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.
June Events
(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.
(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 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.
(E) Picnic in the Park
Sat, June 27, 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. & 2 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. @ Canal Basin Park in Cuyahoga River Watershed
Help spread the word about WVP and share your knowledge of watershed health by staffing an information table at Picnic in the Park. Cuyahoga County is kicking off its America 250 celebration with the return of Rediscover Veterans Memorial Bridge. The iconic Veterans Memorial Bridge will be open to the public for free, self-guided tours of the rarely seen lower level. In addition, Picnic in the Park at Canal Basin Park will feature live music, food trucks, and fun activities for all ages.
(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 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
June Supplemental Events
(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) Friends of Euclid Creek Picnic
Sun, June 7, 12 p.m. @ East Shore Park Club Clubhouse
Bring a dish to share, your own table setting and beverage of choice. Plan for great conversation with fellow members and get to meet our two scholarship winners.
More Information and Registration Here
(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) Hike Opportunity – 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) 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) Old Growth Forest Tour
Sat, June 20, 9 a.m. @ A. B. Williams Forest in North Chagrin Reservation
Join the Friends of Euclid Creek for an Old Growth Forest Tour Led by Tom Sampliner. They will meet in the parking lot for Forest Picnic Area at the southeast terminus of Metroparks Dr. in North Chagrin Reservation. The terrain will be slightly undulating but expected to be dry unless substantial pre-walk rain occurs. Footwear should be ordinary hiking shoes or boots. Register with the FOEC. Registrants will receive additional background information before the walk.
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
(S) Grass Isn't Greener: Nurturing Nature at Home with Danae Wolfe
Sat, June 20, 12 - 1:30 p.m. @ Willoughby Library Lawn
Conservation writer and wildlife photographer Danae Wolfe will discuss her new book and how your yard can become a vibrant refuge for pollinators, birds, and bugs—and a surprisingly powerful force for conservation. Optional tour of the new Willoughby Public Library rain garden will follow the presentation.
July Events
(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 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 to learn about restoration efforts on Euclid Creek, both on site and right downstream. We will help remove trash from the creek/floodplains and remove some invasive species as well. Past tree plantings will be inspected and tree cages assessed to see if any ought to be removed. Any tools and supplies will be provided by Cuyahoga SWCD. Please wear long pants and close-toed shoes and bring your own water.
(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series*
Sun, July 26, 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 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
July Supplemental Events
(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) 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 @ Mayfield Sand Ridge Club 1545 Sheridan Rd, South Euclid, OH, United States
Join the Cuyahoga River AOC's Advisory Committee at the next quarterly meeting to discuss pertinent items related to the overall goal of delisting the river by completing all Management Action Projects and all Beneficial Use Impairment's are restored. Please email [email protected] for an agenda and additional information.
(S) Hike Opportunity – West Creek Conservancy: 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
(S) Nitrate Pollution Awareness Week Webinar: Welcome to Nitrate Pollution Awareness Week
Mon, July 27, 1:00 p.m. @ Webinar
Nitrate Pollution Awareness Week is a new initiative of the Izaak Walton League of America, aimed at amplifying education, monitoring, and advocacy surrounding nitrate pollution in water. But what is nitrate pollution? Why does it matter? And what can we do about it? Join the League’s Clean Water Program Director, Samantha Puckett and Grassroots Advocacy Manager, Jessica Gordon to learn the answers to these questions, and more. Plus, find out how you can enter to win prizes just by getting involved this week!
More Information and Registration Here
(S) Nitrate Pollution Awareness Week Webinar: An Invisible Threat: Nitrate in Drinking Water
Wed, July 29, 1:00 p.m. @ Webinar
In communities across the country, nitrate pollution is a tasteless, odorless, invisible contaminant posing serious harm to public health. Join Dr. David Cwiertny, Director of the University of Iowa’s Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination, for an in-depth exploration of how nitrate contamination in our water systems is a public health concern. This session will distill complex data into clear takeaways, highlighting the latest scientific links between nitrate exposure and adverse health outcomes including cancers, thyroid disease, birth defects, and more.
More Information and Registration Here
(S) Nitrate Pollution Awareness Week Webinar: Regenerative Solutions for Soil Health and Water Quality
Thurs, July 30, 1:00 p.m. @ Webinar
Environmental stewardship and farm profitability are not mutually exclusive. Join Dr. Matt Liebman, Iowa State University Professor Emeritus, as he draws from decades of groundbreaking research to describe actionable strategies to cultivate resilience on agricultural landscapes to improve water quality. We’ll explore how regenerative practices can significantly reduce nitrate pollution and restore soil health without sacrificing the bottom line.
More Information and Registration Here
(S) Nitrate Pollution Awareness Week Webinar: Nitrate Pollution and the Dead Zone: Insights from the Gulf
Fri, July 31, 1:00 p.m. @ Webinar
Each summer, the Gulf of Mexico develops a hypoxic “dead zone,” an area of low to no oxygen spanning thousands of square miles where aquatic life is scarce. Join Dr. Cassandra Glaspie of Louisiana State University for an exploration of the Gulf dead zone and its connection to nitrate pollution within the Mississippi River Basin. Drawing on her firsthand experience leading hypoxia cruises, Dr. Glaspie will share insights into the data collection process and what long-term nutrient dynamics reveal about the health of our coastal waters.
August Events
(E) Bug Bonanza WVP Table
Sat, Aug 1, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 12 - 2:30 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center in West Creek Watershed
The Cleveland Metroparks Bug Bonanza is an annual, free, family-friendly summer event celebrating insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. Join us to help spread the word about WVP by staffing an information table at the Metroparks annual Bug Bonanza.
(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series*
Sun, Aug 2, 9 - 11 a.m. @ Sideyard Park in Cuyahoga 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 Green Infrastructure. In part 6 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
(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series*
Sun, Aug 9, 9 - 11 a.m. @ Wildwood Park 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 Green Infrastructure. In part 7 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/ Chagrin River Watershed Partners
Wed, Aug 12, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ North Chagrin Reservation in Chagrin River Watershed
We will be joined by Kevin Saracino from Chagrin River Watershed Partners to learn about the Beecher's Brook Restoration that Chagrin River Watershed Partners assisted with back in 2021. We will tour the site, talk about the restoration, and learn about fish passage barriers that were a big part of the project.
(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series Celebration
Sun, Aug 16, 9 - 11 a.m. @ TBA
Join us in celebrating all our hard work and accomplishments during the 7 events of the Green Infrastructure Gardening Series this year.
(M) Marine Debris Monitoring
Sun, Aug 23, 9 - 11 a.m. @ Euclid Beach in Euclid Creek Watershed
Join us for monitoring Marine Debris at Euclid Creek.
August Supplemental Events
(S) Rain Barrel Workshop
Wed, Aug 5, 6 - 7 p.m. @ South Euclid Community Center
Collect rainwater, cut down on stormwater pollution, and give your garden a boost by building your own rain barrel. A rain barrel captures and stores water that would otherwise rush into storm drains untreated. By using this collected water on your lawn and garden, you conserve resources, support healthier waterways, and keep your plants happy. The workshop begins with a brief presentation and demonstration on assembling a rain barrel using the diverter kit. After the presentation, you’ll receive the rain barrel system(s) you purchased during registration. You’ll have everything you need to assemble your rain barrel system(s) 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) Hike Opportunity – West Creek Conservancy: Thompson Ledges North – Thompson Township in Geauga County
Fri, Aug 14, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. @ Thompson Ledges North
Walk with Dr. David Saja and several local naturalists through the recently acquired and yet-to-be open northern section of Thompson Ledges. Learn about the uniqueness of the northern most Sharon-conglomerate sandstone rock outcropping in Ohio. Expect to see distinctive trails, caves, old growth forest and several listed species along the way. Meet up after the hike for comradery and wine-tasting at a Grand River Winery. Exact location to be determined closer to hike. Registration: Call or email Kelly Eppink at 330-801-5446 | [email protected]
(S) Hike Opportunity – West Creek Conservancy: Creekside Collaborative Partners Hike and Open House – Parma in Cuyahoga County
Tues, Aug 18, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Creekside Collaborative Partners
Creekside Collaborative Partners: A historic homestead, a stream restoration site, and a collaborative hub where conservation partners come together. Join us for a guided hike as we explore the land’s past, celebrate its purpose today, and share the vision ahead. This will be a leisurely, one‑mile hike around the site, offering a closer look at how this urban greenspace is being thoughtfully used and cared for. Along the way, we’ll visit a preserved upland forest, a restored urban stream valley, a culinary outdoor classroom, and a native plant nursery. After the hike, stay for an open‑house‑style gathering—chat with staff, ask questions, and explore the space at your own pace. Registration: Call or email Kelly Eppink at 330-801-5446 | [email protected]
Coming Attractions
(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.
(E) Sturgeon Fest
September 19
(E)Clean Water Fest
September 19
Abbreviations you will find in Volgistics:
- WVP- Watershed Volunteer Program
- NR- Natural Resources
- IP- Independent/Special Projects
- E- Education
- M- Monitoring
- R- Restoration
- S- Supplemental (continuing education and partner organization events)
Have further questions about events or registering? Please contact WVP staff at [email protected].