WVP Events

Watershed Volunteer Program and Partner Event Details

Upcoming Event Details Below

Registered WVP Volunteers can sign up for events in Volgistics here
Public attendees can register for select events marked with an asterisk (*) here

Event Types

Primary Events: These events are open to registered Cleveland Metroparks WVP volunteers. They count towards credit for Watershed Stewardship Certification. Some events are only open to WVP Certified Stewards. Types of primary events include:

(E)ducation: Broaden and share watershed knowledge at presentations, workshops, community events, and tours
(M)onitoring: Make observations and collect watershed data
(R)estoration: Restore and care for natural areas and green infrastructure

Public Events: These events are indicated by an (*) at the end of the title and are open to both the public and WVP volunteers. Public volunteers may register here.

(S)upplemental Events: These events are held by our partner and collaborating organizations but count towards WVP service hours.

February Events

(M) Winter Stonefly Survey

Sat, Feb 14, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. @ Baldwin Creek in Baldwin Creek Watershed

Join volunteer leader Bob Bennett for the second of a three part stonefly monitoring work session. Learn about the first discoveries of stoneflies in Baldwin Creek, search on-land for two species of stoneflies at three Baldwin Creek sites, and submit photo data to iNaturalist. Data collected during these surveys will be utilized to estimate the presence and abundance of stonefly families within Baldwin Creek.

(E) Pints North Great Lakes Trivia

Mon, Feb 16, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. @ Collision Bend Brewing Company

Do you love trivia and the Great Lakes? Come be apart of the WVP trivia team at Pints North Great Lakes Trivia hosted by the Points North podcast team. This event features three rounds of questions all about the land, water, and inhabitants of the Great Lakes. There will be a bunch of cool giveaways. Come hang out with your fellow WVP volunteers and learn more about this incredible region we call home!

(R) Seed Processing

Wed, Feb 18, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed

Join WVP as we process and prepare the seed that we collected during the fall.

(E) Natural Resources Winter Lecture Series: Cleveland Metroparks Priority Watershed Assessment

Wed, Feb 25, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed

Have you ever wondered how Cleveland Metroparks decides where to do stream restoration? Join Natural Resources staff Claire Weldon, Nathan Byer, and Elizabeth Hiser to hear about the team's work on harnessing primary headwater assessment and land cover data to create a resource for effective and adaptive watershed management.

February Supplemental Events

(S) Winter Sowing Workshop

Wed, Feb 11, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. @ The Watershed Stewardship Center

Join West Creek Conservancy for a hands-on workshop about the power of native plants and how small changes in your yard can make a big impact on biodiversity and watershed health. This interactive event includes: a quick introduction to why native plants matter in Northeastern Ohio, practical tips to shrink your lawn and create pollinator-friendly spaces, and step-by-step guidance on seed stratification and winter sowing using milk jugs. After learning the basics, you’ll roll up your sleeves and prepare your own winter sowing containers to take home—giving you a head start on a beautiful, eco-friendly garden this spring.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Untold Stories of Freshwater Mussels

Thurs, Feb 12, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. @ Summit Lake Nature Center

Freshwater mussels are now our most threatened — and perhaps, forgotten — group of animals in the state. Join a naturalist to learn about them and the role they’ve played in creating the Ohio we know today.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) A Walk at Mill Creek and Wolf Creek

Sun, Feb 15, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. @ Garfield Park Reservation

Join Friends of the Crooked River as we explore Mill Creek and Wolf Creek, tributaries of the Cuyahoga. We will walk a leisurely 2.5 miles as we learn about the restored Garfield Pond and wetlands along Wolf Creek. Hear about the history of this 130-year-old park and see its stone structures from the New Deal era. After the walk we'll take a short drive to visit Mill Creek Falls, the tallest waterfall in Cuyahoga County.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Pints North Great Lakes Trivia

Mon, Feb 16, 7:00 p.m. @ Collision Bend Brewing Company

Do you love the Great Lakes region? Do you love trivia? Then Pints North Great Lakes Trivia is for you…Hosted by the Points North podcast team, this popular event features three rounds of brand new questions all about the land, water, and inhabitants of the Great Lakes. And as always, there will be a bunch of cool giveaways, including newly designed Points North themed pint glasses! Come hang out, grab a drink, and maybe even learn a thing or two about this incredible region we call home!

More Information and Registration Here

(S) History of Deep Lock Quarry

Mon, Feb 16, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. @ Virtual

Join Summit Metro Parks online to learn the history of Deep Lock Quarry and the role it played on the Ohio and Erie Canal, in Akron and beyond. We’ll discover nearly two centuries of history through stories and images.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) TCWP: Winter Webinar Series: Healthy Soils, Healthy Communities: Navigating the Complex Landscape of Soil Health

Thurs, Feb 19, 12 - 1 p.m. @ Webinar

Healthy soil is the foundation of healthy communities. Join Sara Continenza, Executive Director and Founder of Food Strong, for a FREE webinar on restoring degraded urban soils through community action and innovation. Sara will draw from her work transforming vacant lots into thriving green spaces.

More Information and Registration Here

March Events

(E) Macroinvertebrates 101

Thurs, Mar 5, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed

Come see, do, and learn about macroinvertebrates. Join Naturalist Mayim Hamblen for this hands-on training. Key terms and principles will be explored. Leave ready to assist with future macroinvertebrate outreach activities like World Water Day.

(E) Seed Paper Making

Mon, Mar 9, 6 - 8 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed

Learn how to make upcycled seed paper using processed seeds.

(M) Winter Stonefly Survey

Sat, Mar 14, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. @ Baldwin Creek in Baldwin Creek Watershed

Join volunteer leader Bob Bennett for the third of a three part stonefly monitoring work session. Learn about the first discoveries of stoneflies in Baldwin Creek, search on-land for two species of stoneflies at three Baldwin Creek sites, and submit photo data to iNaturalist. Data collected during these surveys will be utilized to estimate the presence and abundance of stonefly families within Baldwin Creek.

(E) Natural Resources Winter Lecture Series: Tree Selector Tool: Case Study Application and Wildlife Benefits of Trees

Wed, Mar 18, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed

Responsible landscaping starts with you. Planting native trees helps in mitigating soil erosion, reduces flood impact, provides shade that reduces energy costs, improves air quality by filtering pollutants, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The essential ecosystem services provided by planting responsibly have significant positive impacts on our community. Come learn how to use the Tree Selector Tool and explore 90 native tree species to find the right one for your backyard.

(E) World Water Day

Sat, Mar 21, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 12 - 2:30 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed

WVP Volunteers who are comfortable working with macroinvertebrates can assist with the educational macroinvertebrate displays at this international celebration of water. Identification cards and images will be available.

(M) Marine Debris Monitoring

Sun, Mar 22, 9 - 11 a.m. @ Euclid Beach in Euclid Creek Watershed

Join us for monitoring Marine Debris at Euclid Creek.

March Supplemental Events

(S) Rain Barrel Workshop

Sat, Mar 7, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. @ Orange Library Branch

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 workshop includes a rain barrel system pickup along with a brief presentation and demonstration at 10am. 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) Build a Buzzin' Bee House

Mon, Mar 9, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Pierce Streetsboro Library

Join TCWP for a FREE hands-on workshop exploring Ohio’s native bees and their role as pollinators. Participants will build a bee house for local cavity-nesting bees, learn about native pollinator plants, and receive native seed mixes to start a pollinator garden at home.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Master Rain Gardener Spring 2026

Tuesdays, March 10 - March 31, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. @ Richmond Heights Community Center

Learn to design and install your own rain garden and become the rain garden expert in your neighborhood. The Master Rain Gardener (MRG) course includes four (4) classes over a four-week period. March 10 – Location, sizing, and soil considerations, March 17 – Digging and Drawing, March 24 – Plant selection and design, March 31 – Graduation Day! Provide your final design and present to the class. Classes also include homework, quizzes, individualized feedback. Light snacks will be provided.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Cuyahoga Area of Concern Symposium

Thurs, March 12, 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. @ Slovenian National Home

All are welcome to attend and hear how our work in the watershed, flowing from local history, culture, and action, continues to shape the future of the Cuyahoga River. Attendees can expect updates on Areas of Concern, learn about local projects, celebrate the Champion of the River, and hear from community leaders, researchers, and advocates whose stories and efforts flow across the Great Lakes. Additionally, we will keep things flowing with a happy hour at Goldhorn Brewing Company following the event. General Registration: $5 A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided for all registered guests.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) TCWP: Winter Webinar Series: Nature Therapy: Finding Balance Through Pollinator Gardening

Thurs, Mar 26, 12 - 1 p.m. @ Webinar

Join Alyson Wakeen, wildlife biologist and certified shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) guide, for a FREE webinar on how connecting with nature can nurture both ecosystems and well-being.

More Information and Registration Here