Upcoming Special Events

	Bald Eagle Walk and Learn Saturday, June 2, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM PA Young Birders at Heinz Refuge welcomes birders, families, and all visitors on a guided walk to see the Refuge's nesting Bald Eagles and their fast-growing offspring. This year marks the third consecutive nesting season in over a century for Philadelphia's most famous eagles (the flying kind!). Join the guided walk to learn how these iconic raptors have made a remarkable recovery from decades ago, when the species was listed as a federally endangered species. See our adult-size eaglet stretching and flapping its wings, in preparation for fledging in a few short weeks! We'll look for the attentive adult eagles on some of their favorite perches, or perhaps hunting over the impoundment. We'll walk approximately 2 miles round-trip to reach the best viewing location to see the nest. Wear sturdy shoes, and bring a water bottle. Meet at the Visitors Center. Binoculars will be available to borrow from the front desk.
	Family Fishing Day Saturday, June 30th, 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM This is a great way for families to spend quality time together and discover how much fun fishing can be. Everything is provided, poles, reels, bait and knowledge. Children will learn basic fishing skills such as how to bait a hook, cast a line, how to remove the fish once it's caught, knot tying, and fish identification. No license is required. The only "catch" is, a child must bring an adult and an adult must bring a child. Call the refuge for more information: 215-365-3118
	Celebrating 40 Years of Conservation Saturday, June 30th, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge celebrates its 40th anniversary 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. If you have a memory or story to share, please email it to info(at)friendsofheinzrefuge.org. We'll be gathering as many as we can for a special retrospect. And please join us at Heinz Refuge on Saturday, June 30 from 1 to 3 p.m. for a festive celebration.

***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.