Service Project at Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

In support of the HAA Global Month of Service, we will be joining the MIT Club of Philadelphia in cleaning up Darby Park, part of the Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.

The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum protects the largest remaining freshwater tidal marsh in Pennsylvania. This marsh is a vital feeding and resting place for birds migrating along the Atlantic Flyway. Today, the refuge’s nearly 1,000 acres of woods, pond, marsh, and meadow are dedicated to wildlife conservation and environmental education.

We will be working with a group which is assigned the area near the Rt. 420 exit off of Interstate 95 (map below).

Schedule for the day:
Arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. at the Route 420 exit of Interstate 95 to join in the early briefing about the cleanup activity. If you come after 9:00, the wildlife refuge staff can fit you into an existing work group.

All participants are invited to a free lunch provided by the Friends of Tinicum Wildlife Refuge at the main offices on Lindbergh Boulevard starting at 12:00 noon. Hot dogs, vegetarian hot dogs, and drinks will be available.

What to wear:

  • Wear work pants (blue jeans) and long sleeve shirts that you will not mind getting dirty. Be sure to wear boots or study shoes that you can tie on. NO OPEN TOE SHOES OR SANDALS AND NO BARE FEET.
  • Bring a hat to wear and bring sunblock if you have a brand that you prefer. The NWS staff will provide cotton work gloves (one size fits all) or you may bring your own work gloves from home.

What to bring:

  • Water bottle with water
  • Sunblock
  • Your own leather work gloves (optional)

Volunteer Services Agreement Required:

The National Wildlife Service requires that each volunteer, or parent of a young volunteer if a person is under 18, fill out and sign a Volunteer Services Agreement. The agreement is available at the work site.

Date: Saturday April 18, 2015

Time:  9:00 AM - Arrive at work site; 12:00 PM - Lunch at headquarters building

Location: Meet in the parking lot on the southbound side of Rt. 420 just north of I-95. (Click here to download map)

RSVP: The event is free, but please register through the MIT Club by clicking here.