Upcoming Special Events

Summer Camp at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
Calling all Summer Campers! Spend time at the refuge this summer and earn YOUR Youth Conservation Award!

June 24th – 27th for ages 6 – 8 years
July 15th – 18th for ages 9 – 11 years
July 29th – Aug. 1st for ages 12 – 14 years

(Monday – Wednesday camp runs 9 am – 1 pm, Thursday camp runs 9am – 3pm)

A donation to the Friends of Heinz Refuge of $10 per camper is suggested to assist in covering costs. Snacks will be provided during the week Monday through Wednesday. Lunch will be provided on Thursday. To register for camp, please call the refuge Monday – Thursday during the weeks of April 8th & April 15th, at 215-365-3118 and ask for Erika.

***NEW*** Youth Conservation Award - Connecting Youth with Nature in America's National Wildlife Refuge System
The Heinz Refuge Youth Conservation Award was created to recognize efforts of all youth who seek to learn more about the importance of wildlife habitat and environmental stewardship during their refuge visit(s) and then use what they learn in their daily lives.Completion of the award requires seeing and experiencing the Refuge first-hand, learning and applying knowledge obtained from Refuge exhibits and brochures, and participating in Refuge-based activities, service projects, etc. For more information about how your family or group can earn this award, please pick up a copy of the award brochure at the front desk of the visitor center or download a copy here. This award is sponsored by the Friends of Heinz Refuge.

Celebrating 40 Years of Conservation
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge celebrated its 40th anniversary on Saturday, June 30th 2012. 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.

***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
	Find us on Facebook! For up to date information on the refuge, please "like" our Facebook page. You will find more information on events, wildlife sightings, volunteer opportunities, trail closures, and more! www.facebook.com/HeinzNWR