Programs

This refuge is glorious proof that we don't have to banish nature from our cities.

Mike Brooks, Weed Warrior

Environmental Education

FOHR was founded in 1997 to assist the 1000-acre refuge, managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service, in carrying out its educational, interpretive, and public use missions, particularly in the face of persistent underfunding in the federal budget. To this end, FOHR supports a number of programs and events serving Southwest Philadelphia, many of which directly benefit Philadelphia youth.

Field Trips: FOHR’s bus grant program enables children from underserved Philadelphia schools to visit the refuge for hands-on, nature-related activities. Established in 2010, we have supported nearly 5,000 students with varying capabilities from over 30 schools in Philadelphia. If you’re interested in sponsoring a field trip, click here.

Nature Tots: Nature Tots is a free and open environmental education program for children aged three to five. On the first Saturday of every month, Tots and their families focus on a new nature discovery topic at the refuge, including changing leaves, water, spiders, butterflies, birds, etc. Each program includes nature exploration, story time, and a craft all focusing on that month’s theme. Between 5-10 toddlers from local communities participate in this program every month.

Philly Nature Kids: Launched in 2014, Philly Nature Kids is an environmental education partnership with two Title 1 schools, John M. Patterson Elementary and Penrose School. The program provides two monthly inquiry-based science lessons for 150 4th-graders annually. Each month, refuge staff lead one lesson at school and the other at the refuge (10 classroom lessons and 9 trips annually). Students study plants, animals, water, and habitats, while completing student-designed service projects. FOHR provides volunteers, bus funding, and service project funding.

Summer Camp: Every year, three summer camp sessions engage a total of 75 Philadelphia youth in hiking, kayaking, fishing, archery, shelter building, water testing, and other outdoor recreational activities. One session is exclusive to Philly Nature Kids schools and the other two are open to the public, drawing participants from local rec centers and inner city daycares. FOHR provides bus transportation and snacks.

Environmental Education

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