A Korean Haenyeo prepares her diving mask with leaves of Mugwort (known as "ssuk" (쑥) in Korean) which will leave a film on the glass, preventing condensation.

[Image Credit: Alain Schroeder, "Grandma Divers" Series, 2021]

Know Thy Enemy: Mugwort

Last month, when WVP went to Euclid Beach to gather data for our Beach Debris Monitoring project, we were quite focused on counting and recording, hoping to finish up before the impending rain. We had formed little groups at the back of the beach, sheltered from the wind, huddling around small piles of plastic shards, straws, bottle caps, cigar tips, and other discarded fragments. I'm not sure who noticed the mugwort first but it seemed to cover the entire back beach. In fact, it was pretty amazing that no one had noticed it until that moment because it was everywhere that wasn't sand. I remember thinking that it seemed particularly bad this year, perhaps a product of the cool, wet weather. On my drive home, I thought about it with the sort of disdain that most people probably reserve for mortal enemies.

Can you spot the mugwort in this photo?

[Photo Credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

A couple of weeks later, I happened to be watching a documentary called "The Last of the Sea Women". In this film about Korean free divers, there's a scene where they're passing around mugwort. By rubbing it on their masks, it leaves a film that keeps their masks clear. It also serves a dual purpose, its intense herbal, menthol smell increasing their alertness. It's part of their tradition. That got me thinking about all of the other uses that the plant might have, and I fell down a research rabbit hole, many centuries deep. I felt a little silly for hating on mugwort so intensely and I resolved to chalk it up to the mugwort being the wrong plant in the wrong place. Still, if this is the wrong place for it, how do we identify it and remove it?

Common Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is a hardy perennial plant, native to Europe and Asia, known for its aromatic leaves and historical use in traditional medicine, considered an invasive species in North America due to its aggressive growth and ability to outcompete native plant species. Despite its beneficial properties, mugwort’s invasive behavior poses significant ecological challenges.

It usually grows between 2 to 5 feet tall with serrated, dark green leaves that have a silvery underside and dark stems. It produces small, petal-less, off-white to yellowish flowers in late summer and thrives in disturbed areas, roadsides, grasslands, wastelands and along riverbanks, tolerating a wide range of soil conditions.

The Ukrainian name for mugwort , chornóbyl', can be translated as 'black stalk', it is from this that the city of Chernobyl derrives its name.

[Photo Credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Its strong medicinal smell repels all manner of herbivores from groundhogs to beetles. Pollinators also stay away since mugwort is exclusively wind-pollinated, which means that it's a serious contributor to hay fever in humans. For these reasons, mugwort does not play a significant role in the food web.

Mugwort’s rapid spread through both seeds and an extensive underground rhizome system makes it difficult to control once established. It has alleopathic "powers" that allow it to form dense monocultures that displace native plants, reduce biodiversity, and alter soil composition.

To address this issue, various control measures must be employed. Mechanical removal, such as regular mowing and digging, can help, although the resilient rhizomes often regenerate. Chemical control, using herbicides, may be effective but requires multiple applications and careful handling to protect non-target species. Preventive strategies, including monitoring and early detection, along with maintaining healthy, competitive native plant communities, are also crucial.

We'll be out at Euclid Beach to take on mugwort this Thursday, June 12th from 10 a.m. -12 p.m. You can also push back on this worthy adversary on Monday, June 23rd from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Lakefront Administration.

Sara Corrigan

WVP Coordinator

Happenings

(L) Life in the Stream: Local Fish and Creek Critters Electrofishing Tinker's Creek Survey

June 6, 2025 @ Bedford Reservation in Tinker's 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.

(R) Invasive Mugwort Removal

Thu, Jun 12, 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. @ Wildwood Park in Euclid Creek Watershed

(L) Euclid Creek Fish Sampling*

Sat, Jun 14, 1 - 4 p.m.@ Wildwood Park, Euclid Creek Reservation in Euclid Creek Watershed

(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series*

Sun, Jun 15, 9 - 11 a.m. @ Bear Parking Lot, Brookside Reservation in Big Creek Watershed

(R) Volunteer Led Garlic Mustard Removal

Mon, Jun 16, 6 -8 p.m. @ Baldwin Lake in Baldwin Creek Watershed

(R) Work session: Bioswale Planting

Wed, Jun 18 (Rain Date: Fri, June 20), 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Brecksville Reservation in Chippewa Creek Watershed

(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series*

Sun, Jun 22, 9 - 11 a.m. @ Wolf Picnic Area, Huntington Reservation in Cahoon Creek-Frontal Lake Erie Watershed

(R) Invasive Mugwort Removal

Mon, Jun 23, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. @ Lakefront Administration, Lakefront Reservation in Doan Brook Watershed

(M) Training: Water Chemistry*

Thu, Jun 26, 6-8 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center's Laboratory, West Creek Reservation

(M) Marine Debris Monitoring

Sun, Jun 29, 9 - 11 a.m. @ Euclid Beach in Euclid Creek Watershed

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

Tue, Jul 1, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ TBD

(M) Marine Debris Monitoring

Sun, Jul 6, 9 - 11 a.m. @ Euclid Beach in Euclid Creek Watershed

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

Tue, Jul 8, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ TBD

(L) Watershed Wednesday w/ Geauga Park District

Wed, Jul 9, 6:30- 8 pm @ Veteran's Legacy Woods

(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series*

Sun, Jul 13 , 9 - 11 a.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed

(M) Scenic Rivers Macro Monitoring

Tue, Jul 15 (Rain Date: Fri July 18), 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. @ Old River Farm Picnic Area, North Chagrin Reservation in Chagrin River Watershed

(R) Work Session: Invasive Cattail Removal

Thur, Jul 17, 6 - 8 p.m. @ Lake Isaac, Big Creek Reservation in Rocky River Watershed

(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series*

Sun, Jul 20, 9 - 11 a.m. @ Wildwood, Euclid Creek Reservation in Euclid Creek Watershed

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

Tue, Jul 22, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ TBD

(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

Tue, Jul 29, 6 - 8 p.m. @ Lake Isaac, Big Creek Reservation in Rocky 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.

View Event Details

(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series

Can you spot the mugwort in this photo?

June 1, 2025 @ West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed

[Photo Credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Opportunities With Our Partners

(S) Henninger House Yard Maintenance

Wed, Jun 11, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. @ Henninger House, 5757 Broadview Rd Parma, OH 44134

Join West Creek Conservancy to keep the grounds of the historic Henninger House looking good! We will be weeding, planting and picking up trash. Dress for the weather and check your email before heading out for any last minute changes. Park in the adjacent shopping plaza.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Rain Barrel Workshop

Wed, Jun 11, 6 - 7 p.m. @ Lyndhurst 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) Plant the West Creek Confluence

Thu, Jun 12, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ The West Creek Confluence, 6404 Granger Rd Independence, OH 44131

We treated invasive teasel last month, let's replant with natives to help crowd out the invasives! Dress for the weather and check your email for any last minute changes prior to heading out. Water and snacks provided!

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Clean Water Webinar: Advocacy Ignites Action to Address Nitrate in Southeast Minnesota Groundwater

Thu, Jun 12, 1-2 p.m. @ Webinar

Join the Izaak Walton League of America for their Clean Water Webinar. In April 2023, environmental and public health groups in Minnesota asked the United States Environmental Protection Agency to use its emergency authority to address concerning nitrate levels in the groundwater of Southeast Minnesota. In response, the EPA called upon Minnesota agencies to make a plan and take accelerated action to address this public health concern. In this Clean Water Webinar, learn from Carly Griffith and Leigh Currie of the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy about the petition process, the EPA’s response, and the outlook for the future.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Rain Garden Planting

Thu, June 12, 6-7:30 p.m. @ Olmsted Township Town Hal

Help plant a rain garden at Olmsted Township Town Hall and learn about the benefits of native plants for everyone!

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Wildflower Garden Maintenance at Creekside Collaborative

Sat, Jun 14, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Creekside Collaborative, 7000 Randolph Dr Parma, OH 44129

Help keep our wildflower garden looking lovely! We need help weeding and mulching our garden. Dress for the weather and check your email for any last minute changes before heading out!

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Nine Mile Gorge Escarpment Ravine Hike with Dr. Roy Larick

Sat, Jun 14, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. @ Nine Mile Gorge

The Nine Mile gorge is the ambitious ‘hike of hikes’ for the East Side escarpment. It will run for two hours in unimproved rugged terrain. Safety is paramount. The gorge entry and exit involves a very steep slope across a 60-ft elevation change. This hike requires hikers to be comfortable navigating steep, slippery and at times uneven surfaces.

During the Hike, Dr. Roy Larick will share information about the ecology and natural history of the area, so come prepared to learn!

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Wildflower Garden Maintenance at Creekside Collaborative

Wed, Jun 18, 2 - 4 p.m. @ Creekside Collaborative, 7000 Randolph Dr Parma, OH 44129

Help keep our wildflower garden looking lovely! We need help weeding and mulching our garden. Dress for the weather and check your email for any last minute changes before heading out!

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Friends of the Doan Brook Gorge Habitat Stewardship

Sat, Jun 21, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Doan Brook Gorge

A few years ago, some friends got together to start removing invasive species and planting native species in the Doan Brook Gorge in the hopes of making it a more resilient and accessible spot for community members to spend time in nature. Filled with meandering trails and multiple waterfalls, the Doan Brook Gorge is a beautiful and often under-utilized natural area of the Doan Brook watershed.

This year, we are hosting 6 “Habitat Stewardship Days” which will involve invasive species removal, native tree plantings, and so much more! Join us in helping to make the Doan Brook Gorge a more biodiverse and welcoming outdoor space for all!

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Growing Green Leaders | Summer Educator Training

Tue, Jun 24, 9:30 a.m. @ University of Akron Field Station

Are you wondering how to support the youth you work with as they grow into the environmental leaders of tomorrow? Whether you work in the classroom, with a scout troop or with your own children, this workshop can help you open up new pathways for young green leaders.

Explore local environmental education resources at the field station and beyond. Get certified in nationally recognized environmental education curriculum such as Project WET, Project WILD and Project Learning Tree.

Each day in the series will stand alone, so you can choose whether to attend 1, 2, or all 3 days!

Participants will be eligible for a $75 dollar stipend for each day they attend.

Participants who attend all 3 days and complete a final reflection are eligible for 1 free credit hour of graduate credit from Ashland University.

Lunch and snacks will be provided.

Please register no later than Friday June 6th to ensure we can prepare all the materials needed for you.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Henninger House Yard Maintenance

Wed, Jun 25, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. @ Henninger House

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Rain Barrel Workshop

Wed, Jun 25, 6 - 7 p.m. @ Richmond Heights 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.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Family Fishing Day

Sat, Jun 28, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. @ Rockefeller Lagoon

Join Doan Brook Watershed Partnership and Cleveland Metroparks at Rockefeller Lagoon for Family Fishing Day! Every year we host Family Fishing Day at Rockefeller Lagoon. This free event is an opportunity for people of all ages and experience levels to enjoy a day of fishing and watershed education. Children, senior citizens and veterans will receive a free fishing rod while supplies last, and experienced fishing instructors will be onsite. This venue is wheelchair accessible, and we welcome participants of all abilities.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) UP! A Creek 2025

Sat, Jun 28, 6 - 1 1 p.m. @ Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

West Creek Conservancy's major annual fundraiser. This event brings together over 500 supporters for an evening of conservation celebration. Enjoy small bites, drinks, raffles, live music, and more. This event brings together over 500 supporters for an evening of conservation celebration.

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) Watershed Wednesday w/ West Creek Conservancy

June 4, 2025 @ Creekside Collaborative Native Nursery in West Creek Watershed

[Photo Credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Extras

News

* * * Breaking News * * *

The brand new flamingo statue featured in Parma and Pink Flamingos: Part 1 is not on

location anymore. It was stolen three days after our previous newsletter release.

Authorities have arrested two men and they are awaiting trial set for June 24th.

* * * * * *

Below is the second and final part of this write-up, which

features the other flamingo statue in the city.

Parma and Pink Flamingos: Part 2

More Current Events

The replacment flamingo statue is shown below. It was put up in April of this year and is located on West Ridgewood Drive at Anthony Zielinski Park, somewhat close to the former Ridgewood Lake (which now functions as a stormwater retention basin for flood management). The original was erected at the exact same spot in January of 2024. Parma resident Bob Funk donated $2,000 for that statue's creation and dedicated it to his wife and daughter, both of whom died from breast cancer. Unfortunately, attempted theft occurred several months after installation.

Following that fateful night, the flamingo -- damaged and battered -- was found down the road because the culprits couldn't fit it into their car trunk. Those people were eventually caught with the help of surveillance video footage. Three men were each sentenced to 10 days in jail as well as ordered to pay a $500 fine and complete 500 hours of community service with half of them to be served at cancer-fighting entities. Then in a gesture of kindness, Ward 6 City Councilman Kevin Kussmaul and Congressman Max Miller joined forces to pay for a replacement statue.

Got some spare time? Go check out the area up close!

[Image Credit: Bob Bennett]

Future Events ====>

Another flamingo statue is being planned and will likely land at Ridgewood Golf Course after the completion of the new event center/clubhouse this Fall.