Beginning in February, Ohioans are encouraged to join Division of Wildlife staff, guest naturalists, and scientists for fun-filled and free educational explorations of Old Woman Creek, a unique and valuable protected Lake Erie estuary.  Learn how to feed birds and make your own feeder out of recycled materials, participate in a book discussion on environmental issues, roll up your sleeves and remove invasive plants, or explore the estuary and its environs through a guided hike, canoe tour, or nature sketch class.  

Every river or creek in northern Ohio that flows directly into Lake Erie has an area near its mouth where lake and stream water meet and mix.  This mixing area is called an estuary.  Estuaries like Old Woman Creek protect the health of Lake Erie by removing sediments and pollutants in the water flowing through them. These valuable ecosystems help to buffer uplands from flooding and protect coastal communities from severe storms.  Home to a wide variety of wildlife and plants, estuaries are essential to $680 million fishing and nearly $6 billion tourism industries along Ohio’s Lake Erie coast.  Human decisions and actions throughout the watershed impact estuaries, our Great Lake, and ultimately the region’s economy.

February events:
Ice, Ice Everywhere February 6, Wednesday 12:30-1:30 pm: Learn about ice harvesting, boating, and fishing with Neil Allen of the Maritime Museum of Sandusky. Bring a bag lunch if desired.

Last Child in the Woods: Book Discussion February 12, Tuesday 12:00-1:30pm: Are today’s children less connected to nature than in the past?  If so, how can we encourage this connection? A book discussion of Richard Louv’s Last Child in the Woods led by Friends of Old Woman Creek member Marian Hancy and Mary Warren of the Ohio Division of Wildlife.   Bring a bag lunch if desired.

Winter Guided Trail Walk February 13, Wednesday 1:00-3:00 pm: Bring along your mittens and hiking boots and bundle up to explore the trails (0.5 to 2 miles) with a staff guide. Trails may be snow covered: hiking boots recommended. 

Create a Bird Feeding Buffet Year ‘Round February 16 Saturday 2:00-4:00 pm: Carol Andres of the Firelands Audubon Society shares tips on feeding feathered friends. Create your own bird feeder using recycled materials.  Bring a plastic milk jug of any size or a 2-liter plastic bottle.

All February events will be held at Old Woman Creek Visitor Center, 2514 Cleveland Road East in Huron.  Registration appreciated but not required: (419) 433-4601 or phoebe.vanzoest@dnr.state.oh.us.  A complete 2008 event calendar is available at www.oldwomancreek.org