Explore Your Watershed

...the adventure begins in your backyard!

PADDLE

PADDLE OHIO
This ODNR site contains maps, safety information, events, river conditions and more. You can even get a Pin for Paddling! paddle.ohiodnr.gov

AUGLAIZE CANOE & KAYAK
is a local business providing river trips, equipment and even camping.  www.ack207.com

OHIO WATER TRAILS
promotes public boating access by developing designated water trails on Ohio waterways, including the Maumee River Water Trail. Visit the site to download a PDF Map or use the Interactive Maumee River Water Trail Guide. watercraft.ohiodnr.gov/watertrails

ENJOY our scenic parks & rivers
This web page contains links and information specific to Defiance’s parks as well as the Maumee, Auglaize, and Tiffin rivers. visitdefianceohio.com/recreate/enjoy

Independence Dam ©Mary Fry Comden

OHIO STATE PARKS

EXPLORE OHIO PARKS
Ohio’s parks are a great way to stay active & healthy. Explore all 75 of Ohio’s State Parks and find lists of things to do. Click the link to the ODNR Operations Page for up-to-date information on changes due to the COVID-19 situation. parks.ohiodnr.gov

INDEPENDENCE DAM STATE PARK
All day-use areas of the park are open, including the trails and the boat launch area. Visitors can hike, fish and boat.* Visitors are asked to follow current social distancing policies. The following events are planned for Summer 2020:

  • No Motor Tuesday
    Every Tuesday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m., June 2 through September 1.
  • Shoreline Fishing Tournament
    Saturday, June 20, 7:30 am - noon.

*The campground, picnic shelters and playground area are closed at time of this publication. Please check our calendar of events at parks.ohiodnr.gov to confirm details, contact us at 419-956-1368 or follow Independence Dam State Park on Facebook.

PHOTO: Independence Dam ©Mary Fry Comden

Oxbow Lake ©Mary Fry Comden

NATURE PRESERVES

OXBOW LAKE
This State Wildlife Area is a good site for bird watching, boating and fishing. There is also a shotgun range. Fishing Map and details: wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/oxbowlake

GOLL WOODS
State Nature Preserve covers 321 acres in Fulton County and features some of the largest trees remaining in the state. naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov/gollwoods

OHIO NATURE PRESERVES
Ohio’s 136 state nature preserves contain some of Ohio’s rarest and most delicate natural resources. naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov/findapreserve

PHOTO: Oxbow Lake ©Mary Fry Comden

Tow Path Trail ©Margaret Proulx

BLACK SWAMP NATURE CENTER
Paulding County pauldingswcd.org/black-swampnature-center

OHIO TRAILS PARTNERSHIP
Selected trails throughout Ohio, includes a Northwest Ohio section trails.ohiodnr.gov/trail-highlights

BUCKEYE TRAIL
“Follow the Blue Blazes” through Northwest Ohio and Around Ohio Defiance is a Buckeye Trail Town! buckeyetrail.org visitdefianceohio.com/maps-trails

RESERVOIR NATURE TRAIL
This multi-use, wheelchair accessible pathway joins a paved trail surrounding the municipal reservoir and connects to the Buckeye Trail along Canal Road. Total trail length: 1.25 miles landtolake.com/reservoir-trail

Tow Path Trail ©Margaret Proulx

ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

PROJECT LEARNING TREE
Connect the children in your life to nature, with options for at-home and backyard activites. plt.org/activities-for-families

NATURE’S PATH
This family-run organic food company provides a blog loaded with articles and ideas for families. naturespath.com/en-ca/blog

VERYWELL FAMILY
50 fun things to do outside... verywellfamily.com/outdoor-familyactivities

Magee Marsh, Lake Erie ©Mary Fry Comden

EXPLORE LAKE ERIE & YOUR WATERSHED

Lake Erie Access Guidebook— coastal.ohiodnr.gov/gorivers
Ohio Coastal Atlas— coastal.ohiodnr.gov/atlas
Lake Erie Literacy— coastal.ohiodnr.gov/lakeerieliteracy
Maumee Valley Scenic Byway— go-ohio.com/Maumee-Valley-Scenic-Byway

PHOTO: Magee Marsh, Lake Erie ©Mary Fry Comden

 

 

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