WVP Upcoming Events
Event Types
Primary Events: These events are open to WVP volunteers. They count towards credit for Watershed Stewardship Certification. Some events are only open to WVP Certified Stewards. Types of primary events include:
(L)earning: These events include talks, workshops, and training sessions.
(M)onitoring: These events include water quality testing through chemistry and macroinvertebrate monitoring.
(R)estoration: These events include bioretention clean-ups, tree plantings, invasive plant removal, etc.
(O)utreach: These events are used to spread awareness of the Watershed Volunteer Program and general watershed health.
(S)upplemental Event: These events are held by our partner organizations but count towards WVP service hours.
Independent/Special Project: WVP Stewards who have attended area specific training may engage in independent projects. See projects tab for details.
Public Events: These events are indicated by an (*) at the end of the title and are open to both the public and WVP volunteers. Public volunteers may register here.
Have further questions about events or registering? Please contact WVP staff at wvpinfo@clevelandmetroparks.com.
July
Primary Events
(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series*
Sun, Jul 28th , 9 - 11 a.m. @ Bear Parking Lot, Brookside Reservation
Start off your Sunday by joining the WVP team and fellow volunteers for a morning snack and refreshing beverage before we set foot into the Watershed Stewardship Center's Green Infrastructure. In part 7 of this 8 week series, we will remove invasive plant species, add mulch to barren areas, perform other routine maintenance ensuring proper functionality and provide a natural space for wildlife in Brookside Reservation's storm water control measures.
Public volunteers may register here.
*Event is open to the public. Email us for registration help if needed.
WVP Staff will record your hours for all Primary Events
July
Supplemental Events
(S) Tinker's Creek Watershed Partners Park Advocacy Night
Wed, Jul 24 @ 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Rockefeller Greenhouse, 750 E 88th St, Cleveland
This is an opportunity to shape new park policy in the city of Cleveland! Includes a presentation with the City of Cleveland to develop a streamlined resident park project approval process and Friends of Group agreement.
Dinner is provided.
(S) National Park Service Invasive Plant Removal
Thurs, Jul 25, 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Must register for location)
Get involved at Cuyahoga Valley National Park by removing invasive plants in order to help improve habitat for native plants and wildlife.
More Details and Registration
Park Volunteer Day with Tinker's Creek Watershed Partners
Sat, Jul 27 from 9 - 11 a.m. @ Various Sites
There are three different sites to choose from: Roberto Clemente, BARRiO BOY Community Garden, and Artha Woods Park
For More Details
(S) Cuyahoga Soil & Water District Native Plant Kit Sale
Orders due Wed, July 26
Order a native plant kit containing 50 native plant plugs or native seed mix packets. Kits will ship early September.
More Details and Order Form Here
*Event is open to the public. Email us for registration help if needed.
WVP Staff will record your hours for all Primary Events
August
Primary Events
(R) Work Session: Invasive Shrub Removal
Fri, Aug 2, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ North Chagrin Nature Center
Join Natural Area Manager Josh Philipps to help restore native habitat by removing invasive buckthorn. We will help cut these invasive shrubs, freeing up the understory of the forest.
(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series*
Sun, Aug 4, 9 - 11 a.m. @ Wildwood, Euclid Creek Reservation
Start off your Sunday by joining the WVP team and fellow volunteers for a morning snack and refreshing beverage before we set foot into the Watershed Stewardship Center's Green Infrastructure. In part 8 of this 8 week series, we will remove invasive plant species, add mulch to barren areas, perform other routine maintenance ensuring proper functionality and provide a natural space for wildlife in Euclid Creek Reservation's stormwater control measures.
Public volunteers may register here.
(R) Acacia Stewardship Activities
Fri, Aug 9, 5:30 - 8 pm @ Acacia Reservation Trailhead
Join Natural Resource staff at Acacia reservation in stewardship activities and assist with ongoing restoration work. Activities may include invasive species removal, deer fence maintenance, or young tree cage maintenance.
(R) Work Session: Invasive Cattail Removal
Wed, Aug 14, 6- 8 p.m. @ Lake Isaac, Big Creek Reservation
Help restore the native vegetation of this wetland complex. Join CMP Natural Resources Manager Val Carter-Stone to remove non-native, invasive cattail. This will release the native wetland plants within the Fowles Marsh wetland complex.
(R) Acacia Stewardship Activities
Tue, Aug 20, 9:30 am - 12 pm @ Acacia Reservation Trailhead
Join Natural Resource staff at Acacia reservation in stewardship activities and assist with ongoing restoration work. Activities may include invasive species removal, deer fence maintenance, or young tree cage maintenance.
(L) 2024 Midwest Beaver Summit
Wed, Aug 28, 12 - 4 p.m. @ Upland Classroom, Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation
Join Cleveland Metropark's Director of Natural Resources, Jennifer Grieser to take part in the virtual, 2nd annual Midwest Beaver Summit. Lectures will include: "Beaver Wetlands, Flooding, and Drought", "Who Speaks for Beaver?", "History and Folklore", "Beaver Dam Impacts on Water Quality, Biodiversity, and Trout, Session" "Revised Environmental Assessment of WI’s Beaver Management Plan", "Watershed Planning with Beavers for Climate Resilience", "Navigating Conflicts Between People and Beavers and People Again".
(L) Certified Steward Exclusive: Cuyahoga by Boat
Thu, Aug 29, 6:30-9 p.m. @ Merwin's Wharf, Lakefront Reservation
This is a special event for Watershed Stewards who've acheived their certification*. We'll join Cleveland Metropark's Historical Interpreter Doug Kusak on this WVP only, 2-hour Cuyahoga River boat ride aboard the eLCee2. Enjoy a river view while we discuss famous fires on the river, bridges, cargo ships, area geography, history, watersheds, trails, industry, reclamation, and so much more. We’ll look at what was, what is, and what’s to come.
*For those who aren't Certified Watershed Stewards, the Metroparks offers tours throughout the summer and you may recieve supplemetal hours for attending. Please visit the (S)upplemental listings for details
August
Supplemental Events
(S) Cuyahoga River by Boat
Tues & Thurs, Throughout the summer, 4-6pm and 7-9pm. @ Merwin's Wharf
Historical Interpreter Doug Kusak or Historian/Archivist Judy MacKeigan will be your guide on a 2-hour Cuyahoga River boat ride. Enjoy a river view while we discuss famous fires on the river, bridges, cargo ships, area geography, history, watersheds, trails, industry, reclamation, and so much more.
Cost: $20
More Details and Registration Here
(S) National Park Service Invasive Plant Removal
Thurs, Aug 8, 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Must register for location)
Get involved at Cuyahoga Valley National Park by removing invasive plants in order to help improve habitat for native plants and wildlife.
More Details and Registration Here
(S) Ohio Sea Grant Lake Erie Awareness Day
Thurs, Aug 8, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. @ Put-In-Bay
Spend the day touring South Bass island while learning about Ohio's greatest water resource and visiting education stations to learn about island history, native plants and animals, the dangers of plastic pollution, and boating safety.
More Information and Registration Here
(S) Doan Brook Tree Planting and Invasive Species Removal
Sat, Aug 10, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. @ Fairhill Rd
Join Doan Brook Partnership in Native tree planting and invasive plant removal to improve habitat for native plants and wildlife.
More Details and Registration Here
(S) National Park Service Invasive Plant Removal
Sat, Aug 17, 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (Must register for location)
Get involved at Cuyahoga Valley National Park by removing invasive plants in order to help improve habitat for native plants and wildlife.
More Information and Registration Here
(S) National Park Service Stream Study
Sat, Aug 17, 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Must register for location)
Stretch your legs and mind through experiencing a mile long hike and information about the river. Come down to discover what is living in the tributaries of the Cuyahoga and what they tell us about the health of the river.
More Information and Registration Here
(S) Friends of Euclid Creek: The History of Beachwood Park
Wed, Aug 21, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. @ Beachwood City Park West
Join Chris Vild, Environmental Manager for Beachwood, on a walk. Come explore and see what makes this park not only a natural wonder but an amazing center for relaxation and fun for the whole family.
More Information and Registration Here
(S) National Park Service Invasive Plant Removal
Thurs, Aug 22, 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Must register for location)
Get involved at Cuyahoga Valley National Park by removing invasive plants in order to help improve habitat for native plants and wildlife.
More Details and Registration Here
(S) Cuyahoga Soil & Water District: Master Rain Gardener
Aug 8, 15, 22, 29, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. @ Lyndhurst Community Center
Train to be a Master Rain Gardener over a 4 week period! Learn to design and install your own rain garden and become the rain garden expert in your neighborhood.
Cost: $75
More Details and Information Here
(S) Doan Brook Kayak Instruction
Sat, Aug 24, 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. @ Lower Shaker Lake
Have you always wanted to try kayaking? Join Cleveland Metroparks to learn paddle techniques and basic boat fitting as you try the task of kayaking under the guidance of certified instructors!
More Information and Registration Here
(S) Doan Brook Lower Lake Hike
Sat, Aug 24, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. @ Lower Shaker Lake
Join Dr. Roy Larick for a 90-minute interpretive hike. Gain insight and education of how Doan Brook became.
September
Primary Events
(R) Work Session: Invasive Buckthorn
Fri, Sep 6, 10- 12 p.m. @ Lake Isaac, Big Creek Reservation
Join CMP Natural Resources Area Manager Valerie Carter-Stone remove invasive shrubs from the forest understory around Lake Isaac to help native herbaceous plants and tree saplings thrive.
(M) Work Session: Scenic Rivers Macro Monitoring
Tue, Sept 10 (Rain Date: Fri Sep 13), 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. @ Old River Farm Picnic Area, North Chagrin Reservation
Tue, Sept 10 (Rain Date: Fri Sep 13), 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. @ Old River Farm Picnic Area, North Chagrin Reservation
Learn how to use macroinvertebrates to measure the water quality of the Chagrin River as part of the Ohio Wild and Scenic Rivers Program! Join Cleveland Metroparks Aquatic Research Coordinator, Claire Weldon, in seining (netting) and identifying biological life living in the river.
(L) Cleveland Metroparks Nature Forum
Sat, Sep 14, SAVE THE DATE
More information to come on this brand new event.
(M) Training: Water Chemistry*
Tue, Sep 17, 6-8 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center's Laboratory, West Creek Reservation
Have you ever wanted to learn how to monitor, or do you need a refresher? Join CSWCD's Meg Hennessey in a water chemistry training session. Learn how to collect water samples, measure parameters, and record data in this hands-on training session. This event can help to reestablish your skills or get you started on a Water Quality Monitoring Independent Project.
(O) NEORSD Clean Water Fest
Sat, Sep 21, SAVE THE DATE
A day all about water with games, education, tours, and more! Help spread the word about WVP and share your knowledge of watershed health. Food and drinks will be provided.
September
Supplemental Events
(S) National Park Service Native Planting
Wed, Sep 4, 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Must register for location)
Join Cuyahoga Valley National Park in the planting of native species such as grasses, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees in order to improve habitats plants and wildlife.
More Information and Registration Here
(S) West Creek UP! A Creek 2024
Sat, Sep 7, 5 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. @ Landerhaven
Save The Date! West Creeks major annual fundraiser will be held on September 7, 2024 at Landerhaven. This event brings together over 500 supporters for an evening of conservation celebration. Festivities begin at 5:00 pm with a tasting and pairing along a short walk to the event; followed by dinner, live entertainment, wine toss games, dancing, etc.
More Information and Registration Here
(S) Cleveland Metroparks ACACIA STEWARDSHIP ACTIVITIES
Tue, Sep 10, 1 - 3:30 pm @ Acacia Reservation Trailhead
Come join Natural Resource staff at Acacia reservation in stewardship activities and assist with ongoing restoration work. Activities may include invasive species removal, deer fence maintenance, or young tree cage maintenance. All tools and work gloves will be provided. Pants and sturdy shoes are required (no shorts or sandals please), long sleeve shirts are preferred as most of the work will be off trail.
More Information and Details Here
(S) National Park Service Native Planting
Wed, Sep 11, 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Must register for location)
Join Cuyahoga Valley National Park in the planting of native species such as grasses, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees in order to improve habitats plants and wildlife.
More Information and Registration Here
(S) National Park Service Invasive Plant Removal
Thurs, Sep 12, 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Must register for location)
Join Cuyahoga Valley National Park in the removal of Invasive species. These efforts will help improve soil quality, restore native plants, and create better habitat for native wildlife.
More Information and Registration Here
(S) Doan Brook Annual Family Fishing Day
Sat, Sep 14, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.@ Rockefeller Lagoon
This free event is an opportunity for families of all ages and experience levels to enjoy a fun day of fishing and watershed education.
More Details and Registration Here
(S) National Park Service Native Planting
Wed, Sep 18, 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Must register for location)
Join Cuyahoga Valley National Park in the planting of native species such as grasses, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees in order to improve habitats plants and wildlife.
More Information and Registration Here
(S) National Park Service Native Planting
Wed, Sep 25, 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Must register for location)
Join Cuyahoga Valley National Park in the planting of native species such as grasses, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees in order to improve habitats plants and wildlife.
More Information and Registration Here
(S) National Park Service Invasive Plant Removal
Thurs, Sep 26, 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Must register for location)
Join Cuyahoga Valley National Park in the removal of Invasive species. These efforts will help improve soil quality, restore native plants, and create better habitat for native wildlife.
More Information and Registration Here
(S) Friends of Euclid Creek Dusty Goldenrod Preserve Guided Walk
Sat & Sun, Sep 28 & 29, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. @ Highland Heights Community Park
Join Brian Gilbert for a tour of the plant life in the preserve. Come explore and learn about the different types of flora and fungi that make Dusty Goldenrod their home and how important they are to their ecosystem.
More Details and Information Here
Volgistics Key
Abbreviations you will find in Volgistics:
WVP- Watershed Volunteer Program
NR- Natural Resources
IP- Independent/Special Projects
L- Learning
M- Monitoring
O- Outreach
R- Restoration
S- Supplemental (hosted by partner organizations)