2026 Events
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2026 Events
Wed, Mar 18, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed
Responsible landscaping starts with you. Planting native trees helps in mitigating soil erosion, reduces flood impact, provides shade that reduces energy costs, improves air quality by filtering pollutants, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The essential ecosystem services provided by planting responsibly have significant positive impacts on our community. Come learn how to use the Tree Selector Tool and explore 90 native tree species to find the right one for your backyard.
(Education: 72)
Sat, Mar 14, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. @ Baldwin Creek in Baldwin Creek Watershed
Join volunteer leader Bob Bennett for the third 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.
(Monitoring: 11)
Mon, Mar 9, 6 - 8 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed
Learn how to make upcycled seed paper using processed seeds.
(Education: 24)
Thurs, Mar 5, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed
Come see, do, and learn about macroinvertebrates. Join Naturalist Mayim Hamblen 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.
(Education: 24)
Mon, Mar 2, 6 - 8 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed
Join WVP as we process and prepare the seed that we collected during the fall.
(Restoration: 15)
Wed, Feb 25, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed
Have you ever wondered how Cleveland Metroparks decides where to do stream restoration? Join Natural Resources staff Claire Weldon, Nathan Byer, and Elizabeth Hiser to hear about the team's work on harnessing primary headwater assessment and land cover data to create a resource for effective and adaptive watershed management.
(Education: 62)
Wed, Feb 18, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed
Join WVP as we process and prepare the seed that we collected during the fall.
(Restoration: 34)
Mon, Feb 16, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. @ Collision Bend Brewing Company
Do you love trivia and the Great Lakes? Come be apart of the WVP trivia team at Pints North Great Lakes Trivia hosted by the Points North podcast team. This event features three rounds of questions all about the land, water, and inhabitants of the Great Lakes. There will be a bunch of cool giveaways. Come hang out with your fellow WVP volunteers and learn more about this incredible region we call home!
(Education: 9)
Sat, Feb 14, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. @ Baldwin Creek in Baldwin Creek Watershed
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.
(Monitoring: 13)
Sun, Feb 8, 9 - 11 a.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed
For February with snowy covered shores, we are moving our monthly marine debris event indoors to review the MDMAP protocol, talk about WVP's first year of Marine Debris Monitoring, assess and discuss the data WVP collected, and watch the related documentary Ripples of Plastic.
(Monitoring: 11)
Fri, Feb 6, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed
Join WVP as we process and prepare the seed that we collected during the fall.
Wed, Feb 4, 10 a.m. - 12p.m. @ Edgewater Park, Lake Front Reservation in Lake Erie Watershed
Join Natural Area Manager Valerie Carter-Stone to help eliminate invasive vines that are choking the wooded hillsides of Edgewater Park.
(Restoration: 3)
Wed, Jan 21, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed
Cleveland Metroparks Director of Natural Resources, Jennifer Grieser, will kick of 2026's Natural Resources Winter Lecture Series. Like any good superhero tale, there's always a great backstory. She'll take us back to the pre-WVP days, its founding, and the mission to enhance and protect our urban watersheds through scientific discovery, education, and sustainable action.
(Education: 48)
Sat, Jan 17, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. @ Baldwin Creek in Baldwin Creek Watershed
Join volunteer leader Bob Bennett for the first 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.
(Monitoring: 14)
Wed, Jan 14, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed
Join WVP as we process and prepare the seed that we collected during the fall.
(Restoration: 11)
Sat, Jan 10, 11 a. m. - 1 p.m. @ CanalWay Center in Cuyahoga River Watershed
Cleveland is a port city and ships are vital to our economy. Since before William Gordon (of Gordon Park and Gordon Square Arts District fame) orchestrated the first shipment of iron ore from Lake Superior to Cleveland, we’ve been receiving raw materials by bulk cargo ship. Historical Interpreter Doug Kusak will help you understand how these behemoths of transportation work and where you can go to see them in action. Bonus Edmund Fitzgerald material!: In honor of the recent 50th anniversary of its sinking, Doug will incorporate what's known about the Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy. He will cover the major (plausible) theories, provide a definitive (probably unsatisfactory) answer, and conduct a stark examination of some of Gordon Lightfoot's lyrics.
(Education: 30)
Wed, March 18, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. @ GYH/Goodyear Heights Lodge
Join the Greater Akron Audubon Society to welcome Watershed Specialist Elaine Marsh, a lifelong lover of the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie. From pristine to polluted and finally restored, we’ll learn the roles science, public policy and funding play in this stunning account of man’s checkered history with water quality. Meet in the East Room.
More Information and Registration Here
Wed, March 18, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. @ Creekside Collaborative Partners
Join us as we support our young seedlings by transplanting them into larger pots! As our plants grow larger, they need more space to grow! Volunteers will help move soil and transplant a variety of seedlings into pots. These will support future restoration efforts and plant sales.
More Information and Registration Here
Sun, March 15, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. @ Pepper Pike Service Garage
Are you interested in planting a tree at your residence, but don’t know how to get started? Come join us in Pepper Pike for Tree Care 101, a workshop where we will walk you through the process of selecting, planting, and caring for a new tree. Residents of Cuyahoga County who attend will get to select a free bareroot tree they will receive in Spring 2026. Workshop is free but registration is requested by March 13.
More Information and Registration Here
Thurs, March 12, 1- 3:00 p.m. @ Creekside Collaborative Partners
Join West Creek Conservancy as they kick off the season by sowing wildflower seeds! Volunteers will help fill flats with soil and plant a variety of wildflower seeds that will support future restoration efforts and plant sales.
More Information and Registration Here
Thurs, March 12, 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. @ Slovenian National Home
All are welcome to attend and hear how our work in the watershed, flowing from local history, culture, and action, continues to shape the future of the Cuyahoga River. Attendees can expect updates on Areas of Concern, learn about local projects, celebrate the Champion of the River, and hear from community leaders, researchers, and advocates whose stories and efforts flow across the Great Lakes. Additionally, we will keep things flowing with a happy hour at Goldhorn Brewing Company following the event. General Registration: $5 A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided for all registered guests.
More Information and Registration Here
Wed, March 11, 5- 7:00 p.m. @ Happy Days Lodge - Peninsula, OH
Learn about this success stories of River Guardians Ohio and their work to clean up the Tuscarawas River and more. Join us for an inspiring conversation with James Carnahan, founder of River Guardians Ohio. Carnahan has found huge success in cleaning up local waterways in a short amount of time. River Guardians Ohio was formed after Carnahan discovered and reported a major oil spill in the Tuscarawas River in Barberton, Ohio in July 2023 while on his way to his favorite fishing hole. This led to an 11-week clean up and the formation of River Guardians Ohio. Through the creation of simple tools and a small, dedicated team, River Guardians Ohio cleaned up over a ton of trash within their first three months. They have developed relationships with other entities like Summit Metro Parks and the City of Akron to begin working in other waterways. Come hear their story.
More Information and Registration Here
Tuesdays, March 10 - March 31, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. @ Richmond Heights Community Center
Learn to design and install your own rain garden and become the rain garden expert in your neighborhood. The Master Rain Gardener (MRG) course includes four (4) classes over a four-week period. March 10 – Location, sizing, and soil considerations, March 17 – Digging and Drawing, March 24 – Plant selection and design, March 31 – Graduation Day! Provide your final design and present to the class. Classes also include homework, quizzes, individualized feedback. Light snacks will be provided.
More Information and Registration Here
Tues, March 10, 1- 3:00 p.m. @ Creekside Collaborative Partners
Join West Creek Conservancy as they kick off the season by sowing wildflower seeds! Volunteers will help fill flats with soil and plant a variety of wildflower seeds that will support future restoration efforts and plant sales.
More Information and Registration Here
Sat, March 7, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. @ Orange Library Branch
Collect rainwater for outdoor use and help reduce stormwater pollution in your community by building your own rain barrel. A rain barrel captures and stores rainwater that would otherwise flow untreated into storm drains. You can use this collected water to nourish your lawn and garden, conserving resources and supporting a healthier environment. This workshop includes a rain barrel system pickup along with a brief presentation and demonstration at 10am. You’ll receive a barrel and a complete kit with all the parts needed to assemble your system at home using just a drill and a screwdriver. The $60 fee covers all materials, including a 60‑gallon barrel, drill bits, and a downspout diverter. If you’d like to create a two‑barrel setup, an additional barrel and linking kit are available for $40. Pre‑payment and workshop registration are required.
More Information and Registration Here
Mon, March 9, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Pierce Streetsboro Library
Join TCWP for a FREE hands-on workshop exploring Ohio’s native bees and their role as pollinators. Participants will build a bee house for local cavity-nesting bees, learn about native pollinator plants, and receive native seed mixes to start a pollinator garden at home.
More Information and Registration Here
Thurs, March 5, 1- 3:00 p.m. @ Creekside Collaborative Partners
Join West Creek Conservancy as they kick off the season by sowing wildflower seeds! Volunteers will help fill flats with soil and plant a variety of wildflower seeds that will support future restoration efforts and plant sales.
More Information and Registration Here
Tues, March 3, 1- 3:00 p.m. @ Creekside Collaborative Partners
Help West Creek Conservancy continue growing their hoophouse space by assembling new growing and educational tables as well as shelving units. Volunteers will work together to put together tables and shelving units and assist in rearranging the existing layout to better support our planting and learning activities.
More Information and Registration Here
Fri, Feb 27, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. @ Creekside Collaborative Partners
Help West Creek Conservancy protect their young trees from rodent damage by assembling protective lids for our propagation boxes! Volunteers will help cut PVC pipe, assemble the frame pieces, and wrap them with hardware cloth to create sturdy caging lids.
More Information and Registration Here
Thurs, Feb 26, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. @ Aurora Library 115 E Pioneer Trail, Aurora, United States
Join TCWP and The Plot Thickens gardening group for a Native Plant Gardening Workshop and discover how to turn any outdoor space into a beautiful, thriving garden.
More Information and Registration Here
Wed, Feb 25, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ CPL Parma-Powers Branch
Join West Creek Conservancy for a free workshop designed to help gardeners of all sizes set up a successful growing season! Learn how to choose the right plants, prepare healthy soil, and time your planting for the best results.
More Information and Registration Here
Thurs, Feb 19, 12 - 1 p.m. @ Webinar
Healthy soil is the foundation of healthy communities. Join Sara Continenza, Executive Director and Founder of Food Strong, for a FREE webinar on restoring degraded urban soils through community action and innovation. Sara will draw from her work transforming vacant lots into thriving green spaces.
More Information and Registration Here
Mon, Feb 16, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. @ Virtual
Join Summit Metro Parks online to learn the history of Deep Lock Quarry and the role it played on the Ohio and Erie Canal, in Akron and beyond. We’ll discover nearly two centuries of history through stories and images.
More Information and Registration Here
Mon, Feb 16, 7:00 p.m. @ Collision Bend Brewing Company
Do you love the Great Lakes region? Do you love trivia? Then Pints North Great Lakes Trivia is for you…Hosted by the Points North podcast team, this popular event features three rounds of brand new questions all about the land, water, and inhabitants of the Great Lakes. And as always, there will be a bunch of cool giveaways, including newly designed Points North themed pint glasses! Come hang out, grab a drink, and maybe even learn a thing or two about this incredible region we call home!
More Information and Registration Here
Sun, Feb 15, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. @ Garfield Park Reservation
Join Friends of the Crooked River as we explore Mill Creek and Wolf Creek, tributaries of the Cuyahoga. We will walk a leisurely 2.5 miles as we learn about the restored Garfield Pond and wetlands along Wolf Creek. Hear about the history of this 130-year-old park and see its stone structures from the New Deal era. After the walk we'll take a short drive to visit Mill Creek Falls, the tallest waterfall in Cuyahoga County.
More Information and Registration Here
Thurs, Feb 12, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. @ Summit Lake Nature Center
Freshwater mussels are now our most threatened — and perhaps, forgotten — group of animals in the state. Join a naturalist to learn about them and the role they’ve played in creating the Ohio we know today.
More Information and Registration Here
Wed, Feb 11, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. @ The Watershed Stewardship Center
Join West Creek Conservancy for a hands-on workshop about the power of native plants and how small changes in your yard can make a big impact on biodiversity and watershed health. This interactive event includes: a quick introduction to why native plants matter in Northeastern Ohio, practical tips to shrink your lawn and create pollinator-friendly spaces, and step-by-step guidance on seed stratification and winter sowing using milk jugs. After learning the basics, you’ll roll up your sleeves and prepare your own winter sowing containers to take home—giving you a head start on a beautiful, eco-friendly garden this spring.
More Information and Registration Here
Sat, Jan 31, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. @ South Euclid City Hall
Winter sowing native seeds is a simple and cost-effective way to grow your own native plants! Growing native plants in mini greenhouses using transparent milk jugs (or another similar plastic container) is easy and effective. This method emulates the cold winter conditions many plants need to germinate and also protects them from predators. Cuyahoga SWCD will provide seeds, potting soil, instruction, and other supplies. We ask each attendee to bring their OWN milk jug to create a mini greenhouse. Feel free to bring an extra for yourself or a friend, we’ll provide soil until we run out. If you have native seeds to share, please bring them!
More Information and Registration Here
Sat, Jan 31, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. @ Moreland Hills Village Hall
Winter sowing native seeds is a simple and cost-effective way to grow your own native plants! Growing native plants in mini greenhouses using transparent milk jugs (or another similar plastic container) is easy and effective. This method emulates the cold winter conditions many plants need to germinate and also protects them from predators. Cuyahoga SWCD will provide seeds, potting soil, instruction, and other supplies. We ask each attendee to bring their OWN milk jug to create a mini greenhouse. Feel free to bring an extra for yourself or a friend, we’ll provide soil until we run out. If you have native seeds to share, please bring them!
More Information and Registration Here
Fri, Jan 30, 1:00 p.m. @ Livestream
Monitors will share their monitoring experiences on the Farmington River in Connecticut and the Rouge River in Michigan before fielding participant questions and discussion topics.
More Information and Registration Here
Fri, Jan 30, 12:00 p.m. @ Livestream
Want to make a difference? Let's talk practical ways to mobilize your community, collaborate with local leaders, and champion policies that support smarter winter maintenance.
More Information and Registration Here
Thurs, Jan 29, 1:30 p.m. @ Livestream
Discover how innovative engineering can dramatically reduce the need for winter salt. This webinar will highlight design approaches—such as optimized grading, drainage, and material choices—that set the stage for safer, more efficient winter maintenance. We’ll also explore the growing role of smart sensors and connected infrastructure in tracking conditions in real time. Finally, learn how AI-driven storm management tools can support crews in making faster, more precise decisions that keep surfaces safe while minimizing salt use.
More Information and Registration Here
Wed, Jan 28, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. @ Virtual
Join West Creek Conservancy for an engaging online workshop about the power of native plants and how small changes in your yard can make a big impact on biodiversity and watershed health. In this interactive session, you’ll learn: Why native plants matter in Northeastern Ohio, practical tips to shrink your lawn and create pollinator-friendly spaces, and step-by-step guidance on seed stratification and winter sowing using milk jugs. Whether you’re new to native gardening or looking for fresh ideas, this virtual event will give you the tools and confidence to start making a difference right in your own yard.
More Information and Registration Here
Wed, Jan 28, 1:30 p.m. @ Livestream
Knowing how to ask for best practices can be difficult. If you aren’t an industry professional, you likely feel out of your league when deciphering terms like deicing vs anti-icing, pre-treatment vs pre-wet. What chemical deicers should you ask for or steer away from? Learn the basics about industry best practices and valuable resources that are available to support you to get the services you need and reduce liability at your property.
More Information and Registration Here
Tues, Jan 27, 1:30 p.m. @ Livestream
Hear directly from winter maintenance practitioners who have made the shift to smarter salting. In this webinar, they’ll share how they built the business case for change—reducing costs, improving efficiency, and protecting local waters. You’ll learn how they retooled their operations, from equipment upgrades to staff training, and what results they’ve seen on the ground. These leaders now pay it forward by educating peers, supporting contractors, and inspiring communities to adopt Salt Wise practices of their own.
More Information and Registration Here
Mon, Jan 26, 1:30 p.m. @ Livestream
Get the big-picture view of freshwater salinization and why it’s emerging as a critical water-quality challenge across the country. We’ll break down the major drivers, the ecological and infrastructure impacts, and the trends scientists are tracking in rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Then we’ll zoom in on a real-world case study from the Occoquan Reservoir, where researchers and managers are grappling with the complex mix of land use, weather patterns, and human behavior that fuels rising chloride levels. This case will illustrate both the challenges and the practical management strategies communities can use to protect their drinking water supplies.
More Information and Registration Here
Mon, Jan 19, 2 - 3:30 p.m. @ Snake Hill Trail, 3800 Muriel Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44109
Nestled in the historic Old Brooklyn neighborhood of Cleveland with very close proximity to the Cleveland Metropark Zoo, join Wild Ones for an amazing, fun-filled day of walking, connections, nature, and history amidst the dreamy NE OH winter landscapes. This independent nature preserve - interestingly not in the Metropark system - was created and managed by community grassroot efforts through engaging neighbors, friends, activists, and fellow lovers of nature to preserve a very important component to our neighborhoods and cities: untouched nature and greenspace for all! We'll learn of the former streets that used to weave through this surprisingly-expansive and pretty-well-hidden neighborhood gem; Streets now reclaimed by nature that used to be used by the neighborhood factory workers on their walking commutes to the factories that use to occupy the land where the Cleveland Metroparks now sit. We'll also see an amazing tree canopy, native restoration in action, an array of birds and other animals should they come out to say hello, and the gorgeous winter interest we're always so fortunate to enjoy this time of year.
More Information and Registration Here
Sat, Jan 17, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. @ Beachwood Branch Cuyahoga County Library
Wild Ones Greater Cleveland is hosting a native SEED SWAP on Saturday January 17th. This event is FREE and open to the public so be sure to invite friends and family!
More Information and Registration Here
Sat, Jan 17, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ 25309 Highland Road, Richmond Heights, OH
Once again, Roy Larick has agreed to lead us on an invigorating hike. Who can forget the thrill of wading across Euclid Creek at the Greenwood Farm property during a vigorous snowfall (not quite a blizzard) a couple years ago? We can only hope for an equally enjoyable time this year.
More Information and Registration Here
Thurs, Jan 15, 4 p.m. @ virtual
Join American Rivers for a special virtual fireside chat with journalist Tara Lohan as we celebrate the release of her new book, Undammed: Freeing Rivers and Bringing Communities to Life. The book charts the rise of the dam removal and river restoration movement and shares the remarkable benefits of undamming waterways to benefit people and wildlife. Tara’s reporting spans the country, capturing the passion and persistence of the advocates, scientists, Tribal leaders, and local residents working to free America’s waterways from outdated and harmful dams. Through compelling narrative and clear-eyed hope, Tara demonstrates that undamming is not just an environmental intervention—it’s a community-led transformation that is reshaping landscapes and lives. This conversation is ideal for anyone interested in conservation, community health and public safety, cultural revitalization, and the power of local action to spark meaningful change.
More Information and Registration Here
Thurs, Jan 15, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ West Creek Office (7381 Camelot Dr Parma, OH, OH 44134)
Be part of our Native Seed Library project and help us build a resource that will support biodiversity throughout Northeast Ohio. During this seated, hands-on volunteer session, you’ll assemble seed packets filled with our freshly cleaned native seeds. These packets will be placed at local seed libraries for community members to use in reducing lawn and creating pollinator gardens—so every seed you package plays a role in strengthening local ecosystems.
More Information and Registration Here
Wed, Jan 14, 5:30 - 7 p.m. @ West Creek Office (7381 Camelot Dr Parma, OH, OH 44134)
Be part of our Native Seed Library project and help us build a resource that will support biodiversity throughout Northeast Ohio. During this seated, hands-on volunteer session, you’ll assemble seed packets filled with our freshly cleaned native seeds. These packets will be placed at local seed libraries for community members to use in reducing lawn and creating pollinator gardens—so every seed you package plays a role in strengthening local ecosystems.
More Information and Registration Here
Tues, Jan 13, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ West Creek Office (7381 Camelot Dr Parma, OH, OH 44134)
Be part of our Native Seed Library project and help us build a resource that will support biodiversity throughout Northeast Ohio. During this seated, hands-on volunteer session, you’ll assemble seed packets filled with our freshly cleaned native seeds. These packets will be placed at local seed libraries for community members to use in reducing lawn and creating pollinator gardens—so every seed you package plays a role in strengthening local ecosystems.