WEEKLY HIKE -
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
(8 Miles | 150 Feet of Elevation)
PLEASE NOTE - THIS HIKE IS STARTING AT 6:30 PM AS THE REFUGE'S GATES CLOSE AT 9PM.
MAKE SURE YOU ENTER VIA THE PHILADELPHIA ENTRANCE ON LINDBERGH BLVD!!!
DESCRIPTION
I would bet what little money I had on the fact that half or more than half of people that grew up or lived in the Philadelphia area for more than a few years do not realize there's an amazing wildlife sanctuary run by the National Park Service right next to Philadelphia International Airport. Welcome to John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum was established for the purposes of preserving, restoring, and developing the natural area known as Tinicum Marsh. In addition, the refuge was established to provide environmental education and an opportunity to study nature. Today, the refuge leads by example in their community engagement, environmental education and recreational programming, using a community focus as the foundation. In 1969, threats to Tinicum Marsh continued to rise with the proposed routing of Interstate 95 through the marsh and the construction of a landfill. Local residents and organizations began to take action, as they had seen enough habitat destruction done to the marshlands. They worked together to begin a long series of legal injunctions, public hearings, and extraordinary efforts that stopped both the highway’s rerouting and the landfill’s operation. In 1972, Congress passed legislation, authorizing the protection of up to 1,200 acres and established Tinicum National Environmental Center. In 1991, the refuge was renamed posthumously to honor Senator John Heinz and his commitment to the conservation of the marsh.
The refuge hosts a large variety of birds, fish, frogs, amphibians and reptiles, and even mammals - especially bunny rabbits! And yes, there are snake - but they're non-venomous. Join us as we can only do this hike 2-3 times a year from May to September on our weeknight circuit.
OBSTACLES | SPECIAL NOTES
- Consider this a mix of a city and outdoorsy hike. Expect typical/normal "urban" obstacles such as broken and uneven sidewalks, pedestrian traffic, even bicycle traffic, etc. But we will use some of the dirt, side trails which can be muddy, wet, or just broken as well, depending on recent weather conditions. Normal hiking gear works fine - though some people find sneakers or shoes with thicker soles easier for long distances on cement than their regular hiking boots.
- Not much elevation on this hike
- No other special notes or obstacles
PACE | DISTANCE | ELEVATION
- PACE - About 3.5 mph on this (which is our usual for "urban" hikes)
- Distance - About 5 to 6 miles +/- (5.5 is target)
- Elevation - 50 feet +/-
BASIC INFO
- DAY & DATE: Tuesday May 13th
- START TIME: 6:30PM (AND WE START ON TIME!)
- STARTING LOCATION: John Heinz NWR
- Address: 8601 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19153
- LENGTH: 5 to 6 Miles +/- (5.5 is target)
- ELEVATION: 50 Feet +/- (50 is target)
- SPEED: 3.0 to 3.5 Mph average
- END TIME: Target is 9:00 PM
GEAR:
- Hiking boots/shoes, trail runners, or sneakers okay for this. Keep in mind whatever you wear shouldn't be your "Sunday Best" or something you mind getting dirty, muddy, wet. Some folks find sneakers or similar shoes better for long distance hiking/walking on hard paved trails.
- Water
- Appropriate clothing - hats, rain jackets, etc. as needed
- A change of clothes and/or towel for after (at your discretion)
- Headlamps not necessary for this but okay to bring for the end.
- I also advise people bring hiking bags - either to help store stuff and/or to keep your hands free so you grow accustomed to using one
- Snacks (as you see fit)
- Beer or other drink for before the hike.
PARKING
- Free parking and free admissions.
- Please do not leave valuables in or anything visible in your vehicle!
MEETING SPOT
- As always, I will post a comment with my outfit and where I'm parked and where to meet when I arrive.
BATHROOMS
- Bathrooms MAY be available at the starting/end point - but I don't remember what time they close.
- No planned bathroom stops or available on the hike but plenty of trees and bushes if you really need to go
BREAKS
- No real "breaks" on the hike other than times to let people catch up, catch their breath and get some water and/or change gear & clothing a few times, and to take some photos here and there.
AFTERWARDS
- Afterwards if enough people are interested, we can go out nearby for a drink and/or some food in South Philly
CANCELLATIONS
- I do not cancel hikes for inclement weather. It must be dangerous conditions during the hike or dangerous travel conditions to/from for me to cancel. If I ever do need to cancel or postpone, I try to do so as early as possible.
- You may cancel at any time up to and including the start time of the hike. Cancellations without contacting me after the start of an event counts as a no-show. More than 3 no-shows will get you removed from the group. If something happens, I get it, reach out and just tell me after. I've been there - hungover, busy, etc. Just be polite, and brief, if you miss and forget to cancel.
