The Watershed Stewardship Center during the Winter Solstice

December 21, 2023

[Photo credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Silver White Winters That Melt into Springs

WVP Stewards spent thousands of hours improving our watershed with nearly 100 events in 2023. Cheers to the old year as we move forward into the new with purpose. Take a look below for the many ways to stay involved during the cold season.

I look forward to seeing all of you in 2024.

Warm regards,

Sara Corrigan

WVP Coordinator

Happenings

WVP Natural Resources Winter Lecture Series

December

"The Recovery of Fish Populations in the Cuyahoga River Over the Past 50 Years" with Aquatic Biologist Mike Durkalec.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.

January

Join Research and Database Manager, Dr. Nathan Byer for "The Adapted Hunt Drift Fence Technique (AHDriFT): passive monitoring opportunities for small and elusive animals". A look at his AHDriFT work and how these efforts have improved our understanding of sensitive reptile and mammal communities in our parks

Wednesday, January 17, 2024 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.

February

Join Natural Resources Coordinator, Jen Brumfield for "The Secrets of Bird Migration", a deep dive into the astounding world of avian migration and Cleveland Metroparks' role in 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.

Monday, February 12, 2024 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.

March

Join Vegetation Research Coordinator, Sarah Eyesenbach for "Conservation Value Trees". Cleveland Metroparks Natural Resources Division is interested in 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.

Monday, March 4, 2024 from 6 - 7:30pm

WVP Opportunities

Winter crane fly on the snow, spotted during our December Winter Stonefly Survey

December 21, 2023

[Photo credit: Robert Bennett]

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.

(M) Work Session: Winter Stonefly Survey

Sat, Jan 13, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. @ Baldwin Creek

(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. @ Watershed Stewardship Center

(R) Work Session: Invasive Grapevine Removal

Fri, Jan 26, 12-2 p.m. @ Center Park, West Creek Reservation

(R) Work Session: Seed Processing

Wed, Jan 31, 6 - 8 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation

(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

(M) Work Session: Winter Stonefly Survey

Sat, Feb 17, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. @ Baldwin Creek

(R) Work Session: Seed Processing

Wed, Feb 21, 6 - 8 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation

(R) Work Session: Invasive Grapevine Removal

Sun, Feb 25, 3 - 5 p.m. @ Big Creek Parkway Near Stumph Rd, Big 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

Opportunities With Our Partners

(S) NEO Master Rain Gardener Fall/Winter 2023 Online Course

Self-Paced Course @ Online, registration through December 31, 2023

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.

The Residential Certification is geared toward homeowners who would like to install a rain garden in their own yard and serve as the neighborhood expert on rain gardens.

Professional Certification Classes are also available

More Details and Registration Here Cost $50

Cleveland Metroparks | Digital Emerald Necklace*

Read and Watch 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.