Author

Kristina Smith

Kristina Smith loves living along Lake Erie and sharing the stories of the people, places and nature in this area. She is a past investigative reporter and assistant editor at area newspapers. An avid nature enthusiast and birder, she enjoys writing about and photographing animals and nature. She is also the author of two books, “Lost Sandusky,” and “Unnatural Ohio,” which she co-authored with Kevin Moore. Both books were published by The History Press. Kristina is a member of Outdoor Writers of Ohio and an award-winning writer and photographer. Follow her on X at @kristinasmithNM and on Instagram at kristinasmithwriter.

Kristina Smith's Latest Articles

Exploring Ohio’s Ice Age legacy:

By Kristina Smith

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January 8, 2025

The massive grooves cut into rock on Kelleys Island at least 17,000 years ago by giant glaciers that carved out the Great Lakes region are believed to be the largest preserved glacial grooves in the world. Although the site is probably the best-known and largest example of glacial grooves in the Lake Erie region, there are other sites around the Lake Erie islands and some on the mainland that have glacial grooves and striations, or scratches in the rock, left from the Ice Age.

Hidden History:

By Kristina Smith

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December 18, 2024

Tucked within the serene woods of East Harbor State Park Campground lies the historic Lockwood (Marshall) Cemetery, a resting place for some of Ottawa County's early settlers.

Middle Bass Island’s historic Lonz Mansion reopens:

By Kristina Smith

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November 13, 2024

“George and Fannie Lonz were known for being great hosts. We want to recreate that special welcome to all visitors."

Hooked on catfish: How catfish charters are changing the game on Sandusky Bay

By Kristina Smith

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October 23, 2024

Nine years ago, Scott Heston started the first catfishing charter on the Sandusky Bay, Captain Scott’s Catfish Charter. Since then, more charters targeting channel catfish have popped up, and the fish is rising in popularity on Lake Erie.

Reviving history:

By Kristina Smith

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October 2, 2024

The Lonz Mansion restoration brings back the legacy of Ohio's Wine King on Middle Bass Island.

Capturing a year of change: time-lapse video chronicles seasonal shifts across the region

By Kristina Smith

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Parks and Trails

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September 18, 2024

“Community science projects like Chronolog allow us to have the public engage in information collection about how Lake Erie can change at specific locations due to weather like ice cover and seiches, harmful algal blooms, fishing pressure, and recreational boating in a part of Lake Erie that sees a great amount of economic benefits.”

Stay Golden: A community of canines and companions bring joy to Sandusky

By Kristina Smith

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September 11, 2024

Golden Greeters is a group of dog owners who meet each Sunday evening to walk through downtown Sandusky and let their dogs – and owners – socialize and enjoy the picturesque city and waterfront.

Rare Blanding’s turtle thrives in Ohio’s wetlands as conservation efforts continue

By Kristina Smith

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August 21, 2024

“I think, in general, people are pretty enamored with Blanding’s turtles,” Cross says. “They’re really on board with their conservation. We have so many birders and park conservationists who see Blanding’s turtles when they’re out enjoying nature.”

Summer serenity:

By Kristina Smith

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July 31, 2024

“I had this vision for the speakeasy to take it back to the early days of Lonz,” Wolnik says. “I was trying to get something that would tell the history of the property. It really is complemented by the mansion restoration.”

Eagles soar and nature thrives on guided canoe tours at Old Woman Creek

By Kristina Smith

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July 17, 2024

On the guided canoe tours, paddlers see the wider wetlands, as well as the narrow portions of the creek that wind through trees and marsh areas.