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​
• 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)
Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Logo
Friends of Ottawa NWR
14000 W. State Route 2
Oak Harbor, OH 43449 

  
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419-898-0014
[email protected]

 EIN: 34-1904821   
Visitor Center open Thursday-Sunday 10am-4pm. (Daily in May from 9am-4pm).
  • HOME
  • YOUR REFUGE
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Ottawa NWR Complex
    • Live Cameras
    • Recent Sightings
    • Kids Corner
    • Gallery
  • Who we are
    • Our Story
    • Network of Friends
    • Strategic Goals
    • Financials
    • Board of Directors
    • Friends Staff
    • Refuge Staff
    • Community Partners
  • WHAT WE DO
    • Events
    • Friends Programs >
      • Land Acquisition and Restoration
      • Internship Program
      • Scholarship
      • Environmental Education Grants
      • Track Chair Program
      • Glass City Bird Crew
      • 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
  • TAKE ACTION
  • DONATE
  • SHOP
Donate Now!