History
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum is America's First Urban Refuge and was established in 1972 for the purpose of preserving, restoring, and developing the natural area known as Tinicum Marsh, to promote environmental education, and to afford visitors an opportunity to study wildlife in its natural habitat. The refuge is a green respite nestled within the urban setting of the city of Philadelphia. Refuge lands are a thriving sanctuary teeming with a rich diversity of fish, wildlife, and plants native to the Delaware Estuary. Healthy and productive expanses of freshwater tidal marsh, open waters, mudflats, and woodlands support the hundreds of species that breed, rear their young, rest during migration, or call the refuge home year-round. With support from our partners, the refuge leads by example in the conservation of freshwater tidal marsh within the Delaware Estuary but more importantly, in providing environmental education in Philadelphia and Delaware Counties. Also,
Specialties
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is public land, dedicated to providing environmental education, select outdoor recreational activities related to wildlife, and the protection of the Tinicum tidal marsh. We also provide opportunities for the public to take guided nature walks, attend festivals throughout the year, and we provide many volunteer opportunities.