Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve

06/18/2026

NEW BLOG POST! The Old Woman Creek Reserve is partnering with the Cleveland Water Alliance to test affordable, innovative water-quality monitoring technologies that can detect harmful algal blooms, operate year-round, and improve access to hard-to-reach areas. By serving as a real-world testing site, the Reserve is helping researchers develop faster, lower-cost tools that provide earlier warnings of water contamination and support better management of freshwater ecosystems across the Great Lakes.

https://www.nerra.org/putting-new-tech-to-the-test/

National Estuarine Research Reserve Association | Ohio Department of Natural Resources | NOAA Digital Coast | Friends of Old Woman Creek

Steven McMurray deploying a sonde attached to a novel data communication instrument that can transmit data through ice. Photo courtesy of the Cleveland Wate ...

06/12/2026

WE ARE HIRING! Old Woman Creek Reserve has an open position for Training and Engagement Coordinator. See the posting below:

Click the link provided to see the complete job description.

06/11/2026

🥾Trail Tuesday—Freshwater Estuary

🌳Where does the land meet the sea – or in our case, the lake? Old Woman Creek State Nature Preserve is also a national estuarine research reserve where the waters of Old Woman Creek meet Lake Erie’s in Erie County.

🐟This special place protects a freshwater estuary that supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including several fish and birds that rely on the area for breeding, feeding and shelter. 🌸It also features one of our prettiest native aquatic plants – the American water lotus.

🐦Explore its scenic trails, boardwalks and overlook decks which offer up close views of the estuary and its wildlife. The Visitor Center, managed by Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve, serves as a focal point for ecological research. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦The preserve/reserve offers a variety of public programming, perfect for visitors of all ages.

🛶Interested in seeing Old Woman Creek by canoe or kayak? 🚣🏿‍♀️Visitors can request paddling access by visiting the Visitor Center in person or by applying online. 🤓Learn more about Old Woman Creek at ohiodnr.gov

06/07/2026

What are you up to today? Stop in to explore how the heat of the summer intensifies storms. We will have displays on clouds, fun tornado activities for the kids, and more! No registration required. Activities will be available between 1:00 and 4:00 pm.

06/05/2026

It is nesting season for more than birds. Our turtles are nesting too, so if you are hiking here at OWC and see a turtle working on a nest, please leave her and the nest spot alone. The less disturbed the area, the more likely the nest will be successful. Thanks!

06/04/2026

Western Reserve Schools seventh grade students visited OWC, enjoying a unique learning experience. Education staff provided trail tours and watershed demonstrations; we closed both visits with beach exploration. Did you know? Research staff with Western Reserve to maintain a weather station on their property, which is near the headwaters of Old Woman Creek!

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

06/03/2026

We are going to miss our Office Manager, Janet Hannaway, who is retiring this week. She kept us organized, fully stocked with supplies, and on task with our many initiatives. If you or someone you know might be interested in the Office Manager position, click the following link - https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdasstateoh.taleo.net%2Fcareersection%2Foh_ext%2Fjobdetail.ftl%3Fjob%3D260003ZR%26tz%3DGMT-04%253A00%26tzname%3DAmerica%252FNew_York&data=05%7C02%7Cjennifer.bucheit%40dnr.ohio.gov%7C77d7a93a514a40fae29b08dec0d30bcb%7C50f8fcc494d84f0784eb36ed57c7c8a2%7C0%7C0%7C639160209859312624%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=a1UO6aC1NS%2FE6lEEHtIFbqJ6kBWnzkt8cofjChSLJKE%3D&reserved=0 photo by Kit Dietz

06/01/2026

Oberlin City Schools High School students visited Old Woman Creek in April, trying on some wading gear and pulling fish samples from our fyke net. Using our fish ID guide, these students were able to figure out what species they had before releasing them back into the waters. The students also got the opportunity to test the water quality throughout the reserve and hike the trails. Thanks for coming out!

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

05/30/2026

If you had any doubt about how passionate naturalists are about their jobs, look no further!

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

05/29/2026

NEXT FRIDAY! Join Old Woman Creek staff next Friday at noon as we welcome Davidson Fellow Mike Back as he presents his findings on nutrient movement in the waters and soils of Old Woman Creek. Mike is using innovative techniques to see how nutrients transfer between creek waters and the substrate below, measuring impacts of seasonal changes and other variables.

This is a hybrid event. Follow the link below to register for both in-person and webinar access.

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/h7yafen/lp/6327480b-86e3-4ed6-a102-ffd3839587dc

Ohio Department of Natural Resources | Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves | NOAA Digital Coast | Friends of Old Woman Creek

Join us as we welcome Mike Back, OWC's Margaret A. Davidson Fellow from Kent State University as he presents his research on nutrient exchange in wetland soil. Mike applies innovative research techniques to observe and measure changes to water and soil nutrient levels. Mike will describe how other f...