GREAT OUTDOORS: Put-in-Bay state fish hatchery re-opening Aug. 6

Dr. Kristin Stanford, known to many local residents as "the island snake lady," announced that the former Put-in-Bay state fish hatchery, known since 1992 as the Aquatic Visitor Center (AVC) will re-open at 1 p.m. August 6. She was hired by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife to oversee the facility while serving as the agency's Wildlife Diversity Coordinator. Major renovations that began last spring have been completed and the AVC will be open each Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through October 1. Admission is free. Expected to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony are Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and ODNR Director Mary Mertz, who have both proven to be big fans of Lake Erie and Ohio's state parks. After a fire May 31, 1914, destroyed the original wooden structure built in 1907, the current building was rebuilt in brick by 1915. Important Lake Erie commercial and sport fish species raised there from 1907-1988 included walleye, sauger, lake whitefish, cisco, yellow perch, coho, Chinook salmon and steelhead trout. In 1992, the Division of Wildlife used the facility to bring history, fishing information and hands-on activities to the public, later teaming up with Ohio State University's Stone Laboratory, which provided college student assistants. Restoration of the building, funded with $6.2 million of capital funds, included addressing longstanding structural problems, enhancing waterproofing, building an ADA-accessible ramp and allowing entrance from the road. When the renovations were announced, Mertz said, "This is an exciting project that will tell an important piece of Ohio's history. The Put-In-Bay Aquatic Visitor Center will connect future generations with Lake Erie and the tremendous fishing and other recreational amenities of western Lake Erie." According to manager Steve Norton, "The Put-in-Bay Aquatic Visitor Center is refreshed, reimagined, and ready to inspire." He continued, "Our goal is simple: to get kids hooked on fishing and science. Kids under 16 can fish off the dock for free, with rods and bait provided. But the experience goes well beyond fishing — we aim to spark curiosity and encourage the next generation of biologists, conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts to discover the wonders of Lake Erie." Norton said that exhibits and programs will help children and families learn about native species, invasive threats and water quality in fun and engaging ways, including viewing live fish in historic raceways and aquariums — including lake sturgeon, yellow perch, walleye, sea lamprey and other invasive species. A two-story walleye life cycle exhibit, showcasing Lake Erie's most iconic fish, is another attraction. The large white, wooden building next to the AVC began its life as a U.S. Fish Commission fish hatchery in 1897. It featured hatching jars lining ground floor shelves and living space for the workers on the second floor. It has been used as Stone Laboratory's island research headquarters since 1941. This portion of South Bass Island, called Peach Point, was once filled with such orchards, which thrived in the lake-effect climate that produces a long, frost-free fall growing season.