August News and Events

Stewardship Staff and Volunteers

Pursue Frogbit Removal

European Frogbit has invaded several of the inland waterways in Northwestern Ohio, rapidly forming thick mats and decreasing the amount of nutrients, dissolved oxygen, and light penetration into the water. These mats can negatively impact native plant survival, as well as the movements of fish and waterbirds.

Here at Old Woman Creek, Stewardship staff and volunteers work all season long to manage the frogbit presence in the estuary. They also offer their services to other locations, such as Kelley's Island North Pond State Nature Preserve (pictured).

Want to participate in this rewarding activity? Scroll down to sign up for the last few installments of Stewardship Saturdays before the season ends.

Research Expands Water Quality Testing Locations

OWC research staff began the biweekly collection of water samples at four wetland restoration sites in Sandusky Bay to evaluate the impact of wetland restoration efforts on water quality.

Pictured: ODNR research intern Zoe Crow sampling water at the H2Ohio Racoon Creek natural shoreline restoration site.

Environmental Education Prioritizes Quality Training

The Education Sector at Old Woman Creek hosts students of all ages on field trips throughout the year. What does the staff do during the summer months? It hosts the teachers! Both formal and informal educators benefit from several professional development and certification trainings offered.

Teachers on the Estuary is a research and field-based training course hosted by National Estuarine Research Reserves across the country, including Old Woman Creek. Two sessions were offered this summer season.

Environmental Education Certification was also offered in collaboration with trainers from the Environmental Education Council of Ohio. Participants develop an understanding of the central tenants of environmental education, practice implementing quality curriculum, and experience place-based education.

EE Certification participants set a passive fish sampling net with the help of Education staff. Sampled fish are identified using view boxes and a fish guide.

Celebrating Our 2024 Summer Interns

Our Summer Interns have been busy experiencing and learning in our research, education and stewardship sectors. Check out some of our favorite pictures!

Research Intern Zoe Crow conducts water sampling.

Interns practicing their wildlife first aid skills.

Education Intern Kelsey McKinley helps clean up the creek.

Summer Interns clean up the canoes and kayaks.

Education Intern Kimberly Villanueva visits Kelley's Island State Park

Research Intern Kate Boutell flexes her chainsaw safety skills.

Interns work together to get their CPR timing just right.

Discovery Learning Lab:

Wonder of Wetlands

Sunday, August 4

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Stop in the Visitor Center to explore how OWC is home to a freshwater wetland. Did you know that Ohio has lost 90% of its historic wetlands? Learn how that drastic change impacts the health of Lake Erie and more! Activities, games, make-it, take-it crafts, and animal encounters will be available for discoverers of all ages.

No registration required.

You are Cordially Invited!

Enjoy Birding? The Avian Monitoring Program

Needs Your Help!

Guided Canoe Tours

Saturday August 3, FULL

Wednesday August 7, FULL

Saturday August 17, 9:00 - 11:00 am

Wednesday August 21, 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Register to enjoy a leisurely guided paddle tour, stopping often to focus on the ecology of the estuary and its watershed.

SOME PADDLING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED; ages 10+ only, must register with a partner if using canoe provided by OWC. Canoes are available to all to all participants; however, you can bring your own kayak or canoe.

Call (419) 433-4601 or email owc@dnr.ohio.gov to register.

This program meets at the OWC boathouse.

THESE TOURS FILL QUICKLY; CALL IN TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITLIST IF FULL. 

Stewardship Saturdays:

Frogbit Pull

August 10, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

August 24, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Be a part of citizen science and stewardship efforts to keep our waters healthy and happy! Join OWC to learn about an invasive aquatic plant, European Frogbit, and remove it from OWC estuary waters. European frogbit is an invasive aquatic plant that forms dense mats starting in the spring and into summer, decreasing dissolved oxygen and light. Pulling these plants when they are still small has been an effective management technique in the estuary.



Dress for the weather and to be on the water. Volunteers need to be comfortable in and on the water; some paddling experience is required. Secured footwear highly suggested.

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