Friday Fun Programs

Join us for a morning or afternoon exploring Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge(NWR)and Magee Marsh Wildlife Area! All participants will take a guided tour on an open-air trailer to learn about the Great Black Swamp, Lake Erie, and coastal wetlands and how federal, state, and other partners are working together to manage our incredible natural resources. Additionally, participants will enjoy a guided hike or paddle to learn more about the area and view wildlife. There will also be time to walk through both Visitor Center exhibits.

Established in 1961, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge protects a network of wetlands, grasslands, and forests to provide a habitat for a variety of migratory birds, resident wildlife, and threatened and endangered species. This network of land covers more than 11,000 acres in Northwest Ohio. It has been recognized with global significance for its value to wildlife.

Guests will tour the Magee Marsh Visitor Center and learn about wetland conservation, bird identification, migration, and the area's history. The fully accessible center was recently renovated with impressive dioramas highlighting the collection of more than 150 species of mounted birds.

Magee Marsh Wildlife Area

Tram Adventure and the Magee Marsh Exhibits

Times: Group A1 and A2 ‐ 9:00 to 10:30 am
Times: Group B1 and B2 ‐ 10:45 am to 12:15 pm
Times: Group C1 and C2 ‐ 1:00 to 2:30 pm
Times: Group D1 and D2 ‐ 2:45 to 4:15 pm
Meeting Location: Magee Marsh Visitor Center at 13229 State Rte 2, Oak Harbor, OH 43449

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge(NWR)

Paddle Excursion

Times: Group B1 ‐ 9:00 to 10:30 am
Times: Group A1 ‐ 10:45 am to 12:15 pm
Times: Group D1 ‐ 1:00 to 2:30 pm
Times: Group C1 ‐ 2:45 to 4:15 pm
Meeting Location: Ottawa NWR, 14000 State Rte 2, Oak Harbor, OH 43449, trailhead parking lot ~0.5 miles down the road after taking a right at the roundabout at the entrance

Hike into the Ottawa Exhibits from the Ottawa Trailhead Parking, explore the Exhibits, and then hike back.

Times: Group B2 ‐ 9:00 to 10:30 am
Times: Group A2 ‐ 10:45 am to 12:15 pm
Times: Group D2 ‐ 1:00 to 2:30 pm
Times: Group C2 ‐ 2:45 to 4:15 pm
Meeting Location: Ottawa NWR (14000 State Rte 2, Oak Harbor, OH 43449) trailhead parking lot ~0.5 miles down the road after taking a right at the roundabout at the entrance