MIGRATION-A-THON VIRTUAL CHALLENGE
Monarchs are incredible creatures that cover thousands of miles, migrating over generations. CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO MOVE ALONG WITH THEM!

As part of our fall migration celebration this September, participate in our Monarch Migration-A-Thon. For this virtual challenge, you can get moving in any way you want: walking, birding, running, paddling, swimming, biking, etc, outdoors if the weather allows, or indoors if necessary. Log your activities, distance, and get your Friends involved to help motivate each other better health.

Our goal as the Ottawa National Wildlife Friends is to together cover a total of 2,269 miles (the distance from Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge to the butterfly sanctuary in Sierra Chincua, Mexico) during the month of September.

Ask friends and family to sponsor your journey! Donations can be made in your honor, or pledges can be made on a "per mile" basis. All donations are tax deductible and will help to conserve wildlife habitat in the Lake Erie marshes.

About the Friends
Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge supports the conservation mission of Ohios only national wildlife refuge complex by acquiring land, engaging the community, and enhancing public access.

_We exist because..._
Fresh water is a finite resource. We are working to protect it. The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex [https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ottawa/] is located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, the 11th largest lake in the world. The Great Lakes contain about 20% of the world's fresh water but they are in jeopardy. The wetlands at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge play a critical role in the Lake Erie ecosystem, acting as the kidneys of the landscape; working to protect NW Ohio's drinking water, work, and leisure. They also provide important nesting and stopover habitat for birds, fish, and wildlife. Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge [https://www.friendsofottawanwr.org/] works to support Ohio's only national wildlife refuge complex through fundraising and volunteerism so that we can be the change that our wildlife and community deserve.

100% OF YOUR REGISTRATION FEE WILL SUPPORT FRIENDS OF OTTAWA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE AND OUR MISSION.

_What exactly do we do? Some of our recent accomplishments include:_

* Protected 69 acres of land through our Land Acquisition and Restoration Fund.
* Built a 1400' boardwalk and crushed gravel loop at the Fox Nature Preserve.
* Received Ohio EPA grant to plant trees, native grasses, and flowering plants on the 40 acre Fox Nature Preserve.
* Created ADA compliant kayak access and pavilion at the Nehls Memorial Nature Preserve.
* Completed Wildlife Drive improvements including 9 pull-offs and a restroom mid-way through the route.
* Partnered with 10 organizations to build the Visitor Center Fishing Access with an ADA-accessible fishing platform.
* Constructed West Harbor Landing observation deck, parking area, kayak launch, kiosk, and pollinator habitat.
* Built Turtle Creek Island Unit and Middle Toussaint Unit parking areas and kayak launches to promote fishing and paddling.
* Constructed Boss Unit Shorebird Deck for birders and photographers.
* Provided stipends for six to ten 13-week internships in the last 5 years.
* Purchased tour bus and electric shuttle to provide free and accessible public access at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.
* Created an Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge license plate available at Ohio BMV's.
* Received Ohio Environmental Education Foundation grant to equip the Refuge Ranger Station with educational materials and fund a Visitor Services staff position.
* Sponsored public events focused on fishing, hunting, environmental education, photography, and youth camps.
* Recently awarded the Refuge Friends Group of the Year Award (2023), Nonprofit of the Year Prism Award (2023), Nonprofit Innovation and Excellence Award (2021), and the Public Lands Partner of the Year Award (2021).