Currents \| May 2013

Now that winter has let go of its hold here in Northwest Ohio- I’ve lost my staff.  Maybe “lost” is a severe term, “misplaced” may be more accurate.  Not that they have left PCS, I just have to look harder to locate them these days. It is kind of like the game “Where’s Waldo?”. They send me pictures from where ever they are, or send me a question in need of an answer.  One minute they’re here, the next they’re off to the next meeting, event, table, etc. This past month alone they have been spotted all over the greater Toledo area. They went to Bowling Green State University, University of Toledo and Owens Community College for Earth Day Celebrations.  Ava and Paige spent a chilly day in SideCut MetroPark with the Walleye Anglers successfully collecting trash in early April.  A few weeks ago Kyle had all of the staff out at Camp Miakonda in Hartman Ditch learning the techniques of constructing Bendway Weirs to prevent further erosion in the ditch. The following day, we had a marathon planting of silky dogwoods in the rain. We also went to Party for the Planet at The Toledo Zoo a few days before Earth Day and demonstrated how rivers flow using “Popcorn Rivers.” And Storm Drain Marking has begun. Soon, Get the Lead Out will be in full force. And Clean Your Streams planning is underway already. We used to sit and enjoy a lunch together and plan out a few weeks, not any more. Bring on Spring!

Every year Toledo welcomes fishermen to the Maumee River from far and wide for Walleye fishing.  On Saturday, April 6th we had the opportunity to spend the day along the Maumee River near Blue Grass Island in Sidecut MetroPark. We were on a mission to welcome them back (both the fish and the fishermen) and to get some help removing some of the early spring garbage from the river.  Although it was a chilly 43° and windy, the parking lots were full and River Road was lined with cars as we passed out garbage bags to Walleye fisherman. They brought us back bags of trash they had collected while out in the River.

With the assistance of Bass Pro Shops providing some great giveaways, we collected a large pile of trash next to our table along the side of the road.  In addition to trash, we were rewarded with huge smiles and great stories from those young and old alike as the day passed.  Not only did we see those gorgeous Walleye, but the extra pile of trash/treasure grew from a few cans and bags to include a tire, a mailbox and a beach ball.  Oh, and Paige did get a new sign for her desk that says “Keep Off”!  We were lucky enough to be sitting next to Dennis at Zap Lures and he continued to hand out garbage bags as requests to clean up the river continued the next day.  Toledo Area MetroParks hauled away all the trash that accumulated throughout the day. Now the River is cleaner, fishermen (and women) are more aware of their trash and the day couldn’t have been more successful. So the next time you are out fishing, walking or enjoying the river “come with nothing, leave with something” as Paul Arman said.

Check out the pictures from the day here!

To continue our Stream Restoration Project, spring time follow-up work began at Camp Miakonda last month under direction from Dave Derrick from the Army Corps of Engineers. With the help of numerous partners and volunteers, the redirected Hartman Ditch received some grade control, bank stabilization, in-stream structures, and additional plantings to improve the eroding banks.

Grade controls made from stone and trees that were installed to control the water levels in the ditch and to help maintain the quality of the neighboring wetland. Engineered Rock Riffles and Bendway Weirs were used to aid in preventing further erosion of the banks. Native plants were planted to hold soil, improve habitat and strengthen the entire system, both the stream banks and wetlands. One of the best parts about the project is that all the materials used are natural and were found on Camp Miakonda property with the help of Camp Staff. Thank you to all the volunteers and partners for their help! Check out pictures of the work here!

Are you enrolled in the Kroger Community Rewards for Partners for Clean Streams?  If so, now is the time to renew and continue to earn rewards for Partners for Clean Streams. Every year in April and May, Kroger requires members to renew their Community Rewards membership. It’s easy to renew your membership.  Just sign into your Kroger Plus account and select Partners for Clean Streams (organization number 80954) to receive a portion of Kroger’s profits. The money we receive from Kroger is put to use in conserving our local rivers.

Not already earning rewards for us with the Kroger Community Rewards program and want to do more for your rivers? It costs you nothing and signing up takes less time than pumping gas! Now is a great time to sign up for the Rewards. Learn how you can earn rewards for local rivers here.

Join us for the Spring Maumee RAP Summit Thursday, May 16th from 9:30-12:30pm at the Toledo Public Library Locke Branch at 703 Miami St. in Toledo. Come hear presentations about new developments and projects happening around the Maumee Area of Concern.  For questions, contact Cherie Blair at 419-373-3010.