WVP Events

(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.

Public Volunteers register here

(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) Invasive Mugwort Removal

Wed, May 20, 6 - 8 p.m. @  Lakefront Administration, Lakefront Reservation in Doan Brook Watershed

Natural Area Manager, Valerie Carter-Stone will lead a group at the Pollinator Plot garden at Lakefront Administration to selectively remove mugwort that has invaded this important lake front stopover for migrating birds and pollinators. 

(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. 

(E) Green Infrastructure 101 Training*

Wed, May 27, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @  Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed

Join Stream Restoration Ecologist Elizabeth Hiser and the Green Infrastructure Team to learn about green infrastructure design, planting and monitoring. Learn how it makes a lasting impact on  improving water quality and habitat. 

Public Volunteers register here

(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series*

Sun, May 31, 9 - 11 a.m. @  Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed

Start off your Sunday by joining the WVP team and fellow volunteers for a morning snack and refreshing beverage before we set foot into the Watershed Stewardship Center's Green Infrastructure. In part 1 of this series, we will remove invasive plant species, add mulch to barren areas, perform other routine maintenance ensuring proper functionality and provide a natural space for wildlife in West Creek Reservation's stormwater control measures.

Public Volunteers register here

(S) West Creek Conservancy: Plant Sale Prep

May 12, 14, 19, & 21 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. @ Creekside Collaborative Partners

Help us get ready for our upcoming plant sale! Volunteers at this event will play a key role in preparing the sale area and ensuring everything is organized, welcoming, and ready for shoppers.

More Information and Registration Here

(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) Friends of Doan Brook Gorge Community Stewardship Day

Sat, May 16, 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) 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) West Creek Conservancy: Spring Creek Preserve – Montville Township in Geauga County

Fri, May 22, 7-10 a.m. @ Spring Creek Preserve

Help us continue to build a robust species list for the amazing Spring Creek Preserve in Montville Township in Geauga County. We’ll be hiking on and off trail with local bird guides and targeting over 50 species of birds in a single day with the hopes of several new species for the preserve list. Hike is open to all. Wear muck boots, bring bug spray, binoculars and water. Light trail snacks will be available after the hike. Registration: Call or email Kelly Eppink at 330-801-5446 | [email protected]

(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) West Creek Conservancy: Spring Plant Sale

Sat, May 23, 10 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. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just discovering the joy of planting, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Rain Barrel Pick-up

Tues, May 26, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. @ Brook Park Amphitheater, 6155 Engle Road, Brook Park, OH, 44142

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) 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

(S) Rain Barrel Workshop

Wed, May 27, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. @ Killingsworth Meeting Place, 4127 E 131st Street Suite 200, Cleveland, OH, 44105

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 the start of the workshop. 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

(R) Green Infrastructure Planting

Wed, June 3, 6 - 8 p.m. @  Sideyard Park in Cuyahoga River Watershed

Join us planting native plants in the bioretention at Sideyard Park.

(R) Green Infrastructure Planting

Fri, June 5, 6 - 8 p.m. @  Dunham Park, Bedford Reservation in Tinker's Creek Watershed

Join us planting native plants in a bioretention at Dunham Park Picnic Area. The Green Infrastructure Team has several bioretention planting projects, and at this event we will help polish off a project.

(M) Marine Debris Monitoring

Sun, June 7, 9 - 11 a.m. @  Euclid Beach in Euclid Creek Watershed

Join us for monitoring Marine Debris at Euclid Creek.

(E) Life in the Stream: Local Fish and Creek Critters Electrofishing Survey

Fri, June 12, 10 a.m.  - 12 p.m. @ Bedford Reservation in Tinker's Creek Watershed

WVP will join the Tinker's Creek Watershed Partnership and the Ohio chapter of Native Fish Coalition (NFC) for a stream sampling event. The purpose of the event is to educate the public in regard to Ohio’s wild native fish. Additionally, the event will teach sampling methods and fish identification. 

(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series*

Sun, June 14, 9 - 11 a.m. @  Wolf Picnic Area, Huntington Reservation in Cahoon Creek-Frontal Lake Erie Watershed

Start off your Sunday by joining the WVP team and fellow volunteers for a morning snack and refreshing beverage before we set foot into the Watershed Stewardship Center's Green Infrastructure. In part 2 of this series, we will remove invasive plant species, add mulch to barren areas, perform other routine maintenance ensuring proper functionality and provide a natural space for wildlife in stormwater control measures.

Public Volunteers register here

(E) Training Session: Bank Erosion Hazard Index

Mon, June 22, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. @  Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed 

Stream Restoration Ecologist Elizabeth Hiser in partnership with Summit SWCD will lead a training in the classroom and in the field on how to assess streambank erosion using BEHI assessment methodology. BEHI looks at several streambank characteristics to determine the erosion potential: bank angle or undercutting, geologic layers, root structures within the bank, and more. More details TBA.

(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series*

Sun, June 28, 9 - 11 a.m. @  Bear Parking Lot, Brookside Reservation in Big Creek Watershed 

Start off your Sunday by joining the WVP team and fellow volunteers for a morning snack and refreshing beverage before we set foot into the Watershed Stewardship Center's Green Infrastructure. In part 3 of this series, we will remove invasive plant species, add mulch to barren areas, perform other routine maintenance ensuring proper functionality and provide a natural space for wildlife in stormwater control measures.

Public Volunteers register here

(S) 27th Annual Big Creek Cleanup

Sat, June 6, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Brooklyn City Fire Station, Brookfield Park, & Snow Road Picnic Area

For 27 years, volunteers have been meeting up to help us clean Big Creek! Join us on the first Saturday in June to clean trash out of the creek and surrounding areas. We welcome anyone and everyone who wants to help us clean up Big Creek! 

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Family Fishing Day 2026

Sat, June 6, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. @ Rockefeller Lagoon

Every year we host Family Fishing Day at Rockefeller Lagoon. This free event is an opportunity for people of all ages and experience levels to enjoy a day of fishing and watershed education. Children, senior citizens and veterans will receive a free fishing rod while supplies last, and experienced fishing instructors will be onsite. This venue is wheelchair accessible, and we welcome participants of all abilities.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Rain Barrel Workshop

Sat, June 6, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Cleveland Public Library Eastman Campus

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 the start of the workshop. 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) West Creek Conservancy: Casement Springs Preserve – Painesville Township in Lake County

Fri, June 12, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Casement Springs Preserve

Get a sneak-peek of West Creek’s newest Signature Preserve in Lake County on the newly acquired and restored former Casement Country Club golf course. Check out our progress with the wetland, pollinator, and riparian forest restoration as we continue to fundraise for the next phase, which will be a cold-water stream restoration with the hopes of making this property open to the public in 2027. Hike is open to all. wear muck boots, bring bug spray, binoculars and water. Light trail snacks will be available after the hike. Registration: Call or email Kelly Eppink at 330-801-5446 | [email protected]

(S) Rain Barrel Workshop

Thurs, June 11, 6 - 7 p.m. @ Highland Heights Community Center

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 the beginning. 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) Doan Brook Historical Hike

Sat, June 13, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Doan Brook

Join Doan Brook Watershed Partnership and Shaker Historical Society on a hike in the Doan Brook Watershed! Learn about the ecology and history of this unique area as we reflect on 250 years of the United States of America. Be prepared for a hike through varied terrain. Please wear closed toed shoes like hiking boots or sneakers, and come dressed for the weather. More details coming soon!

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Friends of Doan Brook Gorge Community Stewardship Day

Sat, June 20, 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

(M) Marine Debris Monitoring

Sun, July 12, 9 - 11 a.m. @  Euclid Beach in Euclid Creek Watershed

Join us for monitoring Marine Debris at Euclid Creek.

(M) Scenic Rivers Macro Monitoring

Tue, July 14 (Rain Date: Fri July 17), 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) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series*

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

Start off your Sunday by joining the WVP team and fellow volunteers for a morning snack and refreshing beverage before we set foot into the Watershed Stewardship Center's Green Infrastructure. In part 4 of this series, we will remove invasive plant species, add mulch to barren areas, perform other routine maintenance ensuring proper functionality and provide a natural space for wildlife in stormwater control measures.

Public Volunteers register here

(E) Watershed Wednesday w/ Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District

Wed, July 22, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @  Acacia Reservation, Euclid Creek Watershed 

We will be joined by Kate Chapel, Euclid Creek Watershed Coordinator, from Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District. More details TBA.

(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series*

Sun, July 28, 9 - 11 a.m. @  North Chagrin Reservation in Chagrin River Watershed 

Start off your Sunday by joining the WVP team and fellow volunteers for a morning snack and refreshing beverage before we set foot into the Watershed Stewardship Center's Green Infrastructure. In part 5 of this series, we will remove invasive plant species, add mulch to barren areas, perform other routine maintenance ensuring proper functionality and provide a natural space for wildlife in stormwater control measures.

Public Volunteers register here

(S) Master Rain Gardener | Summer 2026

Mondays July 6-27, 5:30-7:00 p.m. @ Mayfield Heights Aquatic & Community Center

Learn to design and install your own rain garden and become the rain garden expert in your neighborhood. This course will provide you with the information and experience to build your own rain garden and become a Certified Master Rain Gardener. We recognize that not everyone can build a rain garden on their own property though, so you can also become certified by participating in a public rain garden building, volunteering at a public rain garden, or passing along your new expertise to the public (i.e. presenting to your garden club, at a public library, etc.)

Upon certification, you’ll receive a Master Rain Gardener t-shirt, sign, and certificate (included in the cost of registration).

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Rain Barrel Workshop

Wed, July 8, 6 - 7 p.m. @ Mayfield Library

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 the beginning. 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) West Creek Reservation – Parma in Cuyahoga County

Sun, July 19, 12 - 2 p.m. @ West Creek Conservancy

Explore nature from a river’s point of view. We will get wet as we hike down the middle of West Creek heading south from the Watershed Stewardship Center. West Creek Conservancy in partnership with Cleveland Metroparks has worked hard to protect, restore, and connect riparian green spaces, one parcel at a time, to create West Creek Reservation. The hike will highlight how humans have altered the stream valley through urban growth. Participants will observe the stream in action, as we compare a section of more natural stream valley to a highly altered section of stream valley. It will be over moderate to rough terrain (rocky riverbeds) so a walking stick and waterproof rubber knee-high boots, or sturdy tennis shoes that can get wet, are recommended. Along the hike we will talk about problems created by urban modifications of a natural stream and see firsthand the need to protect and restore these important blue-green corridors. Registration: Call or email Kelly Eppink at 330-801-5446 | [email protected]

(S) Friends of Doan Brook Gorge Community Stewardship Day

Sat, July 25, 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

(M) Scenic Rivers Macro Monitoring

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

(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series

May 31, June 14, June 28, July 19, July 26, August 2, August 9, August 16 - 9 a.m.  - 11 a.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