Back in the Day

Back Row: David Saja, Leila Jackson, Erin Tesny, Maggie Kane and Megan Smith

Seated: Carrie Hansen

[Image Credit: Laura Dempsey]

Watershed Moment

As summer was ending back in 2015, The Weeknd had two songs in the top 10. "Straight Outta Compton" was riding high at the box office. NOAA reported the hottest summer on record to date. Queen Elizabeth II became the longest serving British monarch. You might have opened the Twitter app on your iPhone 6 and found out that Missy Piggy and Kermit the Frog had broken up but you couldn't have recorded your reaction on TikTok because it didn't exist.

Back then, WVP was a mere three years old when a group of volunteers lashed together a water craft for the 8th Great Lake Erie Boat Float, held by Sustainable Cleveland. That raft ended up winning the "Best Use of Recyclable Materials" trophy. My, she was yar.

Sara Corrigan

WVP Coordinator

Watershed Volunteer Program: Winner 2015 "Best Use of Recyclable Materials"

[Image Credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Happenings

(L) Watershed Wednesday w/ West Creek Conservancy

August 8, 2025 @ Stickney Creek, Brooklyn’s Veterans Memorial Park in Big Creek Watershed

[Photo Credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Spotlight

Hydrology Summer Summary

2025

Our Hydrology Team had a very productive summer - we are so proud of their efforts and are happy to have them share their stream tales with you!

- Stream Restoration Ecologist, Elizabeth Hiser

Chris Meigs

Plip… plip… plip.

Rain drops begin to fall on the leaves in the surrounding woods - lightly, at first, but then with a growing intensity of overlapping “plips”. I stand above a round of wood and heave a maul over my head, rain dripping from my brow. With a final swing, I hear a satisfying crack as the round splits in two - the perfect size for building up a berm along the outside of the meander my coworker, Gabe Zimmerman (He Who Walks Loudly In Sloshing Boots), and I have been building up to keep the stream from eroding a new, unplanned channel.

But water, it seems, tends to have a mind of its own, and one of the most important things I’ve learned during my time under Elizabeth Hiser has been to “think” like water.

On that hot, rainy summer day, I experienced first-hand how water wants to move. And because Elizabeth believes in experimentation, sharing her knowledge, and exposing us to as many stream restoration techniques as possible, I felt well prepared to tackle the issues present.

From studying log and rock grade controls to beaver dam analogs, I began to understand how we might redistribute energy inherent in a stream system. Through techniques such as BEHI and QHEI, I honed my ability to recognize erosion (and how to combat it) and geomorphological features within the stream; meanders, pools, and riffles. And by utilizing an index capturing large woody debris data, I could see how fallen trees, logs, and branches could alter sediment deposition within even the smallest of streams.

I’ve always enjoyed seeing how things interact and how playing with one variable can alter others. The world is intricately and delicately connected in ways we often struggle to understand and this summer has presented the perfect opportunity to study just how entangled these factors are within even a simple stream system. One small change can have a ripple effect throughout an ecosystem, a watershed, an entire region, and eventually on a global scale. Working alongside someone like Elizabeth makes you think about these things, especially when you experience the impacts in-real-time.

But I digress.

Without doubt, this has been one of the best summers I’ve had in a long time - over a decade, if memory serves. I have learned so much and had opportunities to apply these new skills in ways I never even imagined I’d be able to. It’s been a new set of skills forged through hard work, mistakes and setbacks, and sometimes a little disappointment if my plans failed at first. But with the benefit of monitoring progress and a strong team offering support, mistakes turned into lessons and disappointment gave way to fiery determination to come back better than before!

These lessons I cherish from my time with the Cleveland Metroparks and I will carry them forward into the next chapter of my life. And beyond.

-Chris Meigs, Seasonal Hydrology Technician II '25

Gabe Zimmerman

This summer has been packed full of new experiences that I have been honored to participate in. As I am pursuing my Natural Resource Management degree, I have made it a goal to experience as many different sides of natural resources and land management as possible. Thankfully, the Cleveland Metroparks have been able to make that a reality.

Starting last season as a Green Infrastructure seasonal, I was able to branch around the department through cross training opportunities and discover what really interested me. All the cross training was valuable, but one role stuck out to me, Hydrology Technician. This role is filled with all sorts of fun stream data collection and stream restoration that I took a strong interest in. Using these opportunities, I was then able to use my new skills and qualifications to apply as a Hydro Tech for the 2025 season.

Throughout the last 4 months, I have been able to expand my stream skills through various stream function assessment and restoration methods. Some of the main focuses of the summer were monitoring utilizing Bank Erosion Hazard Index (BEHI), Stream Crossing assessments to find possible fish passage projects, Large Woody Debris Index (LWDI), and hand scale restoration work by repairing berms of streams and wetlands as well as creating grade control. I was also able to participate in two full stream function surveys where we gather data on the stream’s geomorphology, bed material, surrounding vegetation, erosion along the banks, and wood located in the stream.

In addition to this, I was given the opportunity to complete a Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) course which resulted in receiving an EPA level 2 data collector certificate. My partner Chris and I were also able to lead volunteer events where we give volunteers the opportunity to learn all about what we do and experience it for themselves.

I am beyond thankful for Elizabeth and the entire Cleveland Metroparks for allowing me to gain such interesting and valuable skills and experiences. These skills are greatly beneficial to me as I continue with my degree and eventually into the full time workforce. This summer has been very unforgettable, and I thank all that were a part of it with me!

-Gabriel Zimmerman, Seasonal Hydrology Technician II '25

(M) Marine Debris Monitoring

August 10, 2025 @ Euclid Beach in Euclid Creek Watershed

[Photo Credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

WVP Opportunities

Key

(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.

(L) Certified Steward Exclusive: Cuyahoga by Boat⁺

Thu, Aug 21, 6:30-9 p.m. @ Merwin's Wharf, Lakefront Reservation

+This is a special event for Watershed Stewards who've achieved their certification.

(L) Watershed Wednesday: World Water Week: Speaker- Fisheries of the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie*

Wed, Aug 27, 5 - 8 pm @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed

(R) Work Session: Invasive Cattail Removal

Wed, Sep 3, 6 - 8 p.m. @ Lake Isaac, Big Creek Reservation in Rocky River Watershed

(M) Scenic Rivers Macro Monitoring

Tue, Sep 9 (Rain Date: Fri Sept 12), 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. @ Old River Farm Picnic Area, North Chagrin Reservation in Chagrin River Watershed

(M) Marine Debris Monitoring

Sun, Sep 14, 9 - 11 a.m. @ Euclid Beach in Euclid Creek Watershed

(M) Parks for Pollinators

Thu, Sep 18, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ TBD

(O) NEORSD Clean Water Fest

Sat, Sep 20, Three Shifts: 8-11 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 2-5 p.m. @ 4747 E. 49th St., Cleveland

(M) Parks for Pollinators

Sun, Sep 28, 1 - 3 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation

WVP volunteers, please log into Volgistics to register for primary events.

*Open to the public. Click Here or Email us for the registration link.

View Event Details

(L) Watershed Wednesday: The Fish Thief: A Great Lakes Mystery

August 13, 2025 @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed

[Photo Credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Opportunities With Our Partners

(S) Managing Native Landscapes: From Mulch to Maintenance

Thurs, Aug 21, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ St. Patrick Church, 3602 Bridge Ave., Cleveland, OH, 44113

So, you’ve planted a native tree, shrub, or garden. Now what?

Native landscapes need less maintenance, but they’re not “plant it and forget it.” Learn how tokeep them thriving with tips on mulching, pruning,seed saving, Fall care, plant ID, and more in thishands-on workshop!

FREE soil test kit, native plants. and resources (as supplies last)

Light refreshments will be provided.

Workshop is free but registration is required.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Take to the Lake

Sat, Aug 23, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. @ Lower Shaker Lake, Brook Rd. Shaker Heights

Doan Brook Watershed Partnership has been hosting our annual event Take to the Lake which was started in 2013 as a memorial to Lester Stumpe, an avid paddler and early DBWP board member. We typically host the event on the last Saturday in August and this years event details can be found below. Canoeing on the Shaker Lakes was a popular pastime in the first half of the 20th century, but public boating on the lakes is now less common. Take to the Lake gives participants a chance to resurrect this recreational opportunity for a day, and gain a new perspective on the lakes and their place in our watershed community. We hope you will join us for an afternoon of paddling, guided hikes, yoga, along the banks of historic Lower Shaker Lake.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Lower Lake Hike with Dr. Roy Larick & Shaker Historical Society

Sat, Aug 23, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. @ Lower Shaker Lake, Brook Rd. Shaker Heights

Join Dr. Roy Larick (Bluestone Conservation) and the Shaker Historical Society for a 90-minute interpretive hike around Lower Shaker Lake. Learn how Doan Brook emerged with the retreat of the last glacier 14,000 years ago. Comprehend the evolution of the native forest as snowbelt conditions came to the East Side Heights some 4,000 years ago. Take in the transformations brought about by Shaker milling nearly 200 years ago and by suburban development already 100 years in passing. Gain insight on the management choices we face as temperature and rainfall increase, and as alien plants and animals come to displace the natives. How can Doan Brook help us live more equitably with each other and with local nature?

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Baldwin Creek Dam Removal and Fish Passage Restoration Projects

Wed, Aug 27, 7 p.m. @ Mahler Museum 118 East Bridge St. Berea, OH 44017

Join us for a speaker event reviewing the historical efforts to remove seven low head dams along Baldwin Creek.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) The Plot Thickens Gardening Club August Meeting – All About Rain Gardens

Thurs, Aug 28, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Aurora Library, 115 E Pioneer Trail Aurora, 44202

Join TCWP’s Watershed Coordinator Matt Siefert as he discusses rain gardens with The Plot Thickens Gardening Club at the Aurora Memorial Library. This FREE event is limited to 25 people.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Invasive Plant Removal Drop In

Thurs, Aug 28, 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Must register for location)

Are you looking for a way to get involved at Cuyahoga Valley National Park? Join us for our invasive plant removal drop-in on Thursday, July 10, to improve habitat for native plants and wildlife! Invasive species overcrowd native species, making it difficult for them to thrive, which in turn affects the wildlife in the ecosystem. Your efforts will help improve soil quality, restore native plants, and create better habitat for native wildlife. Drop-ins are a great opportunity for both first-time volunteers and veteran volunteers to get involved in their national park.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Rain Barrel Workshop | Independence

Thurs, Sept 4, 6 - 7 p.m. @ Independence Civic Center, 6363 Selig Blvd., Independence, OH, 44131

Learn how to collect rainwater for outdoor use and help stop stormwater pollution in your community by making a rain barrel! A rain barrel is a container that collects and stores rainwater that would normally flow into a storm drain untreated. You can then use the collected water to water your lawn and garden. At this event, you’ll learn how to put together and set up your rain barrel. The $60 fee covers the cost of the workshop and all materials, including a 60-gallon barrel, drill bits, and a downspout diverter. If you want to create a two-barrel system, you can get a second barrel and linking kit for $40.

More Information and Registration Here

More (S)upplemental events can be found on our website here.

*WVP volunteers can submit supplemental hours in Volgistics under (S) Watershed Partner Event. Contact us if you need assistance reporting any hours.

(L) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series Rain Garden Tour & Brunch

August 17, 2025 @ Merwin's Wharf in Lake Erie Watershed

[Photo Credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Extras

News

Rare Freshwater Jellyfish Spotted Near Presque Isle in Lake Erie | Read on and watch a video of it here

[Photo Credit: USGS]

[Photo Credit: Biotom]

The Peach Blossum Jellyfish is the only known freshwater jellyfish.

And you can find them in the Great Lakes! But it ain't easy. In fact, it's very difficult to spot this animal anywhere in the wild. They're small, as can be quickly determined from viewing the pictures here. Size presents only part of the difficulty in locating these jellyfish, though; there's another reason as well. The article above dives into this info and much MORE. It also contains a quick video from somebody who recently recorded a Peach Blossum swimming near the surface of Lake Erie at Presque Isle Marina.

The Cleveland Water Taxi Is Now Running Daily on the Cuyahoga River | Read on and watch video here

This Central Ohio Company Is Innovating Sustainable Ways to Manage Stormwater | Watch video here

A Sinkhole Drained Benton Park Lake in St. Louis, Missouri! What's Next? And What Happened to Its Fish? | Watch video here

Dogs Are Mysteriously Dying in This Southern California Beach Town. What is Behind It? | Read on