Balancing Nature and Urban Life at the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge at Tinnicum

By Akiko Seki

n the way to the Philadelphia International Airport, I have seen brownish marshes and grasses right next to Interstate 95 several times. "Marshes in the middle of developed land!?" I am sorry; I just cannot stop asking myself that question. When I visited the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinnicum (means 'marsh' in Native American language) for the first time, again, I felt that it was strange to see Canada Geese lounging on the impoundment and airplanes flying in the air or oil tanks next to the refuge. I could feel nature and civilization at the same time. he refuge is one of over 500 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System, and the marsh is the largest remaining freshwater tidal wetland in Pennsylvania. The tidal marshes were reduced to about 200 acres originally from 5,700 acres, due to the advent of rapid urbanization. Over 280 species of birds have been recorded. Raccoons and other small animals, different kinds of frogs and turtles are living there. (During our visit, I found the remains of turtle eggshells!) The refuge hosts the Cusano Environmental Education Center where we can learn about the refuge with funny videos, books, and exhibitions. n Japan, my home country, I have not seen refuges right next to airports or highways (I guess there are), but I know people who love to visit national, state, and city parks and enjoy being surrounded by nature. They feel relaxed in nature, just like the people who were watching eagles and walking around the impoundment at the Refuge at Tinnicum. Even though the refuge is in the middle of developed land, people can enjoy being close to wildlife if there is opportunity. This refuge is the opportunity. More about the Refuge The environmental education center at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinnicum opened its doors to the public in 2001 and hosts a variety of learning stations with a very hands-on approach to education. he building was designed and built to utilize 'green' technologies. The facility even hosts its own water treatment system - called the marsh machine - which is scheduled to provide clean water to the visitor's center in the upcoming months. f you've never been to the refuge, you'll be amazed at just how closely, and delicately nature can sometimes coexist with urban life. While walking along the trail you could see a Merganser, Hairy Woodpecker, or even a Bald Eagle hunting from a tree branch. You'll also see 757's and 737's passing along the perimeter of the park, as the Philadelphia International Airport is just a few miles away. he refuge hangs on the balance of our urban life - hoping that our systems don't fail - thus polluting the delicate habitats of the wetland. For just underneath the surface lies miles of oil pipelines. Unfortunately just a few years ago, one of these pipes cracked - leaking thousands of gallons of crude oil into the refuge. While the initial affects of the spill have been cleaned up, the wetland continues to face and feel the repercussions.

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More Information:
For more information on the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, check out their website at: www.heinz.fws.gov/

And be sure to watch the GreenWorks video production, Heinz Wildlife Refuge Education Center, filmed throughout the construction of the building.