The Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin (WRA) has nominated and selected the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum to receive the 2007 Dr. Ruth Patrick Excellence in Education Award for conservation education programs at the Cusano Environmental Education Center.  The award will be presented at the WRA's 26th annual recognition dinner on Wednesday, April 16th, 2008.

Dr. Ruth Patrick, a long time Philadelphia scientist, did much of her early research on water quality and environmental pollution in and around the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.  Dr. Patrick, who still works at the Academy of Natural Sciences, celebrated her 100 year birthday in 2007 in conjunction with Rachel Carson centennial birthday, with special exhibits and programs at the refuge dedicated to both of these amazing women.