The West Harbor Landing Improvement Project

About West Harbor Landing...

West Harbor Landing is a 16 acre parcel that was purchased by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service from the Bradley family in 2016. It is located on Catawba Island, about 4 miles east of Port Clinton, Ohio. Much of the acreage is marshland. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge plans to improve the remaining land to include pollinator habitat and visitor amenities including a gazebo, fishing platform/observation deck, improved canoe/kayak launch, benches, trash/recycling, and signage. So far, we have raised about $12,000 towards this project! Please donate today to help keep it on track.

Pollinator Habitat

• Raised $10,000 for pollinator habitat.
• A beautiful stone wall was installed 
• These landscaped pollinator gardens will be attractive to people and wildlife!

Visitor Amenities

• 12'x16' Fishing Platform / Observation Deck
• Gazebo / Shade Structure
• Canoe / Kayak Launch
• Four, 5' Long Teak Benches
• Information Kiosk
• Trash / Recycling 

Partners and Sponsors

• United States Fish and Wildlife Service
• Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
• Otto and Urban Landscaping/Greenhouse
• Catawba Island Garden Club
• Catawba Island Park District
This community development project will benefit so many people in the Catawba community. An average of 10,000 people travel the busy stretch of highway each day as ferry transportation to the Lake Erie Islands is located on the tip of Catawba Island. Having the West Harbor site open to the public will mean that people will learn about the importance of marshes and pollinator habitat, and gain a new appreciation for our area through outdoor recreation.
The Refuge operates under the knowledge that connecting children to conservation supports their growth into stewards of tomorrow. YOUR support to fund the West Harbor Landing will help to ensure the realization of this goal.
"As President of Catawba Island Garden Club it became clear that the membership and the community is excited about the Catawba Island West Harbor Landing Project. This project offers the rare "Trifecta" benefiting individuals, the community and wildlife
including the fragile habitat needed for bees, butterflies and birds. Our group, founded in 1933, donated $5000 - the largest donation ever made by our club.
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I invite you to join us in this rare opportunity to make a difference by creating this jewel, a true legacy, that will stand for generations to come. Please support Catawba Islands West Harbor Landing Project."                                     
            --Suzanne Richard (President, Catawba Island Garden Club)

Create a legacy...

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Corporate Donations
The Friends group and the Refuge can recognize contributions of major donors in a variety of ways including signage at the site, media coverage of the partnership, and a feature story in the Friends newsletter.

As Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is a 501(c)3 non-profit, gifts are tax deductible. For your purposes, our EIN number is 34-1904821 and our W-9 is available upon request.
If our goal is surpassed, extra funds will be used to further improve and maintain the site long-term.
Known as the "Bucket Lady" by neighbors, Catawba Island Garden Club President Suzanne Richard has been working hard to help to enhance the West Harbor Landing property.