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.
2026 Nature In Focus Photo Competition
Friends of Heinz Refuge (FOHR) is excited to announce this year’s photo competition Nature in Focus 2026 celebrating the beauty and diversity of the natural world found at the Heinz Refuge through the lens of photography. From breathtaking landscapes and stunning wildlife to intricate patterns and textures found in nature, we encourage you to explore the endless possibilities of capturing the essence of the natural world.
The deadline to submit entries is now August 31!
The competition is open to photographers of all ages with no restrictions on the type of camera – film, digital, cellphone – used. Whatever your skill level as a photographer, we invite you to showcase your talent and passion for wildlife and nature photography. All photos submitted must be shot within the confines of the Heinz Refuge.
- Three Age Divisions: Children, Teens and Adults
- Children and Teens: Photo Submissions are FREE
- Adults: $30.00 for first 3 photos, $10.00 each additional photo – Unlimited Submissions
- FOHR Members first 3 Photo Submissions for FREE with a FOHR Membership Coupon Code. The coupon code may be obtained at the FOHR Nature Store located in the Heinz Refuge Visitor Center or you may request the code by sending an email to info@fohrefuge.org.
The top images in each division will be selected from all entries received and photographers will be invited to submit their photographs for exhibition at the Refuge Visitor Center with a chance to receive cash awards. Final winners will be announced following the FOHR Annual Membership Meeting on November 7.
So, start clicking those cameras and creating your best shots at the Refuge. We look forward to receiving your entries and wish you the best of luck!
Full details and a link to the contest entry site can be found here:
FOHR Wins the 2026 O'Brien Prize!
The Friends of Heinz Refuge (FOHR) is honored to be the 2026 recipient of the O’Brien Prize, awarded annually by the National Wildlife Refuge Association to a Friends group that strengthens community engagement and supports the National Wildlife Refuge System. This grant will help us expand awareness of Heinz Refuge and grow conservation-focused programming throughout the Philadelphia region.
With this support, FOHR will launch the Field to Fork Community Conservation Series, building on the Refuge’s successful mentored archery deer hunting program. In partnership with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and National Deer Association, the series will include workshops on hunting and conservation, pop-up archery events, venison tastings, and volunteer mentor training.
The Field to Fork Community Conservation Series will create new opportunities for people to connect with the Refuge, learn about wildlife conservation, and become active stewards of our natural resources. We’re excited to bring this program to the community!
On Thursday, August 6th, staff from the National Wildlife Refuge Association visited Heinz to formally present FOHR with the 2026 O’Brien Prize at a Try Archery Event!
FOHR President Mary Batt accepts the O’Brien Prize from National Wildlife Refuge Association President & CEO Desirée Sorenson-Groves.
Photo by Lynn Roman
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 August issue of On The FOHR Front:
- Heinz Refuge Calendar
- Dike Restoration Trail Closure
- Nature In Focus Deadline Extended!
- The Buzz – News from FOHR
- Special Webinar
- In Store at the Nature Store
- New Selection for Book Club!
- Refuge Update
- Larry Is O-Fish-ally Retiring!
- Pennsylvania Hunter-Trapper Education
- Mentored Archery Deer Hunt Lottery
- 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.