Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge to showcase ‘magic of migration'

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge will present a series of events and activities to celebrate the annual spring bird migration, timed with the world-renowned Biggest Week in American Birding festival, being held May 9-18. 

The Refuge is located at located at 14000 W. SR 2, Oak Harbor.

“We are working hard to welcome visitors during spring migration, and we are excited to share the magic of the refuge with everyone who comes to experience it,” said Aimee Arent, executive director of Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. “Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is an amazing place to witness the incredible journey of migratory birds as they rest and refuel in the refuge’s critical stopover habitat. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our refuge staff, volunteers and Friends group, we are ensuring the refuge remains safe, accessible and welcoming for all as we enter our busiest season of the year.”

As one of the last remaining pieces of the Great Black Swamp, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge provides a critical habitat for hundreds of species and offers visitors the chance to reconnect with nature, find peace on the trails, and create memories with family and friends.

Visitors are invited to take part in a variety of special events throughout May, including:

• West Sister Island Sunset Cruise, Saturday, May 10, 6:30-9 p.m., Port Clinton, aboard the Jet Express. Cost is $100 ($75 for Friends members). Buy tickets at shop-onwr.square.site
• Refuge Tram Tours, daily at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Enjoy a 90-minute open-air tram ride with stops for birding and wildlife viewing. Reserve free tickets at eventbrite.com
• Crane Creek Estuary Shuttle Tours, May 9-18, 9:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. Take a 90-minute electric shuttle tour of refuge trails. Reserve free tickets at eventbrite.com
• Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge & Darby Marsh Van Tours. Visit eventbrite.com for tickets.
• Pollinator Plant Sale, May 9-18 from 12-4 p.m. Shop for native plants perfect for pollinator gardens, with over 25 species available at the Ottawa NWR Visitor Center grounds.
• Wildlife Stop and Shop, May 10-11 and May 17-18, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Local vendors will offer nature-themed gifts, recycled/upcycled items, and handmade items on the Visitor Center grounds.

Special programs

• Hear from authors, naturalists, and wildlife experts during presentations in the Visitor Center Multipurpose Room, including retired FWS Refuge Manager Christy Smith and her new book “Erie Ending.” View programs and times at friendsofottawanwr.org/events.html
• Guided Bird Hikes, daily May 8-19, 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Join a guide for a birding walk through the South Woods. Hikes are expected to last 1-2 hours depending on what hikers find.
• Food vendors on site. Trucks will be available May 8-19 and 23-25, from 9 a.m.-4 or 5 p.m.
• Visitor Center and Rookery Nature Store – Open seven days a week in May from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (closed Memorial Day). Peruse warbler and wildlife-themed field guides, apparel and more. Each purchase supports the wildlife refuge.

“This is a truly special time when people from around the globe come together to celebrate the beauty of nature — and it’s a powerful reminder of why protecting our public lands is so important,” said Arent. “We invite everyone who loves the refuge and the birds that depend on it to join us in safeguarding these wild places for future generations.”

For more information about Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge’s spring migration activities, visit.friendsofottawanwr.org or follow Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge on Facebook.

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, the only National Wildlife Refuge in the state.

biggestweekinamericanbirding.com