Ohio Mixed Bag: Columbus Zoo plans major aquarium expansion for freshwater, saltwater

Powell, Ohio — The Columbus Zoo recently unveiled plans for the John F. Wolfe Aquarium, a monumental new destination that will redefine aquatic wildlife experiences in the Midwest and mark the most ambitious project in the organization’s history, according to the zoo.

Made possible by a $50 million gift from The Robert F. Wolfe and Edgar T. Wolfe Foundation – the largest philanthropic gift ever received by the Columbus Zoo and among the largest gifts ever made to any zoo or aquarium in the nation – the new aquarium will dramatically expand the zoo’s mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife, according to the zoo.

Spanning more than 100,000 square feet, Wolfe Aquarium will house more than 1 million gallons of freshwater and seawater habitats and feature more than 10,000 aquatic animals representing more than 300 species across 27 immersive exhibits.

Designed as a free-standing, year-round destination, Wolfe Aquarium will connect guests to aquatic ecosystems from around the world while inspiring a deeper understanding of the vital role water plays in sustaining life on Earth.

Construction timelines and additional project details will be announced as planning progresses.

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Ohio Sea Grant Educator Picked For Great Lakes Immersive Research

Columbus — Ohio Sea Grant announced recently that an Ohio extension educator will join the Center for Great Lakes Literacy (CGLL) for an immersive experience on Lake Superior this summer.

Kayla Wyse, an educator with the Ohio State University Extension in Williams County, Ohio, will join CGLL staff and Great Lakes scientists to work aboard an EPA research vessel for a week and bring Great Lakes knowledge back to inform her work. The expedition is July 7-13.

As an agriculture and natural resources extension educator, Wyse has served Williams County since 2023. She is also currently pursuing a master’s degree in plant health management at the Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

Through a partnership with the EPA Great Lakes National Program Office, NOAA, and with funding from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, educators will spend a full week alongside scientists aboard the EPA R/V Lake Guardian. Hosts for the Lake Superior expedition are CGLL partners Minnesota Sea Grant, Wisconsin Sea Grant and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant.

Sea Grant programs are supported by the National Sea Grant College Program and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Registration Open For Women’s Outdoor Adventure Weekend In September

Columbus — The Ohio DNR (ODNR) plans to host the 12th annual Ohio Women’s Outdoor Adventure weekend, returning Friday, Sept. 25 through Sunday, Sept. 27 at Salt Fork State Park Lodge and Conference Center in Lore City. The three-day event brings women together for outdoor learning, hands on experiences, and plenty of fun along the way.

The Ohio Women’s Outdoor Adventure weekend introduces women ages 16 and up to a wide range of outdoor activities in a supportive, beginner friendly environment. Participants can explore boating, fishing, shooting sports, nature programming, and more. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

“Helping people feel confident and connected in the outdoors is central to our mission,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “This weekend shows how powerful those experiences can be, and we’re proud to offer participants the opportunity to explore Ohio’s natural spaces in such a supportive setting.”

The event is hosted by ODNR’s Division of Parks and Watercraft with support from the divisions of Wildlife, Forestry, Geological Survey, and Natural Areas and Preserves. Skilled instructors will lead sessions in paddling, hiking, gun basics and range shooting, archery, art, nature exploration, and more.

Participants will stay at the Salt Fork State Park Lodge and Conference Center in Guernsey County. Ohio’s largest state park, Salt Fork features forested hills, open meadows, winding streams, two marinas, eight launch ramps, an extensive trail system, the historic Kennedy Stone House, a top rated 18 hole golf course, and more.

The cost for the weekend is $425 per person based on double occupancy. Registration includes lodging, four activity sessions, five meals, a T shirt, transportation between venues, and evening activities. Space is limited to 95 participants.

Registration opened on Wednesday, July 8, for first-time attendees and on Wednesday, July 15 at 10 a.m. for returning participants.

For a complete list of sessions and registration details, visit ohiodnr.gov/owoa.

Reader Shots: Fishing Photos Wanted

Delaware, Ohio — If it’s summer in Ohio it’s fishing season. And we here at Ohio Outdoor News would love to see and share your photos of fishing success.

Ohio Outdoor News receives plenty of photos of deer and turkey harvests throughout the year, but fishing is a different story entirely. We just don’t receive that many fishing photos. Let’s change that this summer and going into the fall. Send us your muskies, walleyes, smallmouth bass, and the like. As always, we’ll do our level best to publish all of your reader shot photos.

Submit your photos on our website by visiting here, or send them directly to Editor Mike Moore at mmoore@outdoornews.com.