Watershed volunteer carefully removing poison ivy

Aug 4, 2024, (R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series @ Wildwood, Euclid Creek Reservation

[Photo credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Leaves of Three, Let It Be

But for Animals, It’s a Treat You See

Eastern Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), the plant notorious for causing allergic contact dermatitis in tens of millions of Americans each year, is well known by watershed stewards. In many of the WVP’s restorative efforts, the plant can be frequently found since it likes to grow in open areas with a lot of sunlight such as trails and roadsides, forest gaps in wooded areas, thickets, clearings, and along streams. While at first appearance the plant may appear harmless, its leaves, stems, and roots all contain the oil-like active compound, urushiol, year-round. Since breaking or burning any component of the plant releases urushiol and elicits a response in about 85% of the population, and 10-15% are extremely allergic, the best practice for avoiding exposure is to follow the saying “Leaves of three, let it be”.

However, it is not always possible to avoid poison ivy, and you may only realize you’ve encountered it after the fact. As soon as possible, the exposed area should be washed with cold water and mild soap to remove as much of the substance as possible. In addition, commercially available products are available, e.g. Tecnu, for postexposure treatment. It is also important to remember that since it is sticky, colorless, and odorless substance, it can be spread by coming in contact with clothing, tools, or fur of animals that were exposed to poison ivy.

Leaves

Unripened Berries

Vine

Poison Ivy @ North Chagrin Reservation

[Photo credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

While it is easy to focus on the dreaded rash caused by poison ivy, it is vital to recognize that the native plant also plays a beneficial role. Poison ivy is an important food source for wildlife. Bees and flies pollinate the flowers in the spring. Caterpillars feed on the leaves. The white, waxy berries are food for birds during migration and later during the winter. Deer and small mammals browse on the leaves, twigs, and berries. Below the surface, the roots of the plant help stabilize soil and prevent erosion. 

With poison ivy set to thrive in a warming world, it is possible we will encounter it even more in the future. In recognition of that fact that it is a known hazard for outside work, but it is a native plant with a beneficial role, perhaps the common phrase could be adapted to acknowledge caution while also bringing awareness to its ecological importance, “Leaves of three, let it be, but for animals, it’s a treat you see.”

Best,

Michele Mumaw

WVP Assistant

Acacia Stewardship Activities, removing thistle and mugwort

Aug 9, 2024, Acacia Reservation

[Photo credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

(L) 2024 Midwest Beaver Summit

Wed, Aug 28, 12 - 4 p.m. @ Upland Classroom, Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation

(L) Cuyahoga by Boat Certified Steward Tour - Registration Full, Waitlist Available

Thu, Aug 29, 6:30 - 9 p.m. @ Merwin's Wharf, Lakefront Reservation

(M) The Lives of Dragonflies & Damselflies

Fri, Aug 30, 5:30 - 8 p.m. @ Upland Classroom, Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation

(R) Work Session: Invasive Buckthorn

Fri, Sep 6, 10- 12 p.m. @ Lake Isaac, Big Creek Reservation

(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 

(M) The Lives of Dragonflies & Damselflies

Thu, Sep 12 @ Upland Classroom, Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation

(L) Cleveland Metroparks Nature Forum

Sat, Sep 14, SAVE THE DATE

(M) Training: Water Chemistry*

Tue, Sep 17, 6-8 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center's Laboratory, West Creek Reservation

(O) NEORSD Clean Water Fest

Sat, Sep 21, Three Shifts: 8-11 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 2-5 p.m., 4747 E. 49th St., Cleveland 

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

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

(R) Work Session: Invasive Cattail Removal

Aug 14, 2024, Lake Isaac, Big Creek Reservation

[Photo credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

(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) 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. 

More Information and Registration Here 

(S) Water Quality Talk and Stream Sampling

Thu, Aug 29, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. @ Plum Creek

Learn about what makes a stream healthy with Cuyahoga SWCD. You will be using sampling equipment to test the water quality of Plum Creek in Olmsted Falls. 

More Information and Registration Here 

(S) Cuyahoga River by Boat

Tue & Thu, 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.

More Details and Registration Here

(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) Rain Barrel Workshop

Sat, Sep 7, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Join Tinkers Creek as they instruct you on how to build a rain barrel. Includes one rain barrel and diverter kit.  Price: $60

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 

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.

(R) Work Session: Invasive Cattail Removal

Aug 14, 2024, Lake Isaac, Big Creek Reservation

[Photo credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Alligator Warning Sign on a Lake Erie Beach from the Port Authority in Erie, PA

Recently, an alligator was spotted and recorded swimming in Lake Erie. You can watch a video of the reptile and get additional details to the situation in the news article directly below. If the animal is a former pet intentionally released into the waterbody, then such abandonment is in violation of Pennsylvania's cruelty laws. A convicted person could face a summary offense (up to a $750 fine), a misdemeanor offense (up to a $2000 fine), or a felony offense (leading to arrest) if abandonment of the animal results in serious injury or death.

[Photo Credit: Nicholas Sorensen/Erie Times-News]

There's An Alligator in Lake Erie! Yup, You Read That Right. | Read on and watch a video of the sighting here

Frogs Bring a Community Together in Valley City, Ohio | Read on

Wildlife Expert Gives Advice for Non-Violently Deterring Geese After a Blow Dart Incident in Findlay, Ohio | Read on and watch video here

See the Unexpected Material Being Used to Rebuild the Louisiana Coast | Watch video here

Saving a Sea Monkey Sanctuary | Read on

Water Quality Program Coordinator (Closing 8/22)

Upper Mississippi River Basin Association - Bloomington, MN | Apply Here

Conservation Program Manager or Coordinator, Habitat

Clean River Partners - Northfield, MN | Apply Here

PT Administrative Support

Ohio Stormwater Association - Central Ohio Location | Apply Here

GIS Technician

Western Reserve Land Conservancy - Cleveland, OH | Apply Here

Environmental Technician

MAD Scientist Association - Westerville, OH | Apply Here

Environmental Designer

Wildlands Engineering - Charlotte, NC | Apply Here

Environmental Scientist - Entry Level

Enviroscience - Stow, OH | Apply Here

Biologist - Richmond, VA | Apply Here

Field Ecologist III (Pennsylvania or Ohio) | Apply Here

Engineering Project Manager Ohio, New York or Pennsylvania | Apply Here

EDR - Environmental Design and Engineering

Drainage Engineer

Lorain County Conservation District - Elyria, OH | Apply Here

Director of Green and Blue Infrastructure

Environmental Design Group - Columbus, OH or Akron, OH | Apply Here

Seasonal Conservation Maintenance

Summit County Metroparks - Barberton, OH | Apply Here

NOWCorps Environmental Training and Outreach Specialist

Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve (Huron, OH) | Apply Here

*All openings for 2024-2025 NOWCorps positions can be found if you page down at this link

Staff Fluvial Geomorphologist - Delaware

Water Resources Engineer - Delaware

Aquatic Restoration Staff Scientist

(Geomorphologist, Ecologist, Biologist - Oregon | Apply Here (All)

Inter-Fluve