In June, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources broke ground on its first wetlands project as part of the H2Ohio initiative to improve water quality.

The project, conducted in partnership with Seneca County Parks, will restore and expand the Fruth Outdoor Center Wetland, which is in the headwaters of Wolf Creek, a tributary of the Sandusky River.

“There is tremendous potential in these wetlands,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said.  “This is not only an investment in water quality and habitat but also an investment in the people and the communities in northwest Ohio.”

Wetlands are one of the most effective and cost-efficient long-term solutions to reducing excess nutrients in our waterways.

“The community will enjoy the wetland: enjoy the birding, the walking, and all the recreation opportunities,” Natural Areas and Preserves Scenic Rivers Manager Christina Kuchle said.  “I also hope through our research and monitoring we’ll be able to show the project did provide good nutrient reduction value.”

The Fruth Outdoor Center Wetland, one of twenty-six projects across the state, is expected to be complete this summer.