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Balancing Nature and Urban Life at the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge
at Tinnicum
By Akiko Seki
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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.
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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.
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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/
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See past topics of Between Cattails here!
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