Welcome!
The Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park is a long-term, large-scale aquatic research facility located along the northern edge of The Ohio State University’s Columbus campus. The Schiermeier Wetlands is the home of the School of Environment and Natural Resources’ aquatics program and a gateway to research, teaching and outreach related to water resources at the university. The Schiermeier Wetlands pursue basic and applied research at multiple levels of ecological organization, from microbes to ecosystems to landscapes. The Schiermeier Wetlands also provides training for undergraduate and graduate students and service to the community through environmental outreach and extension. Through these activities, the Schiermeier Wetlands plays an essential role in developing science-based solutions to critical issues in water resource management, restoration and conservation. Current research focus at the facility includes:
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Water Resources
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Aquatic Ecosystems
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Aquatic Production
Facilities
The 52-acre urban research site is situated adjacent to the Olentangy River and consists of two experimental wetland basins, an oxbow wetland, bottomland hardwood forest and a mesocosm compound. The Heffner Teaching and Research Building located on the site includes analytical and teaching laboratories, a wet laboratory, flexible classrooms, offices and meeting spaces. Additional details regarding the meeting spaces and reservations can be obtained by calling: (614) 292-9774 or email Lynn McCready at mccready.20@osu.edu.
Access and Tours
Our experimental wetlands can be viewed from the Sandefur Observation Pavillion which is open to the public. Additional viewing opportunities of the natural areas are available along the Olentangy Greenways Trail and paved paths throughout the site. The grounds are open to the pubic daily from dawn to dusk. Tours of the facility can be scheduled year-round by calling: (614) 292-9774 or email Lynn McCready at mccready.20@osu.edu.