Wildlife refuge hosting Veteran & Adaptive Fisherman Day

Published by twalro@presspub... on Fri, 07/30/2021 - 2:08pm

By:

Press Staff Writer

UAW Local 12 Volunteers helped to install the ADA compliant wheelchair-accessible fishing platform at the Visitor Center Pond in October 2019. (Submitted photo)

A panoramic view of the Visitor Center fishing access pond near the wheelchair accessible fishing platform. (Submitted photo)

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, 14000 W SR 2, Oak Harbor, will host a free day of discovery and family fun Saturday, Aug. 7 near the Visitor Center.
        From 10 a.m.-2 p.m., military veterans, adaptive fisherman and their families may visit various stations to learn about fish identification, boat safety, fishing techniques and gyotaku (a Japanese art form using replica fish in painting). The event will be held rain or shine.
        Participants may fish in the Visitor Center Pond, a new catch-and-release fishing access point that features three platforms, including one wheelchair-accessible fishing station.
        A free BBQ lunch will also be available for participants who register by Monday, Aug. 2. The first 50 to register will receive a goodie bag.
        To register, visit friendsofottawanwr.org/events and click on “Discover Ottawa Day: Celebrating Veterans and Adaptive Anglers.” Participants may also register by calling 419-707-7756.
        The Visitor Center Fishing Access was completed with the assistance of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Union Sportsmen’s Alliance, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Anderson’s Fund Supporting Organization, Sandusky County Communities Foundation, Ottawa County Community Foundation, Erie Concrete, James Crozier, the Tom Livingstone Family, UAW Local 12 Volunteers, Northwest Striping, LLC, and Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge supporters.
        The Wildlife Drive of the refuge will also be open during the event. From the comfort of their own vehicles, visitors can explore woodland, wetland and prairie habitats on the seven-mile, one-way route. Bald eagles, trumpeter swans, beavers and many more species of wildlife that call Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge home may be visible on the tour. The Wildlife Drive is open weekends through September from sunrise to one hour before sunset.
        Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is a 501(c)3 non-profit established in 1997 to promote the preservation of the natural and historical resources of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.