Facility Activities

There is always something going on both on the refuge and at local Southwest Philadelphia community spaces! Check out the event calendar for upcoming guided nature walks, clean-up opportunities, nature festivals, and more! The event calendar can be found in the kiosk by the Visitor Center or on Facebook @JohnHeinzNWR. 

Events Calendar 

Fishing
Free Fishing Rod Rental & Events 

Fishing rods are available to borrow, free of charge, at the Visitor Center front desk. The Refuge does not offer bait so come prepared with your own.  

Free Family Fishing Events 

The...

Boating - non-motorized

Paddling is one of the best ways to experience the unique and scenic 4.5 mile segment of Darby Creek that flows through John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. This water trail winds through the largest freshwater marsh in Pennsylvania and allows canoeists and kayakers to see a...

Hunting

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is open for a limited public recreational archery hunting program held within the existing Pennsylvania archery deer season. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Refuge strives to provide quality educational and outdoor...

Wildlife watching

With over 10 miles of trails and several wildlife observation platforms, the refuge provides many areas for visitors to observe wildlife. The refuge contains a variety of unique ecosystems, including tidal and non-tidal freshwater marsh, freshwater tidal creek, coastal plain and riparian forests...

Archery

Take your first shot at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge! With safety as our priority, our USA Archery certified instructors will help you with the basics of archery and learn a quick overview of the skills required to hit a bullseye. Families are welcome with kids age 8 and up. Free...