By now, you've certainly heard the news. On Monday, April 8, 2024, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge will experience a total solar eclipse. Dr. Tim Winship, Friends member and amateur astronomer, will be on site with a viewing telescope. Weather permitting, Lake Erie BBQ and Sweet Nate's Coffee will also be on site from 10am - 5pm to serve visitors who choose to enjoy the view with us. 

• Start of Partial Eclipse: 1:57pm (EDT)
• Start of Totality: 3:12pm (EDT)
• End of Totality: 3:15pm (EDT)
• End of Partial: 4:27pm (EDT)

Get your official refuge merchandise to celebrate this event and support the refuge. Apparel items are available for online presale only! View the selection here. Delivery may take 2 weeks, so order ASAP to ensure your shirts arrive before the event!

We will have a limited supply of solar eclipse viewing glasses, commemorative stickers and jewelry available in the Rookery Nature Store. Follow this link to view featured items.

Unlike humans, animals don't have clocks to tell them what time it is. They take their cues from their environment. The darkening of the sky as well as changes in wind and temperature tell birds and wildlife that it is nighttime. With the feeling of sunset over Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge during the total solar eclipse, we can expect that diurnal animals (active during the day) like birds and squirrels will stop singing and foraging to prepare for sleep. We also expect that crepuscular animals (those active at dawn and dusk) like beaver and otter, and nocturnal animals (active at night) like owls, bats, and raccoons will awaken and may be seen by visitors. During the partial solar eclipse in August 2017, as the feeling of twilight blanketed the refuge, there was an eerie silence that fell over the marshes. Where ever you plan to view the eclipse, be sure to pay attention to what wildlife is doing... It will certainly be fascinating! Follow this link for more wildlife observation tips to consider during the eclipse and beyond.

On March 2, 2024, we hosted Lorax Day at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. We had so much fun celebrating nature and sharing a little inspiration about what we can do to protect it.

Last chance to enter our quilt raffle!

Calling all handmade market vendors! We are looking for vendors that make and sell wildlife, bird or nature-themed goods or art, recycled/upcycled products, etc for our Wildlife Stop and Shop to be held May 11-12, 2024 during the Biggest Week in American Birding festival. Limited space will be available in a tent provided by the Friends group and 10x10 canopies are welcomed. Interested individuals should fill out our application. We will review applications as they come in and confirm your spot within one week of application. Please contact Aimee with any questions at friendsofottawanwr@gmail.com. 

As we gear up for spring, we find ourselves in need of some help! Do you know anyone who might be interested in these volunteer opportunities?

• Nature Store Volunteers
  Assist customers in the store, operate the cash register, inventory items purchased, stock shelves with new inventory, maintain items in an orderly and attractive matter. Potential to occasionally attend community events to perform outreach and sell merchandise, and other duties as agreed upon by Nature Store Manager and volunteer. A minimum of one four-hour block of time per week is preferred. Those interested in learning more about this position may fill out the volunteer application below and select "Nature Store" as an area of interest.
  
  
• Mowing/Grounds Maintenance Volunteers 
  Coordinate with refuge staff to mow and maintain trails and access points during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Those interested in learning more about this position may fill out the volunteer application below and select "Mowing" and "Grounds Maintenance" as areas of interest.
  
  
• Beach Cleanup Volunteers
  There are several beach cleanups on the calendar of events. Those interested in participating may fill out our volunteer application and select "Beach Cleanups" as an area of interest. Supplies such as gloves, bags, and trash pickers will be provided. 

Please fill out our volunteer application to express interest in any of these positions. Feel free to share information with anyone who might be interested! Reach out to Nicole Crofts, Volunteer Coordinator with any questions: volunteeronwr@gmail.com 

On Sunday, March 3, our shuttle reached a special milestone: 2,000 miles of trail rides at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge! 

The smiling group of visitors shown here was excited to be part of the milestone ride. Volunteer guide Lori Monska stopped to take a picture as the odometer turned to read "000" and added the "2" sticker to help us keep track of our actual mileage traveled. 

The group was able to see eagles, trumpeter swans, the "owl-gle" nest as Lori calls it (the eagle nest taken over by great horned owls), and several species of ducks. It was a beautiful day to be outdoors.

The shuttle typically runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday each week. Tours are dependent on weather and volunteer availability. You may call 419-898-0014 to reserve your spot. You can also fill out our online form to request a tour another day of the week for groups of 6-10 people. We will do our best to accommodate special requests for groups of friends and family, businesses, clubs, etc. It's a great way to see the refuge and learn from one of our knowledgeable guides.

Saturday, March 9: Turtle Creek and Toussaint Creek Beach Cleanup
Saturday, April 6: B.A.R.K Ranger Induction Ceremony
Sunday, April 7: Monthly Bird Survey
Monday, April 8: Total Solar Eclipse
Saturday, April 13: Wildlife Beach Cleanup
April 20-21: Wildlife Drive Open!
April 27-28: Wildlife Drive Open!
Sunday, May 5: Monthly Bird Survey
May 3-19: Wildlife Drive Open! Additional interpretive tour dates TBA
May 25-27: Wildlife Drive Open!
Sunday, June 2: Monthly Bird Survey
Saturday, June 8: Crane Creek Beach Cleanup
June: Wildlife Drive Open every Saturday & Sunday

Visitor Center Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm