Projects and Research
Water Management Upgrades to Improve Wildlife Habitat
In cooperation with our partners from Ducks Unlimited, the Refuge is installing a pump system to better manage water levels. There will be periodic trail closures for visitor safety while heavy equipment is being operated.
Any visitor on closed trails will be considered trespassing and may be ticketed. The Turkey Foot Trail remains closed for restoration (see map). All other trails are now open, but there may be temporary closures in the future. Thank you for your patience as we improve wetland habitat!
Turkey Foot Trail Restoration Project
The Turkey Foot Trail will be closed to all access while a restoration project is taking place. The refuge is working in coordination and partnership with the State of Pennsylvania, Friends of Heinz refuge, Princeton Hydro, and Enviroscapes to restore the function of the tidal marsh in the Turkey Foot area. This project will improve habitat for native turtles, wading birds, shorebirds, and fish species. Please do not use this area during the closure period. We appreciate your patience while this restoration project is completed. Please reach out to marianna_bergerson@fws.gov if you have any questions.
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum is part of the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program, whose main goal is to engage urban communities as partners in wildlife conservation. The Urban Standards of Excellence is the framework for this collaboration and guides the refuge in our work both on refuge lands and in the neighboring communities.
Urban Standards of Excellence
1) Know and relate to your community
2) Connect urban people with nature
3) Build partnerships
4) Be a community asset
5) Ensure adequate long–term resources
6) Provide equitable access
7) Ensure visitors feel safe and welcome
8) Model sustainability