Friday Fun at Buckeye TrailFest 2025

Live Bird Banding Demonstration:

8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Location: Magee Marsh Visitor Center, near the bridge in the grass

About the Session:
With fall bird migration beginning, this is your chance to experience bird science in action. Join us for a live bird banding demonstration to learn how scientists safely band birds and collect valuable data to support conservation. You’ll get a close-up look at some of the birds passing through and gain a deeper understanding of the important role banding plays in protecting wildlife and habitats.

Morning and Afternoon Tram/Paddle and Tram Hike Sessions:

* Please select either the morning or the afternoon session, the programs offered are the same in each.*

Programming description:

Join us for a morning or afternoon exploring Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge 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.

Meeting Locations:

One group (tram) will meet at the Magee Marsh Visitor Center (13229 State Rte 2, Oak Harbor, OH 43449), while the other group (hike and paddle) will meet at the 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).

Site description:

Established in 1961, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge protects a network of wetlands, grasslands, and forests to provide a habitat for a variety of migratory birds, resident wildlife, and threatened and endangered species. This network of land covers more than 11,000 acres in Northwest Ohio. It has been recognized with global significance for its value to wildlife.

Guests will tour the Magee Marsh Visitor Center and learn about wetland conservation, bird identification, migration, and the area's history. The fully accessible center was recently renovated with impressive dioramas highlighting the collection of more than 150 species of mounted birds.

Info: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Groups A1 & A2 take the Tram Adventure and the Magee Marsh Exhibits.
Group B1 Paddle Excursion.
Group B2 Hike into the Ottawa Exhibits from the Ottawa Trailhead Parking, explore the Exhibits, and then hike back.

10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Groups B1 and B2 take the Tram Adventure and the Magee Marsh Exhibits.
Group A1 Paddle Expedition.
Group A2 Hike into the Ottawa Exhibits from the Ottawa Trailhead Parking, explore the Exhibits, and then hike back.

Info: 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Groups C1 and C2 take the Tram Adventure and the Magee Marsh Exhibits.
Group D1 Paddle Expedition.
Group D22 Hike into the Ottawa Exhibits from the Ottawa Trailhead Parking, explore the Exhibits, and then hike back.

2:45 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Groups D1 and D2 take the Tram Adventure and the Magee Marsh Exhibits.
Group C1 Paddle Expedition.
Group C22 Hike into the Ottawa Exhibits from the Ottawa Trailhead Parking, explore the Exhibits, and then hike back.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Magee Marsh Visitor Center, 13229 State Route 2, Oak Harbor, United States