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Freshly Fallen Raindrops

North Chagrin Reservation in Chagrin River Watershed

[Image Credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

May in the Watershed: A Raindrop's Path


Pitter-patter on leaves, a soft refrain,

Wakes the soil with threads of rain.

In shallow dips and wooded bends,

Spring life stirs where the storm flow ends.

Raindrops gather, rush, and glide,

Carving paths the land can’t hide.


In Cleveland, May rain signals the true arrival of spring; it awakens the watershed. The rhythm of water falling on leafed-out trees and trickling into the soil breathes life into everything from hidden root systems to newly hatched tadpoles. This is the month when our local streams begin to hum with activity, and the land responds to the call of water.


But while spring rain feeds the forest floor and fills vernal pools, it also surges across our roads, rooftops, and parking lots. As of May 11th, Cleveland has received nearly two inches of rainfall (which is more than the average for the beginning of the month). On impervious surfaces, that water can’t soak in. It rushes toward storm drains, collecting whatever lies in its path: bits of trash, fertilizer, oil, sediment, and bacteria. These stormflows carve a trail through our neighborhoods and pour into our streams, shaping not just the land, but the health of our watershed.


Even small changes can soften that impact: a rain barrel beside the garage, a patch of native plants where turf grass once stood, a rain garden in a yard, or simply clearing debris from a storm drain. These are simple acts, but they give rain a gentler landing, letting it nourish instead of erode. When we learn to see the ripple effect of runoff, we begin to care not just what the water carries with it, but where it flows.


The next time it rains, step outside. Listen to the sound on the leaves. Watch where the water flows. Somewhere down the line, it’s joining a larger journey, one that begins on your block and ends in Lake Erie, our drinking water source and ecological treasure. Every drop has a path. 


-Michele Mumaw, PhD

WVP Assistant

Happenings

(R) Native Tree Planting

May 5, 2025 @ North Chagrin Reservation in Chagrin River 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) Tree Planting and Tree Planting Mentorship 

Thu, May 15, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. @ Garfield Park Reservation in Mill Creek Watershed 


(M) Marine Debris Monitoring 

Sun, May 18, 9 - 11 a.m. @ Euclid Beach in Euclid Creek Watershed


(L) Watershed Wednesday w/ Chagrin Rivers Watershed Partners: Rain Gardens and Native Plants: Good for the Watershed and Good for You 

Wed, May 21, 6 - 7:30 pm @ North Chagrin Reservation in Chagrin River Watershed 

 

(L) Green Infrastructure 101 Training* 

Fri, May 30, 6 - 7:30 pm @ Watershed Stewardship Center in West Creek Watershed 


(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series* 

Sun, Jun 1, 9 - 11 a.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed


(L) Watershed Wednesday w/ West Creek Conservancy

Wed, Jun 4, 6 - 7:30 pm @ Sterns Native Nursery, West Creek Conservancy in West Creek Watershed


(L) Tinker's Creek Fish Survey*

Fri, Jun 6, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Bedford Reservation in Tinker's Creek Watershed


(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series* 

Sun, Jun 8, 9 - 11 a.m. @ Wildwood, Euclid Creek Reservation in Euclid Creek Watershed


(M) Training Session: BEHI

Wed, Jun 11, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ The Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West 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, June 15, 9 - 11 a.m. @ Bear Parking Lot, Brookside Reservation in Big Creek Watershed 


(R) Work session: Bioswale Planting

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


(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series* 

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


(M) Marine Debris Monitoring 

Sun, June 29, 9 - 11 a.m. @ Euclid Beach in Euclid Creek 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) Deer Fence Construction

April 30, 2025 @ Camp Corde in West Creek Watershed

[Photo Credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Opportunities With Our Partners

(S) CVNP Annual Spring Bird Census

Sat, May 17, 7:30 a.m. @ Cuyahoga Valley National Park Headquarters

Be a citizen scientist! Birders of all experience levels are invited to participate in this annual spring outing, compiling vital population records for natural resource studies. Census participants will be assigned to a team and hike in small groups on unpaved trails, recording how many individuals of each species they see.

More Information and Registration Here


(S) Open House at Creekside Collaborative

Sat, May 17, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. @ 7000 Randolph Dr Parma, OH 44129

Join West Creek Conservancy to explore the Spice Field Kitchen Learning Gardens, shop their native plant sale, and hear from local experts on pollinators, soil health, and community food systems. You’ll also have the chance to connect with regional partners and pick up practical tips for building biodiversity in your own backyard.  

More Information and Registration Here


(S) Dorothy Mae Adams Pocket Park Planting

Sun, May 18, 2 - 3 p.m. @ Dorothy Mae Adams Pocket Park 

Please join DBWP Board member Jennifer Lumpkin for this planting at the Dorothy Mae Adams Pocket Park Planting. Dorothy Adams was a deeply committed member of our Board of Trustees for many years, and an incredible environmental advocate and leader in our community. Last year, DBWP was able to plant two pawpaw trees at the pocket park in her honor, and this year we plan to plant more trees, shrubs and other plants!

More Information and Registration Here


(S) Garlic Mustard Pull

Sun, May 18, 2 - 4 p.m. @ Highland Heights Community Park

Help CSWCD combat invasive garlic mustard in our public green spaces! This species is easy to identify and easy to pull by hand. We will have all the tools and supplies necessary but encourage you to bring your own water. Please wear long pants and closed-toed shoes to protect against poison ivy, thorns, and ticks. By registering for this event, you are also signing our volunteer waiver and photo release.

More Information and Registration Here


(S) Invasive Plant Removal Drop-in

Thurs, May 22, 1 - 3:30 p.m. @ Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Are you looking for a way to get involved at Cuyahoga Valley National Park? Join us for our Invasive Plant Removal Drop-in to improve habitat for native plants and wildlife. Invasive species overcrowd native species, making it difficult for them to thrive. Your efforts will help improve soil quality, restore native plants, and create better habitat for native wildlife. You will use hand tools such as loppers and saws to remove invasive plants.

More Information and Registration Here


(S) Debriefing the First 100 Days: Water Policy & Equity in the New Administration

Thurs, May 22, 2:00 p.m. @ Online

Join River Network, Clean Water for All, and the Water Equity and Climate Resilience (WECR) Caucus for a webinar providing updates related to water policy and a brief look at what’s on the horizon. This will include an overview of Executive Orders, appointments of key leadership positions, cuts to funding and federal agencies, and water policy changes. We’ll also have time for people to connect within and across coalitions to discuss implications, lessons learned from previous administrations, and how we can work together to advance shared goals in the current political landscape.  

More Information and Registration Here


(S) Foraged Fest

Thurs, May 22, 6 - 10 p.m. @ CLE Urban Winery

Join Tinker's Creek Watershed Partners for their 4th annual Foraged Fest at CLE Urban Winery in Cleveland Heights, bringing together 75 guests for an exclusive evening of exceptional food, wine, and environmental awareness. It will include and interactive chef demonstration and tasting, featuring locally foraged ingredients - along with tips on how to incorporate wild foods into everyday meals. Renowned Executive Chef Ben Bebenroth of Spice Catering - a leader in farm, forest, and field-to-table cuisine - will craft a seasonal menu featuring locally foraged ingredients and invasive species, transforming them into one-of-a-kind dining experience.

More Information and Registration Here


(S) Friends of the Doan Brook Gorge Habitat Stewardship

Sat, May 24, 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) Upper Cuyahoga River Canoe Cleanup

Sat, May 31, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Buchert Memorial Park

Hosted by the Ohio Scenic River Program & Upper Cuyahoga Scenic River Advisory Council. Come join us for a fun day out on the river at Buchert Memorial Park! Bring a canoe or borrow one from our group to help us keep our scenic river clean and pristine. This is a great opportunity to serve alongside your community, enjoy nature, and make a positive impact on the environment. Let's paddle together for a cleaner Cuyahoga!

More Information and Registration Here


(S) Native Plant Hike with Ursula McVey

Sat, May 31, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Doan Brook Gorge

Join Ursula McVey and Doan Brook Watershed Partnership for this exciting new hike through the Doan Brook Gorge! Ursula will share details about woodland plants, riparian zones, forest edges and urban ecology!

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

May 13, 2025 @ North Chagrin Reservation in Chagrin River Watershed

[Photo Credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Extras

News

Look Who Cleveland Metroparks Is Using to Find Spotted Lanternfly Eggs | Watch video here

 

(Not So) Luckey, Ohio: Officials to Test Water in the Village of Luckey After a Newspaper Probe Uncovers Dangerous Conditions | Read on

 

300-Year-Old Trees Along the Detroit River Gain Recognition as an Old Growth Forest | Read on

 

Giant Rodents Cuddle with Visitors at the Capybara Cafe in Florida | Read on and watch video here


A New Type of Rock Is Forming — and It’s Made of Our Trash | Read on



This is the Humphrey property in Bogota, Tennessee -- completely surrounded by floodwaters, but completely unaffected by them. Last month, heavy rainfall lead to very bad flooding throughout the state. The situation prompted mandatory evacuations and required the rescues for over 100 people who were stranded. The high water levels caused massive destruction; but the Humphreys were spared thanks to a levee system built by the family's two sons over the years. The reason? Dad always taught them to be prepared. Well, it paid off! In a town inundated by floodwaters, one home remained dry.

[Image Credit: Randy Gerald Moore (Taken from Aerial Drone Video)]

Jobs


Wetland Delineation & Permit Specialist

GPD Group - Independence, OH | Apply Here


Water Resources Engineer

Burgess & Niple - Cincinnati, OH | Apply Here


Senior Environmental Consultant/Wetland Scientist

Davey Resources Group - St. Paul, MN | Apply Here


Managing Director of Water Policy

The Ohio Environmental Council - Columbus, OH | Apply Here

(Apply by May 16 for priority consideration)


Water Quality Industrial Surveillance (WQIS) Field Technician

Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District - Cuyahoga Hts., OH | Apply Here


FT Ecological Restoration Construction Technician

EnviroScience - Stow, OH | Apply Here


Environmental Scientist

WSP - Cincinnati, Ohio | Apply Here


Natural Resource Specialist 3: Forest Heath Technician

Cleveland Metroparks | Apply Here


Public Engagement Coordinator

Westport River Watershed Alliance - Westport Massachusetts | Apply Here


Stream and Wetland Restoration Specialist

Burgess & Niple - Columbus, OH | Apply Here


Urban Green Internship - NEO Fresh Water Institute

Student Conservation Association

Westerville, OH | Apply Here


Water Resources Engineer

Biohabitats - Baltimore, MD | Apply Here


North Carolina Wetland Operation Lead

EnviroScience - Hendersonville, NC | Apply Here

 

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