September 5, 2026 | 8601 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19153

Youth Birding, John Heinz NWR

We invite all of our young birders, future young birders, and their parents to join us at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, September 5th from 10am to 12pm to disconnect from the daily hustle and enjoy the birds! A peacefully paced walk with several stops long the way, including the boardwalk across the marsh/grassland and through the various forest trails. The trails are primarily gravel trails. Pace and distance are flexible and will be determined by group leaders and attendees.There will be a number of resident birds and migrant birds in the refuge. Due to the ongoing construction of the dike, many of the local shorebirds and wading birds we would expect this time of year will not be around (lack of water in impoundment) or will not be accessible (at the far end of the impoundment). We will stick to the tress and grasslands to observe migrants songbirds (warblers and flycatchers) and grassland birds like Red-winged blackbirds, many sparrow species, and a number of remaining swallows.

John Heinz has available parking right near the entrance of the trails. Upon arrival, there is a pavilion with benches just past the Visitor Center entrance. Note there may still be parking construction so plan ahead to arrive on time and grab a spot closer to the pavilion. The main trails are mostly gravel, with a paved trail that meanders through the woodland section. There are some spots along the trail to sit and rest (boardwalk and a few benches along the main trail), and accessible indoor restrooms as well as outdoor composting restrooms onsite. Binoculars will be available for use thanks to Nocs Provisions. Your are welcome to bring mobility aids as needed. If you have specific access needs please indicate so in the RSVP or message us directly (info@incolorbirding.org).

Wear confortable clothes that you can easily remove as it warms up (i.e. hoodies), and comfortable walking sneakers/shoes. Sun block highly encouraged and bug spray optional. As always, be sure to bring a waterbottle and snacks as needed.

This event is specifically for youth birders (8-17 yrs) interested in both birding and being a member of a youth birding community here in Philly. Parents must be in attendance throughout the outing. Bring all your curiosity, questions, and joy to the table. We are here to explore this opportunity with the young folks and thier parents. We are excited to bird with you and share a day of BIRD JOY together.

Name (Parent)
Name (Youth Birder)
How would you best describe your youth birder?
Liability Waiver Acknowledgment
Waiver and Release of Liability
IN CONSIDERATION OF the risk of injury that exists while participating in OUTDOOR NATURE/BIRD OBSERVATION (hereinafter the “Activity”); and

IN CONSIDERATION OF my desire to participate in said Activity and being given the right to participate in same;

I HEREBY, for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, or personal representatives (hereinafter collectively, “Releasor,” “I” or “me”, which terms shall also include Releasor’s parents or guardian if Releasor is under 18 years of age), knowingly and voluntarily enter into this WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY and hereby waive any and all rights, claims or causes of action of any kind arising out of my participation in the Activity; and

I HEREBY release and forever discharge IN COLOR BIRDING CLUB, INC. , located at 327 Laurel Dr, Royersford, Pennsylvania 19468, their affiliates, managers, members, agents, attorneys, staff, volunteers, heirs, representatives, predecessors, successors and assigns (collectively “Releasees”), from any physical or psychological injury that I may suffer as a direct result of my participation in the aforementioned Activity.

I AM VOLUNTARILY PARTICIPATING IN THE AFOREMENTIONED ACTIVITY AND I AM PARTICIPATING IN THE ACTIVITY ENTIRELY AT MY OWN RISK. I AM AWARE OF THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH PARTICIPATING IN THIS ACTIVITY, WHICH MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: PHYSICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURY, PAIN, SUFFERING, ILLNESS, DISFIGUREMENT, TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT DISABILITY (INCLUDING PARALYSIS),

ECONOMIC OR EMOTIONAL LOSS, AND DEATH. I UNDERSTAND THAT THESE INJURIES OR OUTCOMES MAY ARISE FROM MY OWN OR OTHERS’ NEGLIGENCE, CONDITIONS RELATED TO TRAVEL TO AND FROM THE ACTIVITY, OR FROM CONDITIONS AT THE ACTIVITY LOCATION(S). NONETHELESS, I ASSUME ALL RELATED RISKS, BOTH KNOWN AND UNKNOWN TO ME, OF MY PARTICIPATION IN THIS ACTIVITY.

I FURTHER AGREE to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Releasees against any and all claims, suits or actions of any kind whatsoever for liability, damages, compensation or otherwise brought by me or anyone on my behalf, including attorney’s fees and any related costs.

I FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGE that Releasees are not responsible for errors, omissions, acts or failures to act of any party or entity conducting a specific event or activity on behalf of Releasees. In the event that I should require medical care or treatment, I authorize In Color Birding Club, Inc. to provide all emergency medical care deemed necessary, including but not limited to, first aid, CPR, the use of AEDs, emergency medical transport, and sharing of medical information with medical personnel. I further agree to assume all costs involved and agree to be financially responsible for any costs incurred as a result of such treatment. I am aware and understand that I should carry my own health insurance.

I FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGE that this Activity may involve a test of a person’s physical and mental limits and may carry with it the potential for death, serious injury, and property loss. I agree not to participate in the Activity unless I am medically able and properly trained, and I agree to abide by the decision of the In Color Birding Club, Inc. official or agent, regarding my approval to participate in the Activity.

I HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THIS “WAIVER AND RELEASE” AND FULLY UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS A RELEASE OF LIABILITY. I EXPRESSLY AGREE TO RELEASE AND DISCHARGE In Color Birding Club, Inc. AND ALL OF ITS AFFILIATES, MANAGERS, MEMBERS, AGENTS, ATTORNEYS, STAFF, VOLUNTEERS, HEIRS, REPRESENTATIVES, PREDECESSORS, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS OR CAUSES OF ACTION AND I AGREE TO VOLUNTARILY GIVE UP OR WAIVE ANY RIGHT THAT I OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING A LEGAL ACTION AGAINST In Color Birding Club, Inc. FOR PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

To the extent that statute or case law does not prohibit releases for ordinary negligence, this release is also for such negligence on the part of In Color Birding Club, Inc. , its agents, and employees.

I agree that this Release shall be governed for all purposes by Pennsylvania law, without regard to any conflict of law principles. This Release supersedes any and all previous oral or written promises or other agreements.

In the event that any damage to equipment or facilities occurs as a result of my or my family’s or my agent’s willful actions, neglect or recklessness, I acknowledge and agree to be held liable for any and all costs associated with any such actions of neglect or recklessness.

THIS WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY SHALL REMAIN IN EFFECT FOR THE DURATION OF MY PARTICIPATION IN THE ACTIVITY, DURING THIS INITIAL AND ALL SUBSEQUENT EVENTS OF PARTICIPATION.

All Events

Spot the perfect event for you.

Explore our full list of upcoming outings.