News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2011

Public Invited to Grand Opening of Estuary Exhibit at Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve 
 

HURON, OH - The public is invited to an open house featuring new, state-of-the art estuary education exhibits November 5 at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife’s Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Spend a day of discovery at the day Old Woman Creek Reserve. Explore habitats and wildlife through dioramas featuring live animals. Investigate the valuable world of wetlands through interactive maps, games, and video. Experience local history with a talking timeline and discover other recreational opportunities along Ohio’s Lake Erie coast. Learn what you can do and make a pledge for clean water. Guided trail walks will be available on the hour.

Events will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Old Woman Creek Visitor Center located 1 mile west of SR 61 at 2514 Cleveland Road East.

Estuaries such as 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 as well as a nursery for Lake Erie sport fish. The Lake Erie fishery contributes more than $800 million to Ohio’s economy annually. Birders and other wildlife watchers spend nearly $1 billion statewide each year on these activities.

The Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve is one of 28 national estuarine research reserves across the country. Its mission is to improve the understanding, stewardship, and appreciation of Great Lake estuaries and coastal wetlands. To learn more about Old Woman Creek Reserve and estuaries visit www.oldwomancreek.org and www.estuaries.gov.

For more information about the grand opening, please visit www.oldwomancreek.org or call the Visitor Center at (419) 433-4601. Refreshments will be provided by Friends of Old Woman Creek.

- 30 -

For more information, contact:
Ann Keefe or Frank Lopez
ODNR Division of Wildlife
Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve
419. 433. 4601