Invasive Chinese Mantis (Tenodera sinensis)

August 30, 2024, West Creek Reservation

[Photo credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Praying or Preying?

How many of us have thought fondly of the praying mantis? We know that we should encourage and protect these noble hunters who keep our gardens and natural areas safe from "bad" bugs, right? Or have we been operating under a misapprehension?

We're honored to have a guest contributor for this issue of WVP Enews, Jen Brumfield, Cleveland Metroparks Natural Resources Coordinator, to illuminate and educate us on Mantids:

Established throughout the eastern US in the 1890's, European and Chinese Mantids are non-native species that have acclimated exceptionally well to Northeast Ohio's and Cleveland Metroparks' open habitats. Often labeled "a gardener's best friend," charismatic praying mantids can be a common sight in fields, meadows and forest edges throughout our region. Unfortunately, however, these large, bold, and aggressive species are indiscriminate predators of all insects - not just garden pests. Invasive mantids threaten our now-rare native mantid, Carolina Mantis, as well as other highly-beneficial insects and pollinator species with declining populations. While predator-prey relationships are commonplace throughout all habitat systems, the overabundance of these non-native generalist predators is a heavy threat to the ecological balance of butterfly, moth, bumblebee, flower fly, and other pollinator species populations.

Chinese mantis consuming a monarch butterfly.

[Photo credit: Kevin Fryberger, Brandywine Conservancy]

One method of controlling exotic mantids is to selectively remove and destroy egg masses (oothecae) in late fall through early spring. Each egg mass can hold upwards of 300 eggs, and oothecae are easily recognized and identified during the winter months. Several opportunities will be availabe for WVP volunteers to join us in the field to detect and remove non-native mantid egg cases. This new effort will continue annually as a management tool for protecting native insect communities.

Look for opportunities to take part in our monthly invasive mantid culling from December through March.

Invasive Chinese Mantis Oothecae (egg case)

This species has egg masses that are easily identified by its distinctive "burnt marshmallow" appearance

September 29, 2024, West Creek Reservation

[Photo credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Watershed Spotlight

Spooky Center

Love things that go bump (or squirm) in our watersheds? Help us showcase the spooky side of creeks at the Spooky Center! From creepy-crawly critters to eerie underwater mysteries, it's a chance to share some frightfully fun facts about the hidden world of macroinvertebrates. It's the perfect mix of nature, knowledge, and Halloween spookiness.

If this sounds like squirm-tastic macroinvertebrate fun, join us at the family-friendly Spooky Center on Saturday, Oct 26, 2024 from 11 am-1:30 pm or 1:30-4 pm at the Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation. WVP volunteers will educate visitors with our live macroinvertebrate display. Costumes and Halloween attire are encouraged but not necessary.

Happenings

(R) Seed Collection

Oct 9, 2024, Nathan & Esther Rzepka Park, South Chagrin Reservation

[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.

(M) Overview and Training: Salt Watch

Sat, Oct 19, 10 - 11:30 a.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation

(L) A Look at Big Creek and its Past and Future Forest Ecology with Dr. Roy Larick*

Mon, Oct 21, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Windows on the World, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

(R) Shrub Planting

Wed, Oct 23, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Camp Corde, West Creek Reservation

(R) Seed Collection

Sat, Oct 26,10 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Hinckley Reservation

(O) Spooky Center

Sat, Oct 26,11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. & 1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation

(R) Shrub Cutting

Fri, Nov 8,1 - 3 p.m. @ Lake Isaac or Brighton Park

(L) Seed Paper Making

Sat, Nov 9,10 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation

(M) Talk: Monitoring Celebration and Program Updates*

Wed, Nov 13, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation

(R) Invasives Removal

Fri, Nov 22,10 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Baldwin Lake, Mill Stream 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

(R) Tree Caging

Oct 8, 2024, Brighton Park

[Photo credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Opportunities With Our Partners

(S) BUI Removal Celebration & Champion of the River

Thurs, Oct 17, 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. @ Edgewater

Join Cuyahoga River AOC's beach clean up and celebrate their 2024 Champion of the River, the City of Cuyahoga Falls.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Habitat Restoration: Volunteer Seed Collection

Tues, Oct 22, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. @ Location provided after registration

Join the Cuyahoga Valley National Park for seed collection drop-in. We will be collecting seeds to be grown in the park’s native plant nursery! Your efforts will help improve soil quality, restore native plants, and create better habitat for native wildlife.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Drinkers for Tinker's 2024

Tues, Oct 22, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. @ North Water Brewing

Join Tinker's Creek Watershed Partners to support clean water. Come out for a evening of craft drinks. and tacos, great company, and a fantastic cause - helping protect Tinker's Creek and its watershed.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Make a Difference Day: Invasive Plant Removal

Wed, Oct 23, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. @ Location provided after registration

Join the Cuyahoga Valley National Park for invasive plant removal to improve habitat for native plants and wildlife.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Rain Barrel Workshop - Rocky River

Wed, Oct 23, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. @ Rocky River Memorial Hall

Learn how to harvest rainwater for all your garden needs and to combat stormwater pollution in your community by constructing a rain barrel.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Make a Difference Day: Invasive Plant Removal

Thur, Oct 24, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. @ Location provided after registration

Join the Cuyahoga Valley National Park for invasive plant removal to improve habitat for native plants and wildlife.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Fishing Workshop with Cleveland Metroparks Youth Outdoors

Sat, Oct 26, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. @ Rockefeller Lagoon

Doan Brook Watershed Partnership and Cleveland Metroparks Youth Outdoors are hosting a joint workshop providing instruction and support for both beginner and advanced fisher people. Loaner fishing poles and bait (while supplies last) will be provided.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Make a Difference Day: Invasive Plant Removal

Sat, Oct 26, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. @ Location provided after registration

Join the Cuyahoga Valley National Park for invasive plant removal to improve habitat for native plants and wildlife.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Creature of the Water

Sun, Oct 27, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. @ Liberty Park

Join Summit Metroparks to learn about the strange yet interesting creatures that live in streams and wetlands. We will discuss several species of crayfish, fresh water mussels and the Hellbender, the largest species of salamander in Ohio. Learn why they are critical to local waterways and how they act as indicator species when something is going wrong.

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.

Recording Hours with WVP

(R) Shrub Planting

Oct 3, 2024, Garfield Park Reservation

[Photo credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Extras

News

What Makes Those Big Webs in Trees Around Ohio? | Read on

Webs on a Walnut Tree in Southeastern Ohio

At some point, you've probably seen giant webs like this hanging from trees in the late summer and early fall. But do you know what makes them? The article above covers these creepy structures, and their creators, in detail. And no, it's not giant spiders making them........but stay tuned for large arachnids in the next Enews!

[Photo Credit: Joe Boggs (OSU Extension)]