*also see event listing on Cleveland Metroparks Facebook page
Confluence Room
Opening Speaker: Derek Schafer, West Creek Conservancy
Experience the story of the West Creek Preservation Committee, a determined group of residents that created monumental change.
10 – 11 a.m.
Julie Slater, Meadow City Nursery
Native Plants: It Takes a City
Meadow City is one member of a vibrant community advocating for native plants in the Greater Cleveland area. Learn how this urban nursery got started and how they collaborate with others to create habitat in our region.
11 – 11:45 a.m.
Matt Shumar, Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative
Lights Out – A Commitment to Birds
Learn the scope of the Ohio Lights Out program, the impacts that Lights Out Cleveland has made in our region, and how to you can support local avian conservation efforts.
12:30 – 1:15 p.m.
Eddie Olshansky, Trashfish CLE
A Battle for Our Waterways
Learn the origins of Trashfish, how plastics and other trash impacts our waterways, and way you can support cleanup efforts of the Cuyahoga River.
1:15 – 2 p.m.
Jackson Wolf, Cleveland Metroparks, Trails
Sustainable Trails and Community Connections
Learn how Cleveland Metroparks utilizes volunteers and sustainable trail building to improve connections throughout our community.
2 – 2:45 p.m.
Doug Tallamy, Conservationist and Author
Next Steps for Nature: 500 Questions (and answers) for how to save nature in our own yards.
Nearly every day I get emails from people who have read my books and heard my talks and yet still have questions about ecological landscaping. These are good, thoughtful questions about ecology and evolution, biodiversity, invasive species, insect declines, native and non-native plants, conservation and restoration, residential and city landscapes, urban issues, oak biology, keystone plants, Homegrown National Park, monarchs, supporting wildlife at home, and more. In this talk I address as many of these queries as I can with hope that my answers will further motivate people to help restore ecosystem function where they live, work, play, worship, and farm.
3 – 4 p.m.
Classroom
Jen Brumfield, Cleveland Metroparks, Natural Resources
Crowdsourced Conservation
Learn how members of our community have crowdsourced conservation by contributing to new species records throughout the region. Jen will highlight the value of local birders and nature enthusiasts that use apps like eBird and iNaturalist to acquire knowledge for the greater good.
11 – 11:20 a.m.
Mel Hauser, Good Nature Lawn Care
Sustainable Lawn Care
Learn various techniques that can be used to manage lawns in more sustainable ways.
11:30 – 11:50 a.m.
Sara Corrigan, Watershed Volunteer Program
Presentation Title: Conserving Your Watersheds
Get an overview of the Watershed Volunteer Program, what volunteers experience in the field, how their contributions have improved or contributed to improving natural areas, and how to get involved.
12:30 – 12:50 p.m.
Zoe Apisdorf, Rustbelt Riders
Food Scrap Composting
Learn Rust Belt Riders’ initiatives to improve access to food scrap composting and the effects it has on the environment.
1 – 1:20 p.m.
Dr. Michael Selig, Cleveland Metroparks, Zoo Veterinary Programs
Rare Species Conservation in Northeast, OH
An overview of Cleveland Metroparks efforts to conserve rare species throughout the region.
1:30 – 1:50 p.m.
Stephan Janosko, NEORSD, Engineering and Construction Project Manager
Project Clean Lake Update
In July of 2011, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District embarked on an ambitious 25-year program to reduce the discharge of Combined Sewer Overflows by 4 billion gallons per year. Now crossing its halfway mark, learn about the progress of Project Clean Lake and the impacts we have seen on our region’s water quality.
2 – 2:20 p.m.
Lisa Rainsong, Professional Musician, Educator, and Naturalist
Singing Insects and Protecting Their Concert Halls
Lisa studies the songs of birds, insects, and amphibians of NE Ohio. In this presentation we will explore the sounds of our natural world and deepen our desires to protect its musicians and concert halls.
2:30 – 2:50 p.m.
Outdoor Native Plant Sale and Hikes
John Reinier, Cleveland Metroparks, Natural Resources
Rare Plants and Partnerships
Hike off-trail to experience unique habitat within West Creek Reservation. The hike will be highlighted with rare plant sightings, including lady’s tresses orchids in bloom. Guests will learn how recent partnerships have led to new conservation initiatives in the area.
Terrain: paved and natural surfaces, off-trail, hills, tall grass, 2 miles
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Matt Knittel, Cleveland Metroparks, Outdoor Experiences
Community Restoration of Camp Corde
Hike to the former Camp Corde restoration site while discussing how engaging school programs has helped the restoration move forward.
Terrain: paved and natural surfaces, hills, stairs, 3 miles
1 – 2:30 p.m.
Native Plant Sale
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Girl Scouts: Selling Refreshments on the Patio
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.