RESEARCH OPEN HOUSE AT OLD WOMAN CREEK RESERVE
All are welcome to “meet the scientists” on National Estuaries Day
Huron, OH – Ohioans of all ages are invited to drop-in and meet researchers that study estuaries, dynamic and valuable Lake Erie coastal environments on National Estuaries Day, Saturday, September 27 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve, 2514 Cleveland Road East in Huron.
Findings of locally and globally significant research on freshwater estuaries will be shared by scientists from Ohio universities and the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Participants will discover cutting edge research on coastal wetlands and aquatic invasive species, learn what estuaries do for them and for Lake Erie, and find out how they can volunteer to monitor water quality in local streams. Guided trail hikes will be offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The National Estuarine Research Reserve System is a network of protected estuaries established to promote stewardship of our nation’s coasts through research and education. Reserves serve as field laboratories for scientists and living classrooms for students and professionals.
“Research at Old Woman Creek enhances our understanding of the role estuaries play in the ecology of Lake Erie and provides valuable information to citizens and decision-makers” said Frank Lopez, Manager. Wide arrays of education programs use this scientific information to increase understanding and inform decisions affecting Lake Erie among students, citizens, and professionals.
Estuaries like Old Woman Creek protect Lake Erie from pollution and buffer coastal communities against flooding and erosion. Home to a wide variety of wildlife and plants, estuaries help support a $680 million fishery and nearly a $6 billion tourism industry along Ohio’s north coast.
Visitors to Old Woman Creek Reserve enjoy hiking trails, elevated boardwalks, an observation deck, and displays on the region’s ecology and natural history. Trails are open dawn to dusk daily and the VisitorCenter is open 1 – 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.