WVP Events

(E) Scout Day Macroinvertebrate and Enviroscape Assistants 

Sun, Sep 13, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. @ Rocky River Reservation in Rocky River Watershed

Rocky River Nature Center is holding a Scout Day. WVP volunteers can assist with two programs: Macrovertebrate Monitoring and Enviroscape modeling. RRNC Naturalists will lead groups going down to the river and can use the help of knowledgable WVP volunteers to gather macros. They'll also need a hand with their Enviroscape demonstrations, involving setting up and cleaning up the watershed table.

(M) Scenic Rivers Macro Monitoring

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

Learn how to use macroinvertebrates to measure the water quality of the Chagrin River as part of the Ohio Wild and Scenic Rivers Program! Join Cleveland Metroparks Aquatic Research Coordinator, Claire Weldon, in seining (netting) and identifying biological life living in the river.  

(E) NEORSD Clean Water Fest

Sat, Sep 19, Three Shifts: 8-11 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 2-5 p.m. @ 4747 E. 49th St., Cleveland

A day all about water with games, education, tours, and more! Help spread the word about WVP and share your knowledge of watershed health. Breakfast or lunch will be provided to WVP table volunteers.

(E) Sturgeon Fest

Sat, Sep 19, 1-4 p.m. @ Rivergate Park, 1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland in Cuyahoga River Watershed

Cleveland Metroparks, in partnership with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, is hosting the second annual Sturgeon Fest. The event celebrates the historic stocking of juvenile lake sturgeon into the Cuyahoga River to support the species' recovery. The event will include educational activities and volunteers will assist with the release of lake sturgeon.

(M) Parks for Pollinators

Thurs, Sept 24, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Jackson Field, South Chagrin Reservation in Chagrin River Watershed

Gather with your fellow WVP volunteers to join in the Cleveland Metroparks monthlong monitoring celebration of our park's pollinators.

(E) Steelhead Expo

Sat, Sep 26, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 12:30-3:30 p.m. @ Rocky River Nature Center in Rocky River Watershed

The Steelhead Expo is a great way to kick off the steelhead season. This event is a collaborative effort between the Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders and Cleveland Metroparks and will offer a full day of expert speakers and seminars, vendors, and other related information to usher in the fall steelhead season. Join us to help spread the word about WVP.

(M) Marine Debris Monitoring

Sun, Sept 27, 9 - 11 a.m. @  Euclid Beach in Euclid Creek Watershed

Join us for monitoring Marine Debris at Euclid Creek.

(E) Watershed Wednesday w/ Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory

Wed, Sept 30, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center in West Creek Watershed

We will be joined by Mark Warman, Extension Specialist Contaminants of Emerging Concern, from Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory to learn about contaminants in Lake Erie.

Hours for supplemental events should be logged in Volgistics as WVP (S) Watershed Partner Event.

(S) State Policy Showcase: Pressing “Pause” on the Data Center Boom

Thurs, Sept 10, 1:00 p.m. @ Webinar

Join us the River Network for their next State Policy Showcase on data centers! This special edition of the showcase will be 90-minutes long and feature speakers doing work in four different states: Illinois, Louisiana, Minnesota, and New York. We’ll learn about the varied efforts across the nation to generate momentum around "pausing" the data center boom, creating effective policies to protect people and the environment, and highlighting the importance of working with state legislators on this hot-button topic. 

You'll hear from Andrew Rehn – Climate Policy Director with Prairie Rivers Network, Alexandra Campbell-Ferrari – Executive Director of The Center for Water Security and Cooperation, Michelle Stockness – Executive Director of Freshwater Society, Carly Griffith - Water Program Director with Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, and Jon Binder – Executive Director of Model Climate Laws Initiative. Register today! If you have a specific question or concern about data centers that you’d like addressed during the showcase, please feel free to include it in your registration. 

More Information and Registration Here

(S) CVNP Annual Fall Bird Census

Sat, Sept 12, 7:30 a.m. @ Cuyahoga Valley National Park Headquarters: 15610 Vaughn Road, Brecksville, OH 44141

Cuyahoga Valley National Park's diversity of habitats attracts many migrating songbirds, making the fall census exciting. All are welcome. Walking conditions vary by location.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) The Nature Forum and Native Plant Sale

Sat, Sept 12, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center

Join us at the Watershed Stewardship Center to learn from wildlife experts Jim McCormac and Jen Brumfield! They'll give expert insight into the worlds of bird photography and dragonflies. An outdoor hike will accompany each presentation.

Be a steward for wildlife by adding native plants to your landscape by shopping our Native Plant Sale. Walk the Watershed Stewardship gardens for inspiration or talk with expert nursery staff at their tables for recommendations.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Bluegill & Catfish Workshop with Cleveland Metroparks

Sat, Sept 12, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. @ Rockefeller Lagoon

Are you a long-time fishing fanatic, or would you like to try to catch your first fish? Join Doan Brook Watershed Partnership and Cleveland Metroparks at Rockefeller Lagoon on Saturday, September 12th for a free fishing workshop! The lagoon will be stocked with bluegill and catfish, and we will have free fishing rods and bait for registered participants while supplies last! Rockefeller Lagoon (7 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Cleveland, OH) is wheelchair accessible, and you do not need a fishing license to fish there!

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Canal Paddle

Sat, Sept 12, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. @ Summit Lake Nature Center

Join a certified instructor on the Ohio Erie Canal for a guided, round-trip paddle south from Summit Lake. Learn about the canal’s history and how it put Akron on the map. Minimum age is 13; ages 13 to 17 must be with an adult participant. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and be able to swim. All equipment will be provided. Location subject to change based on water conditions. Cost: $15/person. Registration is required and begins 8/1.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Sturgeon Release Celebration

Sat, Sept 19, 10 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. @ CV/Valley View Area

Join us as we celebrate the return of lake sturgeon to the Cuyahoga River! Once a familiar part of Ohio’s waterways, these ancient fish disappeared from the river for decades. Thanks to years of restoration work and improving river health, lake sturgeon are making their way back. Help us mark this exciting moment and send the next generation of sturgeon on their journey into the Cuyahoga River. Small visitor groups will have the opportunity to take turns releasing one young sturgeon into the river and learn about the ongoing efforts to restore the Cuyahoga River watershed. On the same date, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Cleveland Metroparks will be hosting their own sturgeon release events. Throughout these events, discover how collaboration and stewardship are helping transform the Cuyahoga River and create a healthier future for wildlife and people alike.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Friends of Doan Brook Gorge Community Stewardship Day

Sat, Sept 19, 10 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. @ 41.492796, -81.594048

This year, the Friends of Doan Brook Gorge will be hosting 6 Community Stewardship Days at the Doan Brook Gorge to remove invasive species, plant native trees, shrubs and pollinator plants, expand and maintain “no mow” areas by replenishing woodchips, and more!

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Up! A Creek 2026

Sat, Sept 19, 6:00 - 11:00 p.m. @ Windows on the River

West Creek Conservancy invites you to celebrate and support 29 years of land conservation in Northern Ohio. Mark your calendars for our annual fundraising benefit, Up! A Creek on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Windows on the River. Enjoy food stations, spirits, games, raffle baskets, TWO live bands, dancing, auction, late-night snack courtesy of Boom’s Pizza, and the Greater Cleveland Aquarium!

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Friends of Euclid Creek: Fall Social and East 185th Street Fish Passage Presentation

Tues, Sept 22, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. @ South Euclid-Lyndhurst Branch Library

Join the Friends of Euclid Creek to learn about the removal of the last barrier to fish migration up Euclid Creek from Lake Erie to the natural barriers of the waterfalls of the escarpment. Representatives from the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District will tell us the history of the existing barrier and the plan for restoring fish passage around it. 

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Lab: How Fish Hearing Shapes Aquaculture and Fisheries Success

Thurs, Sept 24, 12 -12:30 p.m. @ Webinar

Can a fish’s hearing determine its chances of survival? Discover how researcher Dr. Kevin Neves from Bowling Green State University is investigating abnormalities in fish ear structures and their potential impact on predator avoidance, migration, and fish stocking success. This Freshwater Science webinar will highlight this new Ohio Sea Grant-funded research that could help improve aquaculture practices, fish welfare, and the health of Ohio’s fisheries.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) CVNP Habitat Restoration - Volunteer Invasive Plant Removal

Thurs, Sept 24, 1 -3:30 p.m. @ Location provided after registration.

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. Drop-ins are a great opportunity for both first-time and veteran volunteers to get involved in their national park.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Goldenrods of the Dusty Goldenrod Preserve

Sat, Sept 26, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. @ Highland Hts Comm Park/Dusty Preserve

Visit the Dusty Goldenrod Preserve adjacent to Highland Heights Community Park and not only see the namesake goldenrod but the other goldenrod species that thrive in the preserve. There will also be opportunities to view other interesting plants in the preserve and undoubtedly a few bird species along the way.  You will also learn about efforts to protect the rare Dusty species and ongoing research being conducted. 

More Information and Registration Here

(S) PADDLE: Northampton Point to Boston

Sat, Sept 26, 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. @ Northampton Point boat launch

This is an immensely interesting, contrasting section of the river. We’ll start at the new Northampton Point boat launch, where the river is fairly flat and straight, but soon after it begins to twist, requiring paddlers to negotiate tight turns and downed trees. After a portage in Peninsula we’ll enjoy two miles of mild whitewater, much of it through beautiful hardwood forest. Furnace Run is the major tributary in this section. This is a long paddle, and only for those who can control a boat in moving water. Don't forget your water, sunscreen, and hat. And, as always, your PFD! 10 miles, about 5 hrs

More Information and Registration Here

(S) West Creek Conservancy Fall Plant Sale

Sat, Sept 26, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. @ Creekside Collaborative Partners

Join us as we welcome the new season with a vibrant selection of native wildflowers, hardy shrubs, and young trees, as well as a variety of culinary vegetables and herbs — perfect for enhancing your home landscape or starting a brand‑new garden project. 

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Grow Not Now

Sat, Sept 26, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. @ S. Park Blvd. and Lee Road Shaker Heights, Ohio

The workday celebrating National Public Lands Day will again be a collaborative event sponsored by the City of Shaker Heights, The Doan Brook Watershed Partnership and the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes. We are calling for volunteers of all ages to join us in planting more native trees and plants at this site adjacent to the Doan Brook. All volunteers should come dressed for the weather. Tools and gloves will be provided. Families and volunteers of all ages are welcome!

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Managing Native Landscapes

Tues, Sept 29, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works

From Mulch to Maintenance! Learn how to take your native landscape from surviving to thriving by joining us for this FREE hands-on workshop where we’ll share tips on mulching, seed saving, plant ID, and more. Participants can receive: soil test kits, soil knives, pruners, and native plants.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Summit Metro Parks Pawpaw Appreciation Night

Tues, Sept 29, 7 - 8 p.m. @ LP/Nature Center

Discover Ohio’s state native fruit, the pawpaw! Learn the history of this fruit, its benefits and how to grow it. After a presentation, you’ll take home recipes and seeds (while supplies last) and sample its delicious banana-like flavor.

More Information and Registration Here

(R) Seed Collection

Sat, Oct 3, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. @  Huntington Reservation in Cahoon Creek-Frontal Lake Erie Watershed

Join us collecting native seeds for use in future restoration projects throughout Cleveland Metroparks. This event will focus primarily on collecting milkweed seeds. Dress in layers for wet soil and thorny vegetation; wear boots, long pants, and long sleeves.

(R) Seed Collection

Tues, Oct 6, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. @ Nathan & Esther Rzepka Park, South Chagrin Reservation in Chagrin River Watershed

Join us collecting native seeds to restore the site of a former golf course to its natural state. Dress in layers for wet soil and thorny vegetation; wear boots, long pants, and long sleeves.

(R) Tree Planting

Thurs, Oct 8, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. @  Wendy Park in Lake Erie Watershed

We'll join Valerie Carter-Stone, Natural Resources Area Manager South, and Jen Brumfield, Natural Resources Coordinator, to help plant trees the "Metroparks way" at the Wendy Park with offers crucial habitat for nesting and migratory animals, including extraordinary monarch butterflies in the fall. 

(R) Tree Planting

Sat, Oct 10, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. @  Mill Stream Run Reservation in Rocky River Watershed

We'll join Jim Spetz, Natural Resources Area Manager West, and Elizabeth Hiser, Stream Restoration Ecologist, to plant trees at the Baldwin Dam removal site to aid restoration efforts restoring ecosystem function in adjacent habitats.

(R) Tree Planting

Wed, Oct 13, 3;00 - 6:00 p.m. @  West of Ledge Pool, Hinckley Reservation in Rocky River Watershed

We'll join Natural Resources Coordinator and noted birder, Jenn "JB" Brumfield to plant a recently acquired property, bringing it into harmony with the park.

(R) Deer Fence Building

Wed, Oct 14, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. @  Lake Isaac, Big Creek Reservation in Rocky River Watershed

Help us to restore a recently reclaimed section of Big Creek Reservation to native habitat. We'll join Natural Area Manager, Valerie Carter-Stone and her team to build deer fence exclosures. We will be planting native trees in the newly constructed exclosures at our next event. 

Tree Planting @ West of Ledge Pool in Hinckley Reservation

(E) Cuyahoga AOC Project  Completion Celebration at Hemlock Picnic Area

Wed, Oct 14, 5 - 7 p.m. @ Hemlock Creek Picnic Area

Join Cuyahoga Area of Concern to celebrate completion of the their restoration project. Their will be fish sampling and identification, native planting, food, and a project presentation.

(R) Tree Planting

Wed, Oct 14, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. @  Lake Isaac, Big Creek Reservation in Rocky River Watershed

Help us to restore a recently reclaimed section of Big Creek Reservation to native habitat. We'll join Natural Area Manager, Valerie Carter-Stone and her team to plant native trees in deer exclosures.

(R) Seed Collection

TBA @ The Chalet, Mill Stream Run Reservation in Rocky River Watershed

Join us collecting native seeds for use in future restoration projects throughout Cleveland Metroparks. Dress in layers for wet soil and thorny vegetation; wear boots, long pants, and long sleeves.

(M) Marine Debris Monitoring

Sun, Oct 25, 9 - 11 a.m. @  Euclid Beach in Euclid Creek Watershed

Join us for monitoring Marine Debris at Euclid Creek.

(E) Salt Watch Talk and Training with Izaak Walton League of America

Wed, Oct 28, 6 - 7:30 pm @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed

Join Izaak Walton League's Abby Hileman to learn about Salt Watch and how monitoring efforts can make a difference. Receive training and monitoring strips to test chloride at designated sites. If you have previously participated in Salt Watch or are interested in participating in Salt Watch this year, we encourage you to attend this training and talk.

(R) Seed Collection

Fri, Oct 30, 5:30 - 7 pm @ Scranton Flats in Cuyahoga River Watershed

Join us collecting native seeds for use in future restoration projects throughout Cleveland Metroparks. Dress in layers for wet soil and thorny vegetation; wear boots, long pants, and long sleeves.

Hours for supplemental events should be logged in Volgistics as WVP (S) Watershed Partner Event.

(S) Cuyahoga SWCD Stormwater Run-Off 2026

Sun, Oct 4, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Clark Field Park (Tremont Pk & Clark Ave), Cleveland, OH

Join Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District at our 3rd Annual Stormwater Run-Off 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk! On Sunday, October 4th, run or walk on the Towpath Trail and learn about stormwater and the different ways to slow it down, spread it out, and soak it in throughout the course.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) CVNP Habitat Restoration - Volunteer Invasive Plant Removal

Thurs, Oct 8, 1 -3:30 p.m. @ Location provided after registration.

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. Drop-ins are a great opportunity for both first-time and veteran volunteers to get involved in their national park.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Free Trees for CLE

Thurs, Oct 8, 3 - 7 p.m. @ 12200 Fairhill Rd Cleveland, OH 

Doan Brook Watershed Partnership (DBWP) has 100 native trees to give away to Cleveland residents. Cleveland residents are eligible for two free trees and must plant the trees on Cleveland private property. Additionally, all recipients are required to attend “Tree School 101,” a 15-minute presentation on caring for and maintaining trees. Several species are available, including Red Maple, Ohio Buckeye, Eastern Redbud, American plum, and Pawpaw. Requests for specific species of trees for your yard are unavailable due to unknown species availability. Most trees will be between three and six feet in height in three to five-gallon buckets. Interested individuals must fill out a form before receiving their trees. 

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Summit Metro Parks Homegrown Habitat: Busy Bumblebees

Thurs, Oct 8, 6:30 - 8 p.m. @ FASN/Visitors Center

Calling all people with yards or green spaces big and small: Join us and learn how to rewild your home landscape. This month, discover the buzz behind some of our most charismatic insect ambassadors — bees! We’ll highlight specific plants and deliberate practices that support these fuzzy friends.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) CRWP's Cheers to 30 Years! Celebration

Fri, Oct 16, 5 p.m. @ The Hive, 8200 East Washington Street, Chagrin Falls, OH

Join us on Friday, October 16th for an unforgettable evening as Chagrin River Watershed Partners commemorates 30 years of collaboration, stewardship, and impact in protecting the health of our watersheds and communities. This special anniversary celebration will bring together partners, supporters, and friends to honor three decades of dedication to preserving and restoring the rivers, streams, and natural resources that sustain Northeast Ohio. The evening will feature live music, meaningful reflections on CRWP’s 30-year legacy of environmental leadership, and an opportunity to celebrate the partnerships and projects that have shaped our mission. Your ticket includes dinner and drinks, allowing you to connect with fellow supporters, and enjoy the celebration. We invite you to be part of this milestone occasion as we look back on our accomplishments and look forward to the future of protecting our waters for generations to come.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Summit Metro Parks Protecting Our Drinking Water

Wed, Oct 21, 7 - 8:30 p.m. @ GYH/Goodyear Heights Lodge

Join the Greater Akron Audubon Society and City of Akron Stormwater Superintendent Jessica Glowczewski to learn how the City of Akron manages the Upper Cuyahoga River watershed. We’ll discover where Akron’s water comes from, how it’s monitored and the many programs dedicated to keeping your drinking water clean and our watershed healthy.

More Information and Registration Here

(R) Seed Collection

Sat, Nov 7, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. @  Hinckley Reservation in Rocky River Watershed

Join us collecting native seeds for use in future restoration projects throughout Cleveland Metroparks. Dress in layers for wet soil and thorny vegetation; wear boots, long pants, and long sleeves.

(M) Marine Debris Monitoring

Sun, Nov 15, 9 - 11 a.m. @  Euclid Beach in Euclid Creek Watershed

Join us for monitoring Marine Debris at Euclid Creek.

(E) Watershed Wednesday: Movie Night

Wed, Nov 18, 6 - 8 p.m. @  Watershed Stewardship Center in West Creek Reservation

Join us for a documentary screening. Movie TBA.

(R) Native Seed Collection

Fall '26

(E) WVP End of the Year Celebration

December 7