Weekend Wildlife Refuge, Camp and Paddle

*** Update for 7/22/25 ***

I cancelled the camp site at East Harbor State Park due to limited interest. It helped me save some of the cost of the cancellation fee / campground booking fees.

As of today, this is now an "On Your Own Event." If I do not attend, I will review the comments and cancel prior to Saturday, July 26th.

Event Description: Explore the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge on Sunday morning and join a group paddle on Monday in Port Clinton.

There is a Sunday hike scheduled at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. The hike begins at 8 a.m. with Jeff, a wildlife photographer known among many as "the otter whisperer" for his ability to find and photograph wildlife river otters. Jeff will show the group his favorite spots and tips for viewing.

Sign up for the hike

On Monday morning at 10:30 a.m., there is a free kayaking event at Nehls Memorial Nature Preserve. You can join a group on an hour-and-a-half scenic paddle throughout the harbor to look at water quality, habitat, and other wildlife. Kayaks, paddles and PFDs will be provided at no cost if spaces are still available.

To sign up for the paddle, please e-mail martyn.drabik-hamshare@dnr.ohio.gov or call him at 740-812-6306. Tell him you're with the Free to Roam group.

The kayak launch is located at 4400 E. Muggy Rd, Port Clinton.