FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
BOB ROTATORI - 216-635-3263 -or-
HOLLY KECK - 216-635-3253
Join the crusade and fight against alien plants and insects.
Cleveland Metroparks invites Greater Clevelanders to participate in
the new, free �Area 49: Alien Invasion� event on Saturday,
July 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at CanalWay Center in Ohio &
Erie Canal Reservation in Cuyahoga Heights.
Become an �environmental warrior� and learn how to identify and
combat alien plants and insects. Some alien species need to be
eliminated; others can be accepted into the local environment; and
some need to be observed before action is taken. It is important to
gain an understanding of where these alien species came from, how
they move about the area and what impact will they have on local
flora and fauna.
Groups or individuals can join in a variety of different natural
resource projects in an effort to control populations of several
alien species invading Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation.
Environmental warriors of all ages are encouraged to participate.
Some of the projects are: removal of honeysuckle, collection of
invasive worms and the removal of Japanese knotweed.
In addition to hands-on environmental projects there will be
variety of crafts, games and displays for all ages.
Cleveland Metroparks Natural Resources Department will display
sprayers, atv's and other large pieces of equipment used to help
manage the Park District's 16 reservations. Cleveland Metropark Zoo
will promote its �Roses For Rhinos� program. The multi-flora rose,
an alien species, is removed from the local environment and then
mixed with other vegetation and fed to the Zoo's rhinos.
Another display includes information on how to be a responsible
pet owner. See live, non-native reptiles and other animals that
once belonged to private citizens before they were released into
the local area. Learn which animals make good pets and why. And,
view an exhibit educating the public about how to make responsible
choices for backyard plants and flowers.
Local artist Cari Miller, who is the featured artist this month
at CanalWay Center, will be on hand to meet from 1 to 4 p.m. Get
creative with Miller as she helps �environmental warriors� craft
individual works of art made from repurposed litter, such as bottle
caps, or participate as a group by using the large canvas provided
and make a community work of art. The canvas completed by the group
will be displayed at CanalWay Center.
Visitors can shop at EarthWords Nature Shop for nature-inspired
gifts, guides and refreshments, too.
CanalWay Center is located on Whittlesey Way, off the East 49th
Street entrance of Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, between Grant
Avenue and Canal Road in Cuyahoga Heights - just off the I-77/Grant
Avenue exit.
For more information, call 216-206-1000 or visit
clevelandmetroparks.com.
Battle against alien plants and insects at the �Area 49:
Alien Invasion� event in Cleveland Metroparks - part of your
life, naturally!
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