Introduction: The Olentangy River Wetland Research Park at The Ohio State University is designed to be one of the most comprehensive wetland research and education facilities in the nation at a major university. It is located on a 30-acre site owned by The Ohio State University, immediately north of the Columbus campus. Phase 1 of site development, which featured construction of two 2.5-acre deep-water marshes and a river water delivery system, was completed in 1994. Phase 2 which involved establishing the infrastructure for research and education of the site, including additional wetlands, experimental microcosms, and a visitors' wetland pavilion, was completed in 1999.