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www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Fall 2014
Marsh Musings Fall 2014 Edition Volume 0314
Philadelphia Area Youth Explore Conservation Careers Working with
John Heinz NWR and the Eastwick Community
Newsletter of Friends of Heinz Refuge at Tinicum
tion’s (SCA) Philadelphia
Office for Community Pro-
grams. The Refuge and SCA
partner to build the next gen-
eration of conservation lead-
ers and inspire lifelong envi-
ronmental stewardship by
engaging young people in
hands-on service to the land
through service opportunities,
outdoor skills, and leadership
training.
This year the SCA Summer
Community Crews provided
over 40 students the opportunity to
complete trail maintenance and site
restoration projects throughout
Philadelphia and Camden as well as,
learn about the conservation careers
through field trips. Field trips in-
cluded visits to the Lincoln Univer-
sity Biology Department and Phila-
delphia Zoo. All students presented
their final projects on August 7th. To
view the final project for the crew
stationed at John Heinz NWR, please
visit http://youtu.be/rfHWz5e8YSo.
The main project of the crew
stationed at John Heinz
NWR was planting native
wildflowers and trees to re-
store the habitat in the park-
ing lot area. Crew leader,
Chuck Lafferty, stated “It
was inspiring to see such a
diverse group of youth work
together to learn about con-
servation and accomplish so
much in a short amount of
time.”
New this year was the crew work-
ing in the Eastwick community.
Working together with John Heinz
NWR and the Eastwick Friends and
Neighbors Coalition (EFNC), this
crew completed several community
clean-ups at local sites such as Pep-
per Middle School. Under the leader-
ship of EFNC President, Terry Wil-
liams, this crew also coordinated
with the City of Philadelphia to coor-
dinate trash pick-up and the recy-
cling of an abandoned boat. This
new crew is a great example of how
the US Fish and Wildlife Service is
engaging communities in order to
encourage and nurture an apprecia-
tion of wildlife conservation to new
audiences.
To learn more about opportunities
for youth with the FWS and Student
Conservation Association, please
visit: http://www.fws.gov/northeast/
youth/ and http://thesca.org/.
Trail building, habitat restoration,
and community clean-up projects are
not your typical summer jobs for
students living in the urban setting of
Philadelphia. If you were to visit
John Heinz NWR and the Eastwick
community this summer, you would
have noticed crews of high school
students working together to com-
plete a variety of conservation and
community improvement projects.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) is committed to conserv-
ing natural resources, and believes
that one of the key components to
conservation is working with the
next generation of land and wildlife
stewards. The USFWS engages and
works with youth through interpreta-
tion, education, and employment on
and around Service field offices to
provide enriching resume building
job opportunities for young people.
Since 2009, John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge has been the base of
The Student Conservation Associa-
Heinz SCA Crew ~ FWS File Photo
Eastwick SCA Crew ~ FWS File Photo
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www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Fall 2014
A quarterly publication of Friends of
Heinz Refuge at Tinicum.
Board of Directors Ron Miller, President
Lynn Roman, Acting Secretary
Ned Levi, Treasurer
Annemarie Rapp, Store Manager
Jesse Smith, Webmaster
Jean Diehl, Newsletter Editor
Denis Brennan
Thomas Koger
Chuck Lafferty
Kay Meng
Stanley Rapp
Our Mission
Friends of Heinz Refuge is a non-profit charitable organization work-ing in partnership with John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge to connect people with nature and promote a culture of environmental steward-ship through education, outreach, service and nature-based recreation for the conservation of wildlife & habitat.
8601 Lindbergh Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19153
[email protected] www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org
Facebook/HeinzRefuge
Marsh Musings
FOHR BOARD MEETINGS: The public is always welcome to attend Board Meetings, which are held the 4th Tuesday of every month, 6:30 pm, in the Visitor Center. Please call ahead and let us know you’re attending: 215-365-3118.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service is committed to
achieving an inclusive
workforce by ensuring that
our managers, supervisors,
and employees represent
the rich cultural heritage of
America.
Highlighting “Summer Faculty Fellowship
Program” at Heinz Refuge
In order to achieve the goal of cul-
tural diversity, the Service conducts
the Summer Faculty Fellowship Pro-
gram. This Program provides oppor-
tunities for professors to work at
Service facilities in exchange for
completing and submitting campus
conservation career awareness
project plans, which are expected to
include activities such as assisting
the Service with student recruitment
and mentoring, looking for ways to
adjust courses in their school to
reflect emerging trends in conserva-
tion biology and landscape conserva-
tion planning, and assisting the
Service with research.
This year, Dr. Karen Baskerville,
an Associate Professor and Chair of
Biology at Lincoln University of
Pennsylvania participated in the
Summer Faculty Fel lowship
Program at John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge. At Lincoln, she
teaches neuroscience, anatomy and
physiology, histology, animal
systems, and pharmacology. During
her time at John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge, Dr. Baskerville
built relationships with the SCA
crew members from diverse back-
grounds and served as a mentor to
them, guiding them in their educa-
tional pursuits and career aspirations.
Dr. Baskerville worked with the
crews to develop personal statements
for college applications, as well as
organized a field trip to Lincoln
University so the students working
on the refuge could learn about ma-
joring in biology at college. As Dr.
Baskerville returns to her campus
this fall, she plans to complete a con-
servation awareness project plan at
Lincoln University. Not only does
she plan to incorporate modules on
conservation biology in her Plant
and Animal Systems course in the
fall semester of 2014 but also is
looking into the possibility of install-
ing an outdoor classroom at Lincoln
University. FWS
Dr. Baskerville in the field with SCA crew. FWS File Photo
3
www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Fall 2014
Despite the almost total lack of
sunshine on Saturday, July 19, the
Third Annual Tinicum NWR Butter-
fly Count was a great success. But-
terflies prefer sunny warmer days,
with temperatures over 80
degrees. So the cloudy cooler condi-
tions did not bode well for a good
count. However, we had a surpris-
ingly good day with 21 species re-
corded (22 if we count some Mon-
arch Eggs discovered on milkweed).
That total is two more species than
last year’s count, but one less than
our record total of 22, on the first
count in 2012. The count started in
the morning at the Rte. 420 refuge
entrance from the Long Hook Creek
Loop to the Wetland Loop. After a
short break we continued the count
at the Visitors Center and around the
Impoundment Loop. By the end of
the count we added two new species
to the count, Meadow Fritillary and
Little Wood Satyr. We recorded 114
individuals on the count.
The count is different each year
because of the timing and weather
conditions on the count day. So we
missed some species that we have
seen regularly on past counts. In ad-
dition to this years’ species count,
previous counts have also recorded
Spicebush Swallowtail, Red-banded
Hairstreak, Variegated Fritillary,
American Snout, Painted and Ameri-
can Lady, Red-spotted Purple, Mon-
arch, Common Sooty wing, and
Cloudless Sulphur. This gives us a
grand total of 31 species on the over-
all count totals verified as still resid-
ing on the refuge so far.
I’d like to thank Grace Jeschke,
Edie Parnum, Barb Elliot, Lynn Ro-
man, Nancy Hence and many others
for their help in spotting and identi-
fying the butterflies under less than
ideal conditions. The count is done
in conjunction with North American
Butterfly Association’s “July 4th
Butterfly Count” done each year
through the country. This year’s
count represents the 40th year that
they have been conducted. The
Heinz Refuge is but one of over 340
counts throughout the country.
Included in our species count were
1 each of Black Swallowtail, Eastern
Tiger Swallowtail, Meadow Fritil-
lary, Viceroy, Little Wood Satyr,
Little Glassywing, and Zabulon
Skipper. Other numbers included 2
Question Marks, 4 Summer Azures,
and Eastern Commas, 5 each of Or-
ange Sulphurs, Silver-spotted Skip-
pers, Pecks’s Skippers, and Wild
Indigo Duskywings. Our count also
included 6 Pearl Crescents, and 7
each of Clouded Sulphurs, and East-
ern Tailed Blues.
The most abundant species in-
cluded 10 Broadwing Skippers and
17 each of Red Admirals and Least
Skippers, while Cabbage Whites
topped the list at 24.
Although we did not find any adult
Monarchs during our survey, evi-
dence of their presence was verified
by our discovering 2 Monarch eggs.
There were also a few Odes flying
that day including: Blue Dashers,
Needhams, Eastern Amberwing,
Common Whitetail and Eastern
F o r k t a i l . C l i f f H e n c e
Butterfly Count at Refuge Tallies 22 Species
Editor’s Note:
The presence of butterflies is an
indicator of a healthy environment.
Arthur M. Shapiro’s “Butterflies
of the Delaware Valley” published
in 1966 by the American Entomo-
logical Society recorded 59 species
of butterfly in Eastwick/Tinicum.
This writer photo-documented 42
of those species during the late
70’s and early 80’s.
The successive decline seen in
recorded area species is representa-
tive of conditions found throughout
the world ~ a trend that the FWS
and FOHR hope to reverse on the
refuge through the efforts of our
volunteer “Weed Warrior” team.
4
www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Fall 2014
Champlain Fish and Wildlife Re-
sources Office in Essex Junction,
Vermont.
In 1995, he started work at Wallkill
River National Wildlife Refuge
(NWR), focusing on habitat selec-
tion in grassland birds, as a gradu-
ate Student Career Experience Pro-
gram participant.
In 1998, he moved to Back Bay
NWR as assistant biologist for sev-
eral years, then moved to a regional
position as assistant regional biolo-
gist with Hal Laskowski, located at
Prime Hook NWR. In 2003, he
moved to the Division of Migratory
Birds in the Northeast Regional
Office, working on migratory bird
conservation in the Northeast
Region. In 2006, Lamar took a posi-
tion with the National Wildlife
Refuge System (NWRS), as an assis-
tant refuge supervisor. For a year
during this time, he served as act-
ing Chief of the Office of Diversity
and Civil Rights in the Northeast
Regional Office.
Lamar is a wonderful leader, and
will be a great addition to the team at
John Heinz NWR. In Lamar’s own
words — “I’m delighted to join the
diverse, energetic community of
Heinz Refuge staff, volunteers, visi-
tors and supporters. I’m looking
forward to meeting as many of you
as possible in person, and working
on a variety of exciting initiatives to
engage urban youth and adults
alike."
New Refuge Manager, Lamar
Gore, Welcomed at John Heinz
National Wildlife Refuge
New Jersey native, Lamar Gore,
has been selected as the new Refuge
Manager at John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge and began work at
the refuge at the end of Au-
gust. Lamar has a strong conserva-
tion background, working as a biolo-
gist at several National Wildlife Ref-
uges, and is a great advocate for
youth engagement in conservation,
leading the way by developing the
US Fish & Wildlife Service’s Career
Discovery Internship Program
(CDIP).
Lamar started working for the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service at North
Attleboro National Fish Hatchery in
Eastern Massachusetts, as a Biologi-
cal Technician in 1991. In 1992 and
1993, he worked as a Biological
Technician at the Montpelier Office
of Fishery Assistance and the Lake
Manager’s Corner
Welcome Lamar Gore,
Incoming Heinz Refuge Manager
New Refuge Manager, Lamar Gore, relaxes while doing field work.
FWS file photo
We all wish retired Heinz Refuge Manager,
Gary Stolz, well in his “life after FWS”
FWS file photo
Refuge Manager Gary Stolz
Retires After 33 Years with the
US Fish and Wildlife Service After 33 years of service, Heinz
Refuge Manager Gary Stolz, retired
from the US Fish and Wildlife
Service in May. Throughout his ca-
reer, Gary worked at a variety of ref-
uges and parks from John Heinz Na-
tional Wildlife Refuge to DC Head-
quarters and the National Conserva-
tion Training Center to many awe-
some field assignments along the
way including Santa Ana, Lower Rio
Grande Valley, Bosque del Apache,
Loxahatchee and Hobe Sound Na-
tional Wildlife Refuges, Carlsbad
Caverns, Guadalupe Mountains, Ev-
erglades and Glacier Bay National
Parks, Flaming Gorge and Glen Can-
yon National Recreation Areas, El
Morro National Monument, Davy
Crockett National Forest, overseas
details and more.
Reflecting back on his dedicated
career with the US Fish and Wildlife
Service, Stolz stated “I have been
truly blessed with a great adventure
in conservation and working with
great folks like you along the way.”
Gary is looking forward to less
paperwork, more family time,
hiking, birding, and fishing.
5
www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Fall 2014
Who remembers childhood games
played in well-used parks, or around
giant mounds of dirt with occasional
‘treasures’ found buried inside? Such
areas are irresistible to kids, and usu-
ally create more memories than
problems. But what happens when
such unofficial playgrounds turn into
a national priority superfund site?
What are the cumulative effects on
people who spent time there?
Eastwick residents are considering
these questions and many more, as
the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) prepares to release its
official Record of Decision (ROD)
concerning remediation of the Clear-
view Landfill. Situated along the
banks of the Darby Creek, just yards
from quiet homes on the ‘planet
streets’ (Saturn, Mars, etc.), this
superfund site is one of the most
unique in the country, in its close
proximity and impact on a residen-
tial neighborhood; the remediation
process requires intimate community
coordination and communication.
Clearview Landfill’s past, present
and future impact on Eastwick is
interwoven with a host of environ-
mental factors, including nearby in-
ternational airport, mega-highway
and oil refinery. Dr. Marilyn How-
arth, Director of Community En-
gagement at University of Pennsyl-
vania Center for Excellence in Envi-
ronmental Toxicology, explains that
it’s extremely difficult to discern
possible landfill affects on individual
people, considering the variety of
other contributing factors.
Meanwhile, Darby Creek waters
flow endlessly through the landfill,
carrying life-changing forces to far
reaching places above ground and
below, in fair weather or stormy
times. Eastwick’s chronic flooding
remains a critically important factor
in addressing the superfund site as
well as the future of the community.
Eastwick Friends & Neighbors Coa-
lition remains committed to solutions
that make Eastwick whole.
Eastwick Gears Up For EPA’s Record of Decision
on Clearview Landfill Remediation
Eastwick Friends &
Neighbors Coalition
invites everyone to attend a
PUBLIC COMMUNITY
MEETING
at
John Heinz National Wildlife
Refuge
September 18, 2014
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Learn about EPA remediation
plans for Clearview Landfill.
Health questions will be addressed
by Dr. Marilyn Howarth. Bring a
friend - stay informed and engaged
to keep our community strong and
sustainable!
For timely updates, Visit
www.EastwickFriends.wordpress.
com
Summer 2014 CDIP Intern Enjoyed Her
First Heinz Refuge Experience
My name is Mary Nghe, and I am a
third year pharmacy student at the
University of the Sciences. To bal-
ance out all of the studying in
college, hiking and being in nature
became my coping mechanism for
stress.
Unfortunately though, I didn’t dis-
cover John Heinz National Wildlife
Refuge until this past summer when
I became the Career Discovery In-
ternship Program (CDIP) intern as
part of the Student Conservation As-
sociation (SCA) and AmeriCorps.
Since living in a city seems to limit
one’s opportunities to enjoy nature, I
was fortunate to be able to intern at
the Heinz Refuge. I loved being at
John Heinz because I was able to
spark an interest in nature for a lot of
young campers.
Besides that, being enrolled in the
CDIP program, allowed me to help
improve the refuge by removing in-
vasive plants and replacing them
with native plants. I went birding for
the first time at Heinz, and learned a
lot more than I expected to - all be-
cause of the amazing staff, volun-
teers, and visitors.
FWS File Photo
6
www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Fall 2014
Program
Descriptions
Programs may be cancelled
in case of inclement weather;
call ahead to confirm.
Bird Walks
Last 2-3 hours, suitable for
all levels of birders, from
beginners to advanced.
Binoculars available to
borrow from front desk.
Flower Walks
Dick Cloud leads walks in all
seasons looking at plants.
Photo Walks
Last 2-3 hours, suitable for
all levels of photographers,
from beginners to advanced.
Bring your own camera.
Story Time
Best for children age 4 to 7.
Nature Explorers
Short program and walk.
Best for children age 8 to 12.
Holiday Closings:
Visitor Center will be closed but the grounds will
be open on the following holidays:
Labor Day, Monday, 9/1
Columbus Day, Monday 10/13
Veterans Day, Tuesday 11/11
Thanksgiving, Thursday 11/27
September ————————————————— Monday, September 1 6pm BIRD WALK Nighthawk Watch on Big Boardwalk Debbie Beer
Saturday, September 6 9am BIRD WALK Late Summer Birding Cliff Hence
8am PHOTO WALK Ned Levi
Sunday, September 7 9am BIRD WALK Birding in the New Academic Year Damon Orsetti
Saturday, September 13 9am BIRD WALK Tinicum’s Fall Birds Lynn Roman
1-6pm Darby Creek Valley Association 30th Anniversary Celebration
Free and open to all
Sunday, September 14 9am Birding for Fall Migrants Damon Orsetti
Wed, September 17 12–3:30 VOLUNTEER TRAINING – Orientation to Env. Ed.* Staff
Saturday, September 20 7-3pm CRADLE OF BIRDING FESTIVAL - Events throughout the day
1pm FOHR Photo Contest People’s Choice Judging and Awards
Sunday, September 21 9am BIRD WALK Early Fall Birding MaryEllen Krober
Wed, September 24 9–12 VOLUNTEER TRAINING – Env. Ed. - Pond Study* Staff
Saturday, September 27 9am BIRD WALK Fall Feathered Wonders Lynn Roman
Sunday, September 28 9am BIRD WALK Autumn Avian Delights Debbie Beer
October —————————————————— Wed, October 1 9–12 VOLUNTEER TRAINING – Env. Ed. - PA Birds* Staff
Saturday, October 4 9am BIRD WALK Birding by Ear Gregg Gorton
Sunday, October 5 9am BIRD WALK Late Migrants? Edie Parnum
Wed, October 8 9–12 VOLUNTEER TRAINING – Env. Ed.Lesson Roundup* Staff
Saturday, October 11 9am PHOTO WALK Meet at the Rt. 420 gravel lot Ned Levi
Sunday, October 12 7-7 The BIG SIT- Count Birds for Conservation at Observation Tower
Saturday, October 18 9am BIRD WALK Fall Birding at Tinicum Cliff Hence
1pm STORY TIME – Migration Staff
Sunday, October 19 9am BIRD WALK Fall Birding Robert Confer
Saturday, October 25 9am BIRD WALK Cool Autumn Birding MaryEllen Krober
Sunday, October 26 1-4pm VOLUNTEER TRAINING - Leading Youth Groups* Staff
November ————————————————— Saturday, November 1 9am BIRD WALK Ducks and Stuff at Tinicum Cliff Hence
Sunday, November 2 9am BIRD WALK Chilly Birds at the Refuge Edie Parnum
Saturday, November 8 9am PHOTO WALK Ned Levi
Sunday, November 9 9am BIRD WALK Birding in the Height of Autumn Damon Orsetti
Saturday, November 15 8am BIRD WALK Birding by Ear Gregg Gorton
1pm STORY TIME – Fall Adaptations Staff
Sunday, November 16 9am BIRD WALK Mid-Autumn Birding Wonders MaryEllen Krober
Saturday, November 22 9am BIRD WALK Cool Weather Birding Cliff Hence
Sunday, November 23 1-3pm BIRD WALK Duck Discovery and More PA Young Birders
Saturday, November 29 9am BIRD WALK Holiday Birding Lynn Roman
Sunday, November 30 9am BIRD WALK Birding Before December Starts Damon Orsetti
Fall 2014 Walks, Programs & Events
Walks meet at Visitor Center unless noted.
# Meet at Route 420 side of Refuge in gravel parking lot.
* Please call 215-365-3118 to register.
SAVE the DATES:
December 13 – Christmas Bird Count
January 3 – Winter Bird Count for Kids
January 31 – Groundhog Day Family Festival
Mark Your Calendars
Refuge Gate Closing
Times Changing:
9/2 thru 11/2 ~ 8PM
11/3 thru 12/31 ~ 6PM
Wildlife & Conservation Festival Saturday September 20th 2014
7 AM 3 PM
Live Animals Trolley Tours
Workshops Live Music Fly-tying
Fishing Birding Photography
Archery Wildlife Origami
Guided Family Hikes Exhibitors
Butterfly Walks Food
J o h n H e i n z N a t i o n a l W i l d l i f e R e f u g e 8 6 0 1 L i n d b e r g h B l v d
P h i l a d e l p h i a , P A 1 9 1 5 3 2 1 5 - 3 6 5 - 3 1 1 8
w w w . f w s . g o v / h e i n z
Keynote Speaker – Dr. Dan Duran
Bugs, Beetles, and Other Insect Pollinators
Insects are the largest group of wildlife on Planet Earth,
yet remain less known to most refuge visitors. From
pollinators, to decomposers, to lunch for birds, fish,
reptiles, and amphibians, insects play a critical role in
most food chains that support all life. Come bug Dr. Dan
Duran, entomology professor at Drexel University, also
formally Vanderbilt University, and author of Tiger Beetles
of North America from 2PM-3PM in the Visitor Center
Auditorium to learn about native refuge insects.
Sponsored By US Fish and Wildlife Service
The Friends of Heinz Refuge
FREE!
8
www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Fall 2014
The FOHR Photo Group held its
quarterly meeting on Sunday, July
13th. There was discussion on
upcoming trips and planning for the
Photo Contest to be held during the
Cradle of Birding, Saturday,
September 20th.
Ned Levi led a photo walk on
Saturday, August 9th on the 420 side
of the refuge. Ned reports “We had
an amazing outing, especially getting
butterfly, bee, and dragonfly images.
It took us an hour at the beginning
of the walk to go just 0.4 miles up
the pipeline trail from the parking lot
because we saw so many Skippers,
other butterflies, and bees. We saw
some caterpillars including an
American Dagger Moth caterpillar.
We saw cicada killers (Sphecius spe-
ciosus). We saw some birds too, of
course; Ospreys, Herons, Egrets,
Blue winged Teals, Gold Finches,
Cormorants, Marsh Wrens, Eastern
Kingbird, Cedar Waxwing, and oth-
ers. We also saw some great land-
scape views, including looking
across the marsh to the skyscrapers
of Center City Philadelphia.”
Recent Photo Group Trip to
New York City Enjoyed by All.
In June, the Heinz Photo Group
went on a Photo Walk in New York
City, for a change of pace, and to
work on landscape photography
skills, so important in many genres
of photography, including nature
photography.
The group met at Penn Station
early in the morning, then left for
Castle Clinton, the security entrance
for the ferry to the Statue of Liberty
and Ellis Island.
Once on Liberty Island, we circled
Lady Liberty, looking for different
perspectives and classic landscape
opportunities, including views of
lower Manhattan. Then we sailed to
Ellis Island, the most famous immi-
gration gateway to the United States.
We stood in the footsteps of millions
of immigrants in the “Great Hall.”
Upon returning to Manhattan we
walked along Wall Street to the
World Trade Center and the 9/11
Memorial. While photographing the
9/11 Memorial we all agreed that its
stirring design was extremely diffi-
cult to communicate through photo-
graphs. We learned much about pho-
tographic story telling there.
Before finishing our day, we
stopped at Grand Central Terminal,
and its amazing main concourse. Af-
ter photographing there, including
catching two wedding couples in
formal wear, we ate gelato and other
light fare before going back into the
90ºF plus heat.
Photo Group News By Kay Meng
All Photography
Enthusiasts Welcome
We welcome photographers of
any skill level from beginners,
to professional 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
the year.
We have a lot fun volunteering
while learning about photogra-
phy, 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 quar-
terly on the 3rd Sunday of Janu-
ary, April, July, and October, at
10am, in the Visitor Center at
the Refuge. The next meeting of
the Photo Group will be held on
October 26, 2014.
If you’re interested in joining
the Photo Group, attending a
nature photography workshop,
or a Nature Photography Walk,
please contact us at: jhnwrpho-
We finished the day on the Top of
the Rock, the upper observation plat-
form of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. The
panorama opportunities there are
spectacular.
Our next trips will be to the Na-
tional Aquarium in Baltimore, and
then Chincoteague National Wildlife
Refuge in the fall. Blue Dasher ~ Skimmer Family
9
www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Fall 2014
Photo Essay of the Heinz Refuge
By Maureen Wade
I am a Business Systems Ana-
lyst at Drexel University, lived
most of my life in the Philadel-
phia area, and have been a long
time volunteer and friend of the
Refuge, enjoying many hours
wandering refuge trails, unwind-
ing after a busy week at work.
I have helped at Darby Creek
Cleanup events, worked on trail
maintenance, and joined the
Friends Photo Group, whose
members document refuge events,
sponsor annual photo contests,
guide quarterly walks, and hold
photography workshops.
Visitors inspired by sweeping marsh landscape at Heinz Refuge.
The Heinz Refuge teems with “pollinator
power.” Sunflowers and Thistles are just
two of many plant species which provide
food needed to sustain area pollinators.
Do you recognize these bobbing butts? Look twice to notice their stunning colors!!
A Red-tailed Hawk perches in solitary
splendor. Frequent visitors to the ref-
uge, they may often be seen soaring
through the skies searching diligently
for their next meal.
Frog camouflaged in Duckweed.
The BiG SiTCounting for Conservation
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Join the Heinz Refuge “Big Sittas” incounting birds as part of the annual,
At the last BIG SIT, 77 species were foundat Heinz Refuge. The cumulative, 4-year list
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, PhiladelphiaObservation Tower ~ Sunrise to Sunset
counting birds as part of the annual,international BIG SIT event! Our citizenscience effort highlights the rich variety ofbirds that depend upon Refuge resources.
at Heinz Refuge. The cumulative, 4 year listof 107 species showcases impressive birddiversity and distribution during fallmigration, as birds fly across the continent.
How many birds will we find this year? Join us to see for yourself!
EAGLES • HAWKS • FALCONS • DUCKS • GEESE • HERONS • EGRETS • SANDPIPERSWARBLERS • WOODPECKERS • WRENS • SPARROWS • SWALLOWS • TERNS • GULLS
KINGFISHERS • KINGLETS • FINCHES • NUTHATCHES • THRUSHES • BLACKBIRDS
Great BIRDS ~ Great FRIENDS ~ Great FUN!
All are welcome, no experience necessary. Bring binoculars and friends. Stay for a few
minutes, hours or all day.
We hope to see you at the BIG SIT!
Photo credits: Debbie Beer, Kay Meng, Ann Reeves.
JOHN HEINZ NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE8601 LINDBERGH BLVD, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19153
Phone: 215-365-3118 www.fws.gov/Heinz
FRIENDS OF HEINZ [email protected]
www.FriendsofHeinzRefuge.org Facebook/HeinzRefuge
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www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Fall 2014
Habitat, habitat; how is the
habitat? This has been a very busy
spring and summer for biology work
at the Refuge. Thanks to help from
our volunteer Weed Warriors and the
JHNWR Student Conser-
vation Association (SCA)
crew, a tremendous
amount has been accom-
plished this summer and
we were lucky enough to
be awarded grants for two
different projects.
One grant was to treat
invasive plants in a 1.5
acre section of the Refuge
on the Trolley Bed Trail.
It has been infested with
Wisteria and Japanese
knotweed for a few years
and although Weed Warri-
ors had been cutting the
wisteria and I had been
applying herbicides to the
knotweed, we just were not winning
the battle. This grant allowed us to
hire Weeds Inc. to come in and ap-
ply fall applications to areas that I
just couldn’t reach with my equip-
ment. Volunteers cut the vines ear-
lier this spring so we could mini-
mize their reach into the trees. The
site was sprayed twice - two
weeks apart - by Weeds Inc.
starting in late August. Our hope is
to eradicate these invasive plants
and allow native plants in the seed
bank to emerge next spring.
Another grant allowed us to pur-
chase 300 native flowers and 6
large (10-12 foot) trees to plant
around the edges of the meadow
Precious Refuge Tree Habitat Got a Boost This Summer
From SCA Crew and Refuge Weed Warriors
Veteran Weed Warrior Reflects on the Values of Refuge Trees
situated between the two parking
lots. The area has been encroached
upon by thistles and Japanese Hops
that were taking over valuable soil
sites for native plants. We mowed
the invasive plants and then the Stu-
dent Conservation Associa-
tion crew planted 50 each of
Blue False Indigo, Mist
Flower, Beard-tongue Fox-
glove, Clustered Mountain
Mint, Orange Coneflower,
and Verbena. All of these
plants will provide nectar for
butterflies and humming-
birds, as well as other polli-
nator species.
We then planted the trees
which in time will throw
shade on the parking areas,
thereby reducing the amount
of heat given off into the at-
mosphere and keeping visi-
tors’ cars a bit cooler.
The trees included 2 American
Holly, 2 Green Beech, and 2 Sweet-
gum trees that will hopefully thrive
to provide resting and nesting habitat
for birds as well as shade for years to
come. Brendalee Phillips, FWS
A walk on the refuge trails will
reveal a surprising variety of tree
species. Trees provide essential food
and shelter for many types of wild-
life and perform other functions in-
cluding soil stabilization.
The refuge’s native trees are de-
scendants of trees that have grown
there for centuries and are common
in marshy locations and moist
woods. Each species has special
characteristics.
Red and Silver Maples are com-
mon and are among the first trees to
flower in spring.
Several species of Oak grow in the
refuge: Pin Oak, Red Oak, Swamp
White, White Oak produce acorns
that are consumed by animals.
Sweetgum has beautiful red, star
shaped leaves in autumn. Edible
walnuts hang from the branches of
Black Walnut trees in late summer.
Massive Cottonwoods are some of
the largest trees on the Refuge. The
cottonwoods are exceptionally
tolerant of flooding, erosion, and
flood deposits filling around the
trunks.
Volunteers are planting hundreds
of native trees at the refuge. Dog-
wood, Paw Paw, and Red Bud are
just a few.
Taylor Arboretum has graciously
offered to donate 26 smaller trees
and we will be planting those in vari-
ous places throughout the refuge this
fall. Come and enjoy their shade,
inhabitants, and beauty. George Meng
SCA Students Planting Trees - Photo By Chuck Lafferty
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www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Fall 2014
If you are reading this article, I
think we might have 2 things in
common to start:
First, you already know about our
wonderful “urban oasis,” and sec-
ond, you may be considering retire-
ment or are retired already.
My guess is that we have even
more in common…. Probably
a delight in nature, enjoyment
of beauty, and at least a little
more time to spend here at
Heinz.
As I approached my retire-
ment last year after working
for the City of Philadelphia for
38 years, I was already a vol-
unteer bird walk leader at the
refuge. Nevertheless, the
questions about how I would
like to spend some of my extra
time were on my mind. Life
after retirement would be very
different!!
It was comforting to know
that I would finally be able to
spend as much time as I really
wanted to at my much loved
wildlife refuge which is liter-
ally at my doorstep - The
John Heinz National Wildlife
Refuge at Tinicum.
F o r m e , t h e w o r d
“REFUGE” has more than one
meaning – a “refuge” is most cer-
tainly for wildlife and, for me it is
just as much a “refuge” from the
hustle and bustle of urban life!
So, a year later, here is what I’ve
learned. There are many more ways
to enjoy my time here than I’d imag-
ined… with taking a healthy walk
just being a beginning. The more I
was here, the more I found interest-
ing folks who seemed happy to say
“hello”…or more! The Heinz Ref-
uge is a very people friendly place!
Beyond the many wonders of na-
ture that can be experienced here,
there are so many projects and ac-
tivities that I could join or help plan,
that I feel excited to see what else is
going on!! I’ve just volunteered to
learn to help in the little gift shop
that is run by FOHR. I have volun-
teered to show a ladies group around
One Retiree’s View on Taking Advantage of Exciting
Volunteer Opportunities at the Heinz Refuge
(they were lots of fun too). One
week I helped guide 2 youth groups
(ages 6-8) that visited the refuge for
their first time!
If I feel like cooking, I can help
give out hot dogs in the fall’s Cradle
of Birding Festival. If I want to pull
weeds or plant native plants, I can
join our fantastic “Weed Warriors”
program any time!
If I choose to volunteer at in-
doors activities, I can sit at the
front desk to greet visitors and
share wonderful ways to enjoy
the refuge.
As a member of the refuge’s
friends group (FOHR), I began
to attend their monthly board
meetings. I quickly realized
that they were an ACTION
organization; I joined it, and
am now happily planning
membership events, and help-
ing the refuge plan the Cradle
of Birding and other seasonal
events. I love the feeling of
being part of and supporting
organizational improvements,
outreach in regional festivals,
photo and art contests, and
more every month!!
Now I decided to invite YOU
to enjoy the incredible experi-
ences to be had at the Heinz
Refuge - the practically limitless
array of opportunities to enjoy our
refuge - small adventure on every
visit!
Let Heinz be a part of your retire-
ment plan too. I hope to see you
soon and often… Lynn Roman
It Can be Really Easy to Sign Up and Train to be a Volunteer!
Plan to attend our next Volunteer Program Event and learn to manage groups while teaching environmental concepts.
Sunday, October 26 ~ 1 to 4 pm.
For additional information or to register call 215-365-3118 or email Suzanne—Suzanne_kelley@ fws.gov.
Lynn Roman eyes a Cecropia Moth Caterpillar.
Photo by: Mike Cosgrove
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www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Fall 2014
FOHR Announces Exciting New Grant Program to
Facilitate School Field Trips to the Heinz Refuge
Are you an educator who is looking for innovative ways to engage
your students’ interest in the natural sciences? Have you heard
about the availability of the wonderful “outdoor classroom” that may
be found at the Heinz Refuge? Do you believe that your opportuni-
ties for field trips to the refuge are limited by the lack of funds to
cover the cost of buses? If the answer to these questions is YES,
read on!!
The Friends of Heinz Refuge (FOHR) are excited to announce that
we have created a new “Field Trip Busing Grant Program” through
which area teachers/schools may request funding assistance to cover
some or all of the busing costs associated with student field trips.
Beginning with the commencement of the school year 2014-2015,
we invite area teachers to download the application form by visiting
our website - www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org. After the form has been
completed, including all the required signatures, it can be submitted to
us either by mail: PO Box 333, Folcroft, PA 19032-0333 (Attention
Education Committee), or through our website email –
[email protected]. Please note that part of the applica-
tion process requires teachers to contact the refuge
[email protected] for additional instructions and to reserve
their trip date.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and must be
submitted at least 6 weeks prior to the anticipated field trip date.
Maximum funding will be $200.00 per school, per year. FOHR’s
education committee will meet monthly and will review all submitted
applications then, with notice of grant approvals being sent immedi-
ately after approval.
We look forward to seeing your classes at the refuge—soon!
Volunteer Training Available to Lead Environmental Education Field Trips
Do you enjoy sharing your love of the natural world with children? The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at
Tinicum is inviting you to help us do just that! The refuge will be offering a series of training classes to provide you with
the tools to educate students at the refuge. Volunteers should plan on attending the orientation and at least one other edu-
cational training.
Last spring, we had a great bunch of enthusiastic and diverse people sign up as volunteers and participate in the train-
ing. We have had great fun sharing the resources of the refuge with the students that have visited in the past and are
looking forward to a great fall season. A great opportunity for retirees with time on their hands. Come, join the FUN!
Orientation: Wednesday, September 17th 12:00pm—3:30pm
Pond Study: Wednesday, September 24th 9:00 am—12:00pm
PA Birds: Wednesday, October 1st 9:00am—12:00pm
Lesson Roundup: Wednesday, April 16th 9:00am—12:00pm
For more information and to RSVP contact: Erika Scarborough,
EE Specialist 215-365-3118 [email protected]
Picture YOUR classroom exploring the Heinz
Refuge’s unique “Outdoor Classroom” where
binoculars may be borrowed, nature trails
abound, safe opportunities for pond study are
close by, and indoor classrooms are also
available complete with microscopes.
Article and Photos by: Jean Diehl
FWS File Photo
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www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Fall 2014
“Tinicum Treasure” Tales As told by Store Manager,
Annemarie Rapp
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!!
Training Date Set For
New Store Volunteers
Saturday - 9/27/2014
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Friends of Heinz Refuge needs
more volunteers to help run our
store! We’d like to expand our
hours and keep the store open con-
sistently, seven days a week. Ful-
filling this goal is most important,
as all of the store’s net proceeds
are invested in refuge projects and
programs.
Please join our Store Volunteer
training and learn to handle mer-
chandise, interact with custom-
ers, and use the cash register.
For more information, or to reg-
ister, contact the refuge, at
215.365.3118, Annemarie Rapp
at 484.472.6277, or email us at
If you have stopped by the ref-
uge visitor center lately, you
may have noticed that our store
“Tinicum Treasures” has not
been open very often. We are
sorry for the inconvenience this may
have caused you, and we are work-
ing hard to remedy the situation.
Due to some recent changes in
FWS regulations, only Friends’ vol-
unteers are permitted to ring up sales
in the gift shop, and that meant that
some of the refuge’s front desk vol-
unteers who were not also signed up
as Friends volunteers were no longer
permitted to work in the store.
Currently the only relatively reli-
able time to find the store open is on
Wednesdays, when Maryanne
Werner is there – usually from 9 am
till 11 am. Join us in thanking Mary-
anne who has volunteered with us
almost since the store opened more
than 10 years ago.
So, as you can see, until new vol-
unteers are found and are trained
our store hours will remain se-
verely limited.
If you DO decide to volunteer, you
will find that working hours can be
extremely flexible, and can be tai-
lored to suit your individual needs.
If you can give us even a few hours –
one or two days a week, it would be
a great help. School field trips will
be starting on weekdays soon, and
being able to have the store open for
the students is one of our primary
goals. Another peak need for store
volunteers would be during week-
ends when so many more people
have time to visit the refuge.
All volunteers will be trained to
ring up sales and, if desired, they can
also be trained to sit at the front desk
greeting visitors and answering
phones (a great way to fill your time
when the store is not busy).
Once a volunteer has accumulated
forty (40) hours they will receive a
one year free membership to our
Friends organization and 15% dis-
count on most merchandise in the
store. In addition, all volunteers will
be given a FOHR Volunteer T-shirt
to wear while on duty.
Federal Duck Stamps Are
Available NOW!
Federal Duck Stamps are once
again available for purchase in the
shop for $15.00. Please help us to
surpass our all-time high number of
47 stamps sold last year.
Besides serving as a hunting
license and a conservation tool, a
current Federal Duck Stamp also
serves as an entrance pass for na-
tional wildlife refuges where ad-
mission is charged. Duck Stamps
and products that bear stamp images
are also popular collector items.
Federal Duck Stamps are a
vital tool for wetland conserva-
tion. Ninety-eight cents out of
every dollar generated by the
sale of Federal Duck Stamps
goes directly to purchase or
lease wetland habitat for pro-
tection in the National Wildlife
Refuge System.
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www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Fall 2014
Report Violations
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge (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
Get hooked on fishing! Refuge visitors can borrow fishing
rods, reels, hooks and other tackle at the Visitor Center front
desk. Equipment check-out procedure is similar to that of
libraries. Visitor Center hours are 8:30am to 4:00pm.
This program is a partnership between the Pennsylvania
Fish and Boat Commission, American Sportfishing Asso-
ciation, and John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. Fishing
equipment may also be loaned to groups conducting commu-
nity education programs. Call (215) 365-3118 to inquire.
To find other locations which loan fishing tackle, check out PA Fish and Boat Commission’s website:
http://www.fish.state.pa.us/loaner.htm.
Friends of Heinz Refuge (FOHR) Membership Donation Form
This is (please check one): О New Member О Renewal Member О Gift Membership* О Donation
Please check one of the following Member Levels and fill-in the Form completely:
[ ] $10 Duckling (Student/Senior)
[ ] $15 $20** Heron (Individual)
[ ] $25 $30** Monarch (Family)
[ ] $50 $60** Red-bellied Turtle
[ ] $100 Red Fox
[ ] $150 Otter
[ ] $250 Merlin
[ ] $500 Osprey
[ ] $__________ Donation
[ ] Check here if you would like newsletter mailed to you (otherwise you’ll be notified via email when online).
[ ] Check here if you would like to be contacted about potential volunteer opportunities.
Your support of Friends of Heinz Refuge helps advance our mission to connect people with nature and promote envi-ronmental stewardship of natural resources. Membership benefits include invitation to special member-only events and voting for Board Directors at the FOHR annual meeting. You also get 10% discount at gift shops operated by
Friends of National Wildlife Refuges in the Mid Atlantic. If you provide your email address, we’ll email you with news, reminders about upcoming events, and when our quarterly newsletter, “Marsh Musings” is posted on our website.
We do not share your information with any other organizations.
Donations to Friends of Heinz Refuge are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Official registration and financial in-formation of the Friends of Heinz Refuge at Tinicum may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling
toll-free within Pennsylvania 1-800-732-0999.
Name _________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________
City, State, Zip __________________________________________
Phone Number __________________________________________
Email address ___________________________________________
Make checks payable to FRIENDS OF HEINZ REFUGE and mail to
FOHR, P.O. Box 333, Folcroft, PA 19032-0333. You may also
drop-off at Heinz Refuge front desk when you visit.
*Gift Memberships, please indicate clearly the Recipient and the Giver. If questions, email: [email protected]
**Join or Renew Membership TODAY before membership level changes become effective October 1, 2014 **
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www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Fall 2014
Friends of Heinz Refuge
PO Box 333
Folcroft, PA 19032-0333
Non Profit Org
U.S. Postage
Paid
Permit 45
Havertown, PA 19083
Return Service Requested
FRIENDS MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND
Friends of Heinz Refuge Annual Membership Meeting
Sunday, October 19th ~ 1 till 3 pm
At the refuge Visitor Center
Our Agenda Will Include:
Luncheon Meeting;
An opportunity to meet and greet our new refuge manager, Lamar Gore;
Election of Board Members;
A Presentation reviewing the past year’s board activities, and a sneak peak at our
upcoming plans;
An opportunity to catch up with old friends, and to make new ones.
Watch your mailbox to find your personalized invitation including a list
of proposed candidates to fill board positions.