After a highly successful sampling season last year, we’re excited to continue our efforts and aim to make 2025 even better! Your participation will contribute to understanding the health of both local waterways and the broader Lake Erie watershed.

Join us at the 2025 Kickoff Training for CWAT’s Water Quality Monitoring program on April 19th at 1:00 PM, held at the Farnsworth Metropark Indianola Shelter Area (8505 S. River Rd., Waterville, OH 43566). Parking is available at the Indianola parking lot. During the training, you’ll learn how to use our equipment and follow the sampling protocol for the season ahead.

As a member of the Lake Erie Volunteer Science Network (LEVSN), CWAT partners with organizations like Partners for Clean Streams and follows the Lake Erie Baseline Assessment Framework (LEBAF) to ensure consistency and quality in data collection across the Lake Erie Basin. Your participation directly impacts both local water quality and the larger health of the watershed!

The sampling season runs from April to October, and we ask for a commitment of twice a month throughout this period. Volunteers will select a sampling route and use a digital probe to collect important data about the health of local streams. You’ll be testing key water quality parameters like pH, Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), and Conductivity — data that helps us understand the overall health of our waterways.

Just as you get a checkup to monitor your health, our waterways need regular checkups too. Consistent monitoring allows us to identify “normal” conditions and spot potential problems before they escalate. By getting involved, you’ll be helping us protect the health of our streams and ensuring the sustainability of our local water resources.

We can’t wait to see you at the training and look forward to another successful year of water quality monitoring!

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.

Okay, that was total clickbait… sorry. But, it’s funny, right? Because it’s bait, like fishing bait? And we’re talking about fishing here… Anywho, moving on!

The Great Lakes offer one of the world’s most valuable freshwater resources, and right here in Northwest Ohio, we’re lucky to have the Maumee River teeming with life. As early spring approaches, the walleye run signals the return of action in the river after a cold winter. The run reaches its peak in April when water temperatures hit the sweet spot of 42–54°F, marking the start of spawning season. Walleye typically spawn at 3-4 years old, and as thousands of them head to their spawning grounds, anglers from near and far flock to the Maumee River to reel in this local delicacy.

But as exciting as the walleye run is, it’s not without challenges. With so many anglers casting their lines, there’s an unfortunate amount of fishing line lost or improperly discarded. This stray line can become a dangerous hazard for the wildlife that depend on the river. Birds, fish, and other creatures can become entangled, leading to injury or death.

If you’re planning to fish this year, please help keep the Maumee River safe for its wildlife by properly disposing of your fishing line. You can easily find designated disposal bins throughout the area. Want to do even more? Consider sponsoring, hosting, or adopting a fishing line bin. Just visit our Reel In and Recycle page and scroll to the bottom of the page for Volunteer Resources.

Check out our interactive map to locate bins near you!

Improperly discarded fishing line can have a lasting negative impact on our streams. By using the designated fishing line bins, you’re helping reduce that risk and supporting a healthier ecosystem. All fishing line collected through this program is sent to the Berkley Conservation Institute, where it’s recycled into helpful items like fish habitat structures, park benches, and more!

Join us in protecting the Maumee River and its wildlife while you enjoy the walleye run. Stay up-to-date on the latest news on the Facebook page!

About the Event:

IF4 brings together stunning films from filmmakers around the world, showcasing the passion, lifestyle, and culture of fly fishing. It’s a celebration of the fly fishing community—one full of friendship, inspiring stories, and incredible adventures. More information and previews of each of the films here!

Folks had the chance to stop by the PCS table to learn about our environmental efforts and how marine debris impacts fishing. We shared details on our Get the Lead Out program, which aims to reduce lead pollution, as well as our Reel In and Recycle program, designed to tackle discarded fishing line and tackle. We also highlighted how our fishing line recycling bins are preventing tangled lines, lead sinkers, hooks, and lures from polluting our waterways. You can support these efforts by adopting, hosting, or sponsoring a bin, helping to protect the environment for both wildlife and anglers. We are proud to partner with the Fallen Timbers Chapter of Trout Unlimited, who continuously supports these vital programs that keep our waters safe and clean for anglers and the community to enjoy.