(R) WVP Invasive Shrub Management Near Baldwin Lake

Nov 22, 2024, Mill Stream Run Reservation

[Image credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Thank Goodness...

Tomorrow, many of us will prepare a meal based on native New World foods interpreted through a sentimental lens. Technically, we're not doing bad since most of the foods that we'll be overeating are of the Americas, just not exactly what might have been served at the mythologized first Thanksgiving. It turns out that many of our favorites would have been impossible without the import of things like wheat and refined sugar, and there was most likely a lot of fish on the menu. Native, non-native species and fish are all things that Watershed Stewards are familiar with. We often find ourselves in seemingly eternal battles against invasive species. However, there has recently been some good news on the aquatic invasives front in our Great Lakes.

Sea Lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) are parasites that became predators when they entered the fresh water habitat of the Laurentian Great Lakes. They were first observed in Lake Ontario in 1835, where they remained contained by the natural barrier of Niagara Falls until the Welland Canal allowed them to bypass the falls and move into Lake Erie around 1921. By the late 1930s, they had been recorded in all of the Great Lakes. Attempts to contain them through different methods failed until the 1950s when scientists discovered that the chemical 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM) could be used as a lampricide that targeted metabolic characteristics unique to sea lampreys, during their larval stage. TFM isn't known to affect "true fish", although it's not without issue. It can be problematic for certain amphibians and primitive bony fish such as sturgeon. TFM has helped to contain this invasive population over the years, and newer chemicals and techniques have made further progress. Understanding and exploiting their genetics seems to be on the horizon and there is exciting research on physical barriers. All of this must be carefully balanced with studies on what consequences these actions may have on the food web and physical environment.

Human impact on native plant and animal populations through willing or accidental introduction of non-natives species has historically been a pandora's box with no good remedies and no end in sight. In this particular case, scientists estimate that the problem may be eradicated in a little over half a century. This is not for the impatient, but it is a win and it's important to remember that our struggles can have an effect.

I haven't included any imagery of lampreys here (and for this you can be thankful) but if you'd care to learn more, recent articles include MSU Today's "MSU leads project hailed as 'Holy Grail' of invasive species control" or "How scientists claimed victory over an invasive Great Lakes bloodsucker" in the latest issue of National Geographic. I recommend checking them out, after your last piece of pie.

With gratitude,

Sara Corrigan

WVP Coordinator

Watershed Spotlight

WVP End of the Year Celebration

As the year draws to a close, we invite you to celebrate the remarkable impact you've made to our watersheds! Join us for an evening filled with gratitude, memories, and a look back on the collective achievements of our incredible volunteers.

We'll have food, refreshments, and watershed trivia. We'll recognize this year's stand out volunteers and provide a sneak peak at the exciting events coming up in 2025. This is a great opportunity to reconnect with fellow volunteers and enjoy a celebration for all your hard work and dedication to our watersheds.

Thank you for making this year unforgettable - we can't wait to celebrate with you!

WVP Volunteers RSVP here

Public Volunteers RSVP here

Salt Watch Reminder

Salt Watch Volunteers: It's time to take your baseline sample.

Questions? Email us

Happenings

(R) WVP Native Seed Processing (Penstemon digitalis )

Nov 19, 2024, West Creek 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.

(R) Invasive Buckthorn and Black Alder Removal

Fri, Dec 6, 10a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Bunn Lake, Bradley Woods Reservation

**(O) WVP End of the Year Gathering*

Mon, Dec 9, 6 - 8 p.m. Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation

(R) Work Session: Seed Processing

Mon, Dec 16, 6 - 8 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation

(R) Invasive Mantis Egg Case Removal with Jen Brumfield

Wed, Dec 18, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Acacia 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) WVP Native Seed Processing (Baptisia australis)

Nov 19, 2024, West Creek Reservation

[Photo credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Opportunities With Our Partners

(S) The Friends of Euclid Creek Holiday Party

Tues, Dec 3, 6 p.m. @ Mulligan's Pub and Grill

Join the Friends of Euclid Creek for an end of the year send off with friends and delicious food! We will also provide highlights of this year and what you can expect to see in 2025.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Cuyahoga SWCD: Master Rain Gardener Self-Paced Online Class

Learn to design, dig and plant your own rain garden!! Rain gardens capture and soak in rainwater that runs off hard surfaces like roofs and driveways while filtering pollutants that would otherwise flow to our storm drains and into our creeks and streams. Share your knowledge and become your community’s expert on rain gardens. By the end you have your rain garden all planned out, and you are ready to dig, build a rain garden and become a Master Rain Gardener!

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) WVP Invasive Shrub Management Near Baldwin Lake

Nov 22, 2024, Mill Stream Run Reservation

[Photo credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Extras

News

Give the Gift of Ohio’s Great Outdoors This Holiday Season | Read on

What's Old Is New Again -- Cleveland Installs Recycled Rubber Sidewalks in Some Neighborhoods | Read on and watch video here

Punkin Dunkin: Oregon Zoo Otters Playing Basketball with Pumpkins Give the Harlem Globetrotters a Run for Their Money | Read on and watch video here

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Food for Thought

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Duckweed, a Small Aquatic Plant, Could Revolutionize the Food of Tomorrow | Read on

Water Fern Gains More Evidence as a Safe, Potential Global Food Insecurity Solution | Read on

Small, Freshwater Plants with the Potential to Feed Many

All duckweed species as well as a species of water fern called Carolina azolla (or Azolla filiculoides) are being investigated for their potential to help alleviate food scarcity around the globe. The

two articles directly above cover the subject matter in detail.

[Photo Credit: Left Picture -- Wikipedia; Right Picture -- Akvarieboden]