VERMILION, OH – April 26, 2025
Community members of all ages are invited to get hands-on with wildlife, watershed science, and outdoor adventure at the 17th Annual Vermilion River Watershed Open House & Free Exhibit, held from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Vermilion-on-the-Lake Historic Community Center (3780 Edgewater Blvd.).
This popular, family-friendly event transforms the lakefront property into an interactive environmental fair, where local organizations set up educational tables, share resources, and offer live demonstrations that connect visitors to the land, water, and wildlife around them.
A major highlight is the Live Wildlife Exhibit from Back to the Wild, which will showcase rescued birds of prey throughout the day—always a favorite for children and families.
Vito Cammarata, of West River Paddle Sports, will be there with a child-sized kayak to introduce kids to paddle sports and talk about what they can see on a typical trip through the Vermilion River. Other hands-on presentations include:
- Beaver Creek Watershed Protection Group, represented by Matt, who will share historical information about Native American villages that once flourished in the area, along with a collection of artifacts.
- LoCo Yaks, demonstrating how pollutants enter Lake Erie through local waterways.
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), sharing knowledge about invasive species.
- Lorain County Metro Parks, Sea Grant, Ritter Public Library, Wild Ones, Shores & Islands Ohio, Erie County Health Department, and others offering displays, guides, and conservation information.
There will also be free blood pressure checks provided by Christian Home Healthcare, and refreshments will be available for purchase to help defray costs.
Guests can explore exhibits indoors or relax on the scenic lake view porch while learning more about environmental stewardship in their own backyard.
For more information, contact Ed Cyrek at 440-320-8981.
Vermilion Daily will be on-site to highlight community participation and support for local conservation efforts.
