2024 Events
2024
Primary Events
(R) Work Session: Tree Planting
Fri, May 3, 10:30 -12:30 p.m. @ Engle Road Sledding Hill, Big Creek Reservation
Join Natural Area Manager Valerie Carter-Stone to plant trees at Engle Road Sledding Hill.
(R) Work Session: Tree Planting
Wed, May 1, 6 -8 p.m. @ Polo Fields Stream Restoration, South Chagrin Reservation
Join Natural Area Manager Josh Philipps to plant trees as part of the continuing Polo Fields Stream Restoration Project.
(M) Work Session: City Nature Challenge
Sat, Apr 27, 10 a.m. - Noon @ Chippewa Creek, Brecksville Reservation
Take part in the City Nature Challenge! Join Cleveland Metroparks Aquatic Research Coordinator, Claire Weldon to identify what is living in Chippewa Creek. Learn to seine (net) and identify the aquatic macroinvertebrates (insects) living in the river that are indicators of water quality. Prior to attending the event, volunteers should download the iNaturalist app from AppStore or Google Play on their phones and create an iNaturalist account. Waterproof boots or waders are recommended.
(L) Training Session: BEHI
Thu, Apr 25, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, Westcreek Reservation
Get a refresher course, or learn for the first time, about the BEHI assessment. Stream Restoration Ecologist Elizabeth Hiser will lead a training on how to assess streambank erosion using BEHI assessment methodology. BEHI looks at several streambank characteristics to determine the erosion potential: bank angle or undercutting, geologic layers, root structures within the bank, and more.
(Learning: 14) View Photos Here
(R) Work Session: Tree Planting
Wed, Apr 24, 6 -8 p.m. @ Memphis Sled Riding Hill, Big Creek Reservation
Join Natural Area Manager Valerie Carter Stone to help plant and protect trees in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day.
(Restoration: 10, 25 trees planted) View Photos Here
(R) Work Session: Live Stake Planting
Tue, Apr 23, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Chippewa Creek, Brecksville Reservation
Join Stream Restoration Ecologist Elizabeth Hiser for a live stake installation at the Old Station Road Restoration Project in Brecksville Reservation.
(Restoration: 10, 190 live stakes planted) View Photos Here
(L) Workshop: Crayfish*
Wed, Apr 17, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation
WVP will be joined by Roger Thoma to celebrate National Crayfish Day.
The workshop will consist of three parts: An introduction to crayfish in Ohio with an emphasis on the NE Ohio area. Participants will be presented information on the species present in Ohio and those that are present in the NE Ohio area, their ecology, distribution, and preferred habitats with an overview of how Ohio’s crayfish fauna fits within the worldwide crayfish community. A hands-on lab session to familiarize students with the character states used in crayfish identification will be given, followed by a field visit to familiarize students with the techniques of collecting and habitats exploited by NE Ohio’s crayfish.
Mr. Thoma will have a limited number of his Ohio crayfish guide available for purchase.
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(Learning: 34) View Photos Here
(R) Volunteer Led Work Session: Garlic Mustard Removal
Tue, Apr 16, 6 -8 p.m. @ (Location Change) Engle Rd. Sled Riding Hill, Big Creek Reservation
Join Volunteer Leaders Dave LeBrun & Margaret Rhynard to help restore native habitat by removing garlic mustard. We will take care to identify garlic mustard and remove it to reduce seed spread. Come prepared to carefully go off trail with work gloves, closed toe shoes, long sleeves, and pants. Trash bags will be provided.
(Restoration: 5) View Photos Here
(R) Work Session: Garlic Mustard Removal
Thu, Apr 11, 6 -8 p.m. @ Engle Rd, Big Creek Reservation
Join Natural Area Manager Valerie Carter-Stone to help restore native habitat by removing garlic mustard. We will take care to identify garlic mustard and remove it to reduce seed spread. Come prepared to carefully go off trail.
(Restoration: 16) View Photos Here
(R) Work Session: Foster's Run Erosion Netting Removal
Wed, Apr 3, 9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. @ Foster's Run, North Chargrin Reservation
Join Natural Area Manager Josh Philipps and Naturalist Jeff Riebe to remove plastic erosion netting along Foster's Run.
(Restoration: 10, Removed 10 bags of netting) View Photos Here
(M) Training Session: Water Chemistry Monitoring*
Wed, Mar 27, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. @ Hemlock Picnic Area, Bedford Reservation
Join Tinker's Creek Watershed Partners for a hands-on YSI sensor water quality monitoring 101 session at Hemlock Picnic area, where participants will learn about our nonprofit's mission to protect and restore the Tinker's Creek watershed. Dive into the history of monitoring efforts in the watershed, from EPA initiatives to citizen science involvement, and gain valuable insights into the importance of water quality preservation
(Monitoring: 11) View Photos Here
(O) World Water Day
Sat, Mar 23, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. @ The Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation
Trained WVP Volunteers can assist with the educational macroinvertebrate displays at this international celebration of water. Two hour shifts are available from 10:30-12:30, 12:30-2:30 & 2:30-4:30
(R) Work Session: Invasive Privet Removal
Mon, Mar 18, 11 a.m. -1 p.m. @ Edgewater Beach, Lakefront Reservation
We'll be joining Natural Area Manager Valerie Carter Stone and her crew to cut an overabundance of invasive privet that was "discovered" during our December vine cutting event. (Restoration: 17)
(M) Workshop: Macroinvertebrates ID 101*
Thu, Mar 14, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation
Come see, do, and learn about macroinvertebrates. Join Naturalist Peter Frank for this hands-on training. Key terms and principles will be explored. Leave ready to assist with future macroinvertebrate outreach activities like World Water Day. (Monitoring: 38)
(L) Natural Resources Winter Lecture Series: Conservation Value Trees*
Mon, Mar 4, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ The Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation
Join Vegetation Research Coordinator, Sarah Eysenbach to learn about how Cleveland Metroparks Natural Resources Division is preserving tree species that are under threat from a variety of forest pests and pathogens. Come learn more about the American Chestnut, American Elm, Ash, American Beech, and Eastern Hemlock along with our efforts to maintain and protect these species. View Photos Here (Learning:71)
(L) Seed Paper Making
Sat, Mar 2, 3 - 5 p.m. @ The Watershed Stewardship Center Classroom, West Creek Reservation
Join Naturalist Mayim Hamblen to learn how to make upcycled seed paper using WVP processed seeds. These papers will be used as giveaways for out World Water Day (O)utreach table.
View Photos Here (Learning:11)
(R) Work Session: Invasive Grapevine Removal
Sun, Feb 25, 2 - 4 p.m. @ Camp Corde, 2901 W. Ridgewood Dr, West Creek Reservation
Join Natural Area Manager Valerie Carter Stone to free up space for native plants. Help to cut back grapevine.
View Photos Here (Restoration:17)
(R) Work Session: Seed Processing
Wed, Feb 21, 6 - 8 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation
Join us to process a variety of seeds for WVP giveaways, generously donated by Certified Watershed Steward and Master Rain Gardener, Mark Brody. We'll work with Joe Pye Weed, Wild Senna, New England Aster, Red Columbine, Purple Cone Flower and Common Milkweed. (Restoration: 30) View Photos Here
(M) Work Session: Winter Stonefly Surveys
Sat, Feb 17, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. @ Baldwin Creek
Join volunteer leader Bob Bennett for the last of a three part stonefly monitoring work session. Learn about the first discoveries of stoneflies in Baldwin Creek, search on-land for two species of stoneflies at three Baldwin Creek sites, and submit photo data to iNaturalist. Data collected during these surveys will be utilized to estimate the presence and abundance of stonefly families within Baldwin Creek. Registration for these sessions is limited to 7 volunteers per survey. Volunteers will carpool between sites. (Monitoring: 12) View Photos Here
(L) Natural Resources Winter Lecture Series: The Secrets of Bird Migration*
Mon, Feb 12, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ The Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation
Join Natural Resources Coordinator, Jen "JB" Brumfield for a deep dive into the astounding world of avian migration and Cleveland Metroparks role in thousands upon thousands of birds' survival. From death-defying flights over the ocean to following star patterns in the sky, to tracking birds with weather radar, we'll demystify birds' miraculous migrations and dig in to their local natural history.
(Learning: 95) View Photos Here
(R) Work Session: Seed Processing
Wed, Jan 31, 6 - 8 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation
Join us to process a variety of seeds collected during our Buzzard's Roost Seed Collection event. (Restoration: 34) View Photos Here
(R) Work Session: Invasive Grapevine Removal
Fri, Jan 26, 12-2pm @ Center Park, West Creek Reservation
Join Natural Area Manager Valerie Carter Stone to free up space for native plants. Help to cut back grapevine.
(Restoration: 10)
(L) Natural Resources Winter Lecture Series: The Adapted Hunt Drift Fence Technique (AHDriFT): Passive Monitoring Opportunities for Small and Elusive Animals*
Wed, Jan 17, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ The Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation
Join Research and Database Manager, Dr. Nathan Byer for a look at his AHDriFT work and how these efforts have improved our understanding of sensitive reptile and mammal communities in our parks.
View Photos Here (Learning: 38)
(M) Work Session: Winter Stonefly Surveys
Sat, Jan 13, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. @ Baldwin Creek
Join volunteer leader Bob Bennett for the second of a three part stonefly monitoring work session. Learn about the first discoveries of stoneflies in Baldwin Creek, search on-land for two species of stoneflies at three Baldwin Creek sites, and submit photo data to iNaturalist. Data collected during these surveys will be utilized to estimate the presence and abundance of stonefly families within Baldwin Creek. Registration for these sessions is limited to 7 volunteers per survey. Volunteers will carpool between sites.
(Monitoring: 5)
Supplemental Events
(S) Rain Barrel Workshop - Shaker Heights
Wed, Apr 24, 6 - 7.30 p.m. @ Shaker Heights Service Yard, 15600 Chagrin Blvd Shaker Heights, OH 44120
This is a barrel and diverter kit pick up only. When you register, you will be sent a confirmation with instructions about how to make your barrel at home. All you need is your own drill! Pre-payment is required.
More Details and Registration Here Cost $60
Tue, Apr 9 6:30 - 8:30 pm @ Watershed Stewardship Center 2277 West Ridgewood Drive, Parma, OH 44134
Join us for West Creek Conservancy’s Annual Meeting on April 9, 2024 at 6:30pm. We’ll recap 2023 and look ahead at 2024. Refreshments provided. Space is limited, registration required.
More Details and Registration Here
(S) Green Yards & Healthy Homes
Thu, Mar 28, 6 - 7 p.m.@ University Heights Library, 13866 Cedar Road University Heights, OH 44118
Our yards and homes have an enormous impact on the natural world and to our own health. Learn how to replace chemicals in your yard and home with a few inexpensive, all-natural, effective ingredients to create a healthy habitat for all.
You can make cleaners at the workshop. The cost is usually $5/each however University Heights Library/CSWCD is generously covering the cost for up to 10 cleaners for this workshop.
More Details and Registration Here
(S) NEO Master Rain Gardener Course Early Spring
Mar 15 -Apr 05, 2 - 4 p.m. @ Beachwood Community Center, 25225 Fairmount Blvd. Beachwood, OH 44122
This Master Rain Gardener Program will teach you how to manage rain water in your own yard. Rain gardens naturally manage stormwater by infiltrating precipitation and allowing it to soak into the ground rather than sending it directly to storm sewers and nearby streams untreated. Experienced instructors will provide customized feedback which will enable you to design and install a rain garden. Topics will include site assessment, soil analysis, design, construction, plant selection, mulching, and maintenance.
More Details and Registration Here Cost $75
(S) World Water Day
Sat, Mar 23, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. @ The Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation
World Water Day celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water. It is about taking action to tackle the global water crisis. A core focus of World Water Day is to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.
Every year, UN-Water — the UN’s coordination mechanism on water and sanitation — sets the theme for World Water Day. In 2024, the theme will be Leveraging Water for Peace.
(S) Rain Barrel Workshop - South Euclid & Newburgh Heights
Wed, Mar 20, 6 - 7 p.m. @ South Euclid Community Centre, 1370 Victory Drive South Euclid, OH 44121
Cuyahoga SWCD will host a rain barrel workshop and pick-up at the South Euclid Community Center on Wednesday, March 20. You'll how to harvest rainwater for all your garden needs and to combat storm water pollution in your community by constructing a rain barrel! More Details and Registration Here Cost $60
Thu, Mar 21, 6 - 7.30 p.m. @ Village Hall Community Room, 3801 Harvard Ave. Newburgh Heights, OH 44105
This is a barrel and diverter kit pick up only. When you register, you will be sent a confirmation with instructions about how to make your barrel at home. All you need is your own drill! Pre-payment is required.
More Details and Registration Here Cost $60
(S) EPN Breakfast - Our North Coast: An Insight into Intergovernmental Stewardship to Improve Lake Erie from Ontario to Ohio
Tue, Mar 19, 7:15AM - 11:45 AM @ Virtual event
Join this EPN event and dive into concerns and the planning and numerous efforts in place to protect and restore Lake Erie
More Details and Registration Here Cost Virtual attendees: Free
(S) Cuyahoga AOC Advisory Committee Symposium
Fri, Mar 15, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. @ Happy Days Lodge in CVNP
Fri, Mar 15, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. @ Happy Days Lodge in CVNP
The Cuyahoga River Area of Concern (AOC) Advisory Committee invites you to join us for our 2024 Symposium on Friday, March 15th from 8:30am-3:00pm at the Happy Days Lodge in the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park for an in-person gathering dedicated to the revitalization of the river so far as we are #halfwaythere to delisting status!
This is a must-attend event for ALL who live, work, or play in this watershed! This exciting symposium will reflect on the progress of the river and look forward to the work yet-to-come. Attendees can expect updates on our local and regional AOCs, a poster session featuring our Management Action Projects (MAPs), highlights from CVNP, an optional site tour of the Brandywine Golf Course, and inspiring stories from other AOCs on life after delisting!
General registration cost is $5 for all who wish to attend in order to help cover the costs of food. There is an option to ‘Pay it Forward’ and donate to provide the opportunity for others to attend this event. For whom cost is a barrier, there is an ‘Honorary Admission’ ticket option.
A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided for all registered guests, but lunch preferences will only be considered for those who register before March 8th, 2024.
More Details and Registration Here Cost $5
(S) The Sea Lamprey in the Great Lakes: Invasion, Control, and the Future
Thu, Mar 14, 1PM-2PM @ Virtual online event
Thu, Mar 14, 1PM-2PM @ Virtual online event
Their presentation will include the history of how this invasive species entered the Great Lakes basin, the impact the Sea Lamprey had on Great Lakes fisheries, along with the introduced control program and eventual recovery of the fishery. They will then discuss how this invasive species is still a constant threat to the Great Lakes ecosystem and how their control ended up being one of the most successful aquatic invasive species control programs in history.
More Details and Registration Here Free
(S) New Drainage Approaches for Nutrient and Sediment Removal
February 28, 12 - 12:30 p.m. @ Online
Most agricultural land in the western basin of Lake Erie relies on drainage practices such as tile drainage and channelization to successfully grow crops on fertile yet poorly drained soils. However, water discharge from drainage can hinder surface water quality far beyond farm fields, with nutrient runoff fueling harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie. Recent research has demonstrated that agricultural drainage ditches can play an important and necessary role in mitigating downstream water quality impacts from agricultural land use.
Dr. Jonathan Witter and other researchers at The Ohio State University are studying how different channel designs affect nutrient and sediment retention dynamics along experimental reaches of drainage channels in central and northwest Ohio.
(S) How Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District Works
Tue, Feb 27, 6:30 - 8 p.m. @ Mayfield Branch Cuyahoga County Library, 500 Som Center Drive, Mayfield Village, OH 44143
A presentation and discussion led by Kate Chapel of CSWCD
Find out how Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation joins with partners in the Euclid Creek Watershed to benefit our environment and how CSWCD works with homeowners to solve issues on their property.
(S) Eco Speaks CLE - Stormwater starts at home: Watershed Stewardship Center
Tue, Feb 20, 2024 @ Virtual online events
Cleveland Metroparks has always been a preserver and protector of our valleys and the waters that run through them. In 2013, it opened the Watershed Stewardship Center in Parma's West Creek Reservation with a mission to enhance and protect our urban watersheds through scientific discovery, education, and sustainable actions. In this episode, we speak with the center's manager, Bethany Majeski, and the Director of Natural Resources for Cleveland Metroparks, Jennifer Grieser, about how protecting our urban watersheds is so vital for our region and ways we can all be stewards of our local watersheds starting at home where stormwater runoff begins.
More Details here
More Details here
(S) Winter Salting Public Presentation
Fri, Feb 16, 5 - 6p.m. @ Mayfield Village Civic Center, 6622 Wilson Mills Road Mayfield Village, OH 44143
Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District is holding this event to talk about winter salting practices! You'll hear about the impact salt can have on our watersheds, and ways to use it most effectively to keep you safe and our waterways healthy.
More Details and Registration Here
Thu, Feb 8, 12:30 - 1:30p.m. @ Virtual Online Event
Discover how plastics affect our ecosystem, along with soluntions to reduce plastic waste with Cuyahoga County Board of Health's Dr. Robert Brand.
More Details and Registration Here
(S) What's new on Cleveland's Waterfronts
Wed, Feb 7, 12-1p.m. & 5:30-6:30p.m. @ Vitual Online Event
Make your voice heard! The Cleveland Parks & Greenspace Coalition is hosting project leaders for the emerging waterfront park projects happening across Cleveland for an informational webinar. Ask questions and hear from speakers representing the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Cleveland Metroparks, Greater Cleveland Partnership, Port Cleveland, and LAND studio.
More Details and Registration Here
(S) Brownfield Restoration
Mon, Jan 29, 10-11AM @ Virtual Event
Mon, Jan 29, 10-11AM @ Virtual Event
CRWP is partnering Dr. Kevin Svitana, Professor of Biology and Earth Science at Otterbein University, as part of our Speaker Series to bring you a free online presentation covering Brownfield Remediation and Restoration on Monday, January 29th, from 10 AM to 11 AM. His presentation will cover several case studies on how the remediation process works and general elements of environmental remediation and restoration.
More Details and Registration Here
(S) Rocky River 2024 Meeting
Auditorium - Thu, Jan 25, 6-8PM@The Rocky River Nature Center
Auditorium - Thu, Jan 25, 6-8PM@The Rocky River Nature Center
Join them to learn more about the importance of tree canopy on watershed health, how to plan for changing climate predictions, and what efforts are being made in your area to enhance biodiversity.
More Details and Registration Here
(S) Winter Salt Awareness Week
Jan 22 - Jan 26, 12:30 - 1PM CT @ Virtual Event
We rely on salt to keep our roads safe in the winter and to soften water in our homes year-round but using more salt than is needed comes with a heavy price. In Wisconsin and much of the United States, chloride from salt is infiltrating into our lakes, streams and groundwater. Learn more about #thetruecostofsalt and how you can make a difference.
More Details and Registration Here
(S) Winter Birding Presented by Tinker's Creek Watershed Partners
Thu, Jan 18, 12:30-1:30PM @ Virtual event
Winter Birding with Jen Brumfield from Metroparks.
Winter Birding with Jen Brumfield from Metroparks.
More Details and Registration Here
(S) Cleveland Metroparks Waterfall Hikes
Double Decker Falls - Sat, Jan 14, 10:00AM - 11:30AM @ South Chagrin Reservaion
Journey alongside Naturalist Marty Calabrese as we venture down to the Chagrin River, immersing ourselves in the wintry splendor of the gorge. Trekking poles recommended. Email northchagrinnc@clevelandmetroparks.com with questions. No registration required.
(S) Cleveland Metroparks Waterfall Hikes
Bedford Glens - Sat, Jan 13, 10:00AM - 12:00PM @ Bedford Reservation
Join Naturalist Jake Kudrna on a deep dive into the Bedford Glens. We'll hike along a lost section of trail that will take us under towering sandstone cliffs in search of one of the tallest waterfalls in the park. Sturdy footwear required, hiking poles encouraged, the trail may be icy.
More Details and Registration Here
(S) Cleveland Metroparks Waterfall Hikes
Friday Hike to the Falls - Fri, Jan 12, 2:30PM - 4:30PM @ Bedford Reservation
This afternoon we will hike through the winter wonderland of the woods of Bedford Reservation to a hidden waterfall. We will travel a variety of trails and enjoy the sights and sounds of a winter walk. Please wear sturdy shoes and hiking poles are suggested.
(S) Cleveland Metroparks Waterfall Hikes
LowHead Falls - Wed, Jan 10, 10:00AM - 11:00AM @Bedford Reservation
Join Naturalist Jake Kudrna on a hike to visit three low-head waterfalls in the Tinker's Creek valley. Sturdy footwear required, hiking poles encouraged, the trail may be icy.
(S) Combatting Beech Leaf Disease
Virtual event - Tue, Jan 9, 1PM-2PM
CRWP(Chagrin River Watershed Partner) is partnering with Dr. David Burke, the Vice President for Science and Conservation at Holden Forests & Gardens, as part of our Speaker Series to bring you a free online presentation regarding Holden’s research into combatting beech leaf disease. His presentation will cover the research Holden has done into beech leaf disease and their selective breeding program in cultivating resistance in American beech tree saplings.
More Details and Registration Here
(S) Cleveland Metroparks Waterfall Hikes
Groundwater Falls - Sat,Jan 6, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM @ Bedford Reservation
Join Naturalist Jake Kudrna as we trudge into the Tinker's Creek Gorge to discover an enchanting waterfall that drains straight into the ground. Sturdy footwear required, hiking poles encouraged, potential for ice.
More Details and Registration Here
(S) Cleveland Metroparks Waterfall Hikes
Linda Falls - Sat, Jan 6:30PM - 4:30PM @ Alexander Road Trailhead at Sagamore Creek, Bedford Reservation
Join a naturalist for a frosty hike through the woods and along the rocky cliff line of Sagamore Creek. We will look for tracks of mammals that are traveling throughout the winter months. This hike has several rocky stream crossings, as well as a potential snow- or ice-covered trail. Please wear sturdy hiking shoes, and hiking poles are recommended.
(S) Cleveland Metroparks Waterfall Hikes
Little Horseshoe - Wed, Jan 3,10 AM- 11 AM@ Watershed Stewarship Center, West Creek Reservation
Join Naturalist Jake Kudrna on a hike into the northern woods of West Creek Reservation. We'll walk off the beaten path to discover a small and enchanting waterfall. Sturdy footwear required, hiking poles encouraged. The trail may be icy.