Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
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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 and the Friends have worked to improve the remaining land to include pollinator habitat and visitor amenities including a fishing platform/observation deck, canoe/kayak launch, benches, and signage. The parking lot was also paved to further increase access. 
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Pollinator Habitat

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

• 12'x16' Fishing Platform / Observation Deck
• ADA accessible sidewalk, parking space, and  paved parking lot​
• Gazebo / Shade Structure
• Canoe / Kayak Launch
• Benches
• Information Kiosk
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Partners and Sponsors

• United States Fish and Wildlife Service​
• National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
​• Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
• Otto and Urban Landscaping/Greenhouse
• Catawba Island Garden Club
• Catawba Island Park District

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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.
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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.
"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.
​
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)
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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
      • Chili Cookoff
      • Photography Contest
    • Friends Programs >
      • Land Acquisition and Restoration
      • Internship Program
      • Environmental Education Grants
      • Nature Programs
    • Friends Projects >
      • Shuttle
      • Bird Friendly Facility Project
      • Fox Nature Preserve
      • Nehls Memorial Nature Preserve
      • Portage River Water Trail
      • Marinewood Restoration
      • 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