Buckeye Trail Fest2025
PROGRAMS
Join us for a morning or afternoon exploring Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge(NWR)and Magee Marsh Wildlife Area! All participants will take a guided tour on an open-air trailer to learn about the Great Black Swamp, Lake Erie, and coastal wetlands and how federal, state, and other partners are working together to manage our incredible natural resources. Additionally, participants will enjoy a guided hike or paddle to learn more about the area and view wildlife. There will also be time to walk through both Visitor Center exhibits.
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area
Tram Adventure and the Magee Marsh Exhibits
Times: Group A1 and A2 ‐ 9:00 to 10:30 am Times: Group B1 and B2 ‐ 10:45 am to 12:15 pm Times: Group C1 and C2 ‐ 1:00 to 2:30 pm Times: Group D1 and D2 ‐ 2:45 to 4:15 pm Meeting Location: Magee Marsh Visitor Center at 13229 State Rte 2, Oak Harbor, OH 43449
Paddle Excursion
Times: Group B1 ‐ 9:00 to 10:30 am Times: Group A1 ‐ 10:45 am to 12:15 pm Times: Group D1 ‐ 1:00 to 2:30 pm Times: Group C1 ‐ 2:45 to 4:15 pm Meeting Location: Ottawa NWR, 14000 State Rte 2, Oak Harbor, OH 43449, trailhead parking lot ~0.5 miles down the road after taking a right at the roundabout at the entrance
Hike into the Ottawa Exhibits from the Ottawa Trailhead Parking, explore the Exhibits, and then hike back.
Times: Group B2 ‐ 9:00 to 10:30 am Times: Group A2 ‐ 10:45 am to 12:15 pm Times: Group D2 ‐ 1:00 to 2:30 pm Times: Group C2 ‐ 2:45 to 4:15 pm Meeting Location: Ottawa NWR (14000 State Rte 2, Oak Harbor, OH 43449) trailhead parking lot ~0.5 miles down the road after taking a right at the roundabout at the entrance
Maumee Bay Nature Center Programs
Birding by the Bay, outdoor
Presenter: ODNR Naturalist Description: Birding on the lakeshore provides a diverse and dynamic experience as every change in season provides new opportunities to see migrating and resident species. Both beginner and seasoned birders will delight in what they might find next!In this hands on workshop, participants will go on a hike to explore topics of basic trail construction and maintenance through discussion and interactive learning. Topics include: slope (what it is, how to measure it), sustainable trail concepts (full bench construction), and how to identify water problems on trails. Please come prepared with questions or concepts you'd like to explore! Time: TBD Limit: 15 Attendees Meeting Location: Meet in front of the Nature Center
Seasons of the Marsh, outdoor
Presenter: ODNR Naturalist Description: Explore the seasonal highlights on trail at Maumee Bay! A Naturalist will guide your experience while searching for animal tracks, flying birds, plants in bloom, and more! Time: TBD Limit: 15 Attendees Meeting Location: Meet in front of the Nature Center
Macroinvertebrate Study, outdoor
Presenter: ODNR Naturalist Description: Peek into the pond and explore the little things that keep the ecosystem flowing smoothly. We will use nets and buckets for this hands-on experience. Time: TBD Limit: 15 Attendees Meeting Location: Meet at the pond in front of the Nature Center Note: This program will be presented twice.
Creature Feature, indoor
Presenter: ODNR Naturalist Description: Snakes, turtles, and frogs, oh my! Visit with an animal ambassador for a nature moment you won’t forget! Then spend some time perusing the Nature Center displays. Time: TBD Limit: 25 Attendees Meeting Location: Meet inside the Nature Center Conference Room.
Wild Ohio in the Great Black Swamp, indoor
Presenter: ODNR Naturalist Description: Welcome to the Great Black Swamp where wetlands abound and animals thrive! Get up close and personal with animal artifacts of our local wildlife and compare what was found here historically compared to today Time: TBD Limit: 25 Attendees Meeting Location: Meet inside the Nature Center Conference Room.
Saturday Evening Programs
Volunteer Recognition
Volunteers and partners are the lifeblood of the Buckeye Trail Association. They give thousands of hours of their time and energy to help build, maintain, protect, and promote the enjoyment of Ohio's 1,440+ mile Buckeye Trail. Time: TBD
Silent Auction
Results of the Silent Auction Time: Sat. 8:45 to 9:15pm
Buckeye Trail Association Annual Meeting
Presenter: BTA Board of Trustees and BTA Staff Description: The BTA Annual meeting provides the membership the opportunity to hear about the status of the association and about the projects currently underway, as well as to vote on members running to be a BTA Board Trustee. Time: Sun. 9:00 to 10:00am
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