Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1997 to support conservation in the Lake Erie marshes by increasing the awareness and capability of Ohio's only national wildlife refuge complex.

Explore Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge with us!

PLAN YOUR VISIT
View info about public access points including an interactive map, Visitor Center info, and current weather conditions.
RECENT SIGHTINGS
What birds are being seen at the refuge? Follow this link for eBird hotspots and monthly bird and wildlife census information.
EVENTS
Join us for a virtual or in-person event. Click here for more information about events including Seek Refuge Days and the Wildlife Drive schedule.
BECOME A MEMBER
Love what we do and want to be more involved? Follow this link to learn about becoming a member and committing to annual support.
FRIENDS IMPACT
What does the Friends group make possible at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge? Follow this link to read about our programs and recent accomplishments.
SHOP NOW
Browse the Rookery Nature Store Online for Ottawa Refuge apparel, field guides, and gifts for every nature lover on your list.
We exist because...
Fresh water is a finite resource. We are working to protect it. The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex is located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, the 11th largest lake in the world. The Great Lakes contain about 20% of the world's fresh water but they are in jeopardy. The wetlands of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge play a critical role in the Lake Erie ecosystem, acting as the kidneys of the landscape; working to protect NW Ohio's drinking water, work, and leisure. They also provide important nesting and stopover habitat for birds, fish, and wildlife. Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge works to support Ohio's only national wildlife refuge complex through fundraising and volunteerism so that we can be the change that our wildlife and community deserve.
Picture
Bald Eagle by Vince Capozziello

We're re-opening!

Picture
As you may know, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge suspended Visitor Center operations in March 2020 due to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and Governor DeWine's response to COVID-19. Closures included the Visitor Center, Nature Store, and Wildlife Window. On Thursday, July 8, 2021, the Visitor Center, Nature Store, and Wildlife Window will reopen. In the building you may access the first floor only including the front desk, Rookery Nature Store, restrooms, and water bottle filling station. The theater, exhibit halls, and classroom remain closed. Masks will be required for those who are not vaccinated.
 
For now, our hours will be Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10am - 2pm and Sunday 12 pm - 4pm each week.

The hiking trails remain open from sunrise to sunset. The Partnership Trails, 1/3 mile boardwalk, and outdoor restrooms are open as normal.
Read our most recent Annual Report to learn more about what we do and learn how you can get involved.

Recent Stats

Picture
Sunrise over Crane Creek by Tony Everhardt