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.
Dike Restoration Project Trail Closure
A portion of Wetland Loop Trail and the parking lot will be closed starting 5/20/2026 for up to 12 months.
For the duration of this project, the trail along Dike Road will be closed to public access from the Dike Road gate to the James Carroll Observation Tower, where the 2nd outdoor restroom is located. Access to the James Carroll Observation Tower will only be available by taking the southern trail (Haul Road) and going around the impoundment.
The eastern section of the parking lot will also be closed for the project staging area. The remaining section of the parking lot will be open to the public as a 2-way road. The pavilion and bathroom will remain open.
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
Summer Solstice Festival
Thurs. June 18, 4 pm – 8 pm
Celebrate Summer and the longest day of the year at the Summer Solstice Festival! Join us at the Heinz Refuge for food, music, nature activities, games and more – all free! This event is sponsored by the Friends of Heinz Refuge.
For additional information, email info@fohrefuge.org. Volunteers to help with this event are always welcome!
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 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 Coupon
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 to be announced during the Philly Fall Nature Fest.
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:
In the June issue of On The FOHR Front:
- Summer Solstice Festival
- Heinz Refuge Calendar
- Dike Restoration Trail Closure
- Nature In Focus
Mentored Archery Deer - Hunt Lottery
- The Buzz – News from FOHR
- Store Volunteers Needed
- Join Our Board!
- 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.