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I love, love taking my kids on nature walks. We’ve been doing this for over seven years and have met some wonderful families thanks to our nature walks. It doesn’t take much to go on a nature walk – just walking shoes or boots, a snack, and a drink. Some families like to do a nature journal. We prefer to bring a camera.
We started out on our nature walks by going to the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, located near the Philadelphia Airport. It may seem a little difficult to from 95, but the refuge is well-worth the effort. Run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the refuge is always well cared for and open year-round, sunrise to sunset, free of charge. The Cusano Environmental Center at the Refuge is closed on federal holidays. We’ve been able to walk at the Refuge year-round because of the well planned paths raised above the marsh areas.
The Heinz Refuge is a fresh water marsh near the Delaware River and along a major migration route for birds. Year round you’ll find a Red Tail Hawk, Bald Eagle, various types of seagulls, herons, and smaller birds like cardinals and sparrows. During spring and fall migration, other bird visitors show up such as Canada Geese and Mallard Ducks. A list of recent sitings is kept at the main desk in the Cusano Environmental Center. Brochures are available at the desk for tracking bird species on your visit.
Maps and brochures for the Refuge are available at the Environmental Center, located next to the main parking lot off of Lindbergh Boulevard. Bathrooms, a snack area, displays and a water fountain can be found in the Environmental Center.
Most strollers should be able to handle the road around the Impoundment Area, though I personally stick to my Jeep and jogging strollers since they have larger wheels. There is a bird observation tower in the Impoundment Area within reachable distance of the main parking lot. It makes for a nice snack stop. Please be aware that the railings on tower are not toddler-safe. It would be very easy for a toddler or preschooler to lean out over the water and fall in.
Trashcans are available along the Impoundment Area road.
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