and a wonderful day of birds, friends
and visitors. I, along with fellow
volunteers, Adrian Binns and Todd
Fellenbaum, arrived at 4:30 AM to
set-up on the top deck of the Obser-
vation Tower in pre-dawn darkness.
Well, not so dark, as lights from the
nearby airport and highway 95 illu-
minated ample
waterfowl activ-
ity in the south
end of the im-
p o u n d m e n t .
Our BIG SIT
location pro-
vides access to a
variety of refuge
habitats – open
water, freshwa-
ter marsh, tidal
Darby Creek,
and wooded
wetlands – which host an impressive
diversity of bird species. The BIG
SIT is a friendly, non-competitive
event, but of course we hoped to top
last year's list of 77 species!
Canada Goose was first bird heard,
along with several species of water-
fowl and Great Blue Heron. Ruddy
Ducks and Northern Shovelers were
picked out by silhouette. Two Great
Horned Owls began calling at 5:42
AM, and continued for about 40
minutes.
As daylight emerged, the birding
ramped up, with new species added
to our list every few minutes, by
sight or sound: sparrows, towhee,
kingfisher, blackbirds, teal, coot and
wigeon.
The lone Snow Goose that had
been seen all summer was duly
ticked - the first of 12 new species
not found on any previous Big Sits at
Heinz Refuge. American Bittern
was another new species, heard
'whomping' early morning; the same
one that was seen by many people
the previous day. Ten-year old PA
Young Birder Kit Conklin spotted a
j u v e n i l e
S o r a
w a l k i n g
right be-
neath our
Observa-
t i o n
Tower - a
life look
for many.
A d r i a n
s c o p e d
S p o t t e d
and Soli-
tary Sand-
pipers, and Todd's keen ears heard a
Winter Wren. A lone American
Pipit flew over our heads giving his
namesake call.
The "Big Sittas" of Heinz Refuge
were delighted to host American
Birding Associa-
t i on (ABA)
President and
'first lady' Jeff
and Liz Gordon,
who made Heinz
their first stop on
a whirlwind tour
of Big Sits in
P e n n s y l v a n i a
and Delaware,
highlighting the
importance of
National Wild-
life Refuges. Liz spotted a perched
Red-shouldered Hawk, the first of 10
raptors on our list. We enjoyed about
a dozen sightings of Bald Eagles
soaring over the impoundment,
along with kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine
Falcon, and one late migrating Os-
prey.
Yellow-rumped Warblers aside,
land birds proved to be the greatest
challenge, with 2 days of calm,
southerly winds. We got a Palm
Warbler at 9am, a Ruby-crowned
Kinglet pushed into view at mid-day,
and Pine Warbler turned out to be
our last species, at 3:42 pm. We
ended a little before 6 pm, tying last
year’s number of 77 bird species.
Our cumulative list stands at 107
species for all 4 Big Sits at Heinz
Refuge (2012, 2011, 2010, 2007), an
impressive number for the largest
urban refuge, in the 5th largest city
in the nation!
About 120 people joined the BIG
SIT throughout the day. Some were
keen birders, others were curious
about the crowd. All enjoyed a
friendly welcome and pointing out of
swallows, ducks, eagles, or gulls.
The Friends of Heinz Refuge or-
ganized the Big Sit, and raised funds
for the organization, which supports
Heinz Refuge. I'm inspired by the
generosity of many friends and visi-
tors. A big
T H A N K
YOU to all
who have do-
nated. You
can still send
in your check
to “Friends of
Heinz Ref-
uge,” and in-
dicate “Big
Sit” on the
memo line.
We found a
total of 77
species, if donating by species.
Thanks again to all the friends and
supporters who helped make the BIG
SIT a big success!
Big Sit Highlights Refuge Avian Diversity
Reflections of a Bird Walk Leader
by Debbie Beer
Soras, usually found in freshwater marsh
habitats are usually quite secretive.
Photo by: Colleen
Deputy refuge manager, Mariana Bergerson,
joins the fun. Photo by: Debbie Beer
13
www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Winter 2012
A Clear Danger to Birds! New
Refuge Exhibit Planned to
Teach Visitors about the Sec-
ond Greatest Threat to Birds
after Habitat Destruction
Researchers estimate that up to one
billion birds collide with glass on
buildings each year in North Amer-
ica, making collisions with glass the
second greatest threat to many birds,
trailing only habitat destruction.
Most collisions occur during
periods when birds are migrating.
The total number of collisions that
occur on residential structures are
believed to exceed the total that oc-
cur on commercial structures.
Birds see sky and landscape re-
flected on the glass like a mirror: the
glass is not seen as a barrier. Glass
that appears transparent also poses a
serious hazard because birds are of-
ten unable to detect it. To prevent
these deadly collisions, glass must be
made visible to birds.
Bird-Friendly Glass Demon-
stration Project
Buildings are being constructed
with larger and larger amounts of
external glass. While there are many
advantages to this construction
technique, the increasing use of glass
also poses a deadly hazard for birds.
John Heinz National Wildlife Ref-
uge has partnered with several
organizations to showcase a variety
of treatments in our visitor center
that homeowners, architects, contrac-
tors and planners can use to make
buildings less hazardous for birds.
Mariana Bergerson, FWS
Window Glass ~ A Clear Danger to Birds!
What You Can Do to Help:
Place bird feeders either very
close to or very far from win-
dows and avoid placing them
near windows with reflective
glass.
Keep blinds partially open to
form striped pattern birds will
be less likely to fly into.
Cover glass with collision pre-
vention film.
As a temporary fix create dense
free form patterns on outside of
glass windows with tempera
paint.
Use tape to create vertical or
horizontal stripes several inches
apart on outside of glass.
Hang strands of cord or twine
every 4 1/4" apart in front of
windows.
Mount taut netting or screen
several inches in front of glass.
Design with less glass
(reflective glass is especially
dangerous).
Use bird-safe glass.
Bald Eagles Begin Nesting Cycle Again
As revelers prepare to herald the
New Year with pledges and predic-
tions, the Bald Eagles at John Heinz
NWR begin their age-old nesting
cycle again. For the fourth consecu-
tive season, Bald Eagles will be stak-
ing territory, carrying sticks to the
nest, and following the instinct to
reproduce. In the cold winter
months, defoliated trees make it
easier to observe their giant-size
nest, nestled over 70 feet up in the
crook of the tallest tree on Oak Is-
land. By early February, the female
Bald Eagle should have laid an egg
or two, which the pair will take turns
incubating, non-stop for 35 days.
Birders, photographers and nature
enthusiasts will look eagerly for the
eagles flying around, catching fish,
or sitting on the nest. In June 2012,
one healthy Bald Eagle successfully
fledged from the nest. As the health
of our waterways improves, so do
the chances for Bald Eagles and
other water-dependent species. We
are all eager to see how the 2013
season will unfold for Philadelphia’s
most famous eagles, the flying kind! Debbie Beer
Bill Buchanan
Look closely at the glass inside the visi-
tor center ~ can you tell which glass
panels are bird friendly and which are
not? Maybe you can’t, but the birds
can. Photo by: Adrian Binns
14
www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Winter 2012
What unique gift can you choose
for that special person on you gift
list this year? You might consider
the purchase of a really distinctive
gift, which also provides a vital tool
for wetland conservation—a Fed-
eral Duck Stamp!!
Tinicum Treasure Tales As Told By Our Store Manager,
Annemarie Rapp
We are always in need of
volunteers to help in the
shop …. If you can spare
any time, please call Anne-
marie & Stan Rapp at our
home number: (610) 485-
7378 and leave a message, or
leave your name and phone
number with Fish & Wildlife
personnel at the reception
desk in the Cusano Environ-
mental Education Center.
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!!
Some Thoughtful Gift Ideas For the Holiday
Ninety-eight cents out of every
dollar generated by federal duck
stamp sales goes directly to purchase
or lease wetland habitat for protec-
tion in the National Wildlife Refuge
System. Besides serving as a hunt-
ing license and a conservation tool, a
Federal Duck Stamp also serves as
an entrance pass for National Wild-
life Refuges where an admission fee
is normally charged.
Choosing to purchase a Federal
Duck Stamp is a bargain (for both
your loved one AND wildlife) at
only $15.00 a piece.
Hurry on in—we only have a few
left in stock!
As you know, the Refuge’s highly
popular mid-winter celebration of
Groundhog Day is just around the
corner. So what could be a better
gift for that young one in your fam-
ily than a very special coloring book
that tells all about groundhogs in
general, and our own Tinicum Tim
in particular?
Created by local artist, Arline Link,
the coloring book entitled “A
Groundhog Family Story” narrates
the life history of groundhogs, & is
a “must have” for the younger set!!
Avid outdoors enthusiasts
might sometimes chafe at being
forced indoors on blustery win-
ter days. We suggest that you
might use this time to begin
“thinking spring”. Take a look
around your yard to decide
whether or not some new bird-
houses will enhance your wild-
life friendly habitat.
Then, come in and browse
amongst the many reasonably
priced birdhouse styles we have
on hand. Select one (or more) to
take home—and you will have a
jump start on the upcoming
spring season!!
Winter is Best Time to
Plan Spring Activities
Meet The Heinz Refuge’s Famous Groundhogs
“Tinicum Tim” and His Family
15
www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Winter 2012
Join or Renew your Friends of the 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
[ ] I wish to be notified when I can access the
newsletter online.
[ ] I want to keep up with the latest news. Please put me on the list for 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.
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
The public can go to front desk of the Cusano Environ-
mental Education and Visitor Center at the John Heinz
National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum and borrow rods,
reels and a tackle box full of hooks and other terminal
tackle. This equipment is borrowed in much the same way
books are borrowed from a library. The Visitor Center
hours are from 8:30am to 4:00pm. Other tackle loan sites
can be found on the PA Fish and Boat Commission’s web
site at: http://www.fish.state.pa.us/loaner.htm
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.
Name ______________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________
City, State, Zip _______________________________________________
Phone ______________________________________________________
Email ______________________________________________________
16
www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Winter 2012
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
Return Service Requested
Last year refuge volunteers, working hand in hand with refuge staff, donated almost 5,336 hours of their
precious time to the Heinz Refuge. This equates to volunteers donating $166,266 to the refuge, and is the equiva-
lent of salaries for 2.6 full time refuge employees at grade level 5. Volunteers spent hours photographing refuge
events and documenting wildlife sitings, doing habitat restoration, and helping to maintain trails, benches and board-
walks. They sponsored environmental education programs and events for hundreds of urban children and adults, led
guided walks, mentored students on field trips, staffed the visitor’s center front desk, and helped out in the store.
Hats Off to Refuge Volunteers !
FOHR BOARD MEETINGS : The public is always welcome to attend Board Meetings, which are at 6:30 pm
in the Visitor Center ~ 4th Tuesday of the Month.
Put Yourself Into This Picture
Become a Refuge Volunteer
Satisfaction Guaranteed!
Trail Tamer/Weed Warrior Photo Group Member
Store Clerk Front Desk Receptionist
Walk Leader Environmental Education Aide
(For more information on signing up to be a volunteer and for training, see page 2)