Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
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      • Bird Friendly Facility Project
      • Fox Nature Preserve
      • Marinewood Restoration
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      • Wildlife Drive Improvements
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2021 Friends Revenue & Expenditures

Government funding does not cover all that is necessary to manage a refuge. As a result, wildlife refuges depend on “Friends” groups like Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (FONWR) to fill in the gaps, providing financial and volunteer support. In 2021, support of Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge through all revenue streams totaled $585,274.

A total of $167,900 went directly to helping the Refuge Complex and community in the areas of conservation, wildlife protection, research, law enforcement, and education. Refuge support includes items such as visitor access and maintenance projects, intern stipends, and field trip transportation. We also spent about $100,000 to purchase 16.5 acres for the refuge and began work to purchase a 12 acre parcel that we hope to acquire in 2022.

About 40% of our assets are set aside for restricted refuge projects. Some of those that are scheduled to be completed in 2022 include an ADA compliant trail at the Fox Nature Preserve and a picnic shelter at the Nehls Memorial Nature Preserve.

Friends Accomplishments in 2021
  • Funded 7 internships that assisted refuge staff with a combined total of 3255.5 hours of work
  • Planted 3,154 bareroot seedlings and 129 container trees on the Fox Nature Preserve
  • Built a parking area and kiosk at the Fox Nature Preserve and created a mile long mowed grass hiking trail that is now open to the public
  • Purchased waders, an educational archery range and other supplies for youth sportsmen programs
  • Hosted a veteran and adaptive angler event for 72 participants and launched Puddles Kids Club
  • Purchased 16.5 acres of land and restored it to wildlife habitats through the assistance of the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program
  • Paved the parking area and provided lawn and garden maintenance at West Harbor Landing
  • Built an ADA compliant kayak launch and parking area and reinforced the shoreline at the Nehls Memorial Nature Preserve
  • Helped to fund the Bird Friendly Facility Project to prevent bird strikes on the Refuge Visitor Center
  • Served as the fiscal sponsor for the Portage River Water Trail project and completed design work for brochures and signs
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The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex had an operating budget of $346,239 for 2021.
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​Without the generous donations that we receive from the Friends group, and the work performed by countless volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish our mission! By working together, we have successfully installed ADA accessible fishing platforms, made improvements to our wildlife drive, repaired our boardwalk, added water recreation access, as well as installed interpretive signage, and increased trail maintenance at some of our satellite properties.  All of these tasks are completed with the help of our Friends group and volunteers, working side by side with refuge staff. Thank you all for your support of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge!
​                       --Scott Bryant, Refuge Administrative Officer
Here is the breakdown of the refuge expenditures for 2021:
  • Maintenance: $110,590, including repairs to properties, structures, vehicles, and equipment
  • Supplies: $143,341, including office and field supplies, visitor/volunteer services supplies for all programs
  • Fixed Expenses: $62,223, including utilities, phones, water, propane, trash removal, etc.
  • Fuel: $30,085 to fuel vehicles and equipment for all programs
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Friends of Ottawa NWR
14000 W. State Route 2
Oak Harbor, OH 43449 

  
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419-898-0014 x13
friendsofottawanwr@gmail.com

 EIN: 34-1904821   
Visitor Center open Wednesday-Sunday 10am-4pm.
  • HOME
  • YOUR REFUGE
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Ottawa NWR Complex
    • Refuge Challenges
    • Recent Sightings
    • Visitor Center
    • Kids Corner
    • Wildlife Drive
    • Endangered Wildlife
    • Endangered Plants
    • Research >
      • Bald Eagle Updates
      • West Sister Island Rookery
      • Blanding's Turtles
    • Gallery >
      • Most Memorable Moments
      • Photos by Friends
    • Wildlife Observation & Birding Tips
    • Timing of Bird Migration
    • Spring Birding Spots
    • Fishing and Hunting Information
    • Refuge Staff
    • EV Charging Station
    • Barn Quilt Trail
    • Know Your Signs
    • National Wildlife Refuge System
  • Who we are
    • Our Story
    • Friends History
    • Network of Friends
    • Strategic Goals
    • Financials
    • Board of Directors
    • Friends Staff
    • Community Partners
  • WHAT WE DO
    • Events >
      • Spring Migration
      • Recycle Round Up
      • Photography Contest
    • Friends Programs >
      • Land Acquisition and Restoration
      • Internship Program
      • Environmental Education Grants
      • Nature Programs
    • Friends Projects >
      • Bird Friendly Facility Project
      • Fox Nature Preserve
      • Marinewood Restoration
      • Nehls Memorial Nature Preserve
      • West Harbor Project
      • Wildlife Drive Improvements
      • Visitor Center Fishing Access
    • Recent Accomplishments
    • Carrying on a Legacy
  • HOW TO HELP
    • Donate
    • License Plate
    • Become a Member
    • Wheels for Wetlands
    • Legacy Gifts
    • Federal Duck Stamp Program
    • Volunteer >
      • Volunteer Portal
    • Corporate Sponsors
    • Conservation at Home
    • Say No to Balloon Releases
  • Shop