What We Propose

An opportunity exists for the Heinz National Wildlife Refuge to add the 124.5-acre parcel adjacent to the refuge to restore it as wetlands and to use the land to reduce flooding in Eastwick neighborhoods.


If the land, also known as “the 128”, is added to the Heinz Refuge it would be maintained mostly as open space and wetlands where flooding stormwater would be directed. The land would be managed by the Heinz Refuge to protect residents from flooding and future, unnecessary commercial development while maintaining potential for some additional housing for residents impacted by flooding in surrounding Eastwick neighborhoods.

How Can Nature Help Protect Eastwick?

City planners and engineers know that undeveloped lands are best suited to absorb the impacts of major storms and rain events. We know we can "leave it to nature" to buffer our communities from storms and protect people, homes, cars and other personal property at a fraction of the cost of many "built" solutions for managing flooding waters.


The Maximum Ecological Restoration Model* envisioned in the Lower  Eastwick Hydrology and Hydraulic Study demonstrates the possibility of restoring the 124.5-acre parcel to a more natural wetland environment. This model, which could include connecting Site 3 north of 84th Street with Site 1 (124.5-acre parcel), shows that for most storm scenarios flood levels could be reduced by 1 to 3 feet in the southern portion of Eastwick, along 84th Street and Lindbergh Avenue and in the area of Site 3.

Converting the 124.5-acre parcel back to a natural wetland habitat or marsh, represents one of the most concrete steps that can be taken to provide Eastwick residents relief from flooding.

Other major infrastructure improvements are needed in Eastwick to control flooding, particularly in the northwestern section of Eastwick (also known as the "Planet Streets" section) where Darby Creek and Cobbs Creek merge. This area is prone to the worst flooding when major storms cause the creeks to overflow their banks into Eastwick homes. Various proposals include levees to hold water back and also the potential of underground or above ground culverts to move water south to the 124.5-acre parcel.



Ultimately, the Maximum Ecological Restoration Model, which includes converting the 124.5-acre parcel back to a natural wetland habitat or marsh, represents one of the most concrete and short-term steps that can be taken to provide Eastwick residents relief from flooding.

*Eastwick Hydrology and Hydraulic Study Report, Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority

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Minimize Flooding, Protect Residents & Create Opportunity

The Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum and the residents of Eastwick have enjoyed a 50-year relationship. Heinz has served as a natural buffer and place for recreation and nature experiences for its neighbors, while Eastwick residents have helped serve as critically important stewards of this natural gem. An expanded refuge will  help minimize flood impact and provide new opportunities for Eastwick residents for healthy nature-based recreation.

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