Ten years ago this month, our region experienced a historic flood. After a particularly harsh winter, the spring thaw brought fast-moving ice and rising waters that overwhelmed the Maumee River, spilling into the surrounding floodplains. As the river swelled, it moved debris, crushed picnic benches, and uprooted trees.
Exploring Northwest Ohio, “Huge Chunks of Maumee River ice on River Road after Ice Jam caused Flooding at Side Cut.” YouTube, 12 March 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ih-qJw42zg.
While we’re fortunate that such events aren’t common, it’s essential to understand that this kind of natural occurrence is part of a larger environmental cycle. Though the damage was significant, it’s important to recognize that nature often works in ways that benefit the ecosystem in the long run.
The flooding in March 2015 occurred when an ice jam blocked the fast-melting ice from flowing into Lake Erie, causing the Maumee River to overflow its banks and flood the surrounding floodplain. This floodplain had formed over centuries as the river repeatedly changed course. Fortunately, the flooding was mostly contained in low-lying park areas, sparing residential neighborhoods and roads from major damage. While the parks suffered significant damage, the effects on wildlife recovery might not be as bad as they seem.
“Side Cut Metropark in Maumee is closed Thursday due to flooding along the Maumee River”. Side Cut Metropark closed due to flooding from Maumee River, by Amulya Raghuveer, NBC24, March 12th 2015, https://nbc24.com/news/local/gallery/side-cut-metropark-closed-due-to-flooding-from-maumee-river?photo=1.
According to the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis, periodic disruptions like flooding can actually boost biodiversity. The theory suggests that ecosystems need moderate disturbances to maintain diversity. Too much destruction can make a habitat uninhabitable, while environments that remain stagnant for too long tend to see a dominance of just a few species.
Flooding, wildfires, and other natural events create opportunities for new growth by clearing space and allowing sunlight to reach previously shaded areas. While some plants and trees may be lost, this “reset” makes room for new species to take root and flourish. The process of recovery can take anywhere from a few years to several decades, but it ultimately leads to a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.
Chunks of ice are strewn along River Road outside of Riverside Cemetery in Maumee, Ohio. (Dave Zapotosky/The Blade via AP)
Though the 2015 flood caused considerable damage, it highlights how nature’s disturbances play a key role in the ongoing cycle of regeneration and growth, helping to foster biodiversity and long-term environmental health.
One of our Currents articles from 2015 talking about the historic flooding stated, “In 10 years, it is likely that new trees will shape the landscape and possibly more types of wildflowers will be seen along the banks. It is all part of nature’s cycle. We just get to stand back, out of the way, enjoy the view and remain in awe of the great power of the Mighty Maumee.”
So, here we are 10 years later. What are these areas that were impacted looking like now? Were we correct with our predictions of a flourishing landscape? See for yourself! We went to the sites pictured above to get some current day photos.
While the photos are not exactly the same, they showcase a good representation of the area and how it was able to bounce back after the ice jams and flood of 2015. After a short walk around Side Cut Metropark on a sunny day, we can tell that this area is growing back beautifully, and we aren’t even in full Spring or Summer blooms! Grass and brush has grown back, native plants have found their home again, and we anticipate that these areas will look as stunning as ever in the coming months.