Newsletter of Friends of Heinz Refuge Marsh Musings · Newsletter of Friends of Heinz Refuge ......

www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org Marsh Musings Spring 2016

Marsh Musings Spring 2016 Edition Volume 0116

Newsletter of Friends of Heinz Refuge

and did hide in the tall grasses along

the dike only to explode into flight

as one walked past them.

Wildflowers bloomed in unbroken

carpets blanketing the view from

either the dikes or from the windows

of the 37 trolley as it rocketed on its

single track through Tinicum Marsh

along what is now known as the

“Trolley Bed Trail”.

Children (including me) spent un-

told hours in the marshes

and nearby creeks, hiking,

biking, fishing, boating

and harvesting a lunch of

berries along the way.

Those days of abun-

dance are gone but with

the founding of the

Heinz Refuge, there is

hope for the future.

While we will never

regain lost acreage, to-

day both humans and

wildlife will benefit from the

stewardship of the FWS, supple-

mented by the efforts of FOHR

and other partners and volunteers.

Part One of the story took place

between 1952 and 1970 primarily in

the City of Philadelphia with the

principal parties being Allston Jen-

kins and the Philadelphia Conserva-

tionists. This story will be contin-

ued in the next issue. Jean Diehl

This quote could well have been

made with the battle to save Tinicum

Marsh in mind. The story of “How

the Refuge Was Won” took more

than 35 years to be accomplished

and unfolded in two drama packed

chapters. It is a story that eventually

involved people in many states rang-

ing from Maine to Washington DC,

and included hundreds of individuals

and organizations, federal and local

judges, Congressmen and Senators

and even several presidents

(and indirectly, Vice Presi-

dents) of the United States.

This story will be related

based upon personal experi-

ence and supplemented by

tons of research.

The setting: The lands

and streams that now com-

prise the John Heinz Na-

tional Wildlife Refuge are

set in a highly industrialized

corridor at the foot of the

Darby Creek watershed.

Approximately 1/4 of the refuge

lands are located within the bounda-

ries of the city of Philadelphia and

are known today as the “refuge im-

poundment”, while the remaining

3/4 of the refuge’s acreage lie in

Delaware County and contain the

bulk of the refuge’s tidal marshes.

As of the early 50’s the area has

been surrounded or impacted by an

ever expanding International Air-

port, three sewage treatment plants, a

tank farm, a smoke belching, water

polluting incinerator, high density

residential development and was

crisscrossed by several oil and gas

pipelines. Then in the mid to late

60’s two highly “unsanitary” land-

fills and dredging and filling related

to highway development were added

to the mix. A highly unlikely spot

you might think in which to found

a National Wildlife Refuge.!!

The Background: It was in the

early 50’s that developmental pres-

sures began escalating, and resulted

in the massive loss of Tinicum’s

wetlands.

Before that time however, it was

not uncommon for migrating birds to

be seen covering the sky from one

end of the horizon to the other for

hours and days at a time. Up until

then literally hundreds of birds could

How The Refuge Was Won

Photo by: Ryan Doyle

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed,

it is the only thing that ever has”. Noted Anthropologist, Margaret Mead

2


A quarterly publication of the

Friends of Heinz Refuge.

Jean Diehl, Editor

8601 Lindbergh Boulevard

Philadelphia, PA 19153

Board of Directors Jeannette Guess, President

Jaclyn Rhodes, Vice President

Lynn Roman, Secretary

Maureen Wade, Treasurer

Annemarie Rapp, Store Manager

Michael Cosgrove

Hank Hox

Thomas Koger

Chuck Lafferty

Kay Meng

Ron Miller

Franklin Strong

Auxiliary Support

Fran Miller, Corresponding Secretary

Stanley Rapp, Asst. Store Manager

Jesse Smith, Webmaster

Jean Diehl, Honorary Board Member

Larry Stier, Groundhog Day Chair

[email protected]

www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org

www.facebook.com/HeinzRefuge

Our Mission

In Support of America’s First Urban Wildlife Refuge

Friends of Heinz Refuge is a non-

profit charitable organization working

in partnership with John Heinz

National Wildlife Refuge to connect

people with nature and promote a

culture of environmental stewardship

through education, outreach, service

and nature-based recreation for the

conservation of wildlife & habitat.

Marsh Musings From The President’s Pen By Jeannette Guess

Oh the joys of spring-

time! I love the sounds of birds

singing early in the morning and

how nature begins to awaken from

the long winter cold. With record

snowfalls and unseasonably warm

days, I officially say goodbye to old

man winter and greetings to spring.

As I take a moment to reflect on

this past season, I must say that it

was bitter-sweet. My heart grew sad

when I learned that Tom Hughes, a

well respected, hard-working, long-

time staff member at Heinz would

retire on December 31, 2015. I met

Tom many years ago and it seems

that this last year was the great-

est. When I enter the doors of the

visitor’s center now, it’s just not the

same without Tom, who is now en-

joying retirement. Job well done

Tom!

Congratulations to Maureen Wade

who is now our very appreciated

new treasurer of the FOHR

Board. Maureen brings years of ex-

perience and dedication as a former

board member. Welcome back!

Have you seen the new boardwalk?

The views are breathtaking and it’s

truly a photographer's wonderland.

It’s also a great spot to bring school

aged children to learn about wildlife

habitat. So much is in store for

America’s first urban wildlife refuge

and I encourage all to hit the trails,

see our resident eagles and meet new

friends.

I also wanted you, our refuge

friends, to be aware that we have

discovered a new and painless

method to donate funds to the

Friends of Heinz Refuge., which

uses those funds to make the refuge

experience better for human visitors,

and wildlife alike.

Did you know that when you

shop at Amazon, they will donate

a percentage of your purchase

price to FOHR if you ask them to?

Simply sign on to https://

smile.amazon.com/ch/23-2889425.

When you sign on to Ama-

zon.Smile instead of just plain Ama-

zon - you will be asked to designate

the organizations to which you wish

to donate. You can find FOHR on

the drop down list.

It is that simple!!!

Selecting Amazon Smile

to do your online shop-

ping will in no way add to

your purchase price as

this is a “give back” pro-

gram initiated by Amazon

as a means of supporting

non-profit organization

which work on behalf of

the community at large.

Please log on and shop

till you drop!!!

FOHR BOARD MEETINGS: The public is welcome to attend Board Meet-ings, held the 1st Monday of the month, at 5:30 pm, in the Visitor Center.

Please check to determine potential schedule changes, and to let us know you’re attending: [email protected]. or call 215-365-3118.

A typical sight around the refuge - Tom Hughes

smiling as he goes about his tasks. FWS file photo

https://smile.amazon.com/ch/23-2889425

https://smile.amazon.com/ch/23-2889425

3


The John Heinz National Wildlife

Refuge’s friends and staff must be

breathing a big sigh of relief, now

that an agreement of sale between

Korman (Korman Residential Real-

ity) and the Philadelphia Redevelop-

ment Authority has been reached.

This agreement brings to an end the

fifty (50) year hold that Korman had

on the 135 acres of undeveloped land

between the Philadelphia Interna-

tional Airport and the Heinz Na-

tional Refuge.

Korman made an attempt to "cash-

in" on its options several years ago

by surveying the property so that it

could prepare to build 700+ apart-

ments and provide parking spaces

for 1,000+ cars. The residents in the

area became aware of Korman's ac-

tions and immediately organized to

form what eventually evolved into

the Eastwick Friends and Neighbors

Coalition (EFNC).

This coalition is made up of the

following groups: Eastwick Action

Committee, Darby Creek Valley As-

sociation, Delaware Riverkeeper

Network, Friends of Heinz Refuge,

Sierra Club and Keystone Trust and

became the united force that helped

to move the negotiations forward. It

was legally supported by the Public

Law Center of Philadelphia and

Dechert, LLC. And included politi-

cal support from Councilman Ken-

yatta Johnson.

After several years of negotiations,

testifying and protesting at Philadel-

phia City Hall Hearings, and an un-

countable number of community

strategy meetings, the results of all

the efforts came to its pinnacle at a

Philadelphia Redevelopment Author-

ity meeting on December 23, 2015.

The Philadelphia Redevelopment

Authority, on that date, voted

On The Refuge’s Eastern Boundary Eastwick In Action

unanimously to buy out Korman's

stake in the 135 acres and returning

it to the city.

The city is now in control of the

135 acres, less a small parcel to

which Korman still has the rights,

and (the city) is beginning to incor-

porate it into its planning process for

the area. It will behoove the commu-

nity and the Heinz Refuge to en-

gage in the types of community ac-

tivism that will allow planning for

the beneficial use of this undevel-

oped land.

The Heinz Refuge is a significant

member of the Eastwick and the City

of Philadelphia community. Because

of its status, the Refuge has been

involved in the Lower Southwest

District Planning meetings con-

ducted by the Philadelphia City

Planning Committee. Many residents

have mentioned how important it is

for Heinz to be "spotlighted" as the

community continues to plan for

Eastwick's future.

Additional information relative to

an update of the Lower Southwest

Planning Process involving Eastwick

and Heinz will be covered in the next

issue of Marsh Musings.

Earl Wilson, EFNC Board Member

Attending the historic board meeting of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority

on December 23, 2015 at which a unanimous vote was taken to end Korman's hold

on the 138 acres adjacent to the Heinz Refuge: (L-R) Terry Williams (President/

EFNC), Amy L. Cahn, (Lawyer/PILCOP), Ramona Rousseau-Reid, Debbie Beer,

Ross Pilling, Deborah Jefferson, Joanne Graham, Fred Stine, Robin Mann, Joseph

Reid, Earl Wilson, and Steve Cobb (Lawyer for Councilman Kenyatta Johnson).

Photo by: Jeannette Guess

The future of the Eastwick Com-

munity is of great importance to

the viability of the area for both

the residents and the Heinz Ref-

uge alike. EFNC was formed in

response to the threat of high

density residential construction

on the refuge border, and made

great strides in thwarting said

development. To stay informed

see: https:/

eastwickfriends.wordpress.com.

4


When Tinicum Tim emerged from

his burrow into bright afternoon sun-

shine on Saturday, January 30, 2016,

he saw more than just his shadow.

For there on the walkway in front of

his new home were dozens, no

scores, of faithful onlookers serenad-

ing our prognosticating marmot, and

welcoming his appearance.

And if the shadow predicted 6

more weeks of winter, the size of the

awaiting crowd predicted many more

years of successful FOHR Ground-

hog Festivals.

For this was the largest group ever

to assemble at Tim’s burrow, reflect-

ing the morning’s record setting

turnout. Over 300 visitors came to

this year’s event, and that too was a

record number. Now in its seventh

year, our Groundhog Festival seems

to offer something for everyone.

There were two well attended guided

walks—an early bird (oops wood-

chuck) excursion at 9 a.m. had 25

participants, and LL Bean’s 11:00

hike had about 40 attendees.

ArtSphere assisted more than 125

youngsters creating creatures from

natural products, while long time

participant Al Gaspar oversaw a

steady stream of youngsters busily

Families Flocked to the Refuge to Celebrate Groundhog Day

creating groundhog puppets.

Glen Waldeck provided his won-

derful live music again this year.

PHS’s Sally McCabe led more

than a dozen participants outside to

create cold frames, while the Frank-

lin Institute entertained with two

great programs on weather and shad-

ows, followed by our good friends

from the Philadelphia Zoo which

entertained a packed (SRO) audito-

rium with a live animal program.

FOHR volunteer Walt Jennings

reported that this year’s art contest

also saw a record number of entries

(over 1600!!).

Also new this year were Ground-

hog Festival sweatshirts for sale in

our bookstore.

Of course none of this happens

without a tremendous amount of ef-

fort from both refuge staff and

FOHR volunteers. But there were

other helpers as well. Delaware

Valley College provided us with

some wonderful volunteers. A

hearty thank you and well done to

everyone who helped make our 7th

annual Groundhog Festival the suc-

cess it was!! Larry Stier

The ever popular Philadelphia Zoo “Live Animal” program is always a hit at our

Groundhog Festival. This year the auditorium was packed beyond capacity.

Photo by: Ned Levi

A parade of over 100 happy people

surrounded Tinicum Tim’s burrow,

singing and clapping till he emerged. Quite a crowd gathered to sing our Groundhog, “Tinicum Tim” out of his burrow.

Photo by: Ned Levi

5


Thanks to the hard work done by

Groundhog Festival committee

member, Walt Jennings, we had a

record number of contestants (1785)

from area schools in both Philadel-

phia and Delaware Counties.

In the elementary division there

were 329 contestants, with Jennifer

Li of Kirkbride School receiving

first place, Lux Lookhart of Wood-

lyn Elementary receiving second

place, and Sydney Keen of Norwood

Elementary School receiving third

place.

In the Middle School Division

there were 1,456 entries. Nina

Zheng of Woodrow Wilson School

was awarded first place, Georgiana

McBride of Frankford Friends

School receiving second place, and

Hannah Sweeney from Ridley Mid-

dle School receiving third place.

Committee judges were very busy

on the days immediately before the

Groundhog Festival as they went

about selecting 15 finalists in each

division.

Finally on the day of the festival

committee members and refuge staff

secretly voted for their winning

choices.

Cash prizes were awarded in the

amounts of $50 for first prize, $30

for second prize, and $20 for third

prize.

This is the second year that we

have had almost 2,000 participants in

this Groundhog Day art contest.

Without teachers willing to have

their students involved this would

not be the case. So, over and above

offering kudos to the students, we

need to also recognize Mr. Metcalf /

Kirkbride School, Mrs. Gianneas /

Woodlyn Elementary, Mrs. Botha /

Norwood School along with school

principals in the elementary division.

In the Middle School Division ku-

dos go to Mrs. Hill of Woodrow

Wilson School, Ms. Davis from

Franklin Friends School, and Mr.

Scott from Ridley Middle School

and their supportive principals.

FOHR plans to deliver “thank you”

certificates to the principals & teach-

ers of each participating school.

2016 Groundhog Day Art Contest “Draws” 1785 Entries

First Prize ~ Elementary School Division ~ Jennifer Li from Kirkbride Elementary

school. Jennifer’s artwork is shown to the right as you look at this photo also shows

a lot of detail in her work. Photo by: Walt Jennings

First Prize ~ Middle School Division ~ Nina Zheng from Woodrow Wilson School

receives her award from Refuge Manager, Lamar Gore, during our Groundhog

Festival. The details in Nina’s drawing show painstaking attention to detail!

Photo by: Walt Jennings

6


March ——————————–——————————————

Sunday, March 6 9am BIRD WALK March’s Birds at the Refuge Lynn Roman

1pm PLANT WALK What Are Those Brown Plants? Dick Cloud

Saturday, March 12 9am BIRD WALK Birds of Spring Mary Ellen Krober 9am

STEWARDSHIP SATURDAY Brendalee Phillips 1pm

VOLUNTEER TRAINING Developing a Program Suzanne Kelley

Sunday, March 13 9am BIRD WALK Birding by Ear Gregg Gorton

Saturday, March 19 8am PHOTO WALK Early Spring Wildlife Ned Levi

Sunday, March 20 9am BIRD WALK Still Chilly Birds Edie Parnum

Saturday, March 26 9am BIRD/BUTTERFLY WALK Birds and Early Butterflies Cliff Hence

10am ART CONTEST Junior Duck Stamp Art Program Celebration Staff

Sunday, March 27 9am BIRD WALK Easter Morning Avian Activity Debbie Beer

April —————————————–———————————

Saturday, April 2 10am PROGRAM Introduction to the Heinz Refuge Thomas Koger

Sunday, April 3 9am BIRD WALK Birding by Ear Gregg Gorton

1pm PLANT WALK Early Spring Growth Dick Cloud

Saturday, April 9 8am BIRD WALK Singing Birds Lynn Roman

9am STEWARDSHIP SATURDAY Brendalee Phillips

Sunday, April 10 8am BIRD WALK Spring Migration Unfolds Debbie Beer

Saturday, April 16 8am PHOTO WALK Spring in the Marsh- Meet at Rt. 420 Ned Levi

Sunday, April 17 8am BIRD WALK Who Has Arrived Today? Mary Ellen Krober

Friday, April 22 7pm EVENING PROGRAM Astronomy and Wildlife at Night Staff

Saturday, April 23 8am BIRD WALK Early Warbler Migration Geoff Veith

9am DARBY CREEK CLEANUP! ALL WELCOME!

7pm EVENING PROGRAM Rain/Cloud Date for Astronomy Night

Sunday, April 24 8am BIRD WALK Great Spring Birding Edie Parnum

Saturday, April 30 9am BIRD/BUTTERFLY WALK Meet at the gravel lot at Rt. 420 Cliff Hence

May —————————————–———————————

Sunday, May 1 8am BIRD WALK Finally May Day Bird Walk Lynn Roman

1pm PLANT WALK Spring Blooms Dick Cloud

Saturday, May 7 8am PHOTO WALK Late Spring Nature Photography Ned Levi

10am PROGRAM Introduction to the Heinz Refuge Thomas Koger

Sunday, May 8 8am BIRD WALK Birds of May at the Refuge Mary Ellen Krober

Saturday, May 14 INTERNATIONAL MIGRATORY BIRD DAY

7am Gregg Gorton - Birds

8am Debbie Beer - Birds

9am Suzanne Kelley – Beginning Birding

11am Cliff Hence - Butterflies

9am STEWARDSHIP SATURDAY Brendalee Phillips

Sunday, May 15 1pm TREE PROGRAM Spring Tree ID Jeff Cooney, Robb Kerr

Saturday, May 21 8am BIRD WALK Beginner’s Bird Walk Lynn Roman

Sunday, May 22 1pm HISTORY WALK The Refuge’s Past Mike Brooks

Saturday, May 28 9am BUTTERFLY WALK Meet at the gravel lot at Rt. 420 Cliff Hence

SPRING 2016 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

7


Program Descriptions

All walks meet at the Visitor Center unless otherwise noted and are

weather dependent.

* For events requiring registration,

please call 215-365-3118.

Bird Walks

Last 2 - 3 hours and are suitable for all levels of birders. Binoculars are

available to borrow at the front desk.

Nature Hikes

Take a faster paced walk and learn

about the history of the refuge.

Plant Walks

Learn to identify plants and enjoy

their beauty in all seasons.

Photo Walks

Learn to photograph nature from an expert. Beginners to advanced photographers welcome. Lasts 2 -

3 hours. Bring your own camera.

Holiday Closings

The refuge buildings will be closed Monday, May 30th. The grounds will

be open from sunrise to sunset.

Gate Closing Times

The front gate will lock at 8 pm starting on March 11th and

at 9 pm beginning on May 1st.

SPECIAL PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS

International Migratory Bird Day

Saturday, May 14 from 7am to 2pm

Bird walks for all skill levels, crafts, and more. Join us and discover the wonders of

birds and birding, enjoy bird centered crafts, refreshments and more!

Darby Creek Cleanup!

Saturday, April 23, 2016

Join us as we conduct our annual outdoor spring cleaning at the refuge! Make the

place better for wildlife and yourself! We provide the bags, gloves, and a hotdog lunch.

Call 215-365-3118 to let us know you’re coming.

Junior Duck Stamp Art Program Celebration

Saturday, March 26 from 10am - 2pm

This national art contest features waterfowl art from students from grades K-12 in every

state. Each state holds an initial judging. Come and see what the talented students of

Pennsylvania have created! Come and learn about birds through walks, crafts, pro-

grams, and more and see the art entries – maybe you’ll enter next year!

Philadelphia Science Festival – Astronomy and Wildlife at Night

Friday, April 22 from 7pm to 9:30pm Rain/Cloud Date Saturday, April 23

Explore the “dark” side of the refuge while star gazing, enjoying walks, and participat-

ing in FrogWatch – a Citizen Science program presented in partnership

with the Philadelphia Zoo.

Tree Talk and Field ID Sunday, May 15 from 1-4pm

Join members of the Weed Warriors and learn about local trees and the

Weed Warrior Program.

Stewardship Saturdays

Saturday, March 12 at 9am ~ Saturday, April 9 at 9am

Saturday, May 14 at 9am Meeting

Join our amazing weed warrior program and help remove invasive plant species.

Improve habitat for wildlife. Learn to identify many plants. Work with a great group

of volunteers and our biologist!

Introduction to the Heinz Refuge

Saturday, April 2 at 10am

Saturday, May 7 at 10am

Learn about the refuge with a 40 minute visual program and then a short walk

In the refuge.

SEPTA Bus Routes: 37, 108, & 115 will drop

you off at the corner of 84th & Lindbergh Blvd.

8


A Photo Essay of the Heinz Refuge by

Pamela Dimeler

“I have always loved nature and wildlife and have begun to photograph many dif-

ferent species of birds. I have a passion for birds of prey and have been observing

a pair of Great Horned Owls for three years. I present programs to many different

organizations featuring my Great Horned Owl research, documented with photo-

graphs and video. My profession is a music and dance instructor and owner of

Parkside Academy of Music and Dance. I also play the Celtic harp with the Bran-

dywine Harp Orchestra. John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge has become my

second home and I enjoy the wildlife and natural beauty in all seasons of the year."

Spectacular takeoff—Peregrine Falcon on the hunt! Water Bubbles burst as Northern Shovelers take off.

Ever Vigilant ~ Coopers Hawk

Labor of love ~ Female Snapper laying

her eggs. Truly majestic ~ Great Blue Heron preparing for lift off!!

9


Warblers fly north bearing spring

on their wings. When this diverse

group of songbirds arrives at Heinz

Refuge, the air is warm and fragrant,

the trees are budding, and winter’s

chill is a distant memory.

In the wake of the warblers come

the dedicated warbler-watchers.

These folks are looking for warblers

in every spare moment. Attendance

at bird walks soars during spring

migration. Just try to find a parking

spot at Heinz on a May weekend!

Everyone wants to see favorites such

as the Black-throated Blue, Magno-

lia and the ubiquitous Yellow-

rumped Warblers, and less common

migrants like the Cerulean Warbler.

But there’s more to it than song-

bird admiration. What draws birders

to the Refuge in spring is the thrill of

the hunt and the difficulty of identi-

fication. It’s the warbler challenge!

Heinz has played host to nearly 30

species of New World Wood War-

blers over the years. Many regularly

stop here to rest and refuel before

continuing their migration. All war-

blers are small songbirds with slen-

der, sharp bills, but they come in an

amazing variety of colors and pat-

terns. Eye rings and wing bars deco-

rate birds dressed in black, gray,

olive, white, gold, red and blue.

Learning to distinguish one warbler

species from another is one of the

big challenges, and enjoyments, of

the warbler season.

But first you have to find them.

Naturalist’s Notebook ~ Warbler Mania

Article and Photos by Kim Sheridan

Warblers forage high in the treetops,

while we birders wander below cran-

ing our necks and bumping into each

other. And the flighty little things

never stay still! Always active, they

are in constant motion as they flit

from branch to branch gleaning in-

sects from the leaves and bark. Find-

ing and identifying warblers is diffi-

cult enough; photographing them is

an exercise in frustration.

At Heinz, the best places to find

warblers in the spring are in the aptly

named Warbler Woods and along the

Haul Road, and also along the Dike

Trail. Early morning, before sunset,

and after a rain are good times to

look for them. Be alert for quick

movements and flashes of color in

the trees and shrubs, and be sure to

look up.

Take the warbler challenge this

spring. Walk the trails of Heinz Ref-

uge and see how many warblers you

can spot. They won’t be here long.

Enjoy their colors and their activity

while you can. Open your eyes to the

wonder of warblers! Perfect natural camouflage! Black Throated Green Warbler.

This Yellow Rumped Warbler Blends Well With its Background.

10


Refuge Weed Warriors Assess “Visible” Results

The 2012 Comprehensive Conser-

vation Plan for the John Heinz Na-

tional Wildlife Refuge stresses the

need to combat invasive non-native

plants. On a cold day in February

Wildlife Biologist Brendalee Phillips

and 10 weed warriors met to assess

our efforts thus far.

We agreed that we had been suc-

cessful in fighting strangling tree

vines (see before and after photos).

We no longer see Japanese Honey-

suckle and Oriental Bittersweet vines

with trunks that are six or eight

inches in diameter.

We agreed, however, that Mile-a-

Minute will be a problem for years

to come. It is an annual so if we are

victorious over it one year it will

reappear the next. The best strategy

will be to get it while it is still only a

few inches high, after a rain. When

the ground is still moist, we can eas-

ily pull it out by the roots.

We were pleased by our efforts to

combat White Poplar. We attacked

them in three areas, girdling the

trunks and cutting saplings. We will

return to these areas in the spring to

cut any regrowth.

We have also had notable success

in clearing specific areas of invasive

plants. The most recent area to have

been cleared is the north side of

Trolley Bed Trail. The trees are

healthier and the views of the im-

poundment have been cleared.

Our biggest challenge remains

Phragmites. We take pride in the

large areas that volunteers have

cleared but we spent much of the

meeting discussing innovative ways

to clear even more.

Weed Warriors regularly work on

Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9

and 12 and on the second Saturday

o f e a c h mo n t h . J o i n u s ! Michael Brooks

Refuge biologist, Brendalee Phillips works with members of the Weed Warriors to

assess the work already performed, and that which still needs to be done.

From L to R: Jon Crawford, Jason Trenchard, and Brendalee Phillips

Photo by: Michael Brooks

Black Cherry tree on the left is almost smothered in vines. After the Weed

Warriors completed their work, the tree (on the right) is once again visible.

It can now breathe and thrive.

Photo by: Michael Brooks

11


John Heinz NWR at Tinicum has

been privileged to be home to a nest-

ing pair of bald eagles, since 2009.

On February 17, 2016, the female

began incubating on the nest for the

eighth year in a row. To date, eight

eaglets have fledged from this pair

and we are hopeful that this will be

another successful year. The nest is

located on Oak Island, about a 1.25

mile walk from the Visitor’s Center,

at the southern end of the Impound-

ment. There is a bench and informa-

tional panel located in the area that is

best for viewing. Binoculars or a

spotting scope are recommended for

best viewing. Remember, if you

don’t have binoculars, you can al-

ways borrow a pair at the front desk

of the Visitor’s Center.

Typically the female lays two eggs

(sometimes only one and occasion-

ally three). Eggs are about 2 3/4 by 2

1/2 inches and dull white in color.

Both parents will take turns incubat-

ing the egg(s) around the clock for

about 35 days. That would make the

hatch date of this year’s egg(s) to be

around March 23, 2016. It usually

takes a week or so before we can see

the eaglet’s head above the edge of

the nest. Once that happens we will

be able to confirm how many eaglets

are in the nest. At least one parent

will stay at the nest for the first few

weeks to brood the eaglets to protect

them and keep them warm. After the

first month the adults stay close by

and continue to feed the young.

Young eaglets grow rather quickly.

They slowly lose their white down at

2-3 weeks as flight feathers begin to

develop. Maximum growth is

reached at about 3-4 weeks of age so

the young will be the same size as

the adults but need to bulk up and

build their flight muscles. They

walk around in the nest at 6-7 weeks

Bald Eagles Nesting for Eighth

Consecutive Year

May 18th: Eight weeks old, ea-

glets are beginning to stretch their

wings in response to gusts of wind

and may even be lifted off their feet

for short periods.

June 1st-22nd: When 10 to 13

weeks old, eaglets will attempt their

first flight.

July/August: Once the young ea-

gles have fledged they remain

around the nest for four or five

weeks, taking short flights while

their primary feathers grow and

strengthen. Their parents still pro-

vide all of their food.

Until the first winter after they

fledge, young eagles stay near the

nest and are often fed by their par-

ents, having little other contact with

them. Young eagles have the instinct

to hunt, but lack the skills. Eventu-

ally, they learn to soar and spot prey.

Brendalee Phillips, FWS

and begin to fly at about three

months. Young then separate from

their parents in autumn. This gives

our visitors about six months of op-

portunity to come and view the

United States' national symbol and

watch the young eagles grow.

2016 Bald Eaglet Growth Timeline:

February 17th: Approximate date

egg(s) laid based on behavior of

adults;

March 23rd: Approximate date

egg(s) should hatch;

April 13th: Three weeks old: 1

foot tall:

May 4th: Six weeks old, the ea-

glets are nearly as large as their par-

ents and black juvenile feathers be-

gin to grow in;

Michael Anderson

12


Current FOHR members get 10% discount at Tinicum Treasures and also at bookstores on all National Wildlife

Refuges located in New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. Just show them your membership card!! It is that easy!!

Profits from sales are targeted for Refuge projects.

“Tinicum Treasure” Tales As told by Store Manager,

Annemarie Rapp

The FOHR Photo Group held its

quarterly meeting on January 17th.

The group shared photos and our

thoughts on our recent trip to Barne-

gat Light. We traveled on

January 2 and could not have picked

a more perfect weather day.

We discussed planning of some

trips in the spring, such as to Wash-

ington, DC, New York, or Philadel-

phia, just to name a few. As you can

see we have a lot of fun trips coming

up. Why not think about joining

us!

The Photo Group is a nice group of

people who love photography, want

to learn more, and get together to

share their passion. We also help

document Refuge events

by volunteering to photo-

graph them.

Photo Group member,

Ned Levi, also leads

Photo walks around the

refuge several times a

year and would love to

have you join him. He

is ready to answer any

questions, offer photog-

raphy tips, etc.

Soon, we will be

meeting regarding our

Photo Contest coming

up in September. Feel free to pass

along your ideas or suggestions.

And remember to get out and start

taking your photos now!

please call Annemarie at 610-713-

5972 or email through our FOHR

w e b s i t e

[email protected].

REMEMBER… Every time you

make a purchase at Tinicum Treas-

ures, the net proceeds related to your

sale will be used to support refuge

programs and projects. It is a win –

win situation whether you decide to

volunteer or make a purchase – or

both.

We wish you all a HAPPY

SPRING and remember to . . . .

Leave only footprints……take

only pictures!!

Photo Group News By Kay Meng

With Spring on the way, the Ref-

uge’s Visitor Center will again be

alive with visitors and school groups

anxious to shake off winter’s stuffi-

ness. FOHR will be needing to in-

crease our volunteer store hours in

order to keep the shop for business..

If you decide to volunteer, (see

volunteer application on page 15)

you will find that working hours can

be extremely flexible, and can be

tailored to suit your individual needs.

Even a few hours – one or two days

a week will be helpful. Our peak

hours now that school field trips will

be increasing are weekdays between

9 and noon. Another peak time is

We can’t wait to see what you

come up with for all 4 seasons!

Hardy Photo Group members enjoying friendship and

nature on a fine winter day at Barnegat Light.

Photo by: Kat Meng

on weekends 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

to greet visitors and answer phones

(which can be a great way to fill

your time if the store is not busy).

Once a volunteer has donated forty

(40) hours they will receive a one

year free membership to our Friends

organization and 15 % off discount

on most merchandise in the store.

In addition, all volunteers will be

given a FOHR Volunteer T-shirt to

wear while on duty. If interested,

mailto:[email protected]

13


Check For Workshop Dates “How to Have a Creek Friendly Backyard”

Please watch the DCVA website http://dcva.org or the Pennsylvania Resources Council website http://prc.org/

programs/conservation-workshops/watershed-rain-barrels for the announcement of specific dates, times, and locations

for two “How to Have a Creek Friendly Backyard” workshops. There will be 2 workshops in the Darby-Cobbs water-

shed this spring. The focus will be on general storm water information including rain gardens and how to build and use

your recycled rain barrel. Workshops are not limited to a certain number of attendees, but the first 50 people who arrive

will receive rain barrels. We hope to see you there!

By Jamie Anderson, DCVA Board member and director of the Eastern Delaware County Stormwater Collaborative

Environmental Advisory Committees (EACs) and other interested local groups are welcome to learn how to develop

their own rain garden programs by participating in the Haverford Township Hav-a-Rain Garden program. Under a

grant discussed in the Summer 2015 issue of the Valley (online at www.DCVA.org), the Haverford EAC started its

Hav-a-Rain Garden program which helped install 10 residential rain gardens in 2015. While grant applications for

formal classroom training and support for developing Rain Garden programs in other Townships are uncertain, Hav-a-

Rain Garden is planning to install another 10 residential rain gardens each year until it meets its goal of 100 rain gar-

dens built in Haverford in 10 years. All it takes to start your own local program is a few dedicated volunteers and

some training. The best way to learn is by doing, so Hav-a-Rain Garden is inviting EACs or other local groups to join

us and learn how it’s done. You will have access to their assessment and design tools and advice on starting a program

in your town. Email [email protected] with your name, phone and organization’s name and whether you

are interested in just participating in a few “build” events or if you want to participate in the core team activities of

assessing residential properties, designing gardens and building them. By Peter Puglionesi, DCVA Board Member

Learn How to Start a Rain Garden Program in Your Town

Norwood – Left ~ during planting with volunteers / Right ~ after it was

completed. This rain-garden is at the Norwood Fire House.

Above ~ Volunteers hard at work creating a creek friendly

Rain Garden in a small plot on Chester Pike, across the

street from Davis Trading Post and near the

Norwood Fire House.

Photo by: Jamie Anderson

Below ~ Completed Rain Garden channels storm-

water run-off into a shallow area planted with na-

tive plants. Stormwater will be retained and filter

into the water table rather than being channeled

into a storm sewer. Photo by: Jamie Anderson

http://dcva.org

http://prc.org/programs/conservation-workshops/watershed-rain-barrels

http://prc.org/programs/conservation-workshops/watershed-rain-barrels

mailto:[email protected]

14


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 com-munity 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.

VOLUNTEER TRAINING *

Building Blocks to a Great Program *

Saturday March 12 from 1-4

Learn the basics of developing an interpretive program. Discover the ins and outs of themes, goals and objectives and how they can guide you to a great program. An overview of the

steps involved in becoming a walk leader here at the refuge will be reviewed and future

classes will be held to provide in-depth cover-age. *Call 215 365-3118 for more information

and let us know you’ll be here!

Environmental Education Specialist, Erika Scarborough was re-

cently nominated for a national “Sense of Wonder” award. The

award is a national recognition program which spotlights excep-

tional educational programs developed by Service employees. Al-

though Erika was not selected as a national winner, it was still a

terrific honor to have been nominated. Erika and refuge interns,

Kelly Kemmerle and Richie Perrello have worked long and hard to

develop and implement the “Philly Nature Kids” program which is

being utilized in several area schools as we speak.

Last year, the FWS began outreach to selected schools in the im-

mediate vicinity of the refuge. They brought environmental educa-

tion to the classrooms, and brought the students to the refuge for

field trips. FOHR provided the busing funds. This year the refuge

has expanded the number of schools and the number of classes

within each schools that they are working with.

This means that FOHR volunteers would be welcomed to assist in

classrooms and as mentors on student field trips.

Please note that there is an upcoming training event for volun-

teers who want to assist in this type of program. Please also note

that there is a volunteer application on the facing page.

Both the FWS and the FOHR will heartily appreciate those who

wish to take the training and participate in the program!!

FWS File Photo

15


Friends of Heinz Refuge (FOHR) Membership Donation Form

This is a (check one): [ ] New Member [ ] Renewal Member [ ] Gift Membership* [ ] Donation

Please check one of the following member levels and fill-in the form completely:

[ ] $10 Duckling (Student/Senior)

[ ] $20 Heron (Individual)

[ ] $30 Monarch (Family)

[ ] $60 Red-bellied Turtle

[ ] $100 Red Fox

[ ] $150 Otter

[ ] $250 Merlin

[ ] $500 Osprey

[ ] $1000 + Eagle (Corporate)

[ ] $__________ Donation

[ ] Check here if you would like to receive timely online E-Bulletin updates. (email addresses NOT shared).

* Please indicate how you would like to receive your newsletter [ ] U.S. mail [ ] Online

*Gift Memberships, please indicate clearly the Recipient and the Giver. If questions, email: [email protected]

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, OR drop it off at the

Heinz Refuge Visitor’s Center front desk when you visit.

Share Your Interests and Skills ~ Join Our Family of Volunteers

Please tell us where your volunteer interests/skills lie and we will set you up with the training to get you started.

Organizational Support Environmental Education Public Use

[ ] Web/Social Media Skills [ ] Naturalist [ ] Staff Gift Shop

[ ] Newsletter/Publishing [ ] Landscaper/Gardener [ ] Staff Reception Desk

[ ] Outreach/Marketing [ ] Field Trip Aide [ ] Staff Special Events

Resource Management Committees

[ ] Habitat Maintenance [ ] Finance

[ ] Refuge Cleanups [ ] Membership

[ ] Fundraising

Donations to FOHR are tax-deductible

to the extent allowed by law. For official

registration / financial information call

PA Dept. of State @ 1-800-732-0999.

Your volunteer support of Friends of Heinz Refuge helps us to achieve our goal to

support the mission of the FWS at the Heinz NWR; to provide increased opportunities

to connect urban populations with nature and to enhance and preserve wildlife habitat

for the benefit of both wildlife and refuge visitors.

Become Part of The FOHR Family!

Help Us As We Work With FWS on behalf of The Refuge!

16


Mark Your Calendars ~ Save the Dates

Friday, April 22 - 7 pm

Evening Program at the Refuge - Astronomy and Wildlife at Night.

Saturday, April 23 - 9 am

Darby Creek Cleanup Day - Followed by a light lunch for volunteers.

Saturday, May 14 - 7 am till noon

International Migratory Bird Day - Guided walks leaving hourly plus related activities.

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

Newsletter of Friends of Heinz Refuge Marsh Musings · Newsletter of Friends of Heinz Refuge ......

Documents

Transcript of Newsletter of Friends of Heinz Refuge Marsh Musings · Newsletter of Friends of Heinz Refuge ......