If you have lived in Northwest Ohio long enough, you know that fishing is one of the most popular activities during all seasons, but especially spring and summer! With such close proximity to Lake Erie, our area offers world-renowned opportunities for anglers.

A fishing license is required in Ohio to engage in these recreational activities, but on June 15^th and 16^th, all Ohio residents are invited to experience the fantastic fishing possibilities without purchasing a license! During this weekend, all size and daily limits still apply. For more read the 2024-2025 Ohio Fishing Regulations Summary from ODNR’s Division of Wildlife.

PCS will be setting up at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge to educate and engage with the community, anglers, and everyone enjoying this occasion. Marine debris not only impacts humans, but also has to potential to harm aquatic ecosystems. Plastics used fishing line, and other trash that ends up in our waterways can break down into smaller, microscopic pieces that make it harder to filter out of our water if not removed as soon as possible. The goal of course is to never have those kinds of materials end up in the water to begin with, but the first step is to remove what has already made its way in our rivers, streams, and lakes. As debris deteriorates, harmful chemicals make their way in the water and disrupt food webs, reduce the size and quality of aquatic species, and negatively impact their ability to reproduce.

For these Free Fishing Days to continue, and for us to host anglers from all over the county, it is imperative that we all do our part to keep our waters clean, clear, and safe. Make an impact today by signing up here for one of our upcoming clean-ups!

Get the Lead Out (GLO) is designed to remove discarded fishing line, lead lures, and marine debris that gets left behind after the spring fishing runs in the Maumee River. Fishing line is made of plastic which doesn’t degrade for over 600 years. It can entangle fish and wildlife, detract from the beauty of the river, and hurt people. PCS staff will provide all clean-up supplies and safety instructions during our Public Get the Lead Out programs. 

Get the Lead Out is perfect for individuals, organizations, or groups empowered to have clean, clear and safe water.  All ages are welcome for this program; however, we do require that individuals under the age of 13 are accompanied by an adult due to the materials we are collecting. (i.e. hooks, entangled line, etc.) Partners for Clean Streams are proud partners with Berkley Conservation Institute. After our volunteers and staff collect the fishing line, we clean and untangle the line and send it over to Berkley Fishing to be recycled.

Come get involved in our first Get the Lead Out of the Season!

What: Get the Lead Out: Buttonwood Park
When: Saturday June 29, 2024 12pm-2pm
How:  Register Here!

Want to participate in another one of our clean-up programs?

What: Clean Your Streams 365: Oregon Boat Ramp Access & Bayshore Fishing Access
When: Sunday June 2, 2024
How: Register Here!

What: Clean Your Streams 365: Crane Creek Beach Clean-Up (Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Partnership)
When: Saturday June 8, 2024
How: Call (419) 898-0014 for more information and to register.

Are you interested in Water Quality Monitoring, Fishing Line Recycling, or Storm Drain Awareness? Check out the program section of our website to learn more about how you can get involved in some of our other programs!

Back in March, we shared some lawn care tips to prep for spring that you can read here. Making sure to follow through with those guidelines throughout these warmer months is a good step towards a sustainable summer! We want to share more tips with you on how you can enjoy all the summer has to offer and doing so in a greener way.

• Energy conservation: Investing in energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs is a great way to ensure you’re not overconsuming energy (and paying a higher bill!) during warmer months. Unplugging electronics when not being used is another great way to conserve energy.

• Water conservation: Noticing a leaky faucet? It’s important to address any leaks as soon as you notice them to prevent wasting water. Conserving water can also include implementing a rain barrel and using the collected water for watering plants. It is best to water your plants early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!: A phrase that’s been used for over 50 years. You know it, we know it, so let’s keep doing it!

• Sustainable Transportation: Summer is the perfect time for travel and vacations for many. Opting for more eco-friendly modes of transportation like trains and/or buses, walking or biking when possible, and utilizing public transportation over personal vehicles are great ways to enjoy a more sustainable summer vacation.

• Support/Shop/Eat Local: The Perrysburg Farmers Market is now in its 25^th season, and you can check it out every Thursday, May – October. The Toledo Farmers Market also hosts great, local vendors every Saturday!

Join Northwest Ohio’s largest watershed clean-up, now in its 28th year. Individuals, organizations, businesses, and families with children of all ages are welcome to participate in this unique service opportunity.

The clean-up begins with check-in and orientation at several kickoff locations across Northwest Ohio. This year’s locations will include University of Toledo, Monroe St. United Methodist Church, Oregon Municipal Building, Secor Metropark, Glass City Metropark, Side Cut Metropark, and City of Perrysburg!

CYS 28 will also include our week-long, clean-on-your-own Remote Kickoff leading up to Clean Your Streams Day. After you register for the Remote Kickoff, you will choose a public waterway site where you’ll pick up trash and use the Clean Swell app to record what you remove. Complete your clean-up any time from Saturday, September 21^st through Saturday, September 28^th.

Groups will then be assigned a site where they will undertake a three-hour cleanup. By 9am, volunteers will spread out to their assigned sites, all within the Ottawa River, Swan Creek, Maumee River, Maumee Bay, and Lake Erie tributary watersheds. At noon, volunteers will reconvene for an appreciation picnic, including free food t-shirts, and door prizes, and to announce the winners of Clean Your Streams Challenges.

Can’t make it to the event but still want to support the mission? Click the link to donate and be a part of making CYS 28 the best one yet! https://partnersforcleanstreams.org/give