Lights Out Toledo

In 2018, Black Swamp Bird Observatory kicked off the Bird-Friendly Toledo program and began enrolling buildings in the Lights Out agreement. In 2022, Metroparks Toledo partnered with BSBO to expand the Lights Out Toledo program, and in 2024 the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Toledo Zoo, and Nature’s Nursery joined the effort.

Buildings enrolled in the program

  • Fifth Third Bank (One SeaGate, Toledo, OH 43604)
  • Glass City Pavilion (1001 Front St, Toledo, OH 43605)
  • Hylant Insurance (811 Madison Ave, Toledo, OH 43604)
  • Lake Erie Center (6200 Bayshore Rd, Oregon, OH 43616)
  • Market Hall at Glass City Metropark (1521 Front St, Toledo, OH 43605)
  • Michael V. DiSalle Government Center (1 Government Center, Toledo, OH 43604)
  • Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (14000 W State Route 2, Oak Harbor, OH 43449)
  • Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial (93 Delaware Ave, Put-In-Bay, OH 43456)
  • PNC Bank (405 Madison Ave, Toledo, OH 43604)
  • Promedica (100 Madison Ave, Toledo, OH 43604)

Local Partners

Black Swamp Bird Observatory was instrumental in establishing a Bird-safe / Birder-friendly Toledo program, which addresses numerous threats to birds, including: building collisions, feral and free-roaming cats, balloon and lantern releases, discarded fishing line, and promotes the use of native plants.

Metroparks Toledo partnered with BSBO to expand a Lights Out Toledo program as part of the Bird-friendly Toledo campaign.

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge was established in 1961 to provide habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds, resident wildlife, and endangered and threatened species. In addition to promoting bird-safe buildings, the Refuge

Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization of over 800 members that supports the Refuge.

Toledo Zoo & Aquarium helps to coordinate Lights Out Toledo and the Glass City Bird Crew monitoring program.

Nature’s Nursery. All injured birds are taken to the Nature’s Nursery for rehabilitation and release into the wild. 

Map of Participating Buildings

Glass City Bird Crew, Volunteer Collision Monitoring Program

Glass City Bird Crew is a bird collision monitoring program in Toledo, Ohio that began in 2022. This program is a partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (stationed at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge), Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, and the Toledo Zoo, with support from Metroparks Toledo.

Volunteers monitor predetermined routes in the downtown Toledo area to record data on dead and injured birds as a result of window strikes in this metropolitan area. This program helps to pinpoint where additional measures need to be taken to prevent bird and bat deaths and injuries. All live birds are transported to Nature’s Nursery for care and treatment through their rehabilitation program.

Follow this link to find out what you can do to prevent window collisions in your home or business!

For more information about Glass City Bird Crew please contact Jessica Duez (419-313-3233) or join our group!