For 2019, one thing I would like to do is go to several National Wildlife Refuges in the Mid-Atlantic region that I have yet to visit. There are many refuges to choose from. The refuges are much smaller in acreage than many national and state parks. The refuges also have fewer visitors and can be less crowded. At least that is what I have experienced.

National Wildlife Refuges are a naturalist’s kind of place. At wildlife refuges, you can experience an actual working wetland or a dry meadow. The visitor centers of refuges are focused on education with exhibits, publications, and programs. There are often photography blinds setups at some of the best spots on the refuge for taking photographs. Picnic tables areas are often available for eating lunch.

Unlike national and state parks, National Wildlife Refuges do not allow camping. But refuges allow hunting and fishing.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administers the National Wildlife Refuge System. We charge this United States Federal government agency with the conservation, protection, and enhancement of fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats. The NWR also protects ecosystem services such as clean air and water.

The United States has over 560 refuges, 38 wetland management district and other protected areas encompassing 150 million acres of land and water from the Caribbean to the remote Pacific. Every state and territory has at least one National Wildlife Refuge. A refugee is within an hour drive of most major U.S. metropolitan areas.

National wildlife refuges provide habitat for over 700 species of birds, 220 species of mammals, 250 reptile and amphibian species, and over 1000 species of fish. Migrating birds use refuges on their annual migrations.

The only National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia is the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum here in the city. Tinicum is on the Atlantic Coastal Plain in South Philadelphia near I-95 and the Philadelphia International Airport. This flat sandy plain runs straight across through New Jersey to the Atlantic Ocean.

Tinicum is a tidal marshland. Water and grasses dominate it. Bald Eagles have nested at Tinicum in the past years.

Natural Places in the Philadelphia Area

There are many National Wildlife Refuges is in the Mid-Atlantic region. Visit the Fish and Wildlife Service website to find refuges near you. https://www.fws.gov/refuges/

 

 

 

National Wildlife Refuges in the MId-Atlantic Region

Delaware

• Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
• Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge

New Jersey

• Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, Brigantine division
• Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
• Cape May National Wildlife Refuge
• Supanaw National Wildlife Refuge
• Walkill River National Wildlife Refuge
• Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
• Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
• Amagansett National Wildlife Refuge
• Conscience Point National Wildlife Refuge
• Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge
• Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge
• Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge
• Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge
• Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge
• Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge
• Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge

 

Pennsylvania

• John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
• Erie National Wildlife Refuge
• Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Virginia

• Great dismal Swamp National wildlife refuge
• Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
• Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
• Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge
• Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge
• Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge
• Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge
• Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuge
• James River National Wildlife Refuge
• Nansemond National Wildlife Refuge
• Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge
• Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuge
• Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge
• Wallops Island National Wildlife Refuge

 

West Virginia

• Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge
• Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge

More Information on Natural Places

Natural Places in Philadelphia Area

Basic Information on Philadelphia Nature

Wildlife Rehabilitation in Philly

A Backyard Habitat Garden: What You Need to Start One 

Bird Migration Routes – Do You Live Near One?