Run for the Refuge - Oak Harbor
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Run for the Refuge - Oak Harbor
Run for the Refuge is held at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge in Oak Harbor, Ohio, on September 26, 2026, as part of National Public Lands Day. The event is organized by the Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and combines outdoor recreation with conservation and education.
Participants may choose from two course options:
- 5K Run/Walk, registration fee $20.00
- Otter Trot Mile Fun Run, registration free
All registration fees are directed to the Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Funds support conservation projects, visitor experiences, educational programs, volunteer initiatives, internships, habitat restoration, and public access improvements across the refuge.
The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex protects more than 11,000 acres of wetlands, grasslands, forests, and coastal habitat along the southern shore of Lake Erie. These habitats provide nesting and migration stopover areas for birds, spawning habitat for fish, and homes for other native species. The refuge also contributes to freshwater protection and water quality for the Lake Erie region through its wetland systems.
Recent accomplishments supported by the Friends include protection of 69 acres, construction of trails and boardwalks, expanded opportunities for fishing and paddling, habitat restoration, wildlife camera installations, and free public educational events. The event aligns with National Public Lands Day, the nation’s largest single-day volunteer and stewardship effort for parks, refuges, forests, and public spaces. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
