Public Invited to Test Drive New Exhibits and Explore Old Woman Creek Reserve on National Estuaries Day

The public is invited to celebrate National Estuaries Day by exploring the Ohio Division of Wildlife’s Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve and previewing new exhibits at a free, family-friendly event on Saturday, September 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bring your family and spend the day discovering Old Woman Creek Estuary. You can get a sneak peak at exciting new estuary exhibits that will include dioramas featuring live animals and interactive maps, video, and games. “Test drive” the new displays and provide feedback to help the Reserve improve and fine tune these new tools for estuary learning and exploration. And don't forget to plan to return for the exhibit open house on Saturday November 5.

The National Estuaries Day Celebration will take place at the Mike DeWine Center for Coastal Wetland Studies located 1 mile west of SR 61 at 2514 Cleveland Road East. Guided trail tours will be provided on the hour. For more information regarding the National Estuaries Day open house, please visit www.oldwomancreek.org or call (419) 433-4601.

National Estuaries Day is an annual celebration of the vibrant coastal areas where rivers meet the sea-estuaries. Celebrated on the last Saturday in September, National Estuaries Day is a great opportunity to learn more about these valuable natural resources and how you can help to protect them.

Estuaries like Old Woman Creek protect Lake Erie by removing pollutants from streams and rivers and benefit coastal communities by buffering against floods and erosion. These valuable coastal wetlands also provide habitat for wildlife and serve as nurseries for Lake Erie sport fish. The Lake Erie fishery contributes over $800 million to Ohio’s economy annually. Bird and other wildlife watchers spend nearly $1 billion statewide each year.

The Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve is one of 28 National Estuarine Research Reserves across the country. Its mission is to improve stewardship of Great Lakes coastal wetlands through research and education. To learn more about Old Woman Creek Reserve and estuaries visit www.oldwomancreek.org and www.estuaries.gov.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.