Preregistration is encouraged so we can notify you of any weather concerns.
Registered program participants should meet in the Rowe Woods Visitor Center Auditorium.
Escape the winter doldrums and kick start your travel planning with ideas, inspiration and practical tips for exploring the natural world. This year, consider how the Midwest is best! Hear from guest speakers and experts from the field, and find out ways to experience our state and the region in new and different ways.
Shoreline Exploring
Thinking about the Midwest doesn’t always conjure images of beaches, shorelines and islands, but we in Ohio are gifted with all of these things! Get inspiration and advice for paddling adventures on Lake Erie, our state’s Great Lake, while learning about its unique ecosystem and conservation efforts. Guest speaker is Jill Bartolotta, Extension Educator for Ohio Sea Grant.
About the presenter:
As a native to the shores of Lake Erie, Jill Bartolotta first learned about aquatic systems through kayaking on the lake and taking classes at Stone Laboratory. This spurred an interest in coastal resource management and she decided to move to New Hampshire to pursue her interest in marine and freshwater ecosystems. She earned a dual degree in wildlife conservation biology and outdoor education with a minor in marine biology and a masters in coastal ecosystem science, policy, and management from the University of New Hampshire. Her ability to return home to Lake Erie to work with stakeholders to develop partnerships and collaboratively work to understand the natural functions, our impacts, and future management strategies for Lake Erie is very exciting. Jill’s work will focus on the Counties of Ashtabula and Lake where she will work to develop partnerships to strengthen efforts to sustainably utilize resources, educate stakeholders, and conduct and apply social and natural science research. Specifically Jill hopes to develop marine debris programming for youth and families, work with municipalities and business sectors such as marinas to develop preparation and response plans for coastal storms and climate change, continue to educate the public about Lake Erie through outdoor experiences such as kayaking, and continue to expand the network of partners already reached by Ohio Sea Grant.
Free; nonmembers pay daily admission. Online tickets purchased for nonmembers include admission.
*Please note that cancellations must be made at least two weeks in advance of the event. No refunds or transfers of fees will occur if the request is made less than two weeks prior to the event. All programs continue, rain or shine.
Important Information For All Program Registrants: Please retain your order number, retain an electronic copy of your order, or print off a copy of the email acknowledgement as a receipt. You may be asked for your order number from your transaction to gain entry at the gate/to attend your program.