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| John Heinz National Wildlife
Refuge at Tinicum Conserving the Nature of America | ||
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| John Heinz National Wildlife
Refuge at Tinicum Conserving the Nature of America | ||
"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 EducationWork with students, teachers and hands-on nature lessons.
(e.g. Fieldtrip Assistant, Photo Group Member, or Water Quality Member)
Public UseShare your knowledge of the Refuge and natural history with visitors and the general public.
(e.g. Photo Group Member, Bookstore Clerk, Library Assistant, or Special Events Aide)
Natural Resource ManagementIf you don't mind getting dirty, get hands-on experience with our trail and water monitoring teams.
(e.g. Trail Tamer, Water Quality Member, or Maintenance Assistant)
AdministrationShare your administrative talents and skills.
(e.g. Front Desk Attendant or Administrative Assistant)
Click on the links below to find the right job for you!
Requirements for volunteering
All prospective volunteers must contact our Refuge volunteer coordinator, send in a completed Volunteer Form, 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 Cusano Environmental Education 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.
