WVP Events

(R) Volunteer Led Garlic Mustard Removal

Wed, Apr 1, 6 - 8 p.m. @ West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed

Join Volunteer Leaders Erin Tilbert, Casey Binggeli, Alea Jones, and Margaret Rhynard to help restore native habitat by removing garlic mustard. We will take care to identify garlic mustard and remove it to reduce seed spread. Come prepared to carefully go off trail. 

(R) Bioretention Maintenance

Thurs, Apr 9, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Wildwood, Euclid Creek Reservation in Euclid Creek Watershed

Join Elizabeth Hiser, Stream Restoration Ecologist, and Park Ops staff with bioretention maintenance at Wildwood Park in Euclid Creek Reservation. We will help with cutting back and hauling switchgrass.

(R) Garlic Mustard Removal

Mon, Apr 13, 6 -8 p.m. @ Engle Rd, Big Creek Reservation in Big Creek Watershed

Join us to help restore native habitat by removing garlic mustard. We will take care to identify garlic mustard and remove it to reduce seed spread. Come prepared to carefully go off trail.

(R) Volunteer Led Garlic Mustard Removal

Fri, Apr 17, 6 - 8 p.m. @ Edgewater Park, Lakefront Reservation in Lake Erie Watershed

Join Volunteer Leaders Erin Tilbert, Casey Binggeli, Alea Jones, and Margaret Rhynard to help restore native habitat by removing garlic mustard. We will take care to identify garlic mustard and remove it to reduce seed spread. Come prepared to carefully go off trail. 

(M) Marine Debris Monitoring

Sun, April 19, 9 - 11 a.m. @  Euclid Beach in Euclid Creek Watershed

Join us for monitoring Marine Debris at Euclid Creek.

(R) Garlic Mustard Removal

Wed, Apr 22, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. @ Sulphur Springs Picnic Area, South Chagrin Reservation in Chagrin River Watershed

Join Natural Area Manager, Josh Philipps, to help restore native habitat by removing garlic mustard. We will take care to identify garlic mustard and remove it to reduce seed spread. Come prepared to carefully go off trail.

(M) City Nature Challenge

Sat, Apr 25, 10 a.m. - Noon @ Chippewa Creek, Brecksville Reservation in Chippewa Creek Watershed

Take part in the City Nature Challenge! Join Cleveland Metroparks Aquatic Research Coordinator, Claire Weldon, to identify what is living in Chippewa Creek. Learn to seine (net) and identify the aquatic macroinvertebrates (insects) living in the river that are indicators of water quality. Prior to attending the event, volunteers should download the iNaturalist app from AppStore or Google Play on their phones and create an iNaturalist account. Waterproof boots or waders are recommended.

(R) Volunteer Led Garlic Mustard Removal

Mon, Apr 27, 6 - 8 p.m. @ Garfield Park Reservation in Mill Creek Watershed

Join Volunteer Leaders Erin Tilbert, Casey Binggeli, Alea Jones, and Margaret Rhynard to help restore native habitat by removing garlic mustard. We will take care to identify garlic mustard and remove it to reduce seed spread. Come prepared to carefully go off trail.  

(R) Volunteer Led Garlic Mustard Removal

Thu, Apr 30, 6 - 8 p.m. @ Baldwin Lake in Rocky River Watershed

Join Volunteer Leader Dave LeBrun to help restore native habitat by removing garlic mustard. We will take care to identify garlic mustard and remove it to reduce seed spread. Come prepared to carefully go off trail. 

(S) Rain Barrel Pick-up

Wed, April 1, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. @ Olmsted Township Community Room

Collect rainwater for outdoor use and help reduce stormwater pollution in your community by building your own rain barrel. A rain barrel captures and stores rainwater that would otherwise flow untreated into storm drains. You can use this collected water to nourish your lawn and garden, conserving resources and supporting a healthier environment. This event is a rain barrel system pick-up only! You’ll receive a barrel and a complete kit with all the parts needed to assemble your system at home using just a drill and a screwdriver. The $60 fee covers all materials, including a 60‑gallon barrel, drill bits, and a downspout diverter. If you’d like to create a two‑barrel setup, an additional barrel and linking kit are available for $40. Pre‑payment and workshop registration are required. 

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Cuyahoga River Gorge Dam Removal

Wed, April 1, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. @ Highland Heights Community Center

Brought to you by the Highland Heights Green Task Force.  Bill Zawiski is a supervisor with the Ohio EPA in the Division of Surface Water.  He is instrumental in managing the project for the removal of the Gorge Dam in Cuyahoga Falls. The project includes removal and disposal of 1000s of yards of contaminated sediment, removal of the dam structure and reconstruction of the Cuyahoga River to it's original condition. 

More Information

(S) Freshwater Mussels in the Cuyahoga River

Wed, April 8, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. @ Online

Join Cuyahoga Valley National Park Biologist Ryan Trimbath to get an update on mussel reintroduction efforts in the Cuyahoga Valley. Learn about tagged mussels and what to do if you find one.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Beyond the Summit: Urban Impacts on Streams

Wed, April 8, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. @ Summit Lake Nature Center

Beyond the Summit is a speaker series featuring environmental professionals discussing topics related to water in Northeast Ohio. From watershed health to fishing best practices, each talk offers community members the chance to learn from experts shaping the future of our water resources. This month’s guest joins us from Summit Soil and Water Conservation District to talk about the urban impacts on local streams.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Stewardship and Your Backyard

Thurs, April 9, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. @ Nature Center at Shaker Lakes

Learn about the most common invasive plants found in NE Ohio backyards and how to remove them. Furthermore, we will discuss native plants that make excellent replacements to improve the ecological function of your yard, including ones available through our annual plant sale!  Finally, we will discuss how to protect your native plants from deer predation. 

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Grow Not Mow

Sat, April 11, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. @ Grow Not Mow Site 3, Shaker Heights

We are calling for volunteers of all ages to join us in planting more native trees and plants and removing invasives at this site adjacent to the Doan Brook. We will be planting 15-21 native species of trees and many native plants. All volunteers should come dressed for the weather. Tools and gloves will be provided, but if you have a favorite shovel, please feel free to bring it along! Families and volunteers of all ages are welcome!

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Ohio Native Plants: Restoring Your Backyard Habitat with Local Nurseries

Tues, April 14, 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. @ Happy Days Lodge

Celebrate Native Plant Month by hearing from three local native plant experts! Join The Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park for a conversation with three northeast Ohio native plant nurseries. Native Roots, Inc., Natives in Harmony, and Meadow City Native Plant Nursery will discuss their nurseries and take questions from the audience about restoring native habitats in our backyards (e.g. invasive plant control, site preparation, native plant selection, etc.). Guests will also have the opportunity to shop a small selection of native plants to take home from each of the vendors. Bring information about your yard conditions (sun/moisture) and walk away with some plants or ideas!

More Information and Registration Here

(S) West Creek Conservancy: Annual Meeting

Tues, April 14, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. @ Ridgewood Golf and Event Center, 6505 Ridge Road, Parma OH

You are invited to attend West Creek Conservancy’s Annual Meeting to meet and mingle with our Board of Directors, staff, and fellow members/supporters. Join us as we recap 2025 and look ahead to what’s in store for 2026. The presentation will include a 2025 wrap-up and what’s on deck for 2026 and beyond. Hear from: The Honorable Timothy J. DeGeeter, Mayor of Parma; Brian Zimmerman, Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland Metroparks; The Honorable Edward H. Kraus, Mayor of Solon; and Paul Palagyi, Executive Director of Lake Metroparks.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Earth Day Stream Sweep

Sat, April 18, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. @ Rockefeller Lagoon

Each year around Earth Day, we show the Doan Brook some love by picking up litter in and around the Doan. This year, we will once again be sweeping the Rockefeller Park section of the stream as we continue to work to remove trash from the watershed! We will gather at the parking lot near Rockefeller Lagoon, and spread out from there. Gloves and trash bags will be provided, but if you have a favorite litter cleanup setup, please feel free to bring your own tools along!

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Mushroom Hunting 101

Thurs, April 23,12:00 - 1:00 p.m. @ Webinar

Curious about foraging wild mushrooms in Ohio? Join Don King (the Mushroom Hunter) for a free webinar and learn how to forage safely. Learn the essentials of foraging for wild mushrooms in Ohio. Don King, aka The Mushroom Hunter, will share practical tips & tools to help you make your mushroom huts safer and enjoyable, as well as highlight some of the most prized and sought-after spring species you're likely to encounter. This webinar is perfect for beginners and anyone curious about responsible mushroom foraging.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Earth Day Invasive Plant Removal

April 23, 24, & 25,1 - 3:30 p.m. @ Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Looking for a way to get involved at Cuyahoga Valley National Park? Join us for our invasive plant removal drop-in. Are you looking for a way to get involved at Cuyahoga Valley National Park? Join us for our invasive plant removal drop-in on Thursday, April 23, to improve habitat for native plants and wildlife! Invasive species overcrowd native species, making it difficult for them to thrive, which in turn affects the wildlife in the ecosystem. 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 volunteers and veteran volunteers to get involved in their national park. You will use hand tools such as loppers and saws to remove invasive plants.

More Information and Registration Here April 23, April 24, April 25

(S) Free Trees For CLE

Thurs, April 23, 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. @ Fairhill Partners

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) Invasive Plant Control

Sat, April 25, 9 a.m. @ Dusty Goldenrod Preserve

Spring brings unwanted growth in the Dusty Goldenrod Preserve. The Conservation Committee under the leadership of Esther Trepal has scheduled opportunities for us all to get out and do our part to remove non-native invasive plants so that our native plants and animals can thrive. It will also be an opportunity to see the preserve up-close and personal. Each work day will begin at 9 AM and we usually work for a couple hours, but any amount of time you can provide would be appreciated. No experience or tools are necessary. Long sleeves and trousers and solid shoes/boots are recommended.  Contact Esther at [email protected]

(S) Dugway Brook Stream Cleanup

Sat, April 25, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. @ Forest Hill Park

Every year, we host stream cleanups at parks across the watershed to clean up trash and debris to keep it out of our streams and away from Lake Erie. Join the Cleveland Heights Green Team, Bluestone Conservation, and Doan Brook Watershed Partnership for our Dugway Brook Stream Cleanup at Forest Hill Park!

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Solon Earth Day

Sat, April 25, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. @ Solon Community Garden

This event will feature mulch pick-up (bring your own containers), free tree saplings, and a free shuttle to a guided hike at the Solon Woods Nature Preserve, where you’ll learn about wildflowers and local animal life! Enjoy kids’ crafts, interactive activities, and informational tables from local organizations focused on sustainability and environmental awareness.

More Information and Registration Here

(M) Marine Debris Monitoring

Sun, May 3, 9 - 11 a.m. @  Euclid Beach in Euclid Creek Watershed

Join us for monitoring Marine Debris at Euclid Creek.

(R) Volunteer Led Garlic Mustard Removal

Fri, May 8, 6 - 8 p.m. @ Memphis Picnic Area in Big Creek Watershed

Join Volunteer Leaders Erin Tilbert, Casey Binggeli, Alea Jones, and Margaret Rhynard to help restore native habitat by removing garlic mustard. We will take care to identify garlic mustard and remove it to reduce seed spread. Come prepared to carefully go off trail.  

(E) Native Plant Sale WVP Table

Sat, May 9, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. @  Watershed Stewardship Center in West Creek Watershed

Join us to help spread the word about WVP by staffing an information table at the Metroparks annual Native Plant Sale.

(R) Garlic Mustard Removal

Mon, May 11, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. @ Wilson Mills Trailhead, North Chagrin Reservation in Chagrin River Watershed

Join Natural Area Manager, Josh Philipps, to help restore native habitat by removing garlic mustard. We will take care to identify garlic mustard and remove it to reduce seed spread. Come prepared to carefully go off trail.

(R) Tree Planting

Wed, May 13, 6 - 8 p.m. @  Garfield Park in Mill Creek Watershed

We'll join Natural Area Manager, Valerie Carter-Stone and her team in planting bare-root trees and working on deer fence exclosures. You can try your hand at either activity or both! Help to reforest Garfield Park and keep the fledging trees safe as they grow.

(M) Scenic Rivers Macro Monitoring

Tue, May 19 (Rain Date: Fri May 22), 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.  

(R) Tree Planting & Deer Fence Build

Wed, May 20, 6 - 8 p.m. @  Big Creek Reservation  in Big Creek Watershed

We'll join Natural Area Manager, Valerie Carter-Stone and her team, by planting bare-root trees and working on deer fence enclosures. We'll join Natural Area Manager, Valerie Carter-Stone and her team in planting bare-root trees and working on deer fence exclosures. You can try your hand at either activity or both! Help to reforest Big Creek and keep the fledging trees safe as they grow.

(R) Volunteer Led Dame's Rocket Removal

Thu, May 21, 6 - 8 p.m. @ Eastland Road Trailhead of the Lake to Lake Trail

Join Volunteer Leader Dave LeBrun to help restore native habitat by removing dame's rocket. We will take care to identify this beautiful but invasive species and remove it to reduce seed spread. Come prepared to carefully go off trail. 

(R) Deer Fence Build

Wed, May 27, 6 - 8 p.m. @  High Point Park in West Creek Watershed

Join Natural Area Manager, Valerie Carter-Stone, to help construct deer fence enclosures to help prevent browsing and allow reforestation.

(S) Nine Mile Gorge Escarpment Ravine Hike with Dr. Roy Larick

Sat, May 2, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. @ Quarry Park North, 669 S Belvoir Blvd, South Euclid 44121

The Nine Mile gorge is the ambitious ‘hike of hikes’ for the East Side escarpment. It will run for two hours in unimproved rugged terrain. Safety is paramount. The gorge entry and exit involves a very steep slope across a 60-ft elevation change. This hike requires hikers to be comfortable navigating steep, slippery and at times uneven surfaces. During the Hike, Dr. Roy Larick will share information about the ecology and natural history of the area, so come prepared to learn!

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Invasive Plant Control

Sat, May 9, 9 a.m. @ Dusty Goldenrod Preserve

Spring brings unwanted growth in the Dusty Goldenrod Preserve. The Conservation Committee under the leadership of Esther Trepal has scheduled opportunities for us all to get out and do our part to remove non-native invasive plants so that our native plants and animals can thrive. It will also be an opportunity to see the preserve up-close and personal. Each work day will begin at 9 AM and we usually work for a couple hours, but any amount of time you can provide would be appreciated. No experience or tools are necessary. Long sleeves and trousers and solid shoes/boots are recommended.  Contact Esther at [email protected]

(S) Rain Barrel Pick-up

Thurs, May 14, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. @ Shaker Heights Service Yard

Collect rainwater for outdoor use and help reduce stormwater pollution in your community by building your own rain barrel. A rain barrel captures and stores rainwater that would otherwise flow untreated into storm drains. You can use this collected water to nourish your lawn and garden, conserving resources and supporting a healthier environment. This event is a rain barrel system pick-up only! You’ll receive a barrel and a complete kit with all the parts needed to assemble your system at home using just a drill and a screwdriver. The $60 fee covers all materials, including a 60‑gallon barrel, drill bits, and a downspout diverter. If you’d like to create a two‑barrel setup, an additional barrel and linking kit are available for $40. Pre‑payment and workshop registration are required. 

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Rain Barrel Pick-up

Thurs, May 14, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. @ Veterans Plaza at the Garfield Heights Civic Center Complex behind Garfield Heights Historical Society Museum

Collect rainwater for outdoor use and help reduce stormwater pollution in your community by building your own rain barrel. A rain barrel captures and stores rainwater that would otherwise flow untreated into storm drains. You can use this collected water to nourish your lawn and garden, conserving resources and supporting a healthier environment. This event is a rain barrel system pick-up only! You’ll receive a barrel and a complete kit with all the parts needed to assemble your system at home using just a drill and a screwdriver. The $60 fee covers all materials, including a 60‑gallon barrel, drill bits, and a downspout diverter. If you’d like to create a two‑barrel setup, an additional barrel and linking kit are available for $40. Pre‑payment and workshop registration are required. 

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Summit Metroparks: Native Plant Festival

Sat, May 16, 10 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. @ 521 S. River Rd Munroe Falls, OH 44262

Celebrate the start of summer at the 5th Annual Native Plant Festival, presented by Wayside Furniture! Discover how to create a thriving habitat for wildlife by incorporating beautiful, beneficial native plants into your landscape. Meet Summit Metro Parks staff, local nurseries, landscapers and community partners to learn about the vital role native plants play in our ecosystem. Shop a wide selection of native plants for sale or join an educational session for expert tips on native gardening. Visitors will receive a FREE seedling or seed packet, while supplies last.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Invasive Plant Control

Sat, May 23, 9 a.m. @ Dusty Goldenrod Preserve

Spring brings unwanted growth in the Dusty Goldenrod Preserve. The Conservation Committee under the leadership of Esther Trepal has scheduled opportunities for us all to get out and do our part to remove non-native invasive plants so that our native plants and animals can thrive. It will also be an opportunity to see the preserve up-close and personal. Each work day will begin at 9 AM and we usually work for a couple hours, but any amount of time you can provide would be appreciated. No experience or tools are necessary. Long sleeves and trousers and solid shoes/boots are recommended.  Contact Esther at [email protected]

(S) Beyond the Summit: Summit Lake Fish Biodiversity

Wed, May 27, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. @ Summit Lake Nature Center

Beyond the Summit is a speaker series featuring environmental professionals discussing topics related to water in Northeast Ohio. From watershed health to fishing best practices, each talk offers community members the chance to learn from experts shaping the future of our water resources. This month’s guest joins us from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife to talk about Summit Lake fish biodiversity.

More Information and Registration Here

(M) Scenic Rivers Macro Monitoring

May 19, July 14, & Sept 15 - 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 

(S) Cuyahoga Area of Concern: Meeting and Mayfield Golf Course Stream Restoration Tour

July 13 9 - 10:30 a.m. meeting followed by 60 min tour

(E) Sturgeon Fest

September 19