Meet the Staff

Aimee Arent, Executive Director

Aimee Arent is the Executive Director of Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Aimee has been serving the refuge in various capacities since 2011 when she began volunteering through the Marsh Monitoring Program while attending Bowling Green State University. This start led her to a STEP position with Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, then to position on the Friends Board of Directors. Now as one of two Friends staff members, Aimee is proud to spread awareness of the refuge every day. As a seventh generation Northwest Ohioan, she is devoted to the Great Lakes and focused on preserving natural areas for future generations. In her spare time, she can be found along Lake Erie’s coastline hiking, fishing, biking, and beach combing with her husband, Greg and Labrador Retriever, Buck.

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

Catherine Traxler, Nature Store Manager

Catherine Traxler has served as manager of the Rookery Nature Store at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge since 2016. She 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. 


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