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Hydrology Seasonals Chris and Gabe Observing Construction at the Baldwin Creek Dam Removal Project

[Image Credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Baldwin Creek Dam Removal



Your friendly stream restoration ecologist Elizabeth Hiser reporting in here "from the field" with an update on our Baldwin Creek Dam Removal Project.


With the support of Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District and the City of Akron sponsorship through Ohio EPA's Water Resource Restoration Sponsor Program (WRRSP) program we are building on the excellent work of Cuyahoga SWCD and Rocky River Watershed Council in removing a fourth dam from Baldwin Creek.


After much planning and design by the Biohabitats team, and residential building demolition by Schirmer Construction this spring, I am happy to report that Meadville Land Services (MLS) has successfully removed the dam (and upstream bridge) just downstream of Eastland Road and Baldwin Creek is free flowing.


This dam removal will help restore near normal hydrology and sediment transport in Baldwin Creek and bring this segment of Baldwin Creek into full attainment of Warmwater Habitat (WWH) status as well as improve aquatic organism passage upstream of the dam.


With the bridge and dam out, now the fun work of 510 linear feet of stream restoration can begin. MLS will build two riffles, add pool habitat and create floodplain benching to help stabilize and reconnect Baldwin Creek. The stream restoration work will help set the stage for restoration of ecosystem function in the floodplain and adjacent habitats as newly planted native seed and trees start to reclaim former residential structure footprints.


Stay tuned the Baldwin Creek Dam Removal page on our website for progress updates on the project and final restoration photos.


We hope to see you at the Watershed Wednesday: Greenbrier Valley Restoration Project tonight to see a completed Biohabitats project - I'm excited to share a few fun stories about that effort learned from the construction team at our Baldwin Creek Dam Removal Project.


Fondly,

Elizabeth Hiser, Stream Restoration Ecologist



Happenings

(L) Watershed Wednesday: Garfield Park Pond and Stream Restoration

July 9, 2025 @ Garfield Park Reservation in Mill 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) Watershed Wednesday w/ Rocky River Watershed*

Wed, Jul 23, 6 - 7:30 pm @ Greenbriar Valley in North Royalton


(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series* 

Sun, Jul 27, 9 - 11 a.m. @ Bear Parking Lot, Brookside Reservation in Big Creek Watershed 


(M) Large Woody Debris Index & Bank Erosion Hazard Index

Tue, Jul 29, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ TBD


(R) Work Session: Invasive Cattail Removal

Thu, Jul 31, 6 - 8 p.m. @ Lake Isaac, Big Creek Reservation in Rocky River Watershed


(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series* 

Sun, Aug 3, 9 - 11 a.m. @ Wolf Picnic Area, Huntington Reservation in Cahoon Creek-Frontal Lake Erie Watershed


(M) Large Woody Debris Index & Bank Erosion Hazard Index

Tue, Aug 5, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ TBD


(L) Watershed Wednesday w/ West Creek Conservancy*

Wed, Aug 6, 6 - 7:30 pm @ Stickney Creek, Brooklyn’s Veterans Memorial Park


(M) Marine Debris Monitoring 

Sun, Aug 10, 9 - 11 a.m. @ Euclid Beach in Euclid Creek Watershed


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

Wed, Aug 13, 6 - 7:30 pm @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed


(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series Brunch Celebration+

Sun, Aug 17 , 9 - 11 a.m. @ Merwin's Warf 

+This event is only for WVP Volunteers who attended a Green Infrastructure Gardening Series event during the summer.


(R) Invasives Removal

Tue, Aug 19, 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. @ North Chagrin Reservation in Chagrin River Watershed


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) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series

July 13, 2025 @ West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed

[Photo Credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Opportunities With Our Partners

(S) Rain Barrel Workshop

Wed, July 23, 6 - 7 p.m. @ Beachwood Community Center

Learn how to collect rainwater for outdoor use and help stop stormwater pollution in your community by making a rain barrel!

 At this event, you’ll learn how to put together and set up your rain barrel. If you prefer, you can pick up your rain barrel and build it at home using an online video.

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 connector kit for an extra $40.

More Information and Registration Here


(S) Invasive Plant Removal Drop In

Thurs, July 24, 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) City of Vermilion Green Bike Tour

Thurs, July 24, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. @ Ritter Public Library

The Ohio Coastal Training Program is teaming up with Erie Conservation District to bring our annual Green Bike Tour to the City of Vermilion! This tour is a FREE event open to anyone interested in learning about all the innovative stormwater & sustainability solutions in Vermilion. Registration is not required, but it is strongly encouraged.

Join us to learn how "Green" Stormwater Management practices are helping to minimize negative stormwater impacts in Lake Erie, while enjoying a beautiful bike ride before sunset! This event is BYOB (Bring your own BIKE!), and riders are encouraged to bring their own water bottles, sunscreen and desired protective gear; hi-vis safety vests will be provided.

More Information and Registration Here


(S) Master Rain Gardener Class

Registration open now, course runs Aug 8-29, 2 - 4 p.m. @ Mayfield Branch, Cuyahoga County Public Library

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 (see timeline below). Each class is from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm. The end time of each class may extend depending on the optional field trip location(s). Classes also include homework, quizzes, individualized feedback. Light snacks will be provided.

This course will provide you with the information and experience to build your own rain garden and become a Certified Master Rain Gardener. We recognize that not everyone can build a rain garden on their own property though, so you can also become certified by participating in a public rain garden building, volunteering at a public rain garden, or passing along your new expertise to the public (i.e. presenting to your garden club, at a public library, etc.)

Upon certification, you’ll receive a Master Rain Gardener t-shirt, sign, and certificate (included in the cost of registration).

More Information and Registration Here


(S) PADDLE: Cascade Valley to Northampton Point

Sat, Aug 3, 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. @ Cascade Valley to Northampton Point

We’ll use two new boat launches for this paddle. The first--our put-in--is in the Valley View area of Summit Metro Parks’s Cascade Valley Metro Park; it opened last summer. Our take-out will be the brand new Northampton Point access point, which just opened this July.

This section of the Cuyahoga shows mixed use: wooded parkland with intrusions from agriculture, recreation, and commercial and residential development. Akron's wastewater treatment plant discharges into the river just upstream of a large, active heron rookery. A lively current adds interest, and in-stream downed trees (strainers) demand caution. Only for paddlers who can control a boat in moving water.

Don't forget your water, sunscreen, and hat. And, as always, your PFD!

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.

(M) Scenic Rivers Macro Monitoring

July 15, 2025 @ North Chagrin Reservation in Chagrin River Watershed

[Photo Credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Extras

News

 

This is Samuel McKown and his dog Rusty at their commercial farm, which specializes in hay and cattle sales. It's located in the City of Shelby (Richland County) and was recently featured in Ohio's Country Journal. Sam named the place Watershed Ranch due to the unique positioning of the land. Rainfall on the northern side of the farm touches down and eventually flows into Lake Erie while rainfall on the southern side of the farm touches down and eventually flows into the Ohio River. These patterns occur because Watershed Ranch straddles something called the St. Lawrence Continental Divide, a natural and rather lengthy drainage boundary. The article directly below talks about the portion of this geologic feature that passes through Northeast Ohio and why understanding how it works is important.

Northeast Ohio's Watershed Divide Shapes a Water Runoff Pathway to Either Lake Erie or the Ohio River | Read on


Cleveland Clinic Physician Urges Caution While Swimming This Summer | Read on


The World's Largest Rubber Duck Will Be Visiting Put-in-Bay in August | Read on and watch video here


Black Carp Bounty Program: Fishermen in 27 States Can Fight Invasives and Earn $1000 per Month | Read on


The Country of France Ordered to Compensate the Family of a Jogger Killed by Toxic Algae | Read on

Jobs


Restoration Specialist

Wetlands Initiative - Hennepin, IL | Apply Here


Senior Wetland Biologist

WSP - Buffalo, NY | Apply Here


Project Scientist

Mad Scientist Associates - Westerville, OH | Apply Here


Hydrologist II 

Kent Conservation District – New Castle, Delaware | Apply Here 


Stormwater Program Internship (deadline for application is July 25!)

Cuyahoga County Soils and Water Conservation District - Cleveland, OH | Apply Here


Intern - Water Quality

Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency - Cleveland, OH | Apply Here


Consultant/Lead Wetland Delineator (search Ohio, keyword Delineator)

ERM Group – Multiple Ohio Locations | Apply Here


Environmental Technician – Environmental Site assessment & Remediation Team

Wetland Studies & Solutions – Virginia Beach, VA | Apply Here


Grounds and Restoration Technician

Appalachian Headwaters - Lewisburg West Virginia | Apply Here


Wetland Scientist and also Water Resources Engineer

Chagrin Valley Engineering - Cleveland, OH | Apply Here


Environmental Scientist

WSP - Multiple Ohio Locations | Apply Here

 

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