GLIN==> New Lake Erie Islands Guide Explores Nature, History

New Lake Erie Islands Guide Explores Nature, History

July 29, 2009

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

COLUMBUS, OH - Nature lovers and history buffs planning excursions to the
Lake Erie Islands have a new resource at their fingertips. Explore the Lake
Erie Islands: A Guide to Nature and History along the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio
Trail is a 64-page guidebook that provides detailed descriptions of each
island and its parks, preserves, and historical sites. Entries also include
lists of flora and fauna often spotted in the area, as well as directions,
transportation options, and contact information.  

 

The guide was funded by the Ohio Lake Erie Commission's Lake Erie Protection
and Restoration Fund and created in partnership with Ohio Sea Grant, the
Ohio Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, and the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio
Trail. It was developed to fill a need for the 68% of American travelers who
seek destinations where they can experience the outdoors. The hope is that
the book will also highlight the need to protect these natural spaces.

 

"The Explore the Lake Erie Islands Guide will be a wonderful resource for
visitors, with exciting places to visit and information on birds, plants,
snakes, and butterflies, and where to find them," says Lisa Brohl, Chair of
the Lake Erie Islands Chapter of the Black Swamp Conservancy. "It should
bring an awareness and new appreciation of the natural treasures that the
islands hold and the need to preserve them for future generations of
visitors."

 

Unlike traditional Lake Erie tourism, which generally takes place during the
warm summer months, resource-based tourism happens year-round. Birdwatchers,
in particular, are more likely to visit during the spring and fall migration
seasons. An increase in the number and diversity of tourists to the area
supports economic development in the Lake Erie region.

 

"This publication will be beneficial not only to each individual site, but
also to the many businesses and communities throughout the region that
depend on these visitors for much of their income," says Larry Fletcher,
Executive Director of the Ottawa County Visitors Bureau. "I anticipate
seeing nature and history lovers spending a lot more time in the Lake Erie
Islands area once this guide gets into their hands!"  

 

Guidebooks can be downloaded at http://ohioseagrant.osu.edu. Individual
copies may be picked up at no cost at the Lake Erie Shores and Islands
Welcome Centers in Port Clinton and Sandusky, as well as at South Bass
Island's Aquatic Visitors Center and the South Bass Island Lighthouse. To
order by mail, send a check or money order for $5 to cover shipping and
handling to Ohio Sea Grant, 1314 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH 43212. For bulk
orders, call 614.292.8971. 

 

Contact:

 

Melinda Huntley, Tourism Director, Ohio Sea Grant, and Executive Director,
Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail, huntley at coastalohio.com, 419.609.0399.

 

Jill Jentes-Banicki, Assistant Director, Ohio Sea Grant, jentes.1 at osu.edu,
614.292.8975.

 

Stacy Brannan

Associate Editor

Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory

1314 Kinnear Road

Columbus, OH 43212

614.247.7109

brannan.16 at osu.edu

 

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