Upcoming Special Events

	BIG SIT! Sunday, October 14th, Sunrise - Sunset The "Big Sittas" enjoyed a fabulous BIG SIT at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge on Sunday, October 14, led by volunteers Deb Beer, Adrian Binns and Todd Fellenbaum. The first bird, Canada Goose, was heard at 4:38 am, followed by more waterfowl, waders, warblers, raptors, sparrows and finches, to end the day with 77 bird species. BIG SIT highlights included a Great Horned Owl calling for about 40 minutes starting at 5:40 am, American Bittern 'whomping' in pre-dawn darkness, a Sora found by 10-year old PA Young Birder Kit Conklin, Snow Goose that's been seen all summer, Pine Warbler, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Dark-eyed Junco and more. We added 12 new birds not found on any previous Heinz Refuge Big Sits, bringing the cumulative list to 107 species (years 2012, 2011, 2010, 2007). About 120 people joined us throughout a gorgeous, sunny day. Thanks to all the Refuge staff, volunteers and visitors who helped make this a wonderfully successful BIG SIT at Heinz Refuge. Click here for Heinz Refuge Big Sit 2012 report (PDF), and Big Sit Species List (PDF). We are grateful for all the generous donations given in support of Friends of Heinz Refuge. Pledges may be fulfilled, or donations submitted using the attached Big Sit Pledge Form (PDF).
	Celebrating 40 Years of Conservation John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge celebrated its 40th anniversary on Saturday, June 30th. Refuge staff and Friends of Heinz Refuge are continuing the celebration with a collection of articles, stories, and images from the Refuge archives. We hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane featuring 40 years of collaborative efforts to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. Read more reflections in our archive.
	Weed Warrior Vine Training Saturday, November 3, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Do you want to learn more about native and invasive plants, as well as, help wildlife at John Heinz NWR? Join the Weed Warriors! The mission of the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Weed Warriors is to enrich wildlife habitat within the Refuge by participating in the restoration of native plant communities. Weed Warriors recognize that these native plant communities are vital to supporting a rich and diverse population of native wildlife, including more than 300 species of birds. After taking an online training course and attending an in-house workshop and field training, Weed Warriors remove invasive plant species in plots they have adopted or along Refuge trails. Call 215-365-3118 to register!
	Groundhog Day Festival Saturday, February 2, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Punxsutawney Phil may be the most well known groundhog in Pennsylvania but we have a whole family of the furry and friendly critters right here at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. “Tinicum Tim and Tina” and their “Tinicum Twins”, representing the many actual groundhogs that hibernate at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge are gearing up for their own take on Groundhog Day. It will be on a Saturday, February 2, from 9AM to 1PM, so the entire family can join in the fun. The celebration will include family oriented fun and hands-on activities highlighting the history of Groundhog Day as well as refuge critters, groundhog walks, indoor craft activities for children, weather activities, and live animals from the Philadelphia Zoo. All of this plus live music will culminate in a burrow-side celebration. Will Tim see his shadow? Will he predict an early spring or six more weeks of winter? Be on hand to find out and have a great time. * Have a great photo of a groundhog? Click here to learn how you can submit your groundhog photos (PDF). *Teachers - Have your students enter the Groundhog Day Art and Writing Contest. Click here for more information (PDF).

***For a list of all walks and programs, click here.

Refuge Updates

	John Heinz NWR - Comprehensive Conservation Plan The Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) will guide the direction of refuge management in the future. Click here to view more information on the CCP process at Heinz NWR.
	Invasive Northern Snakehead Found at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge The invasive snakehead fish was found in the lagoons by Route 420 in March 2012. Exotic species like snakeheads can disrupt natural aquatic systems and may have significant impacts by feeding on and competing with native and/or naturalized fishes. Anyone who believes they have caught a northern snakehead on Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is urged not to release it and asked to call the refuge office at 215-365-3118. Snakeheads found in other waterways may be reported to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission at 610-847-2442. . Click here to learn more: USFWS Fact Sheet or Penn State SeaGrant Fact Sheet
	Introducing the myRefuge App Featuring John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge The Refuge System launched the myRefuge App available through the Apple Store. The new mobile application is for iPhones, iPods and iPads and it provides instant information on bird watching, trails and historic sites on national wildlife refuges. It launched with information on 42 refuges, including John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, and can be downloaded for FREE for a limited time. Click here to learn more.
	Caution! Refuge Trail Improvements and Repairs are Scheduled Please note that due to the recent flooding at the refuge certain trails and areas may have restricted access until repairs are completed. Please check in at the Visitor Center for updated trail closures and detours. As always, follow regulations on all posted signs. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.