Winter has arrived at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge on the Lake Erie shoreline, and so has a wealth of wildlife, from migrating waterfowl to locally-nesting bald eagles. The public can enjoy free Wildlife Tours of the refuge on the Blue Goose Bus from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

The best chili chefs around will have their pots bubbling at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge on the Lake Erie shoreline in Oak Harbor on Saturday, Feb. 22, and chili fans and wildlife conservation will be the big winners.

The annual Chili Cookoff is sponsored by the Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. To enter the competition, bring a crockpot of chilly to the Visitor Center at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, 14000 State Route 2, Oak Harbor. Show up before 11:30 a.m. and be ready to tantalize the judges at noon.

The Chili Cookoff is open to the public, and chili fans will get a taste after the judges have sampled chili potions at the free, family-friendly competition. Free public Wildlife Tours of the refuge will be held in the Blue Goose Bus from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., providing winter views of the refuge.

Chili chefs will vie for the Judges’ Choice Golden Ladle Award, the 4-Alarm (hottest chili) Award, and the People’s Choice Award. Judges will be selected by the Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Donations will help fund projects around Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and support future events and tours that are open to the public.