This September, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and Friends of Ottawa NWR are hosting a month-long migration-a-thon virtual challenge. Participants can come together and walk, hike, run, swim, paddle or bike throughout the community. The goal is to reach 2,269 miles collectively, the distance it takes a monarch butterfly to travel from Oak Harbor, Ohio to the butterfly sanctuary in Sierra Chincua, Mexico.
When participants register for the challenge, they can log miles for the month of September to help the refuge reach its goal. As participants move, they earn entries to win prizes, including a Garmin Instinct 2 Smartwatch.
Participants also can create a fund-raising page and have friends, family or businesses sponsor their movement with a donation or pledged rate per mile. The group has a goal to raise $5,000 to sponsor one internship in 2025 that will support the conservation mission of the refuge.
Additionally, to celebrate the movement of birds, butterflies, dragonflies and more, the refuge is offering tours, programs, and activities that will keep participants outside and moving all month long.
Programs will include guided paddles, bike rides, themed hikes and tours, volunteer projects and activities at the main complex and satellite properties.
For September, each activity will tell participants how far they have “migrated” upon completion and is a fun way to learn more about the national wildlife refuge and preserve its wildlife habitats for future generations.
To register for the virtual challenge, visit friendsof ottawanwr.org/migration-athon. html.
