Meet the Staff

Aimee Arent, Executive Director

Aimee Arent received her degree in Environmental Science from Bowling Green State University in 2013.  Her coursework had a dual emphasis on biological and physical sciences and environmental education with a minor in Canadian studies, preparing her for a career in the Great Lakes Region. She has been a part of the Friends group since 2011 when she started volunteering through the Marsh Monitoring Program.  As a seventh generation Northwest Ohioan, she is devoted to the Great Lakes and focused on preserving natural areas like Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge for future generations. Aimee has worked for both the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Ohio Division of Wildlife in visitor services and environmental education. She also served on the Board of Directors for Friends of Ottawa NWR from 2013-2016. Aimee describes herself as an eager outdoorswoman and nature nerd enjoying hiking, photography, fishing, and birding by bike. 

Aimee can be reached at 419-898-0014 x13 or friendsofottawanwr@gmail.com.

Catherine Traxler, Nature Store Manager

Catherine Traxler received her Bachelor's of History from Lourdes University in Sylvania, Ohio in 2015. She enjoys spending time outdoors walking, birding, and camping.  She also enjoys taking photographs, especially of trees.  Catherine was a Girl Scout from kindergarten through high school which influenced her love of exploring the outdoors.  Refuge Volunteer Tom Furry sparked her interest in birding after one of his famous eagle bus tours at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. In 2015, she was hired as the Nature Store Assistant and was promoted to Nature Store Manager in Spring of 2016. 

Catherine can be reached at 419-707-7756 or theonwr@gmail.com.