Wildlife Refuge, Friends to host Migration-A-Thon Challenge

        This September, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and the Friends of ONWR are hosting a month-long Migration-A-Thon Virtual Challenge – a way for community members to come together, get outdoors and move – bird, walk, hike, run, swim, paddle, bike, etc. – and to support the refuge and its conservation mission.
        The challenge urges participants to log a collective 2,269 miles – the distance it takes a monarch butterfly to travel from Oak Harbor, Ohio, to the butterfly sanctuary in Sierra Chincua, Mexico.
        Participants who register for the Virtual Challenge can log their activity distances throughout September to help the refuge reach its goal. As they do, they can earn entries to win prizes, including a Garmin Instinct 2 Smartwatch.
        Participants can also create a fundraising page and have friends, family or businesses sponsor their movement with a donation or pledged rate per mile.
        The Friends group has set a goal to raise $5,000 to sponsor one internship in 2025.
        To celebrate the fall movement of birds, butterflies, dragonflies and more, the refuge is offering tours, programs and activities that will keep participants outside in September. Programs will include guided paddles, bike rides, themed hikes and tours, volunteer projects and activities on the main complex and satellite properties.
        On the calendar of events for September, each activity will tell participants how far they will have “migrated” upon completion, offering a fun way to learn more about the national wildlife refuge and help to preserve its wildlife habitats for future generations.
        To register for the Virtual Challenge, visit friendsofottawanwr.org/migration-a-thon.html.
        Visit friendsofottawanwr.org/events.html to view the calendar of events. Some programs require registration,  which is free. Call 419-313-3236 to register.