John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum 8601 Lindbergh Blvd.

Philadelphia, PA 19153 Phone: (215) 365-3118 FAX: (215) 365-2648 Media Release/For Immediate Release/Jan. 20, 2012 John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Groundhog Day Family Festival Saturday, January 28th, 9AM to 1PM Punxsutawney Phil may be the most well known groundhog in Pennsylvania but we have a whole family of the furry and friendly critters right here at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. Tinicum Tim and Tina and their Tinicum Twins, representing the many actual groundhogs now hibernating at the refuge under the protection of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are gearing up for their own take on Groundhog Day. It will be a few days earlier than that other Groundhog Day on Saturday, January 28, from 9AM to 1PM, so the entire family can join in the fun. Along with the Tim, Tina, and the Twins, the celebration will include family oriented fun and hands-on activities highlighting the history of Groundhog Day as well as refuge critters, groundhog walks, indoor craft activities for children, weather presentations from the NOAAs National Weather Service, shadow activities by the Franklin Institute, and live animals from the Philadelphia Zoo! All of this plus live music from local troubadour, Glen Waldek, will culminate in a burrow-side celebration. Will Tim see his shadow? Will he predict an early spring or six more weeks of winter? Be on hand to find out and have a great time. Schedule of Events 9:00 - 9:45 Guided Groundhog Nature Walk 10:00 - 10:25 Welcome/Groundhog Day History 10:25 - 11:00 Weather Show by NOAA's National Weather Service 11:00 - 11:45 Animal Adaptions by the Philadelphia Zoo 11:45 - 12:20 Groundhog Shadows by The Franklin Institute 12:20 - 12:30 Parade to the Groundhog Burrow 12:30 - 1:00 Groundhog Day Ceremony! Will Tinicum Tim see his shadow? ** Plus ongoing crafts and activities in the John Heinz NWR Visitor Center! The Early Groundhog Day at the refuge is free and sponsored by the Friends of the Heinz Refuge in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For more information:
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge 8601 Lindbergh Blvd. Philadelphia, PA 19153 215-365-3118 www.fws.gov/heinz www.friendsofheinzrefuge.org