Old Woman Creek, Lake Erie Fresh Water Estuary

Unique Great Lakes Preserve of NERRS in Ohio

Sep 24, 2009 Linda Ashar

Old Woman Creek near Huron, Ohio is the smallest and only fresh water estuary on the Great Lakes, a habitat preserve of fish, fowl and wildlife including the bald eagle.

The National Estuarine Research Reserve Systems (NERRS) was established by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to set up distinct biogeographic regions throughout the United States for the purpose of protection, stewardship, research and monitoring of these important environmental areas.

These preserves are "estuarine" areas. An estuarine is a specific type of marine ecosystem, an estuary, created by a widemouth area of a large body of water (a sea or a lake) extending into a narrow river or stream.

The conjoining of the two water systems creates a third type of water body distinct from either of the other two that merge with it. An estuary has its own currents, tidal effects, responses to flood and drought, and so forth. It provides a welcome habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.

Freshwater estuaries differ in their biosystems from those created by the merging of freshwater systems and saltwater seas. The latter obviously contain a level of salt not present in fresh water estuaries.

NERRS on the Great Lakes

There is one freshwater estuary in NERRS on Lake Erie in the North American Great Lakes, a small jewel of a preserve named Old Woman Creek with land access off the Lake Road (old Route 6) between the towns of Vermilion and Huron, near Sandusky, Ohio.

Old Woman Creek has a nature center chock full of displays and organized community and educational activities year-round. Its pathways and lookout points are popular for local "regulars" and tourist visitors alike.

Wildlife Abounds, Safe at Old Woman Creek

Old Woman Creek, like most estuaries, is a birdwatcher's dream. All manner of water fowl and woodland songbirds inhabit the estuary and surrounding forested area. One of its most popular attractions is the family of eagles that nest prominently out on an island in the estuary, sitting watch on their treetop and floating effortlessly on the updrafts over the water, hunting.

Herons stand stock still, one legged sentinels in the shallows. As a person stands on the lookout deck watching the water life, deer may well drift past in the trees along the hillside behind.

Time and the outside world fall away at Old Woman Creek. Out on the walking trail and the estuary's waters no signs of human habitat intrude to mar the natural balance. Human intrusion is limited to the marked pathways. These restrictions are strictly enforced by the rangers.

Historical Perspective

Prior to European settlement, Native American tribes occupied the northern coast of Ohio along Lake Erie. In Old Woman Creek's visitor 's center, artifacts on display and pictorials describe the geological time periods of the glaciers and Native American settlement periods, including displays of arrowheads and tools that have been unearthed in the area.

Studies of native birds and aquatic life, plants and animals are presented as well.

NERRS Research Station

In keeping with its federal mandate NERRS operates a research facility and weather station at Old Woman Creek. In conjunction with the ongoing research many education programs are presented throughout the year for the public as well as fun social events.

There is always something to learn, see and do at Old Woman Creek. Sometimes the best thing is to do nothing more than sit and observe nature and listen to the peace.

The copyright of the article Old Woman Creek, Lake Erie Fresh Water Estuary in Geography is owned by Linda Ashar. Permission to republish Old Woman Creek, Lake Erie Fresh Water Estuary in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Old Woman Creek Fresh Water Estuary Great Lakes	Eagle in Tree at Old Woman Creek Nature Preserve	Old Woman Creek, part of NERRS
Nature Trail at Old Woman Creek Estuary	Environmental Research Site, Old Woman Creek