Canoeing

            Ten points of interest that a canoeist will pass as he/she heads from the launch site to the Creek's deep water lagoon are correspondingly numbered below and on the Canoe Map:

1.  The Sun Oil Company tank farm.
2. The defunct Delaware County Sewer Treatment Plant.
3. Action Concrete's Recycling operation.
4. The refuge's fenced water control structure.  The 48 inch diameter pipe allows for some control of the large pond's water level.  The level is managed to optimize the pond's value as a wildlife habitat.
5. The 62 acre Folcroft Landfill (active from 1956-74), now capped and monitored.  At this point, the canoeist will begin to see undisturbed freshwater tidal marsh.  If the tide is rising, explore the tributary channels.  But beware of the outgoing tide that can strand you for hours.
6. One of the larger channels is Hermesprota Creek, located on Darby Creek's northern side.

Past the marsh, the Creek is bordered by the refuge to the south and the towns of Folcroft and Norwood to the north.  On the refuge side is a field of phragmites, a wetland weed which grows well in disturbed wetlands, crowding out species that provide better food for wildlife.  The plan is to eventually restore these wetlands.

7. As you continue downstream, you'll see a steel bridge over the channel at the east end of this "Wetland Restoratoin Project".  The new wetland is also tidal, so if you explore that channel, be careful, and make sure the tide is high.

8. Another large tributary , Muckinipattis Creek, enters Darby Creek here.

9. The historic Morton Mortensen House is in Norwood's Winona Park.  The home was built in the first years of the eighteenth century by adding to an old Swedish house built 60 years before.

10.  This is a deep water lagoon that was dredged in the late 1960's for fill material for the construction of I-95.  It is 30 feet deep in some sections.  There is a marina 1/4 mile downstream.  Occasionally, a wake-making motorboat may wander upstream, so it is best to end our canoe trail here.  Watch out for other boaters.  Turn around and have a safe trip back to the canoe launch!
 
 

  *   Always wear a personal flotation device.  Carrying 1 flotation device per person is required by law.

  *   Leave the alcohol at home.  It is illegal to be under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance while canoeing.

  *   Carry an extra paddle.

  *   Canoe with friends, not alone.

  *   Know how to swim.

  *   Tie down gear.

  *   Know the weather forecast.  Keep an eye out for weather changes.

  *   Beware of the constantly changing tides.

  *   If the wildlife you are watching react to your presence, you are too close.  Increase your distance.  Otherwise, they will leave, denying you and those behind you the pleasure of observing them.

  *   Litter poses health hazards to the wildlife in the marsh and creek.  There is no janitor in the marshes!  So please, if you brought it in with you, take it back out.  Keep litter in its place!
 
 

Fishing

East Impoundment Area
         Fishing is permitted along the main dike trail and the connecting Trolley Bed trail.  This area provides fishing in both the 145-acre impoundment and Darby Creek.  Fishing in this area must be from the bank - structures such as the canoe ramp and the boardwalk are closed to fishing.  However, physically disabled individuals may fish from the lower deck of the observation platform.
         Look for carp, catfish, large-mouth bass and smaller pan fish in this area.

Route 420 Lagoons
         There is a fishing pier and paved parking area near Tinicum and Prospect Park on the west side of Route 420.  This pier accesses the lagoon areas o f the Refuge. A gravel parking lot is located on the east side of Route 420 and provides access to Darby Creek.
         Look for striped bass, carp, catfish, panfish, and tiger musky.
 

Fishing Regulations:

State:
         All fishermen must comply with Pennsylvania Fishing and Crabbing Regulations, and if 16 years of age or older have a current and valid PA Fishing License. For limits and seasons, refer to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commmissions's Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws for ponds and non-tidal waters: section called "Commonwealth Inland Waters," for Darby Creek: section entitled "Delaware River and Estuary".

Refuge-specific:

  *   Bowfishing, spearing and netting are prohibited.

  *   Taking of frogs, snakes and turtles is prohibited.

  *   Fishing is prohibited from the wooded side of the impoundment and the newly acquired area on the south-side of Bartram Ave. (see map).

  *   Fishing from the canoe ramp, boardwalk, and observation blinds is prohibited.
 
 

         Fishing line and other litter is a severe problem.  Litter not only looks bad, it can kill wildlife by entanglement.  Please don't litter!  If you see someone littering, report it to one of the refuge's staff.
         Fish from all the refuge waters were tested in 1994.  While some species were found to be safe to eat, it is recommended that all fish caught on the refuge be considered contaminated and released.  For more information concerning the tests, contact refuge staff.
         The Darby Creek Sewage Pumping Station ocassionally malfunctions or is overloaded with storm water, causing it to discharge into Darby Creek.  When this happens, raw sewage is present in the creek.  To be safe, fishermen should not fish in the Creek when this occurs.  Call the Cusano Environmental Education Center at (215) 365-3118 for information or to report possible discharges into the Creek.