Philly Fall Nature Festival
By Yessenia Mendez
As the leaves begin to fall and tree canopies transition from vibrant green to warm shades of yellow, it’s the perfect time to embrace the joys of autumn. Recently, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge hosted Philly Fall Nature Festival, a delightful gathering that welcomed everyone to celebrate the season of change.
Whether you’re young or just young at heart, there’s always room for face painting, trying your hand at archery, or discovering a new place—like the beautiful John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum!
This festival was a cozy retreat for families and friends at the refuge. We offered a variety of popular outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy, and the best part? They’re all free of charge! At John Heinz NWR, we strive to eliminate barriers so that everyone can partake in the experiences we have to offer.
After gathering community members’ insights at focus groups and community-led events on what activities should be offered, our team brought these ideas to life. Let’s explore some of the fall festivities that made the day special.
Inside and outside the visitor center, local organizations and community partners showcased resource materials under the pavilion and alongside the grass. Tabler’s brought engaging activities for visitors, including hydroponics demonstrations, DIY fossil rubbings, and a spin-the-wheel game with fun prizes.
This was a wonderful opportunity for attendees to connect with each other and learn about valuable local resources. Notable partners included the Philadelphia Mycology Club, Audubon Mid-Atlantic, Eastwick Friends and Neighbors Coalition, Eastwick United CDC, Philadelphia Water Department, and Elmwood Park Zoo.
Throughout the refuge, activities such as archery, hover ball, fishing, shuttle tours, face painting, nature crafts, guided hikes, and bird watching kept the excitement alive. Many of these events were led by our dedicated volunteers, whose expertise and passion shine through their years of experience. Adding to the charm, special wildlife guests from Elmwood Park Zoo and Philadelphia Metro Wildlife made an appearance in the Heron Room. Live animal ambassadors—including a snake, skunk, owl, and turkey vulture—were there to greet curious visitors.
Join us next time to celebrate the beauty of nature and the spirit of community as we embrace the fall season together!
