Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge are hosting the West Sister Island sunset cruise on Friday, August 11.
West Sister Island National Wildlife Refuge is a rookery, where local wading birds like herons and egrets go to nest. Located nine miles offshore, the island is covered with hackberry trees and poison ivy. The area is closed to all but permit-holding researchers.
On the cruise, participants can learn about the rookery from researchers Dave Sherman from the Ohio Division of Wildlife, naturalist Tom Bartlett, and refuge manager Jason Lewis of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The cruise will launch from the Jet Express dock in downtown Port Clinton. Hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be provided on the ferry. Benefit tickets are $100 and available online at friendsofottawanwr.org or by calling 419-707-7756. Proceeds from the event will be used to support the conservation mission of the through funding refuge priorities like environmental education programs, habitat restoration and intern stipends.
