NEW DIGITAL FEATURE! Click this icon appearing in articles to view videos on the subject.

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MARCH 2021

Summer Camps Register for summer fun across parks, zoo & golf

Maple Sugaring Experience Reservation’s sweetest tradition

Spring Style Shop new Metroparks spring apparel

Youth fishing at & Erie Canal ® CONTENTS A LETTER FROM BRIAN ZIMMERMAN Warmer Days Around the Bend 2 Letter from Brian & Pathfinder March has arrived, and as warmer days are now upon us, there are signs of spring everywhere you look across our Emerald Necklace. 3 Summer Camp Magic On the bluffs and shores of , a growing variety of birds call with increased activity. Along forested trails, the first ephemeral wildflowers begin to sprout. And in the deep woods, spring peepers 4 Naturalist’s Almanac & Outdoor Summer Camps and salamanders scurry to vernal pools for their annual migration. There’s exploration around every bend this spring. 5 Nature Preschool Our March Emerald Necklace issue is a great resource not only for planning your next adventure in Cleveland Metroparks but also for learning about important conservation topics to our region. In this issue you can learn about the 6 Maple Sugaring seasonal celebration of maple sugaring in Ohio, the origins and importance of World Water Day, easy steps to help combat climate change and new shipping proposals to 7 Summer Zoo Camps help protect our Great Lakes. The March Emerald Necklace is also our camp issue! While summer is a few months away, registration is now open for a variety of summer camps that offer adventure-based 8 Junior Golf Classes & Camps fun including kayaking, climbing, sailing, mountain biking, golf and more as well as education and conservation-based camps at . Spending time 9 Nature Shops & outdoors is linked to many benefits including a stronger immune system and increased Gift of Nature concentration, and Cleveland Metroparks camps offer a variety of great activities for children of all ages. You can also learn about our Nature Preschool, which is now in its 10 New Shipping Proposals & fourth year! Changing Climate’s Impact As the weather continues to warm throughout the month, it also brings more 11 World Water Day & opportunities for outdoor recreation. As you explore our parks, please stay connected Friday Fish Fry to our website for the latest updates on park projects. This spring, of course, marks the completion of our biggest trail projects to date that will provide more connections 12 Directory & Map to and from and Lake Erie. The Whiskey Island Connector, Red Line Greenway and Wendy Park Bridge will soon be open for public exploration and Click or touch a section above to access adventure. it directly. Click on the home button (shown here) at the top corner of each After a long winter, spring is always a transformative time in Cleveland Metroparks page to return you here. and this year there’s so much to be excited for. I can’t wait to see you out there!

NEWEST FEATURE! Click this icon appearing in articles to view videos on the subject. Brian Zimmerman Cleveland Metroparks CEO

Pathfinder powered by PNC Pathf inderDownload thepowered free guide by to all 18 park reservations. The digital version of the Pathfinder can be easily storedSCAN on your phone and taken with you as a reference point whenWITH visiting YOUR Cleveland Metroparks. You can also download by going to: clevelandmetroparks.PHONE com/pathfinder

The digital version of the Pathf inder can be easily stored on your phone and taken with you as a reference point when visiting Cleveland Metroparks.

You can also download by going to: clevelandmetroparks.com/pathfinder

2 Emerald Necklace March 2021 | Vol. 70 #3 FEATURE ARTICLE

Summer Camp Magic

he timeless tradition grow, time spent in nature owls, snakes and turtles, explore rivers of going to camp in helps children develop and forests, and play in the sand along the Tthe summer creates resilience, confidence and shores of Lake Erie. life-long memories of problem-solving abilities. Summer camps provide children with adventurous fun for children. Camps are the perfect vehicle opportunities to discover magic and When the world still seems for fostering these crucial life mystery in the real world. Catching impossibly big and filled skills. Friendships are forged a fleeting glimpse of a red fox in the with magic, it takes little through the collaboration woods or watching a monarch butterfly more than a hollowed-out of building a log fort, emerge from its chrysalis can leave a tree or glistening creek to achievement is recognized lasting impression on a child’s mind. provide everything needed in the patient endeavors of Even downtime spent looking up at the for hours of imaginative play. catching crayfish, and a sense clouds, enjoying the warmth of the sun, Nothing is more elemental of wonder and appreciation or listening to the crashing waves hit the to the summer camp for the world around them seemingly endless lake shore can create experience than time spent blossoms into a healthy and deeply enriching sensory experiences outdoors laughing, playing, and learning. life-long love of nature. that follow children long into Outdoor experiences are vital for children. There is nowhere better adulthood. It is this connection Exploration of the natural world helps to experience the magic with nature that helps children to build strong bodies and minds and of camp than Cleveland to value and feel a part of the playing in nature helps to stoke the fire of Metroparks. High- world around them. Forging imagination and adventure. Children are quality summer camp a bond between themselves simply in their element when digging in experiences are led by and this amazing region we the dirt and hopping across creeks. In a professionally trained call “home” is a gift each child world of increasing social and academic staff and offer immersive, deserves to experience. Years pressures, time spent outdoors can be engaging opportunities for later, as the world grows a powerful tool in managing stress and children to learn, recreate, more demanding and time capturing some of the beauty and magic and fall in love with the flies by ever more quickly, the that makes childhood so special. outdoors. Throughout our formative memories of camp 18 reservations, kids can will help to ensure each child The natural world provides the best learn to golf, fish, kayak, always carries a little piece of classroom and playground imaginable for or discover the natural summer magic in their hearts. children of all ages. Preschoolers develop world in their own backyard. They can fine and gross motor skills by sorting Bethany Majeski, Manager get up-close with live Ohio animals like stones and climbing fallen logs. As they North Chagrin Nature Center

Register at clevelandmetroparks.com/summercamps. Look inside for more camps including preschool, golf, outdoor recreation and Zoo camps.

clevelandmetroparks.com 3 NATURALIST’S ALMANAC Frogs & Salamanders Come Marching In!

March heralds the beginning of Cleveland Metroparks. Countless spring with increasingly warmer wood frogs, spotted and Jefferson days, signaling birds to stir and salamanders and spring peepers are on the move migrating to vernal become more active. From the high Eastern phoebe bluffs and shores of Huntington pools. Males are first to arrive staking and Lakefront Reservations, one can territories and advertising for the witness wide diversity of countless soon arriving females. The chorus Spotted salamander diving ducks, grebes and loons as peaks with thousands of male frogs they prepare to push north towards singing as competition is fierce for nesting grounds. Late in the month, the opportunity to breed. Within a the first spring migrants, including few short days this annual event is hardy Eastern phoebes, fox sparrows, over and the adults migrate back and yellow-bellied sapsuckers, begin to the forest leaving their eggs to to appear in greater numbers. develop into another generation of amphibians all before the heart of Yellow-bellied sapsucker American bullfrog March brings one of the most awe- summer will dry out these temporary inspiring events in the forests of Photos by Jen Goellnitz, Photos by Marty Calabrese pools. Fairview Park Outdoor Recreation Summer Camps outh seeking adventure- experience sailing, stand up certified instructors devoted based fun this summer paddleboarding, kayaking, to sharing their passion for the Yshould consider rock climbing, mountain outdoors with your child. Campers Cleveland Metroparks biking, and more. Youth 10-15 will experience the camaraderie Outdoor Recreation Summer years old will be inspired to and sense of adventure outdoor Camps. Participants will challenge themselves and recreation provides. have an opportunity to learn hone their skills under the Rachel Nagle new skills or build on their guidance of experienced, Outdoor Recreation Manager Register at clevelandmetroparks.com/summercamps CAMP DESCRIPTION LOCATION Paddlesports Discover the art of kayaking and stand up Hinckley Youth Day paddleboarding through fun, interactive games that Reservation promote boat control. Climb the Ledge Hike through natural rock cliffs, learn rock climbing & Hinckley Youth Day bouldering techniques and try slacklining! Reservation Youth Sailing Camp Experience the water in a new way, as you learn Lakefront sailing terminology, etiquette, reading the wind, and Reservation maneuvering a sailboat. Teen Mountain Bike Experience biking on natural surface trails where Bedford Skills Camp balance, control, and fun are the focus. Reservation Adventure Seeker Series Combine the thrills during this 3-day camp that includes Hinckley Camp rock climbing, paddling, and wilderness skills. Reservation Watersports Adventure Engage with the water during this 3-day camp filled Lakefront Camp with SUPing, kayaking, and sailing. Reservation Cleveland Metroparks will be following all state-mandated polices regarding safety during COVID. 4 Emerald Necklace March 2021 NATURE PRESCHOOL Immersing Young Children in the Outdoors: The Benefits of Nature Preschool

world and their place within it. Our two in dirt and then jump in a few puddles schools are located in the beautiful Rocky before finishing up with counting how River and North Chagrin Reservations. many cardinals we saw on that day’s hike. By taking the best practices of early Our curriculum is child-centered, taught childhood education and infusing them by experienced educators, and based on into the outdoors, we do everything that Ohio’s Early Learning and Development might be found in a traditional preschool Standards. Erica Anton with a nature-based twist. Nature Preschool Program Administrator Encouraging Curiosity and Exploration Young children are one of the most To learn more, visit curious creatures around. By immersing clevelandmetroparks.com/preschool ature is a powerful influence children in nature, we foster a sense of in children’s growth and wonder that encourages them to ask Ndevelopment. Spending time questions that interest them and then we outdoors is linked to a variety of benefits, help them seek out the answers. We build including a stronger immune system, confidence by supporting children in lower levels of anxiety and increased taking (well-supervised) risks. Every day is concentration. What better classroom an adventure, a new discovery and a new could there be for young children? way for children to connect with each Supporting the Whole Child other and with other living things. We start off in our outdoor classroom singing Cleveland Metroparks Nature Preschool is a rhyming song about frogs before now preparing for its fourth year helping 2021-2022 moving on to rolling logs. Afterwards, children, ages three to five, develop a we might practice writing our names Preschool Registration deep-seated appreciation for the natural If you are interested in sending your child to Cleveland Metroparks Nature Preschool and would like to know more, join us for a VIRTUAL Nature Preschool Summer OPEN HOUSE on either Wednesday, February NEW! 17 or Friday, February 19. If we missed you on Mini Sessions Coming Soon these dates, you can find the recorded sessions • Focused on engaging, whole-child on website. Can’t wait for the 2021-22 school year for development your child to start a high-quality, unique Registration for the 2021-2022 school year preschool experience? Do you have a 3–5 Summer Mini Sessions will be held at the begins on February 22 for Cuyahoga County year-old who loves to explore nature? following dates and locations and Hinckley Township residents. All other Don’t miss Cleveland Metroparks Nature • Rocky River Reservation: June 7 – July 2 residents can register beginning March 3. Preschool Summer Mini Sessions. • North Chagrin Reservation: July 12 – 30 Our Summer Mini Sessions are perfect for For full registration information including virtual your child, because they are… • Five-day AM sessions and three-day PM open houses, fees, and requirements, please visit sessions available. clevelandmetroparks.com/preschool. • An extension of our highly popular school-year Nature Preschool program • Sessions are three hours per day • Taught by expert staff who hold • Customize your summer experience and degrees in Early Childhood Education sign up for one or more weeks! For more information or to register, visit • Licensed though the Ohio Department clevelandmetroparks.com/preschool. of Job and Family Services

Cleveland Metroparks will be following all state-mandated polices regarding safety during COVID.

clevelandmetroparks.com 5 INSIDE OUR PARKS Maple Sugaring: A Seasonal Celebration

ere in , we are Sap Flows with Fluctuations is put into an elevated gathering tank and fortunate to fully experience all In late winter and early spring while slowly released into an evaporator which has Hfour seasons. Our hot summers trees are still dormant, air temperatures a rectangular pan with a very hot enclosed and snowy winters are broken up rise above freezing during the day and fire beneath it. Since the sap is about 98% by warm, rainy springs and colorful dip back below at night. This fluctuation water, the heat evaporates the water in the autumns. With each of these seasons causes pressure to develop in the trees form of steam as gravity moves the sap comes a variety of natural processes making their sap flow. During this time, through various chambers in the evaporator that have created cultural traditions sugar maple trees are tapped by drilling pan. As the sap boils, it thickens into syrup including one unique to our part of the a small hole and inserting a spile, which and is poured off from the evaporator when earth — maple sugaring. is like a metal straw. Sap flows through it attains 219 degrees and the approval of Sweetest Sap of All the spile and is collected into a container. the syrup maker. It is later cooked one final Tapping the trees does not hurt them if time before it is considered finished. Maple sugaring is the process of they are at least 10-12 inches in diameter. collecting sap from sugar maple trees American Indians and early settlers to the Tapping a stand (group) of sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and cooking it into Northeast boiled sugar maple sap down trees, also called a sugarbush, allows for syrup. All trees have sap, but sugar completely to make sugar crystals that were many trees to be tapped together in one maple sap is 2-3% sugar, making it easy to transport and used them to add area. Some large sugaring operations use the sweetest. Sugar maples are found flavor to their food. It wasn’t until collection elaborate tubing systems between the in large numbers in the Northeastern and storage methods improved that trees to collect sap, but smaller ones still part of North America, which also has syrup was made in large quantities. Maple collect in buckets or bags and physically the perfect climate for maple syrup sugaring has been done at Rocky River take the sap to a sugarhouse to be made production. Canada makes the most Reservation’s Maple Grove Picnic Area each into syrup. syrup and Vermont is the top maple year since 1982. Join us in person or virtually syrup producing state in the United The Process of Making Syrup this March to learn more about how pure States. Ohio is generally ranked around Ohio maple syrup is made. It takes 10 gallons of sap to make just one 5th in production with most of our Karen Lakus, Naturalist quart of syrup. At the sugarhouse, the sap syrup coming from Geauga County. Rocky River Nature Center

Maple Sugaring at Rocky River Reservation March 6 - 7, 13 - 14 • 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Rocky River Reservation • Maple Grove Picnic Area Take a self-guided hike through the sugarbush to find out about the history of maple sugaring. Learn about the techniques that have been used through time to gather sap and then watch as it is turned into syrup at the sugar house. Naturalists and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions. Cleveland Metroparks food truck will serve up delicious maple-themed treats for purchase and maple candy will be offered for sale while supplies last. Masks are required at the event.

6 Emerald Necklace March 2021 ZOO NEWS

Space is limited. Register online at PrehistoricSummer People Zoo Camps in the Parksclevelandmetroparks.com/ZooCamps

Campers in age groups 5-6, 7-8, or 9-10 can participate in any of the four camps on alternate weeks, so they can spend more than one session at Summer Day Camp. All camps will explore the entire Zoo, but each week will focus on a new theme and provide a unique experience.

PROGRAMS AGES 5 – 6 PROGRAMS AGES 7 – 8 PROGRAMS AGES 9 – 10 PROGRAMS AGES 11 – 12 Animal Coverings Animal Groups Animal Classification Wildlife Biology Campers will learn why different types Campers will learn about the main Campers learn about how different Campers ages 11-12 will participate of animals are covered with different groups of animals and what makes species are classified and what in our Wildlife Biology program. things, and how their coverings help them unique enough to be separated adaptations make them different from This program allows older campers protect them throughout their lives. into different groups. each other and perfectly suited to live in to explore the Zoo and Brookside their environment. Reservation while learning about Basic Needs Life Cycles the importance of observation and Campers will learn about the basic From producers and consumers, to Zoo Scene Investigators: exploration. needs in every animal’s life and how carnivores and herbivores, campers will Food Webs they use their differences to find each learn about the different roles animals Campers will explore and investigate PROGRAMS AGES 13 – 14 thing they need. play in an ecosystem and how their role animal mysteries each day that Counselor in Training can affect the lives of animals around illustrate the importance of food webs Our “Counselor-In-Training” leadership Conservation them. throughout the natural world. While exploring the Zoo, campers camp for ages 13-14 allows participants will learn what we do, and what they Conservation Conservation to develop their leadership skills by can do at home to help conserve While exploring the Zoo, campers will While exploring the Zoo, campers will working alongside our staff, and the natural world. Campers will also learn what we do, and what they can learn what we do, and what they can participating in team building and learn about why conservation is so do at home to help conserve the natural do at home to help conserve the natural challenge activities! important to the animals that live world. Campers will also learn about world. Campers will also learn about throughout the world. why conservation is so important to the why conservation is so important to the animals that live throughout the world. animals that live throughout the world. Enrichment During this holiday week, campers will Enrichment Enrichment learn what enrichment is, and how the During this holiday week, campers will During this holiday week, campers will Zoo provides mental stimulation to learn what enrichment is, and how the learn what enrichment is, and how the the animals in its collection. Zoo provides mental stimulation to the Zoo provides mental stimulation to the animals in its collection. animals in its collection.

2021 ZOO SUMMER DAY CAMP THEMES BY SESSION/WEEK Session Week of Ages 5 – 6 Ages 7 – 8 Ages 9 – 10 Ages 11 – 12 Ages 13 – 14 1 6/7 – 6/11 Animal Coverings Animal Groups Classification Counselor in Training 2 6/14 – 6/18 Basic Needs Life Cycles ZSI: Food Webs Wildlife Biology 3 6/21 – 6/25 Conservation Conservation Conservation Counselor in Training 4 6/28 – 7/2 Animal Coverings Animal Groups Classification Wildlife Biology 5 7/6 – 7/9* Enrichment Enrichment Enrichment Counselor in Training 6 7/12 – 7/16 Basic Needs Life Cycles ZSI: Food Webs Wildlife Biology 7 7/19 – 7/23 Conservation Conservation Conservation Counselor in Training 8 7/26 – 7/30 Animal Coverings Animal Groups Classification Wildlife Biology 9 8/2 – 8/6 Basic Needs Life Cycles ZSI: Food Webs Counselor in Training 10 8/9 – 8/13 Conservation Conservation Conservation Wildlife Biology * Discount week

clevelandmetroparks.com 7 Sign Up Now for Golf Academy or Day Camps JUNIOR ACADEMY OF GOLF SERIES ACADEMY OF GOLF SERIES Location Day & Dates Times Sessions Max Cost Cleveland Metroparks Academy of Golf provides a variety of high-quality learning opportunities Junior Fundamental Series for golfers of every skill level, gender, and age Manakiki Wednesday, June 2 – June 23 10 – 11 a.m. 4 6 $100 by helping individuals meet their personal golf Manakiki Wednesday, June 2 – June 23 4 – 5 p.m. 4 6 $100 goals, and to learn golf skills, traditions, rules, and etiquette. Seneca Monday, April 26 – May 17 4 – 5 p.m. 4 6 $100 From One Day Skill Building Clinics, including Seneca Wednesday, June 23 – July 14 1 – 2 p.m. 4 6 $100 a Spring Warm Up to help you choose the class Seneca Tuesday, Sept 7 – Sept 28 4 – 5 p.m. 4 6 $100 best for you, to multiple session classes Shawnee Hills Thursday, May 27 – June 17 4 – 5 p.m. 4 6 $100 helping you improve you game, visit clevelandmetroparks.com/golf to register. Sleepy Hollow Tuesday, June 8 – June 29 4 – 5 p.m. 4 6 $100 Sleepy Hollow Thursday, July 8 – July 29 4 – 5 p.m. 4 6 $100 GOLF JUNIOR DAY CAMP Junior Fundamental Series 2 –” The Next Step” The Junior Day Camp is a five day camp, Monday Shawnee Hills Tuesday, July 6 – July 27 4 – 5 p.m. 4 6 $100 to Friday, offered at Seneca or Washington Golf High School Prep Courses. This experience for young golfers, ages 7 to 17 years old, includes instruction, etiquette, Seneca Tuesday, June 8 – June 29 Noon – 2 p.m. 4 8 $135 rules and on course play in a fun and enjoyable Washington Monday, July 12 – August 2 3 – 5 p.m. 4 8 $135 atmosphere. Sessions run from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Junior Learn-N-Play Location Age Group Dates Seneca Tuesday, June 8 – July 13 8 – 11 a.m. 6 12 $180 7 – 17 years June 7 – 11 Seneca Wednesday, June 9 – July 14 8 – 11 a.m. 6 12 $180 Five-Day 7 – 17 years June 14 – 18 Shawnee Par 3 Friday, June 4 – July 9 8 – 11 a.m. 6 12 $180 Camps held 7 – 17 years June 21 – 25 Washington Monday, June 7 – July 19* 8 – 11 a.m. 6 12 $180 at Seneca or 7 – 17 years June 28 – July 2 Washington Register online for camp or classes at * No class July 5 clevelandmetroparks.com/golf Golf Course 7 – 17 years July 12 – 16 Fee $225 7 – 17 years July 19 – 23 7 – 17 years July 26 – 30 7 – 17 years August 2 – 6

Juniors should bring a packed lunch. A lunch option is available at Seneca, $7 per day or $30 for the week. Extended care is available for children arriving at 8 a.m. and staying until 5 p.m. An additional fee of $25 cover extended care for the entire week. Seneca Golf Course: Washington Golf Course: 975 Valley Parkway 3841 Washington Park Blvd Broadview Heights, OH Newburgh Heights, OH Book your tee time today! Manakiki Shawnee Hills 440-526-0043 216-641-1864 440-942-2500 | Willoughby Hills 440-232-7184 | Bedford Big Met Camp Director: Camp Director: Mastick Woods Sleepy Hollow 440-331-1070 | Fairview Park 216-267-5626 | Cleveland 440-526-4285 | Brecksville Geoff Koller, PGA Benjamin Ladaika, PGA Little Met Seneca Washington 8 Emerald Necklace March 2021 216-941-9672 | Cleveland 440-526-0043 | Broadview Hts. 216-641-1864 | Newburgh Hts. Nature Shop

Save a little green with our monthly specials! FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL DEAL OF THE MONTH DEAL OF THE MONTH DEAL OF THE MONTH I Heart Cap $18 I Heart

Long Sleeve Tee $ Mystery Bags 28 $ Offer valid 2/1/2021 ea. – 2/28/2021 while 10 Adventure Skills Guides Each bag contains over $40 worth $ of merchandise. No returns or exchanges. 9.95 ea. supplies last. Offer valid 3/1/2021 – 3/31/2021 while supplies last. Offer valid 4/1/2021 – 4/30/2021 while supplies last. Shop online at clevelandmetroparks.com/shop Shop online at clevelandmetroparks.com/shop Shop online at clevelandmetroparks.com/shop

Hinckley Lake Boathouse & Store Open daily. Snowshoe rentals available with 4+ inches of compact snow. Please call ahead for weather conditions. Youth Tie Hinckley 330-278-2160 Buzzard Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Dye Tee $20 Tee Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. $22

Shop online for a great selection of park apparel and merchandise at clevelandmetroparks.com/shop Highlighting Your Donations at Work!

Lakefront Reservation North Chagrin Reservation Donations from individuals, foundations, Wendy Park, located on the shore of Lake An area of Beecher’s Brook, a tributary organizations, corporations, and Erie at the mouth of , is a of the , features steep, governmental agencies help make hub for recreation, a hotspot for migratory severely eroded streambanks that are important projects like these possible. See birds and monarch butterflies, and home causing increased sediment in the river. A below for more information, or to make to the soon-to-be-completed Wendy Park combination of federal and private funds your tax-deductible donation today. Bridge. Private donations are helping fund are supporting an important restoration • Visit clevelandmetroparks.com/donate a nature-based shoreline design to combat project that will allow Cleveland • Send your check, made payable to a quickly eroding stretch of its coast. The Metroparks to stabilize the streambank, Cleveland Metroparks. design will mimic the natural shoreline, improve in-stream habitat, and restore Mail to: Cleveland Metroparks incorporate native materials, maintain floodplain riparian habitat. The project Development Department, 4101 Fulton natural coastal processes, and provide also includes replacement of an existing Parkway, Cleveland, OH 44144 learning opportunities for other natural undersized culvert that is currently a • Contact Sarah Wilson at resource professionals in NE Ohio. barrier to fish passage. (216) 635-3261. clevelandmetroparks.com 9 CONSERVATION & SCIENCE New Shipping Proposals Ship discharging ballast water …To Help The Great Lakes

argo ships from all over the world tons, or about 2,100 African elephants travel to the Great Lakes and carry in weight. When a ship is empty, it floats Ca wide variety of materials: steel, higher in the water and can become oil, iron ore, grain, and… water? Yes, unstable during travel. Water is pumped water! When a transoceanic ship is full, it into storage areas called ballast tanks and Creative commons photo, Wikipedia can hold a massive amount – over 30,000 the water weight helps keep a ship steady. Ballast Water Brings Problems The American Courage is a Great Lakes only vessel, known as a “Laker”, and is exempt from new ballast If a ship draws in water at the start of a water proposals. journey (Caspian Sea) then discharges it elsewhere (), it can introduce non-native organisms or pollutants and disrupt delicate aquatic ecosystems. Over the years, the Great Lakes has seen at least 80 species introduced via ballast water. Round gobies eat the eggs of Photo by Kyle Lanzer native fish and reduce native populations. Zebra and quagga mussels from Europe are estimated to cost the Great Lakes region A changing climate’s impact $500 million dollars annually in damage to water intake pipes, boat hulls, docks, and on the world, water and you equipment. Climate change can be challenging to fully grasp at a global scale and even “Swish and Spit” Proposal more difficult to connect with on a personal level. The year 2020 will not In 2021, the U.S. EPA, Coast Guard, and be soon forgotten, including negative effects from climate change. state governors have new proposals to help • 2020 tied as the hottest year on record prevent invasive species and pollutants • Arctic sea ice in September was the second lowest on record from entering the Great Lakes. Proposed changes will require all seagoing cargo • 2020 had the most active Atlantic hurricane season on record, and ships and barges to swap freshwater in • Several countries (U.S., Australia, Russia, Brazil) fought record-breaking wildfires. ballasts with ocean saltwater. The practice, We experience our own impacts from climate change here in northeast Ohio. From sometimes referred to as “swish and spit”, is observed data (not forecasted), Cuyahoga County’s Climate Action Plan documents meant to make ballast tanks inhospitable increased annual temperatures and rainfall, more extreme precipitation, decreased for freshwater creatures. Expanded funding ice cover on Lake Erie and a longer growing season. These stressors result in for research will aim to improve prevention health impacts, stream bank and shoreline erosion, flooding, invasive species technologies like ultraviolet filters, physical introductions, freshwater pollution and native plant and animal declines. barriers, and chemical treatment of ballast water. The new proposals also would Actions for a better tomorrow limit certain harsh chemicals and paints Together, we can each do our part individually and collectively to move the currently used, which is expected to needle on climate change. Whether signing up for a Master Rain Gardener course, reduce pollutants in the Great Lakes. These walking to the store, caring for the trees in your yard or neighborhood, or planting proposals, should they become law, are new trees or a vegetable garden these actions not only connect you with your positive steps to safeguard Lake Erie and community, but also contribute to a better tomorrow. And if you want to feel associated rivers and streams. directly linked to global efforts, tag your social media with #Water2Me and share Mark Warman, Aquatic Invasive Species those actions with the global community that celebrates World Water Day every Project Coordinator March. Jennifer Grieser, Director of Natural Resources

10 Emerald Necklace March 2021 NATURAL RESOURCES World Water Day Explore the Value of Water Tag your social media with #Water2Me

lowers are blooming, birds are day-to-day life and learning why it must singing, and we get to celebrate be preserved. Let’s look at a couple ways World Water Day! F Northeast Ohio is particularly impacted by rely on Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River. The United Nations (UN) established fresh water and why it’s so important to Protecting our water keeps restaurants safe, World Water Day in 1992, declaring protect. boats running, and fisherman productive. that March 22nd would be a holiday Water is one of the most fundamental Clean water doesn’t just give us coffee and celebrating the importance of fresh parts of our lives, though it is easy to forget jobs, it allows us to have fun! The people water to the world. Since then, the how much we use it. Water from Lake Erie of Northeast Ohio can fish, kayak, ski, swim UN has provided yearly themes that is in your morning coffee, it hydrates you and so much more thanks to Lake Erie encourage people to learn about and throughout the day, and helps you clean and the many rivers and streams that flow protect the incredible resource that your plates after dinner. Keeping Lake Erie into it. World Water Day lets us remember is water. Past themes have focused clean guarantees that humans have safe that by protecting our bodies of water, we on sustainable development, food drinking water, while protecting the habitat safeguard the health of our communities, security, and global warming. of many plants and animals. The lake also ecosystems and traditions for years to come. The theme for 2021 is “valuing water”, plays a key role in our economy. Cleveland Peter Frank, Naturalist celebrating how water helps us in our is a port city with plenty of businesses that Watershed Stewardship Center

Cleveland Metroparks Friday Fish Fry is back! The famous annual Cleveland Metroparks Friday Fish Fry returns for curbside pick-up only at three locations. Curbside pick-up will be available at: Big Met, Emerald Necklace Marina and Merwin’s Wharf. Orders for all locations online at Pick-up times are from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Fridays clevelandmetroparks.com/fishfry beginning February 19 through April 2, 2021. Phone orders are also accepted Fish Fry Menu: (440) 331-1070 Hush Puppies Fish Dinner Served with honey butter ...... $7.00 Two pieces of cod, fried or baked, served with choice of Side Salad potato, coleslaw, and rye bread...... $15.00 Romaine side salad, with shredded carrots, tomatoes, Additional piece of fish ...... $4.00 cucumbers, red onion, shredded cheddar, and croutons. 1/2 Pound Fried Shrimp Dinner Served with your choice of ranch or Italian dressing. $6.00 1/2 pound of fried shrimp, served with your choice of New England Clam Chowder potato, coleslaw, and rye bread ...... $15.00 Served with oyster crackers ...... $5.00 Fish Sandwich Potato and Cheese Pierogies One piece of fried cod topped with tartar sauce, lettuce, Six potato and cheese filled pierogies topped with and tomato served with coleslaw, and fresh cut French caramelized onions and a side of sour cream...... $8.00 fries...... $10.00

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Emerald Necklace® Directory Published monthly by: Board of Park Commissioners Cleveland Metroparks Rental Facilities Cleveland Metroparks Dan T. Moore Bruce G. Rinker Administration Offices 216-635-3304 216-635-3200 President Vice President 216-635-3200/24-hour info clevelandmetroparks.com Debra K. Berry Brian M. Zimmerman Vice President Chief Executive Officer 4101 Fulton Parkway Outdoor Experiences and Cleveland, OH 44144 Education clevelandmetroparks.com 216-954-3400 Park clevelandmetroparks.com/oe Nature Center Cleveland Metroparks Police Nature Centers: Golf Accidents or Emergencies 440-333-4911 Brecksville Nature Center Zoo 9000 Chippewa Creek Drive Swim Area Cleveland Metroparks Zoo & Brecksville, OH 44141 The RainForest Brecksville Reservation 216-661-6500/24-hour info 440-526-1012 3900 Wildlife Way Cleveland, OH 44109 CanalWay Center FutureForWildlife.org 4524 E. 49th Street RIVERGATE Cuyahoga Heights, OH 44125 Cleveland Metroparks Golf Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation Golf Services/440-232-7247 216-206-1000 (course info & inquiries) clevelandmetroparks.com/golf North Chagrin Nature Center 401 Buttermilk Falls Parkway The Chalet Recreation Area Mayfield Village, OH 44094 16200 Valley Parkway North Chagrin Reservation Strongsville, OH 44136 440-473-3370 Mill Stream Run Reservation 440-572-9990 Rocky River Nature Center 24000 Valley Parkway Lakefront Reservation North Olmsted, OH 44070 Administration Building Rocky River Reservation 8701 Lakeshore Blvd. 440-734-6660 Cleveland, OH 44108 216-881-8141 Watershed Stewardship Center 2277 W. Ridgewood Drive Volunteer Services Parma, OH 44134 440-331-8237 West Creek Reservation clevelandmetroparks.com/ 440-887-1968 volunteer Cleveland Metroparks does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age or disability in employment, services or access to programs or activities. Cover photo: Youth fishing at Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation Emerald Necklace is also available online at clevelandmetroparks.com Additional photos courtesy of Cleveland Metroparks photo archive, unless otherwise noted. © Registered trademarks of Cleveland Metroparks.