With the election of 2020 inching closer and voters continuing to weigh their options, environmental topics remain at the forefront for many. Particularly for Pennsylvanians, a 2019 Muhlenberg College poll has climate change believers at fifty-one percent. Another poll at Franklin and Marshall College sees the figure rise to sixty-eight percent. With this concern, many hope to preserve wildlife and their favorite national parks, especially the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is an urban national park located in Tinicum Township, near Southwest Philadelphia. The national park offers sanctuary to its visitors, as well as popular bird-watching, archery, and fishing sites. With its proximity to the Philadelphia International Airport, it is common for visitors to see planes in the distance during their visit.
While individuals admit nature is an escape. Politics loom over nature as people feel uneasy about the future. In conversing with the visitors of the park, they demonstrated dissatisfaction with the current presidential administration on account of the environment. They feel that more must be done to preserve and serve the environment instead of taking away from it. Because of this, voters are influenced to cherish more of the environment and invest in how they can make beneficial use of it.
In this photo series, photojournalist Kelvin Nuñez depicts the moments Philadelphia residents share with nature through their walks, hobbies, and enjoyment of the serene wildlife.
Aimee Washington, (far left), Mariah Washington, (middle left), and Malia Washington, (middle right), are seen along the main trail at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge on Monday, February 17th, 2020. Mariah and Malia are engaging in a race before they leave the refuge with their mother.Carl Ray, 36, is seen fishing at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge on Monday, February 17th, 2020. Ray visits John Heinz as a way to decompress through fishing.A plane from the Philadelphia International Airport takes off in the background of the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge on Monday, February 17th, 2020. The airport’s proximity means it is common for visitors to see planes in the distance during their visit. Carl Ray, 36, (right) and Maddy Ray, 1, (left) look for activity in the water at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge on Monday, February 17th, 2020. Ray brings along his child for his fishing trips and hopes to teach her how to fish one day.Nathan Maurer, 25, is seen playing with his dog, Denali near the exit of the main trail at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge on Monday, February 17th, 2020. Nathan visited the Refuge for the first time and was glad to get his dog out. A runner is seen passing by on the main trail at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge on Monday, February 17th, 2020. Runners and cyclists are a common sight at the refuge.A bird is seen flying at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge on Monday, February 17th, 2020. The Refuge is home to more than 80 species of birds.Bernie Wilson, 65, is seen taking pictures near the exit of the main trail at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge on Sunday, February 16th, 2020. Bernie is an avid bird photographer and cites the Refuge as his favorite place to shoot pictures. Aimee Washington is seen with her children embracing and laughing before taking a picture at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge on Monday, February 17th, 2020. The Washington’s are frequent visitors of the park and enjoy birdwatching.Scot Reichard, 68, is seen strolling through the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge on Monday, February 17th, 2020. Reichard frequently visits the refuge and has recently purchased binoculars as he has taken on birdwatching.Ethan Valencia, 4, is seen looking at the creek of John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge on Monday, February 17th, 2020. Ethan and his father Frankie Valencia visit the Refuge in their spare time and enjoy skipping rocks.
