[Photo credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Dim the Lights for Birds at Night

On February 12th, WVP held the third lecture in our four-part Natural Resources Winter Lecture Series. Attendees were dazzled by "The Secrets of Bird Migration" with Natural Resources Coordinator, Jen Brumfield. From how birds show up on doppler radar to the science behind how birds sleep on the wing, there's a lot of complexity when it comes to the mysteries of migration and there's a lot that we have yet to learn. However, one thing we do know is the profound effect that humans have on birds’ ability to migrate successfully. Skyglow resulting from light pollution has a tremendous effect on birds’ directional sensibilities, hampering their ability to navigate during these crucial times.

As we near the spring migration season, you might be wondering what you can do to reduce the impact of light pollution. You can check out Dark Sky Association’s Guide to Responsible Outdoor Lighting. Another way to help is by collecting data as a part of the Cleveland Metropark's Lights Out program. The Metroparks focuses on the monitoring side of the multifaceted work that Lights Out Cleveland does. If you'd like to find out more or join the wildlife survey crew, you can email CMP Naturalist Jake Kudrna.

Warm regards,

Sara Corrigan

WVP Coordinator

Happenings

Salt Watch in February

Salt Watch Month 3 Reminder

WVP Salt Watch volunteers may now take their samples for the month of February.

If you need more test strips, feel free to email us.

WVP Natural Resources Winter Lecture Series

December

"The Recovery of Fish Populations in the Cuyahoga River Over the Past 50 Years" with Aquatic Biologist Mike Durkalec.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.

January

Join Research and Database Manager, Dr. Nathan Byer for "The Adapted Hunt Drift Fence Technique (AHDriFT): passive monitoring opportunities for small and elusive animals".

Wednesday, January 17, 2024 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.

February

Join Natural Resources Coordinator, Jen "JB" Brumfield for "The Secrets of Bird Migration", a deep dive into the astounding world of avian migration and Cleveland Metroparks' role in thousands of birds' survival. From death-defying flights over the ocean to following star patterns in the sky, to tracking birds with weather radar, we'll demystify birds' miraculous migrations and dig in to their local natural history.

Monday, February 12, 2024 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.

March

Join Vegetation Research Coordinator, Sarah Eyesenbach for "Conservation Value Trees". Cleveland Metroparks Natural Resources Division is interested in preserving tree species that are under threat from a variety of forest pests and pathogens. Come learn more about the American Chestnut, American Elm, Ash, American Beech, and Eastern Hemlock along with our efforts to maintain and protect these species.

Monday, March 4, 2024 from 6 - 7:30pm

WVP Opportunities

WVP Winter Lecture Series: The Secrets of Bird Migration

February 12, 2024 @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation

[Photo credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

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) Work Session: Seed Processing

Wed, Feb 21, 6 - 8 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center Classroom, West Creek Reservation

(R) Work Session: Invasive Grapevine Removal

Sun, Feb 25, 2 - 4 p.m. @ Camp Corde, 2901 W. Ridgewood Dr, West Creek Reservation

(L) Seed Paper Making

Sat, Mar 2, 3 - 5 p.m. @ The Watershed Stewardship Center Classroom, West Creek Reservation

(L) Natural Resources Winter Lecture Series: Conservation Value Trees*

Mon, Mar 4, 2024, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ The Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation

(M) Workshop: Macroinvertebrates ID 101*

Thu, Mar 14, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation

(R) Work Session: Invasive Privet Removal

Mon, Mar 18, 11 a.m. -1 p.m. @ Edgewater Beach, Lakefront Reservation

(O) World Water Day

Sat, Mar 23, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. @ The Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation

(R) Garlic Mustard Pulls

Garlic Mustard removal season will run from approximately March 25th through May 24th. Volunteers who are interested in completing independent restoration work during this time can email us to join the list.

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

Small Winter Stonefly (Capniidae) spotted during WVP Winter Stonefly Survey

February 17, 2024 @ Baldwin Creek

[Photo credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Opportunities With Our Partners

(S) Vernal Poolooza

Thu - Sat, Mar 7 - 9, @ Camp Oty'Okwa, Purcell Rd South Bloomington, OH 43152

A three day vernal pool-focused wetland science conference located in the Hocking Hills region.

More Details and Registration Here

(S) Cuyahoga AOC Advisory Committee 2024 Symposium

Fri, Mar 15, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. @ Happy Days Lodge, Cuyahoga Valley National Park

The Cuyahoga AOC Advisory Committee will host its biannual symposium on Friday, March 15th, followed by an optional restoration event. This is a must-attend event for ALL who live, work, or play in this watershed! This exciting symposium will reflect on the progress of the river and look forward to the work yet-to-come. Attendees can expect updates on our local and regional AOCs, a poster session featuring our Management Action Projects (MAPs), highlights from CVNP, an optional site tour of the Brandywine Golf Course, and inspiring stories from other AOCs on life after delisting!

General registration cost is $5 for all who wish to attend in order to help cover the costs of food. There is an option to ‘Pay it Forward’ and donate to provide the opportunity for others to attend this event. For whom cost is a barrier, there is an ‘Honorary Admission’ ticket option.

A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided for all registered guests, but lunch preferences will only be considered for those who register before March 8th, 2024.

More Details and Registration Here Cost $5

(S) Rain Barrel Workshop - South Euclid

Wed, Mar 20, 6 - 7 p.m. @ South Euclid Community Centre, 1370 Victory Drive South Euclid, OH 44121

Cuyahoga SWCD will host a rain barrel workshop and pick-up at the South Euclid Community Center on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. You'll learn how to harvest rainwater for all your garden needs and to combat storm water pollution in your community by constructing a rain barrel.

More Details and Registration Here Cost $60

(S) Rain Barrel Workshop - Newburgh Heights

Thu, Mar 21, 6 - 7.30 p.m. @ Village Hall Community Room, 3801 Harvard Ave. Newburgh Heights, OH 44105

This is a barrel and diverter kit pick up only. When you register, you will be sent a confirmation with instructions about how to make your barrel at home. All you need is your own drill. Pre-payment is required.

More Details and Registration Here Cost $60

(S) Ideastream Public Media -- The Sound of Ideas

Time: 50:30 minutes @ Online

Podcast: Cincinnati Attorney Robert Bilott Spent Decades Fighting Companies That Manufacture 'Forever Chemicals'

Listen or watch video here

Cleveland Metroparks | Digital Emerald Necklace*

Read and Watch 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

Extras

News

Those Salt Piles We Dump on Our Snowy Ohio Roads Are Showing Up in Freshwater Lake Erie | Read on

Settlement Reached After Illegal Dredging Pollutes the Chagrin River | Read on

Prehistoric Discovery Made at a Construction Site in Lorain County | Read on

A Man Trying to ‘Hot Pot’ at Yellowstone National Park Fell into a Hot Spring and Was Completely Dissolved within a Day | Read on

Hermit Crabs Are 'Wearing' Our Plastic Rubbish | Read on

NOT an accident. NOT a malicious act by a fellow human either. Hermit crabs, which normally scavenge shells for use as body armour, are increasingly turning to trash instead. Now known to be a global occurrence, two-thirds of the species have been documented performing this behavior. Check out the article directly above if you're interested in learning more about this odd phenomenon, which is generating a lot of questions.

[Photo Credit: Erwan Glemarec/Solent News/Shutterstock]