COLUMBUS, Ohio The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife, in collaboration with Ohio Sea Grant, has released an updated edition of the Ohio Lake Erie Birding Trail Guidebook, which details the best places to see birds along the Lake Erie coast. Unveiled at the annual Ohio Wildlife Diversity Conference on Wednesday, March 19, the guidebook is now available online and print copies may be purchased at birding events throughout the year.
Ohio’s excellent birding attracts tens of thousands of visitors from across the world each year, many of them stopping along the Lake Erie Birding Trail. Each spring, the influx of birders along Lake Erie’s shores contributes around $40 million to local economies. Throughout Ohio, wildlife viewing generated $1.6 billion in spending 2023 Participation and Expenditures Report 2023 in 2022. More than 400 bird species have been recorded in the Buckeye State.
The 5.5”×8.5” guidebook, with its map and current birding checklist, highlight Lake Erie’s importance as a migratory corridor and emphasize conservation efforts to protect its habitats.
The new Ohio Lake Erie Birding Trail Guidebook is available now for $15. Packed with detailed site descriptions for 90 premier birding locations, maps, species highlights, and expert tips, this beautifully updated edition enhances every birding adventure, including warblers in spring, shorebirds in summer, and raptors in winter.
Designed for birders of all experience levels, the guidebook serves as both a navigational tool and an educational resource, emphasizing conservation efforts and responsible wildlife viewing.
To enhance accessibility and engagement, the Division of Wildlife has also launched the Lake Erie Birding Trail on the OuterSpatial app, allowing users to access site information, interactive maps, and real-time updates from their mobile devices. This digital platform expands the reach of the trail, making it easier for birders to plan visits, track species, and connect with other outdoor enthusiasts. Ohio Trails+ is available for download on both iOS and Android devices.
The guidebook and trail’s addition to the OuterSpatial app highlights Lake Erie’s importance as a migratory corridor and emphasizes conservation efforts to protect habitats. Ohio Sea Grant played a vital role in developing these resources by incorporating the latest research on coastal ecosystems and bird populations.
For more information on the Lake Erie Birding Trail, to purchase the guidebook, or to download the OuterSpatial app, visit lakeerieohiobirding.info.
For more information, contact Jamey Emmert, Division of Wildlife, at 330-802-9152.
The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
Ohio Sea Grant is supported by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) School of Environment and Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, and NOAA Sea Grant, a network of 34 Sea Grant programs nation-wide dedicated to the protection and sustainable use of marine and Great Lakes resources. Stone Laboratory is Ohio State’s island campus on Lake Erie and is the research, education, and outreach facility of Ohio Sea Grant and part of CFAES School of Environment and Natural Resources.