Thanksgiving Hike (This hike is for the birds.)

This hike will be 4-5 miles at a moderate pace through well-groomed flat trails, next to the Tinicum Marsh.  It is a nationally known bird sanctuary so bring binoculars.  If you don’t have any, you can always ask to reserve some at the front desk.  Lunch opportunity can be discussed at roundup.  Enjoy your holiday!

The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum is a 1000-acre (4.05 km²) National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia and Tinicum Township, Pennsylvania. Adjacent to Philadelphia International Airport, the refuge is designated to be the largest remaining freshwater tidal marsh in Pennsylvania. Established in 1972 as the Tinicum National Environmental Center, it was renamed in 1991 after the late H. John Heinz III, who helped preserve Tinicum Marsh.

Take I-95 North towards Philadelphia, take Exit 10 (on to Rt. 291). (This exit is before the airport.) At the first light, turn left onto Bartram Ave. At the fifth light, turn left onto 84th St. At the second light, turn left onto Lindbergh Blvd

The refuge protects a variety of habitats for birds in the highly urbanized landscape of greater Philadelphia. It has been designated as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. While most of the 300 plus avian species identified at the refuge utilize it as a migratory stopover, more than 80 species have been recorded nesting on the refuge over the years.