What are the opening hours?

Tuesday 9am - 4pm Wednesday 9am - 4pm Thursday 9am - 4pm Friday 9am - 4pm

Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve

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Huron, OH
Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve

Research~Education~Training~Stewardship
Public trails open dawn to dusk, no pets,
permit needed to kayak/canoe or go off trail

08/31/2026

THIS FRIDAY! Phytoplankton are the underappreciated movers and shakers of aquatic ecosystems. They exhibit an incredible range of biodiversity, display some surprising characteristics and adaptations, and are the base of the food chain in freshwater habitats. Join us Friday to learn more about these overlooked organisms, and their influence on Old Woman Creek. Follow the link below to register for both in-person attendance or online access. Light refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Old Woman Creek.

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/kvqapaf/lp/b1f65287-0d0d-49bc-b3e1-dccb41e59059

08/20/2026

Old Woman Creek Reserve has partnered with Chagrin River Watershed Partners to bring high-quality, natural resources professional trainings. This week, we hosted EnvirScience Senior Ecologist Dr. Michael Liptak, who instructed over thirty participants on the Ohio Rapid Assessment Method for determining wetland quality. Held at the Watershed Stewardship Center in Parma, trainees practiced wetland assessment and scoring the ORAM tool at various locations in the park. Professionals from the following agencies received training:

Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District
Geauga Park District
Summit Metro Parks
Tinker's Creek Watershed Partners
Cleveland Metroparks
Doan Brook Watershed Partnership
City of Akron, Ohio - Mayor's Office - Watershed Division
Old Woman Creek Reserve
Chagrin River Watershed Partners
Western Reserve Land Conservancy
Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District (Ohio)

08/14/2026

What are those blobs in the water? Feast your eyes on the Magnificent Bryozoan, Pectinatella magnifica! Spotted during a paddle tour this past Wednesday, this fixed colony of animals use cilia (hairlike structures) to create a current, moving food towards their mouth openings. They enjoy eating diatoms, phytoplankton, and other microscopic organisms. Freshwater bryozoans like these have been around for a long time as evidenced by their primitive body structure and parts. P. magnifica are special bryozoans as they make their own substrate, the gelatinous mass that you see in the picture. Have you seen one?

Ohio Department of Natural Resources | Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves | NOAA Digital Coast

08/13/2026

At the Ohio State Fair on August 5, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources inducted 13 new people into their Hall of Fame, including our very own Dr. Dave Klarer! Dr. Dave received the Cardinal Award for a lifetime of dedication to the study of wetland ecosystems of Ohio, namely Old Woman Creek. Dr. Dave was the original Research Coordinator at the Reserve, authoring and co-authoring many studies about estuaries, water quality, wetlands, and more, all while leading the new research department. Dr. Dave continues to support Old Woman Creek by volunteering to greet visitors at the front desk and share his wealth of knowledge with curious minds. We are so grateful for Dr. Dave and all that he has done to make Old Woman Creek Reserve a respected and valued resource of estuarine research. Follow the link below to read more.

https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/news/hall-of-fame-2026?fbclid=IwY2xjawTqriNwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMVp2eDNkWnhTMWE1U0pYYU5zcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeOBLGyPz_YNc7WjKFIThs-a8XlfKbixq3TuikZCcW35tJWmyfAAjelydWNKA_aem_9eA9o75nSPg-OdADIXO8eQ

NOAA Digital Coast | Friends of Old Woman Creek

08/10/2026

Old Woman Creek Reserve has proudly been part of the NERRs system since 1980 - providing opportunities for water quality studies, practical applications of technological advancements in tools of the trade, and a place for estuarine scientists to explore wetland ecosystems. We are one of 30 reserves, all working together to get the best information to decision-makers and coastal communities. Read National Estuarine Research Reserve Association's recent publication on how our contributions impact water quality management.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources | NOAA Digital Coast

08/04/2026

STAFF UPDATE! A current staff member and former intern will be in new roles starting in August. Seth Roy accepted the Officer Manager position and will begin August 24; Giovanna Reising will transition from Naturalist to the Training and Engagement Coordinator beginning August 9. Stop in to congratulate Seth and Giovanna!

Giovanna joined the Old Woman Creek team in 2022 as a part-time Education Assistant, moving to full-time Naturalist in 2023. Giovanna has experience in facilitating professional trainings, team leading, community engagement, and quality assurance through her previous roles at Lorain County Domestic Relations Court. Giovanna earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2010 from Cleveland State University and is currently enrolled as a graduate student in Miami University's Project Dragonfly Program. In her free time, Giovanna enjoys reading, gardening, camping and canoeing, listening to music, and spending time with her family.

Seth joins the team as a natural resource professional with a strong background in operations and administrative management gained during his service the United States Army. Seth interned the research sector in 2025 as part of the Army Career Skills Program. He earned his Master of Science in Geological Sciences from Ohio University in December 2025 and began working with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in February 2026, serving as the Natural Resources Technician Supervisor at Mohican State Park. In his free time, Seth enjoys spending time outdoors and watching his sons play football.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources | Friends of Old Woman Creek | NOAA Digital Coast

07/30/2026

It was a family affair yesterday for the Wednesday paddle tour! Extended family members signed up to participate, taking in view of the estuary on a beautiful July evening. Tours are filling up fast! Tour dates of August 8 and 12 are FULL but you can be added to the wait list; there is space available for August 22 and 26. Call in to make a reservation (419) 433-4601, participants must be 10 years of age or older and have some paddling experience.

07/29/2026

Did you see the film crew at the beach yesterday? Getting permission from the Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, crew members set up at the OWC Visitor Center Parking lot and used the beach to get some footage. The movie is reportedly about Sir Walter Raleigh. Can't wait for the final product!

Ohio Department of Natural Resources | NOAA Digital Coast | Friends of Old Woman Creek

07/20/2026

WE ARE HIRING! We have an opening for a part-time Education Assistant. Check out the job posting here:

https://dasstateoh.taleo.net/careersection/oh_int/jobdetail.ftl?job=2600058R&tz=GMT-04%3A00&tzname=America%2FNew_York

07/10/2026

Old Woman Creek staff were happy to join in for this event, hosting a table to help give early career community members information about working in water-focused fields. Thanks for inviting us!

Address

2514 Cleveland Road East
Huron, OH
44839

Opening Hours

Tuesday	9am - 4pm
Wednesday	9am - 4pm
Thursday	9am - 4pm
Friday	9am - 4pm

Telephone

+14194334601

Website

https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/coastal-management/owc-nerr, https://www.linktr.ee

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