This is my sanctuary, an oasis in the rush and clamor of urban life. This is my retreat, a haven of marsh, woods and wildlife, where my spirit is refreshed. This is my refuge.
When Congress established it, they set three mandates by which the refuge should be managed:
- To restore wetlands, wherever possible;
- To promote environmental education;
- To provide wildlife-oriented recreation opportunities for visitors.
We invite you to visit our refuge and to see for yourself just how well we have lived up to these Congressional mandates.
Celebrating Our 29th Year!
Members are invited to
The 29th Annual Membership Meeting of the Friends of Heinz Refuge
Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 am
Followed by the Nature in Focus Photo Competition Award Ceremony from 11:00 am – Noon
Program Agenda
9:00 – 9:30 Arrival & Breakfast Served
- Omelet station open for fresh made-to-order omelets and other breakfast items
9:30 – 10:00 Friends of Heinz Refuge Business Meeting
- Friends updates and announcements
- Membership and organizational business
10:00 – 10:45 Refuge Manager Update
- Update from the Refuge Manager
- Questions and discussion
Nature in Focus Photo Competition Reception
11:00 – 11:30 Reception (Open to the Public)
- People’s Choice Voting
11:30 – 12:00 Awards Ceremony
- Introduction to the contest and awards process
- Awards and recognitions
- Thank you and closing remarks
Please remember that only current members and their guests may attend the annual meeting. Not a FOHR member? Not to worry! Membership dues may be paid at the meeting. Or join now!
https://fohrefuge.org/involved/join/
Please reserve your spot by email at info@fohrefuge.org or by phone at 215-558-5220.
Thank you for your continued support!
click for larger view
click for larger view
Trail Closures & Construction Projects
Multiple trails are currently closed for our Dike Road/Wetland Loop Trail Restoration Project and Henderson Marsh Restoration Project on both ends of the refuge.
Dike Road/Wetland Loop Trail is closed from the gate to the Observation Tower starting June 2026 for up to 12-18 months. The outdoor restroom and tower are still accessible from the other side of the trail. The eastern section of the parking lot will also be closed; the remaining section of the parking lot will be open to the public as a 2-way road.
Darby Creek Trail and Tinicum Trail between the third outdoor restroom and the parking lot by Rt. 420 are closed starting September 2026 for up to 12-18 months. The restroom will remain open. Woodland Trail will remain open and maintenance to improve accessibility is planned.
Please see the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge website for more information: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/john-heinz-tinicum/what-we-do/projects-research
In the October issue of On The FOHR Front:
- Heinz Refuge Calendar
- Trail News
- Nature In Focus Exhibition
- The Buzz – News from FOHR
- In Store at the Nature Store
- Spooktacular
- Refuge Update
- Mentored Archery Deer Hunt
- Save The Date
- Get Involved
Read the latest issue of Marsh Musings, our seasonal newsletter!
In 2022, the Friends of Heinz Refuge presented four multi-disciplinary webinars that provide perspectives on how to prevent and reduce plastic pollution in the waters of the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge and beyond.
A previous webinar series, Plastics in Our World Today, aired in 2020.