Volunteering

"Working with others"

These are the first three words in the mission of the USFWS. Here at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, we have a strong commitment to working with others (e.g. local individuals, groups, and partners). Support our mission!

Why volunteer?

The Refuge Benefits by...

maintaining or improving current visitor service, environmental education, and wildlife management operations.

having people actively involved in promoting the Refuge. Therefore, information reaches more people, and our
mission of environmental awareness is spread to a wider audience.

encouraging a sense of ownership and appreciation of a fragile natural resource within the community.

The Volunteer Benefits by...

building pride through continued preservation efforts at Tinicum marsh.

meeting people and becoming part of a team.

learning about environmental issues and processes.

being appreciated and recognized for their efforts.

These are the volunteer opportunities currently available

Environmental Education
Work with students, teachers and hands-on nature lessons.
(e.g. Fieldtrip Assistant, Photo Group Member)

Public Use
Share your knowledge of the Refuge and natural history with visitors and the general public.
(e.g. Photo Group Member, Bookstore Clerk)

Natural Resource Management
If you don't mind getting dirty, get hands-on experience with our trail and water monitoring teams.
(e.g. Trail Tamer or Maintenance Assistant)

Administration
Share your administrative talents and skills.
(e.g. Front Desk Attendant or Administrative Assistant)

Weed Warrior
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. For more information, visit the Weed Warrior Online Training and Orientation website or our list of current on-site training opportunities.

 

Requirments for Volunteering
All prospective volunteers must contact our Refuge volunteer coordinator and complete some volunteer agreement paperwork. Training is provided for some positions. Our volunteer coordinator, Suzanne Kelley, may be reached at 215-365-3118 x102 or at suzanne_kelley@fws.gov.

You can make a difference!

Every year, hundreds of dedicated volunteers devote their time and talents to the Refuge. Last year, over 8,000 hours of volunteer time were donated to the Refuge.

Even before Tinicum was a National Wildlife Refuge, volunteerism was strong here. It was local citizens who volunteered their time, energy, and enthusiasm, to save Tinicum marsh from development in the early 1970s. Their hard work and dedication convinced local politicians that Tinicum was a resource worth protecting. Tinicum was designated a wildlife Refuge in 1972. Since then, volunteers have worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on public programs, biological monitoring, habitat maintenance, and trail work. Currently, 25% of all work completed for the Refuge is done by our dedicated volunteers!

In 1997, some volunteers formed a Friends group for the Refuge. The Friends of the Heinz Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum (FOHR Tinicum) is a non-profit group that builds support for the Refuge mission and programs. FOHR Tinicum has over 200 members. FOHR sponsors a Photo Group, Trail Maintenance Crew, and operates Tinicum Treasures, a gift shop in the Visitor Center.

Service Projects

The Refuge sponsors some community service projects each year. If your school, church, or organization is interested in participating in a service project, please contact our volunteer coordinator. Our needs change frequently, but we will do our best to work with your talents and interests.