Ottawa County: Friends of Wildlife Refuge plan two days of wild fun July 26-27

Celebrate summer with Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge during Discover Ottawa Weekend — a two-day celebration of nature, wildlife, and outdoor adventure –– Saturday, July 26, and Sunday, July 27, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Ohio’s only National Wildlife Refuge Complex. 14000 SR 2, Oak Harbor.

The family-friendly event will feature fishing, paddling, scavenger hunts, crafts and more. Activities will take place throughout the refuge and are designed to connect people of all ages with the natural world in fun and meaningful ways.

Weekend highlights Include:

Outdoor adventures

• Fishing (catch-and-release) — Poles and bait provided near the Visitor Center.
• Intro to paddling — Kayaking at the Partnership Pond from 10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m. both days.
• Bike ride — Join board member Jim Krieger for a morning ride at 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
• Otter hike — Discover otter hangouts on a special hike with the refuge’s Otter Whisperer, Jeff Vogelpohl, on Sunday from 8-10 a.m. (Registration required via www.eventbrite.com/o/friends-of-ottawa-national-wildlife-refuge-80729154853).

Family fun and nature education

• Junior Ranger activities — Young explorers can earn their Junior Ranger Badge.
• Crafts — Available in the Visitor Center multipurpose room.
• Live snakes with Ken Roshak, Saturday, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
• Open-air tram tours, offered on a first-come, first-served basis at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Shop, eat and explore

• Vendors — Browse nature-themed items from local makers.
• Rookery Nature Store — Open 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Lake Erie BBQ — On-site from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. both days.
• Recycle Round-Up (Saturday only, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.). Recycle old clothes, textiles and electronics for $10 per carload (cash only).

Accepted electronics include computers, phones, displays (no TVs/CRT), printers, stereos, etc. Accepted textiles include clothing, shoes, handbags, linens, accessories—basically anything fabric-based.

Proceeds support conservation efforts at the refuge. Friends of Ottawa NWR with Recycle I.T. USA Toledo LLC and Clothes Bin Ohio are hosting the event.

• Scenic Wildlife Drive –– Open dawn to dusk—enjoy the seven-mile loop from the comfort of your vehicle.

All activities are free, though donations will be gratefully accepted to support wildlife conservation and youth programs.

For more information, call 419-313-3126 or visit www.friendsofottawanwr.org/events.