Algae is a normal and necessary component of Lake Erie’s aquatic food web. However, harmful algal blooms occur when algae grows out of control, producing negative effects for both wildlife and humans. What causes these events, and how can each of us be part of the solution? Algae is a microscopic plant. Its growth naturally […]
Almost every year, Toledo ZOOTeens rank among the winners of Clean Your Streams Youth Challenge Awards, but their partnership extends beyond September. ZOOTeens are frequent volunteers on Get the Lead Out clean-ups and spend winter cleaning Reel in and Recycle fishing line. The Toledo Zoo’s ZOOTeen program offers volunteer opportunities to students ages 13-17 who […]
The Ohio Lake Erie Commission, Ohio EPA and the Maumee AOC Advisory Committee recommended the removal of Beneficial Use Impairment 11 (BUI 11), Degradation of Aesthetics, in the Maumee Area of Concern. If you’re familiar with the Maumee AOC, you already know what momentous news this is for our region. (If you aren’t familiar, here’s […]
Sign-up for our upcoming programs, including Clean Your Streams 365, a Get the Lead Out clean-up, and a paddle clean-up with Metroparks Toledo. Volunteer opportunities are on our website calendar and listed below. June 10, 2:30pm-4:30pmClean Your Streams 365 – Middlegrounds Metropark Remove marine debris from the shores of the Maumee River at Middlegrounds Metropark. […]
Learn how you can keep e. coli out of our water just by picking up pet poo and by not feeding nuisance waterfowl. Reducing this waste adds up to make a major difference for our waterways. A 1993 US EPA study showed that 95% of fecal coliform found in urban separated storm water was of […]
Our fishing line recycling bin program works thanks to organizations who host bins on their properties. Learn more about our recycling bin host partners, from public parks to private businesses, and discover some bin locations in unexpected places around our region. PCS has fishing line recycling bins as far east as Port Clinton and as […]
Did you know – Lake Erie starts in the storm drains, creeks, and ditches of your neighborhood! Lake Erie Starts Here NWO is a regional campaign to protect the health of our Great Lake for current and future generations. Campaign partners like us do this through public education, stewardship opportunities, and promoting sound policies and […]
In 2022, 84 PCS volunteers marked 548 storm drains, spreading the word that stormwater stewardship impacts our rivers and Great Lakes. Learn how you can coordinate a storm drain marking program with your business, civic organization, or a youth group. Storm drains collect the runoff water from paved areas like parking lots, roads, and sidewalks, […]
Stop by the “Birders’ Marketplace” at Maumee Bay State Park Lodge May 10-13 to visit our educational table. We’ll have information on stewardship programs that improve waterways for humans and birds alike! Learn more about the connection between clean water and “The Biggest Week in American Birding.” Organized and hosted by Black Swamp Bird Observatory, […]
We’re pleased to announce the return of our partner paddle clean-ups this year with the Wood County Park District and Metroparks Toledo. Experience a Clean Your Streams 365 program from a new point of view – on the water instead of beside it! This month, the Wood County Park District is partnering with us to […]