Island Green Week Press Release 2021
Put-in-Bay, Ohio
Name of Event: Island Green Week
Hosted on: Put-in-Bay, Middle Bass Island, Gibraltar Island, and Kelleys Island
Dates: August 7th - 15th, 2021
Event Contact Information:
Phone: Renee Market 419-708-5798
Email: RBrasher3@gmail.com
Address: Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center PO Box 871 Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
Website Address: lakeerieislandswildlife.com/island-green-week
Event Coordinators, Description of Event, & Sponsors
Island Green Week, 2021 is a celebration of natural beauty, ecology, and history.
From August 7th – August 15th 2021, Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center, Lake Erie Islands Conservancy, OSU’s Stone Laboratory and, Put-in-Bay Township Park District will produce an array of events to support and highlight our islands Natural, Historical and Cultural Resources. Through these events we hope to educate and interpret our resources so that they may be used and loved for many years to come. The Lake Erie Islands are a high traffic tourist destination, with many opportunities to witness truly amazing parts of nature, history, and culture. Please join us for Island Green Week 2021 “A Natural Island Experience”, our islands have so much to show you.
Science Saturdays, Kelleys Island
Saturday, August 7 & 14, 11am-1pm Cost - FREE Science Saturdays is a partnership between Kelleys Island State Park, Kelleys Island Audubon Club, and the Kelleys Island Field Station. This is a weekly series of events that features interactive exploration centered around a particular topic. Families and learners of all ages are invited to explore hands-on science fun during this free drop-in event. 11am– 1pm on Saturdays through Labor Day
Middle Bass Island Poker Kayak Day, Middle Bass Island
Saturday August 7, 12:00 p.m. on Middle Bass Island; Cost - $20 pre-registration $25 on site. Kayakers start and finish at the Middle Bass Island State Park west beach (No starts later than 1:00 pm). The paddle around the island includes three additional stops (the State Park Marina, the MBI East Point Preserve, and the Kuehnle State Wildlife Area/Petersen Woods Preserve). A welcome packet at the start has a description of the course and information about the stops. Stops are staffed with volunteers for safety and to distribute poker cards and snacks. The finish has a cook-out with hot-dogs, chips, and bottle of water while 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners are determined. Proceeds from the event will benefit signage for the Put-in-Bay Township Park District’s newest preserves on Middle Bass Island. (Rain Date August 8) Registration is available at: https://bit.ly/3tcE7A5 Deadline to register is July 30th
NEW Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center Tours, Put-in-Bay
EVERYDAY! from 11am to 5 pm. Cost - $3.00 Adults, $2.00 Children 6-13yrs old, $2.00 Seniors, $8.00 for a family group. Come see the newly enlarged and renovated Nature & Wildlife Center! Check out the exciting new displays including a live animal exhibit, a wildlife viewing window and common birds display, and geology exhibit. These are in addition to the old favorites of beautifully preserved wildlife and habitats, as well as the live bee hive! This is a must do during Island Green Week, you’re sure to find many great treasures. Visit lakeerieislandswildlife.com for more information on events, school groups, and Nature Camp.
Forest Bathing, Put-in-Bay
Everyday Cost – FREE. Enjoy a peaceful mindfulness practice and connect to nature in any of our beautiful preserves on the island. Stop by the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center to get more information on this nature-based calming practice and a map of the island preserves. Take a break from the stresses of life and ground yourself in nature!
Aquatic Visitor Center Tours, Put-in-Bay
Tuesday, August 10th. Tours available beginning at 10am or by appointment. Pre-registration is required. Check the website for available times. https://ohioseagrant.osu.edu/visit/avc Cost - $5 per person (max 10 per tour). Plan a tour of the Aquatic Visitors Center, about one mile west of downtown Put-in-Bay, to experience Lake Erie science up close. Activities include inspecting Lake Erie’s complex ecosystem through hands-on displays, observing and identifying live fish in ten large aquariums, and discovering current research to protect Lake Erie. The facility is run by Ohio Sea Grant and OSU’s Stone Laboratory. Visit go.osu.edu/SLtours for more information and to register for a tour, or call 419-285-1800 for questions and scheduling. Social distancing required and face masks must be worn properly, including in outdoor settings.
Stone Laboratory Specialty Tours, Put-in-Bay
EVERYDAY! Stone Laboratory will be offering a variety of specialty tours and trips this year, so take advantage of these limited opportunities! Types of trips include 1 hours island boat tours, half-day Aquatic Visitor Center family adventures and 2 hour Lake Erie Science Cruises. Cost varies by tour and pre-registration is required. Space is limited so book early! https://ohioseagrant.osu.edu/visit/science-tours Visit go.osu.edu/SLtours for more information and to register for a tour, or call 419-285-1800 for questions and scheduling. Social distancing required and face masks must be worn properly, including in outdoor settings.
LEIC Benjamin Woods Preserve Dedication, Put-in-Bay
Sunday, August 8, 2:00pm. Cost – FREE Put-in-Bay Township Park District and their partner
the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy will dedicate a new preserve on Sunday, August 8, 2021 at
2:00pm. The new lands were purchased with funds from The Conservation Fund, a private donor and the Conservancy. A trail from the Benjamin Woods joins with the Cooper's Woods Preserve trails so access is available from either preserve. A celebration will be held at the Benjamin Woods Preserve parking lot on Langram Rd. with a reception to follow. Parking is also available at the Cooper's Woods Preserve parking area adjacent to the Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church.
Lantern Tour of Historic Hotel Victory Grounds, Put-in-Bay
Sunday, August 8 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm; Cost - FREE. South Bass Island State Park will host a Lantern Tour of the infamous Hotel Victory grounds. This family event will start with a beautiful sunset at South Bass Island State Park and end at the Hotel Victory Swimming Pool Pavilion. The tour will highlight various still-existing features of the Hotel Victory, a history of the grounds, and exciting facts about life at the Hotel. Tour provided by Naturalist and Island Resident Renee Market.
Miller Boat Line Stargazing Cruise, Put-in-Bay *Pre-Purchase of Tickets Recommended
Monday, August 9 at 8pm; cost - Adults- $25, Kids - $15. The ferry cruise will leave from the downtown Miller Boat Line dock on Put-in-Bay just before sunset. The stars will light up the sky as Cleveland State University instructor and astronomer, Jay Reynolds, will engage with the guests sharing information about the night sky, planets, and stars. Passengers will have an amazing opportunity to enjoy the show from outer space as the ferry boat travels around the Lake Erie Islands. Wine and appetizers will be provided. BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR AND BEVERAGES. Tickets are available at the Wildlife Center on Meechan Rd., or by credit card over the phone at 419-285-3037.
Wild Tuesday, Put-in-Bay
Tuesday, August 10 From 1pm to 3pm at the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center; Cost –FREE. The purpose of our Wild Tuesday programs is to educate visitors and residents about Ohio’s native wildlife by providing up-close and hands-on interactive experiences. This is a really “wild” family event. Wild Tuesday features live animals, colorful crafts for children, and educational opportunities for all ages! If your curiosity is peaked, we invite you to visit all of our Wild Tuesday Events throughout the summer, we look forward to being WILD with you.
9th Annual Pig Roast & Raffle, Put-in-Bay *Pre-Purchase of Tickets Recommended
Wednesday, August 11 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at the Goat Restaurant; Cost - $20 Pre-Purchased $25.00 on site. Participants will be treated to a slow spit-roasted hog with corn and potatoes along with tasty sides donated by The Goat Soup and Whiskey. Live entertainment will set the mood with your favorite songs. There will be a silent auction with a variety of unique island prizes such as: Ferry Passes, a biplane ride, gift certificates to local restaurants, hand-crafted artwork, and more. Raffle tickets will be available at the Goat Restaurant on the day of the event. The proceeds from this event will benefit the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center. Tickets are available at the Wildlife Center on Meechan Rd., or by credit card over the phone at 419-285-3037.
Historic Gibraltar Island Tour, Put-in-Bay
Monday August 9th and Thursday August 12 (or by appointment for groups of 10), tour times are 10:00 -11:00; 11:30 - 12:30; 1:00-2:00, 2:30-3:30. Cost is $10 per person and tour rotations are limited to 10 people with pre-registration required so make sure to schedule in advance! https://ohioseagrant.osu.edu/visit/gibraltar The one hour-long island tour will include a glimpse of the history and natural history of this island, including the historic Stone Laboratory and Cooke’s Castle. Transportation to and from Gibraltar Island is paid separately via the Boardwalk water taxi. This is a wonderful experience for every member of the family. Visit go.osu.edu/SLtours for more information and to register for a tour, or call 419-285-1800 for questions and scheduling.
Social distancing required and face masks must be worn properly, including in outdoor settings.
Nature and Geology Walk at the Massie Cliffside Preserve
August 12 at 9:00am. Cost - FREE We will take a look at the exposed cliff face and beach and view the unique plants and animals that make their home here on the island. Park in the lot on Columbus Ave. Led by a naturalist with the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy.
Painting at the Park, Put-in-Bay
Friday, August 13 at 6:00pm Cost - $30.00. Come to the beautiful Oak Point State Park on South Bass Island for an evening of painting and nature. We will supply the materials and Mother Nature will supply the subject matter. Island artists will guide you to capture your subject on canvas. This event is open to ages 13+. BYOB event. Rain or Wind Location will Be the Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center Porch.
Historic South Bass Island Lighthouse Tour, Put-in-Bay
Friday, August 13. Cost - $5. Tours begin at 9am. Check the website for available times. https://ohioseagrant.osu.edu/visit/south-bass-lighthouse Pre-registration is required and group sizes limited to 5 people, so book early! Guests will be able to tour the South Bass Island Lighthouse Tower and learn about its history; climb its stairs up 60 feet to take in the stunning views of Put-in-Bay and Lake Erie from the top of the tower. All Guests may walk the historic grounds that include a butterfly garden certified by Monarch Watch. On the National Register of Historic Places, this lighthouse is sure to impress. Visit go.osu.edu/SLtours for more information and to register for a tour, or call 419-285-1800 for questions and scheduling. Social distancing required and face masks must be worn properly, including in outdoor settings.
Homecoming, Kelleys Island
Friday, August 13 - Saturday, August 14. Cost - FREE Homecoming is an event sponsored by KILA (the Kelleys Island Landowners Association) and serves as a weekend for those who love this island to return and enjoy fun, food, and entertainment. For the third year in a row, the festival will last 2 days. All Homecoming events will take place at the Kelleys Island Pavilion, located on Addison St.
LEINWC Ribbon Cutting, Put-in-Bay
Sunday, August 15, 2:00pm. Cost – FREE Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new building addition. It will celebrate the culmination of years of fundraising and planning and acknowledge our donors who were vital in the completion of this ambitious venture. The ceremony will be held onsite with a reception to follow.
The following businesses have generously donated discounts, please support them during your visit to Put-in-Bay, Middle Bass Island, and Kelleys Island.
Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands- http://www.shoresandislands.com
Heinemans Winery www.heinemanswinery.com
Park Hotel- https://www.parkhotelpib.com
Miller Boat Line- https://www.millerferry.com
Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce- http://www.visitputinbay.com
The Boardwalk- http://the-boardwalk.com
Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory- https://stonelab.osu.edu
Island Bike Rental- http://www.ibrcarts.com/public/bike_cart_rental
Put-in-Bay Gazette- http://www.putinbay.news
Put-in-Bay Historical Society- http://www.leihs.org
Jet Express- https://jet-express.com
E’s Golf Cart- https://www.esputinbaygolfcarts.com
Ohio State Parks- http://parks.ohiodnr.gov
Frosty Bar- http://frostys.com
Cameo Pizza- http://putinbaycameopizza.com
Kelleys Life- https://kelleysisland.com/kelleys-life
Transportation Discounts
E's Golf Cart Rental- $10 off day rental, August 7-15th. For discount mention Island Green Week.
Miller Boat Line, - Discount to participants for passengers for Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass Islands.
Island Bike Rental- $20 off day golf cart rental at the Jet Express and Lime Kiln Dock, Put-in-Bay on Monday to Friday ONLY. Mention Island Green Week.
Island Lodging Partner Discount
Park Hotel, https://www.parkhotelpib.com - August 8-12 Sunday through Thursday ONLY. Buy 2 weekday nights and get 1 night FREE. THIS DISCOUNT CAN ONLY BE RESERVED BY PHONE 419.285.3581. Mention Island Green Week.
Commodore Resort Hotel, https://www.commodoreresort.com/ - August 10, 11, and 12th, 10% Off all lodging. This Discount can only be reserved by PHONE: 419-285-3103, must mention Island Green Week to receive a discount.