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The 4th annual "Cradle of Birding" Wildlife and Conservation Festival held at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum on Sept. 15, 2007 was a huge success with an estimated visitation of over 1,020. The event was part of the Delaware County Riverfront Ramble. 

The day began with a "Bird-A-Thon" as several refuge volunteer naturalists led visitors at one hour intervals, helping novice birders identify different species along the refuge trails.  In addition to the Bird-A-Thon there were workshops in advanced birding, nature photography, fishing, fly tying, and raptor identification.  Nearly 2 dozen refuge partner organizations from federal and state resource agencies to NGO's were on hand with a multitude of table top exhibits and programs. 

Always one of the most popular draws for the festival is the live animal programs and this year's event did not fail to please as folks had the chance to get up close and personal with critters from several partners including the Philadelphia Zoo,  The Baily Foundation, Great Valley Nature Center, Drexel University, and Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary.  One of the live animal programs was provided by Lorrie Schumacher and her "Talons:  A Bird of Prey Experience".  Lorrie took several of her birds through their paces as an enraptured public watched in awe at these magnificent flyers.

Music was provided by a refuge neighbor, Glen Waldek, an environmental troubador, who has actually written a song about the refuge that serves as the title of one of his CD's, "Quagmire's Waltz".  Glen lives just beyond the refuge boundary in Lester, Delaware County.

The festival also provided a perfect platform for the awards ceremony for the annual photo contest sponsored by the Friends of the Heinz Refuge Photo Group.

Acting Refuge Manager, Dr. Gary Stolz, noted, "We are so pleased that we have had the opportunity to connect so many families and individuals with nature." Gary also pointed out that this is truly a community event and the refuge is, indeed, very much a part of the neighborhood that surrounds it both in Southwest Philadelphia and Southeastern Delaware County, PA. Visitors from all over the greater Delaware Valley and beyond visit the refuge.   He stated, "It is so important for us to introduce entirely new populations to the natural world through environmental education and outdoor recreational opportunities.  This refuge does just that as well as fulfilling our other congressional mandates for habitat and species protection and restoration. I really think the festival is a wonderful way to get local citizens involved and caring about nature while having a great time."