Ohio Sea Grant, Stone Lab, partners to host Lake Erie Awareness Day Aug. 7
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife, H2Ohio, and Ohio Sea Grant, in partnership with The Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory and Shores & Islands Ohio, will host the fifth annual Lake Erie Awareness Day on Thursday, Aug. 7 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
This free, family-friendly event invites visitors to explore interactive stations across South Bass Island:
• Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial
• Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center
• South Bass Island State Park
• Duff Homestead and Bayfront Preserve
• The newly renovated Put-in-Bay Aquatic Visitor Center.
Each location will feature engaging activities highlighting Lake Erie’s cultural, historical, and ecological significance. Topics include native wildlife, migration, safe and clean boating practices, the importance of native species and conservation, and how you can help make a positive impact on Ohio’s ecosystems.
Participants who visit all five stations will be entered into a raffle for prizes, including a chance to win a free weekend of camping at South Bass Island State Park.
This is the second year that Emily Rugg from ODNR Division of Wildlife has been in charge of the event.
“This event is so cool, because not only are we engaging with both islanders and visitors about the important topics related to Lake Erie, but we are also encouraging them to travel out of their comfort zone or to go to places around the island they might have never been to before,” Rugg said. “Being able to provide guests the opportunity to learn, try something new, and visit someplace new is an awesome way to engage with folks and provide them an experience they (hopefully) won’t forget.”
New this year, the Put-in-Bay Tour Train will add additional stops to its route to include each activity station. Participants can only purchase tickets and board the train at the Train Depot located at 154 Delaware Ave, downtown. Tickets are good for one time around the route. Riders will have the opportunity to hop off the first time the train stops at each location, then hop back on the next train coming through to continue to the next stop. The tour ends when getting off at the Perry's Monument Visitor Center or back at the Depot. Train Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $7 for children ages 6-11, and children ages 5 and under ride FREE.
To learn more about the event including station maps and partnering organizations, visit go.osu.edu/lakeerieawarenessday.
H2Ohio is Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s statewide water quality initiative designed to address complex issues impacting Ohio’s waters. Launched in 2019, H2Ohio uses a comprehensive approach guided by science and data to reduce algal blooms, stop pollution, and improve access to clean drinking water by supporting best farming practices, road salt runoff reduction, litter cleanup, dam removal, land conservation, and water infrastructure revitalization
Ohio Sea Grant is supported by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) School of Environment and Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, and NOAA Sea Grant, a network of 34 Sea Grant programs nationwide dedicated to the protection and sustainable use of marine and Great Lakes resources. Stone Laboratory is Ohio State’s island campus on Lake Erie and is the research, education, and outreach facility of Ohio Sea Grant and part of CFAES School of Environment and Natural Resources.
Shores & Islands is excited to be attending and supporting this important event. Lake Erie is an amazing natural resource that not only drives tourism but is also a huge part of life in our region for those of us who live here. Taking care of the lake and highlighting the ways in which we can all help is of utmost importance, and Lake Erie Awareness Day is a perfect way to help support these efforts.