ODNR Division of Wildlife - Wild Resources - Old Woman Creek

 Friends of Old Woman Creek


american water lotus in bloom in the Old Woman Creek estuaryWho Are the Friends?

The Friends of Old Woman Creek is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes public awareness and appreciation of the uniqueness of the estuary and supports stewardship programs that sustain the ecological integrity of Old Woman Creek.


As a Friend of Old Woman Creek, you can make a difference in preserving this special place.

Benefits of Membership

As a member of the Friends of Old Woman Creek  you will be joining a group of people with similar interests and concerns for protecting Lake Erie, its watershed, estuaries, beaches, and streams.

You will be regularly informed of our activities through newsletters, special mailings, and meetings.

Your involvement with the Friends will give you the opportunity to participate in our annual canoe trip through the estuary to see American Water Lotus in bloom, receive a 10% discount in our gift shop and take part in numerous other events throughout the year.

Membership Application Form (7k pdf)

For more of information contact:
Friends of Old Woman Creek
P.O. Box 247
Huron, OH 44839


What We Do

  • Co-sponsor a watershed coordinator for Old Woman Creek and other Firelands-area tributaries to Lake Erie.
  • Support education and research projects related to migratory bird conservation, invasive species, and water quality.
  • Assist with field trips, seminars, cultural events, newsletters, and special projects at Old Woman Creek NERR.
  • Operate a Nature Gift Shop at the Old Woman Creek NERR Visitor Center that sells unique, creative, and educational gifts for all ages.
  • Participate in regional birding events such as Lake Erie Wing Watch & Breakfast with the Birds
  • Serve as hosts for regional and national events
  • Provide grants to assist schools in making educational field trips to Old Woman Creek.


Grants for Field Trips to Old Woman Creek Reserve

The Friends of Old Woman Creek has established this grant program to support k-12 environmental education field trips to Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve.

The Friends of Old Woman Creek is aware that with significant funding reductions, schools in our local community are having a difficult time providing ‘extras’ for their students. Field trips are often among the first items to be eliminated. We are pleased to offer this grant program that may encourage
more teachers and students to explore our unique aquatic environments, interact with scientists and take home important environmental conservation messages and skills.

Field trip programs at OWC NERR emphasize hands-on scientific learning. Participants may use seine and plankton nets, microscopes and water quality testing equipment to increase their understanding of freshwater ecology and foster stewardship of coastal wetlands and Lake Erie.

Each grant will help defray transportation costs associated with half or one-day field trips for at least one classroom. Eligible applicants are school groups during the regular school year. Grant amounts of $150 per school are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Grant applications should be submitted after scheduling a program date with the OWC NERR Education Coordinator. The application must be filled out completely and approved by the school administrator.

Transportation Assistance Grant - Letter to School Administrators
Transportation Assistance Grant Application

For information about grants or field trips contact:
Ann Keefe, Education Coordinator
Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve
2514 Cleveland Road, East
Huron, Ohio 44839
Phone: 419-433-4601
Email: ann.keefe@dnr.state.oh.us