Shores & Islands Ohio is home to countless semi-aquatic ecosystems permanently or periodically saturated with water, functioning as filters for Lake Erie— more commonly known as wetlands. These freshwater marshes, swamps, bogs, and fens provide an ideal environment for rare and endangered plants, a home for fish spawning, and a place for waterfowl nesting and feeding. They work to reduce flood flow, control erosion on Lake Erie’s shoreline, and improve water quality by filtering out impurities and maintaining the perfect balance of nutrients in the water. Although the importance of Ohio wetlands is undeniable, 90 percent have been lost due to draining, filling, and modification of the land as agriculture and real-estate industries expanded over the last 200 years. Luckily, Ohio is working tirelessly to revive and restore the wetlands that make up such a large part of the state, especially in Shores & Islands Ohio!
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources' initiative, H2Ohio, is dedicated to creating, restoring, and enhancing wetlands around Ohio. Their current wetland projects in the Shores & Islands region have already positively impacted Erie County, Ottawa County, Sandusky Bay, and Lake Erie, with more than 20 projects underway. A few standout H2Ohio projects that reflect the positive changes are the Moxley Wildlife Area Wetland Reconnection Project, the Magee Turtle Creek Bay Wetland Reconnection Project, the Dobbelaire Wetland Diversion Project, and the Little Portage Nutrient Reduction & Coastal Wetland Restoration Project.
Moxley Wildlife Area Wetland Reconnection Project
Moxley Wildlife Area is home to a 57-acre marsh bordering Sandusky Bay. H2Ohio’s reconnection project is working to improve the water exchange and nutrient transfer between the marsh and the Bay. To do this, they are building a water control structure and fish passage in the marsh.
Magee Marsh Turtle Creek Bay Wetland Reconnection Project
H2Ohio is reconnecting Turtle Creek Bay, which lies inside the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, to Lake Erie. When lake levels rise and agricultural runoff increases, the reconnection, along with added depth-control structures, will enable the wetland to capture excess sediments and nutrients, preventing them from directly entering Lake Erie.
Dobbelaire Wetland Diversion Project
Located near Toussaint Creek Wildlife Area, the Dobbelaire Wetland diversion project is focused on constructing a three-acre wetland that catches and holds agricultural drainage before the water flows into Toussaint Creek. This will prevent the area from excessive flooding and promote the healthy growth of flora and fauna that thrive in Toussaint Creek.
Little Portage Nutrient Reduction & Coastal Wetland Restoration Project
Surrounding the Little Portage Wildlife Area is 190 acres of farmland that consistently floods. All the runoff from the flooding flows directly into the Little Portage River. H2Ohio’s Nutrient Reduction & Coastal Wetland restoration project will effectively divert the excess runoff into two wetlands, where the beneficial nutrients and sediments will be collected. This project will not only improve water quality in the area but also create new habitats for wildlife.
While Shores & Islands Ohio's wetlands provide outstanding environmental benefits to residents and visitors, including the improvement of water quality, the protection of plants and animals, and the prevention of erosion and pollution, they also provide exciting recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike! People travel from around the country to experience the natural wonders of these wetlands. Shores & Islands Ohio is recognized by the birding community as the “Warbler Capital of the World,” and owes this reputation to its unique wetlands that attract a diverse array of bird species year-round. The many creatures that dwell within the wetlands, whether they have two legs, four legs, or fins, make Shores & Islands Ohio a hotspot for the fishing and hunting communities. Anyone can dive in and experience the region’s wetlands firsthand by taking advantage of the many watercraft rentals available. The scenic beauty of these wetlands inspires nature enthusiasts, photographers, travelers, and locals to traverse trails winding through marshes and swamps, offering serene landscapes to admire and enjoy.
The wetlands of Shores & Islands Ohio are not just vital for Lake Erie's health—they're also a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering endless adventures and unforgettable experiences for all who visit.
