December 2009 update

Welcome to the December 2009 update
Draft
If you have content for this update, please let me know at jeanette.evans@sbcglobal.net.

Some of the items covered in this update include:

* Thanks for the holiday party, fundraiser, and recognition
* Thanks for the VFW hike
* Ideas about trees at the holidays
* See you in 2010 - Happy New Year!


Thanks for the holiday party - and a great end to a great year

Our festive annual fundraiser and holiday party took place Tuesday, December 1. Barb Pophal deserves special thanks for helping to organize this wonderful annual event. To all who contributed to the silent auction, raffles, and pot luck - a thank you also. A special heartfelt thank you for your recognition. Congratulations to Mary K. Evans for her recognition.

Happy New Year! See you in 2010

Plan to attend our meeting in 2010. Details to come.

Thank you for the VFW Hike - 29512 White Road, Willoughby Hills

Special thanks go to all involved in the November VFW hike in this great location in the Euclid Creek watershed. Ron Puera, FOEC member and VFW Post Commander headed up the adventure with exploration of the creeks, beaver ponds, and woods in this large and unique tract of land.

The habitat of the American beaver (http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org) includes ponds, lakes, or slow-moving streams bordered by stands of small trees. January-February is their breeding period. Their adult weight is 30-70 pounds. They are master dam builders.



More thoughts on our November meeting

Our November meeting featured Claire Posius providing us with an update on Euclid Creek projects. Claire works as a watershed conservation planner at the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). Contact Claire (216 524 6580 x16 or cposius@cuyahogaswcd.org)
for details about Euclid Creek projects.

Some of her work deals with determining better practices in our lawns and landscapes. Some of her recommendations come in these seven steps to watershed health:

1. Do not dump in storm drains.
2. Fertilize sparingly and caringly.
3. Properly dispose of household hazardous waste.
4. Clean up after your pet.
5. Practice good car care.
6. Landscape with native plants.
7. Conserve water.

She reminded us that "it all drains to Lake Erie." Why is flushing old medicine is dangerous? "Scientists are now finding antibiotics, hormones and other drugs in sewer lines and waterways." (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5647/dont_flush_that_old_medicine.html?cat=5)

Rain gardens help maintain watershed health
The image comes from
http://cuyahogaswcd.org/grantfunded-raingardens.htm which explains that rain gardens help maintain watershed heath, keep water clean by filtering runoff, alleviating flooding problems, and providing habitat for wildlife.

http://cuyahogaswcd.org/grantfunded-raingardens.htm

More on rain gardens and native plant use

The image of a sample rain garden with native Ohio plants comes from http://ohioprairienursery.com

The image of a butterfly-hummingbird garden with native Ohio plants comes from http://ohioprairienursery.com

Black-eyed susans and purple coneflowers make the list of non-invasive plants. They are a good choice for landscapes. The image of the dwarf goldenrod - another good choice - comes from http://ohioprairienursery.com.



Tips on using a living, rooted (potted or balled) tree

Here are some ideas from http://pickyourownchristmastree.org.

1. Buy a healthy tree from a reputable nursery or grower. Expect to pay a higher price than for a typical Christmas tree.
2. Keep the tree in a shaded area or a unheated garage until it is brought inside.
3. Keep the soil in the ball or pot moist until well after it is transplanted after Christmas. A frozen ball need not be watered if the crown is shaded and protected.
4. Lift and carry the tree by the ball or pot, not the top.
5. Keep the tree in the house no longer than about one week.
6. If possible, keep room that the tree is in cool (to help prevent it from starting to bud out)
7. Have the tree's planting hole dug before the soil freezes and keep the fill dirt thawed. The hole should be 4 times the size of the root ball. If the dirt was heavy clay or poor sand, be sure to improve it with amendments (manure, grass clippings, ground leaves, compost, etc.) Evergreens like an acid soil, so don't add lime.
8. Remove packing paper, sawdust and binding materials when planting the tree. Stake the tree for its first year, if possible.
   

More ideas on Chrismas trees

Tree recycling/mulching programs are a fast-growing trend in communities throughout the nation. Some groups will chip and shred the trees, then make the mulch available for use in your garden.

Soil erosion barriers: Some communities use Christmas trees to make effective sand and soil erosion barriers, especially for lake and river shoreline stabilization.

Fish feeders: Sunk into private fish ponds trees make excellent refuge and feeding area for fish.

Bird feeders: Place the Christmas tree in the garden or backyard and use it as a bird feeder and sanctuary. Fresh orange slices or strung popcorn will attract the birds and they can sit in the branches for shelter. (Make sure all decorations, hooks, garland and tinsel strands are removed). Eventually (within a year) the branches will become brittle and you can break the tree apart by hand or chip it in a chipper.

Mulch: A Christmas tree is biodegradable; its branches may be removed, chipped, and used as mulch in the garden.

Paths for hiking trails: Some counties use the shredded trees as a free, renewable and natural path material that fits both the environment and the needs of hikers!

Living, rooted trees: Of course, next year, you could get a rooted (ball and burlapped or containerized) tree and then plant it in your yard after Christmas (It's a good idea to pre-dig the hole in the late Fall while the soil is still soft, then plant the tree into that hole immediately after Christmas.) NOTE: Living trees have a better survival rate in mild climates, than in a northern area.

Important: Never burn your Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove. Pines, firs and other evergreens have a high content of flammable turpentine oils. Burning the tree may contribute to creosote buildup and risk a chimney fire.

Some more about wildlife in the watershed and Ohio

The Nov. 22 issue of the Cleveland Plain Dealer explained that mink appear at the Dike 14 location. http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/ provides the image and explains that mink is almost always found near water.



You may have seen one of these - a blue jay - recently.


You may have seen a cardinal also. The image comes from http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/ which states it is the official bird of Ohio.

The image of the Canada goose comes from Ohio.gov.
See http://ourohio.org/home-gardens/animals/other-animals/too-many-canada-geese/
which states that the Canada goose is native to Ohio and that Canada geese were not common in the state during the first half of the 20th century. Efforts by federal and state wildlife officials beginning in the 1950s brought populations of Canada geese back from near extinction. Increases in wetlands habitat and a proliferation of urban areas where hunting is not permitted has resulted in a present-day abundance of Canada geese.

The red fox image comes from Ohio.gov which states the red fox is one of two fox species found in Ohio.

November 2009 update

Welcome to the November 2009 update
If you have a contribution or input for this update, please let me know at jeanette.evans@sbcglobal.net.

Some of the items covered in this update include:

* November meeting recap
* Upcoming events
* Save Tuesday, December 1 for our holiday party
* FOEC member writes Ohio Senate Bill
* More on the Dike 14 Nature Preserve

The image is from http://www.cuyahogaswcd.org/.



November meeting recap

• Our November meeting took place the first Tuesday in November at the South Euclid Community Center.
  
• Claire Posius provided us with an update on Euclid Creek projects. Claire works as a watershed conservation planner at the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) at http://www.cuyahogaswcd.org/.
  
• Contact Claire at 216 524 6580 x16 or cposius@cuyahogaswcd.org for details about Euclid Creek projects.The mission of the Cuyahoga SWCD to promote conservation of land and aquatic resources in a developed environment through stewardship initiatives, education programs, and technical assistance.
• Claire discussed the goals of the Euclid Creek Watershed program. She explained about the dam removal project on the East branch of the Euclid Creek and other projects that are top priorities for the coming year.
  

Upcoming events

Sat., Nov. 7 - VFW Hike - 10AM - 29512 White Road, Willoughby Hills

• Get ready to visit another great location in the Euclid Creek watershed.
• Join the adventure of a guided tour of the VFW grounds on White Road.
• Ron Puera, FOEC member and VFW Post Commander will lead us on an exploration of the creeks, beaver ponds, and woods in this large and unique tract of land.
• Don't miss this special invitation to explore the property.
• This is on the South side of White Road between Bishop and Rockefeller about 1500 feet West of Rockefeller. The driveway is marked with 4-foot high stone posts and a VFW sign. Take the long gravel driveway to the parking lot where we will gather. Plan to be there 10AM sharp. The hike should take about an hour.
• We should be done by 11:30. This is a rain or shine event.
• Regular walking-in-the woods shoes are fine unless it is especially wet.

Save Tuesday, December 1 for our festive holiday fundraiser

• Annual FOEC Holiday Party, pot luck dinner, and fund raiser
• Mayfield Village Hall - 6621 Wilson Mills Rd
  (NW corner of Wilson Mills and SOM, behind Mayfield Village Fire Dept.)
• Please contact Barb Pophal 216-481-4397 on what you can provide for the pot luck.
• Please provide one or more donations for door prizes.
• Doors open at 6:30. Dinner starts at 7:00.
• The $20 door charge covers dinner and drinks.
  Make checks payable to Friends of Euclid Creek
  For a response card please contact Jeanette at jeanette.evans@sbcglobal.net
  RSVP by Nov. 25th. Silent raffle. Good music. Good food. Raffle prizes.
  Great cause! Great company!
  

The image of American Holly comes from the http://www.wildflower.org/ gallery.

Save Tuesday, December 1 for our holiday party!

FOEC member writes Ohio Senate Bill

At our November meeting, Fran Hogg noted that FOEC Treasurer Ken Messinger-Rapport worked with Senator Tim Grendell on a bill in the Ohio Senate.

Ken is law director for the Northeast Ohio Gas Accountability Project (NEOGAP). He requested at our November meeting that we consider asking our state senators to support Grendell’s bill 196 and oppose Niehaus bill 165. Ken described how the Niehaus bill could lead to practices that are hazardous to the Euclid Creek watershed. Grendell's bill bans drilling in residential neighborhoods unless local residents approve. Ken explained that Grendell's bill could lead to better protection of the environment and Euclid Creek watershed.

Please contact Ken if you have any questions.

Rain gardens help maintain watershed health

The image comes from
http://cuyahogaswcd.org/grantfunded-raingardens.htm which explains that rain gardens help maintain watershed heath, keep water clean by filtering runoff, alleviate flooding problems, and provide habitat for wildlife.


At our November meeting, Claire Posius notes that some of her work deals with determining better practices in our lawns and landscapes. Some of her recommendations:

• Use a rain barrel
• Landscape with native plants
• Mow high and let it lie
• Manage pet waste properly
• Dispose of expired medicine properly

More thoughts on the Dike 14 nature preserve

Our September meeting concerned the Dike 14 nature preserve where individuals identified over 280 species of birds, numerous butterflies, 16 species of mammals (red fox, coyote, mink, deer), two species of reptiles, 26 Ohio plant species (wildflowers, grasses), and nine species of trees and shrubs. The coyote track image comes from Ohio.gov.

The coyote image comes from Ohio.gov.

Good non-invasive choices for landscapes

A coneflower is a good choice (image from http://ohioprairienursery.com).


Black-eyed susans make the list of non-invasive plants.


The spicebush image comes from ohio.gov and is another good choice.










The image of a dwarf goldenrod - another good choice - comes from http://ohioprairienursery.com.



Are Eastern Hemlock trees native to Ohio?

According to http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/ the Eastern Hemlock is a popular landscape tree found in urban areas throughout the state of Ohio. However, as a native tree, it is only found in the eastern half of Ohio, primarily in Appalachia.

Eastern Hemlock is native to southern Canada, the northeastern United States, and all of the Appalachian Mountains down to Georgia. In the wild, it thrives on the north slopes of hills and mountains or tucked into ravines, where there is more shade, cooler conditions, and more moisture in the acidic, organic, well-drained soils of slopes.


Some photos of note

http://photos.cleveland.com/photogallery/2009/03/fall_euclid_creek_metropark.html



Some more about wildlife in Ohio



The Eastern gray squirrel graphic comes from http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/ .

http://www.flipseekllc.com/wildohio2008bird.html shows common birds of Ohio. The American robin is one of Ohio's most abundant breeding birds.


The American tree sparrow is a northern species that visits the United States in the winter. The American tree sparrow can tolerate very harsh winters and low temperatures if the food supply is good. The image comes from http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/



The image of the Canada goose comes from Ohio.gov.
See http://ourohio.org/home-gardens/animals/other-animals/too-many-canada-geese/
which states that the Canada goose is native to Ohio and that Canada geese were not common in the state during the first half of the 20th century. Efforts by federal and state wildlife officials beginning in the 1950s brought populations of Canada geese back from near extinction. Increases in wetlands habitat and a proliferation of urban areas where hunting is not permitted has resulted in a present-day abundance of Canada geese.

October 2009 update

Welcome to the October 2009 update

If you have content for this update, please let me know at jeanette.evans@sbcglobal.net.

Some of the items covered in this update include:

* October meeting recap
* What is the Dike 14 Nature Preserve?
* Save Tuesday, December 1 for our holiday party
* Thank you to our Lyndhurst Home Days volunteers
* Mayfield Country Club hikers happily brave the elements
* FOEC members run in November election

October meeting recap

Our October meeting took place Tuesday, October 6 at the South Euclid Community Center. Barbara Martin and Ken Vinciquerra of the Dike 14 Nature Preserve Committee treated us to the presentation Is the relocation of the Cleveland Port to East 55th Street in the public's interest?

What is the Dike 14 nature preserve?

Photo from http://www.dike14.org/

The Dike 14 nature preserve is an 88-acre former dredge disposal site. It is now a wildlife area at the northern end of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Over the years, the Dike 14 nature preserve has become naturalized and provides an opportunity for access to Lake Erie and a diversity of plants and wildlife that includes birds that either make their home in or use the area as a rest stop during migration. http://www.thebutterflysite.com/ohio-butterflies.shtml provides the photo of a monarch butterfly which is on the list of those spotted in Cuyahoga county.

Citizen scientists have identified over 280 species of birds, numerous butterflies, 16 species of mammals (red fox, coyote, mink, deer), two species of reptiles, 26 Ohio plant species (wildflowers, grasses), and nine species of trees and shrubs. The red fox image comes from the ODNR Division of Wildlife web site which states that the red fox is one of two fox species in Ohio.

Upcoming events and congratulations

Sat., Oct. 10 from 11am to Noon
Rain Garden Maintenance Training
Brainard School Rain Garden in outfield of ball field
Contact Claire Posius (216 524 6580 x16 or cposius@cuyahogaswcd.org) for details.

Thursday, Oct. 22
6 to 8:30 PM
Soil and Water Conservation District Dinner and Annual Meeting
Contact Claire Posius for details.

Tuesday, Nov. 3
7 PM - Regular monthly meeting
Claire Posius discusses projects that are part of the Euclid Creek watershed.
http://photos.cleveland.com/photogallery/2009/03/fall_euclid_creek_metropark.html


Tuesday, December 1
Annual FOEC Holiday Party and pot luck dinner
Mayfield Village Hall - 6621 Wilson Mills Rd (NW corner of Wilson Mills and SOM
Please contact Barb Pophal 216-481-4397 on what you can provide for the pot luck.
Please provide one or more donations for door prizes.

Congratulations again to our new Vice President Frank Skala and new Board of Directors members who include:

• Steve Albro
• Lou Drasler
• Larry McFadden
• Kathy Schaefer
• Carolyn Sugiuchi

Thank you to Lyndhurst Home Days volunteers

FOEC had a booth at Lyndhurst Home Days, which took place September 11 at Lyndhurst City Park.

Thanks go out to Larry McFadden for organizing the volunteers who spent time at the booth and participated in this fun activity.

In talking to people who came up to the booth, volunteers at the booth saw appreciation for the work that FOEC does.

Mayfield Country Club hikers happily brave the elements

Thank you to all involved in the wonderful hike on September 29. A special thank you goes to Fran Hogg for organizing this learning event. Over a dozen people enjoyed the walk along the Euclid Creek at this beautiful golf setting. We braved the wet and colder weather with enthusiasm and good spirits.



Thoughts about non-invasive plants in landscapes

As I think about landscaping, I tell myself I should use non-invasive plants. At the Lyndhurst Home Days this year at the FOEC booth, we had a flier with a list of invasive and non-invasive plants. We are encouraged in the flier to use non-invasive plants in our landscape. I decided to think more about using plants in the flier - like, for example, goldenrod and coneflowers - and not using another - English ivy.


Goldenrod makes the list as a non-invasive plant. http://www.gpnc.org/goldenro.htm provides an image and interesting bits of information about the plant. It is a candidate to think about placing in a landscape. A coneflower is a good choice also.

English ivy is one of the invasive plants listed. The image comes from http://www.nps.gov/plants/ALIEN/fact/hehe1.htm which discourages its use in landscapes.







FOEC members run in November election

Just a reminder that Cathy Murphy is a member for FOEC. She is running in Ward 1 in Highland Heights for re-election to city council.

Please let me know at jeanette.evans@sbcglobal.net if you are a member of FOEC and running in the November election.

Save Tuesday, December 1 for our holiday party

• Stay tuned as we put together the details of our annual holiday party.
• Thanks go to Barb Pophal for organizing this much anticipated activity.
• Please contact her with what you can bring for the pot luck.
• Mayfield Village Hall is the location.
• We welcome donations for door prizes.

The image of American Holly comes from the http://www.wildflower.org/ gallery.

The image of the red maple comes from http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/trees/maple_red/ which states that this is a tree located throughout all of Ohio, found naturally in moist areas of open woodlands and more commonly along creeks and bottomlands where the soil is constantly moist to wet. In urban areas, it is abundantly found as a popular shade tree, noted for its brilliant red fall color.

September 2009 update

Welcome to the September 2009 update

If you have content for this update, please let me know at jeanette.evans@sbcglobal.net.

Some of the items covered in this update include:

* September meeting recap
* Mary K. Evans named Person of the Week
* Lyndhurst Home Days volunteers needed
* Upcoming events and 2009 wetland tours update
* Thanks for a great summer picnic

September meeting recap

Bob Gardin is chairman of the Friends of Big Creek. He explained at our September meeting about the challenges and opportunities we share with another urbanized Cleveland area watershed organization.

He provided a brief history of conditions and earlier planning for Big Creek that led to the formation of their group. He also described plans undertaken since then.

The group recently completed the Big Creek Greenway Plan. The Big Creek Watershed Balanced Growth Management Plan is currently nearing completion.

At our September meeting we voted unanimously to accept Frank Skala as our incoming Vice President and all those running for Board of Directors positions.

We still have a call for the Secretary position. Please feel free to contact Fran Hogg or Ginny Aveni to nominate someone or volunteer.

Congratulations again to Frank and the new Board of Directors members who include Steve Albro, Larry McFadden, Kathy Schaefer, Carolyn Sugiuchi, and Lou Drasler.

Congratulations to FOEC member Mary K Evans

The Sun Messenger honored her as Person of the Week.

Check out the great article and picture in the Thursday, Sept. 3, Sun Messenger, page B3.

Upcoming events and 2009 wetland tours update

* Tuesday Sept. 29 - 6PM - hiking outing at Mayfield Country Club
Meet in the parking lot. Plan to arrive early!
1545 Sheridan Road
off Mayfield Road, across from the S. Euclid-Lyndhurst Library

You won't want to miss this rare opportunity to explore the Euclid Creek.

* Tuesday, October 6 - 7PM
Next regular monthly meeting
South Euclid Community Center
Speaker is from Dike 14 Preservation Committee.

Wetland tours begin at 6:30 PM.

• Thursday, Sept. 10 - Brooklyn Oxbow area
• Monday, Sept. 14 - Tinkers Creek Headwaters high-quality wetland and vernal pools
• Tuesday, Sept. 22 - Cleveland Metroparks Vernal Pool Enhancement Project

Please call to confirm. To learn more about the Sept. 2008 Urban Wetland Symposium visit: http://www.friendsofbigcreek.org/WetlandsSymposium


Lyndhurst Home Days volunteers needed

FOEC will have a booth at Lyndhurst Home Days. We need volunteers to staff the booth.

Please find a slot to cover three or four hours and schedule with Larry McFadden at 216 531 7144.

This is a fun activity. In talking to people who come up to the booth, you will see the appreciation there is for the work that FOEC does.

Lyndhurst Home Days kicks off Friday, September 11th, at 6:00 p.m. in Lyndhurst Park - behind Lyndhurst City Hall at 5301 Mayfield Road.

Greenwood Farm activities continue

Please contact Frank Skala concerning ongoing volunteer activities at the Richmond Heights location.

Volunteers Wanted - Sat. 9/26, 9AM to 12PM

Grounds Clean-up- Cutting Hedges
GREENWOOD FARM - main house and caretaker cottage
264 Richmond Road

Bring the following:

• Safety gear and safety glasses
• Brush cutting tools
• Heavy duty gloves and work shoes are a must
• Hiking boots if you want to take a short hike in the area

For more information contact David H. Roche at 216-291-2207 or davidroche@roadrunner.com.

October 4 - all Friends of Euclid Creek members are invited to enjoy the grounds and entertainment for the Family Fun Fest at Greenwood Farm.

The Greenwood Farm Historical, Cultural, and Arts Association, Inc., represents a group dedicated to preservation of the farm and enhancing the use of the property by promoting and strengthening the diverse environmental assets of the community. David Roche (in the picture) acts as President of the group. See more at http://www.richmondheightsohio.org/GreenwoodFarm.php.

Thanks for a great summer picnic
Thank you to all you helped with planning and setting up the FOEC summer picnic on July 7 at the beautiful Rear Quarry Shelter House reservable picnic area.
A special thank you goes out to Barb Holtz for getting us access to that special picnic area.

Call for volunteers for creek sampling

Let Claire Posius know if you can help with creek sampling.

* Find out what is in the creek through the use of monitoring kits and meters.

* Get data sheets, monitoring kits, and training.

* Include reporting on acquatic bug observations.

Call Claire at 216 524 6580 x16 to volunteer.

August 2009 update

Welcome to the August 2009 update
If you have content for this update, please let me know at jeanette.evans@sbcglobal.net.

Some of the items covered in this update include:

* September meeting reminder
* FOEC members recruit at rain barrel workshop
* FOEC members help at Richmond Hts. Home Days
* Call for volunteers for creek sampling
* More about the Friends of Euclid Creek

September meeting reminder

Here are some reminders.

* The regular August meeting is canceled.

* We plan a return to regular meetings on September 8 the second Tuesday in September
at 7:00 at the new location of Lyndhurst Community Center.

* Lyndhurst Community Center is a 1341 Parkview Road. Parkview is the first street west of Lyndhurst City Hall. The Marathon gas station is on the corner. Parkview and the community center are in Lyndhurst Park, a long block from Mayfield.

FOEC members help at Richmond Heights Home Days

A thank you goes out to the FOEC members who helped at the FOEC table and stand at the Richmond Heights park on Sunday, July 19.

FOEC members attend rain barrel workshops

A thank you goes out to the FOEC members who recently attended rain barrel workshops. These FOEC members signed up new potential FOEC members and talked about the FOEC.

These workshops were in July and August at locations in Mayfield Village and Beachwood. Claire Posius conducted the workshops.

Call for volunteers for creek sampling

Let Claire Posius know if you can help with creek sampling.

* Find out what is in the creek through the use of monitoring kits and meters.

* Get data sheets, monitoring kits, and training.

* Include reporting on acquatic bug observations.

Call Claire at 216 524 6580 x16 to volunteer.

VFW nature tour

A thank you goes out to all involved in the the guided tour of the VFW Grounds on White Road.

This large and unique tract of land includes creeks, beaver ponds, and woods.

The address is 29512 White Road , Willoughby Hills 44092 . It is on the south side of White Road (between Bishop and Rockefeller), about 1,500 feet west of Rockefeller. The driveway is marked with a 4-foot high stone post with a VFW sign. Take the long gravel driveway to the parking lot where we’ll gather.

Internship opportunity

Interested in an internship opportunity with the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District? This could be for yourself, a family member or a friend.

Watershed Assessment / Engineering Intern
Summer 2009 — full time — paid

The Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is a political subdivision of the State of Ohio with a mission to provide educational and technical services for the conservation and protection of soil and water resources. Cuyahoga SWCD is located in Valley View, Ohio .

The successful candidate for this internship will assist the staff in conducting a Storm Water Retrofit Inventory.

The best candidate should want to work in a fast-paced environment and must be available for occasional evening and weekend work. The candidate will be a highly-motivated, self-starter who is willing to network with community leaders, project partners and volunteers.

Starting date: Mid/late-June 2009 Duration: 10-12 weeks

Please click here for full job posting (http://www.cuyahogaswcd.org/about-employment.htm)

Send letter of interest (email preferred) with resume by June 26, 2009 to:
Jared Bartley , Rocky River Watershed Coordinator,
Cuyahoga SWCD, 6100 West Canal Road
Valley View , Ohio 44125 ,
216-524-6580, ext. 14; fax: 216-524-6584;
Email: jbartley@cuyahogaswcd.org

More about the Friends of Euclid Creek

The Friends of Euclid Creek help inform and educate the public on the many things happening in the watershed. Be part of its future by joining and supporting FOEC.

New membership dues: Individual - $15,
Family - $25, Student or Senior - $10,
Special Friend - $50 and Sustaining
Member - $100.

To become a member contact:
Friends of Euclid Creek
P.O. Box 21384
South Euclid, OH 44121-0384
or Log on to FOEC’s website: www.friendsofeuclidcreek.org

FOEC Officers are:

• President: Fran Hogg


• Vice President: Virginia Aveni


• Secretary: Larry McFadden


• Treasurer: Ken Rapport

FOEC Directors are :

• Gary Bloom


• Mary K. Evans


• Mike Ceraolo


• Bob Gibbons


• Steve Albro

July 2009 update

Welcome to the July 2009 update
If you have content or comments for this update, please let me know at jeanette.evans@sbcglobal.net.

Some of the items covered in this update include:

* July 7 meeting recap
* FOEC wants to thank a high school group

* Need FOEC representative at upcoming rain barrel workshops
* Sierra Club wants to thank Governor Strickland

* Internship opportunity

* VFW nature tour

July 7 meeting recap

The July meeting included a potluck dinner at the Euclid Creek Reservation.

We discussed nominations to fill the open positions of vice president and secretary, and three positions on the Board of Directors. If you would like to nominate someone or submit yourself, please call Fran Hogg 440-449-6119, Ginny Aveni 216-381-8433, or Frank Skala 440-473-3484.

Here are some reminders.

* The regular August meeting is canceled.

* We plan a return in September to a meeting on the first Tuesday of the month.

FOEC wants to thank a high school group

FOEC wants to thank the Mayfield High School National Honor Society and their advisor Ms. Shirlee Shoben for their recent effort to clean up the wooded area of the Highland Heights Community Park.

Acting on the suggestion of Jacob Rapport, son of FOEC treasurer Ken Messinger-Rapport, Jacob and his friends pulled a huge amount of trash and castoff items from the woods, including an old refrigerator, car tires, stove, lumber, and even a small engine, along with the usual array of bottles, glass, and cans.

As a result of their one afternoon of combing through the woods, this wetland area of the watershed is more pristine than it has been in years.

Thanks go out to everyone who supported their effort from the city of Highland Heights, especially Service Director Tom Evans, and a special thanks to Mayor Scott Coleman who supplied the pizza and drinks.

Sierra Club wants you to thank Gov. Strickland

For details on the post card that the Sierra Club has available to thank Gov. Strickland for his "support of continued work in moving Ohio forward with renewable energy and energy efficiency standards" please contact Jeanette Evans at jeanette.evans@sbcglobal.net.

Upcoming meetings and outings

Regular monthly meetings are normally held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the South Euclid Community Center at 1370 Victory Drive, South Euclid, OH 44121.

Also, check the Euclid Creek website for upcoming Rain Barrel Workshops and other events in the watershed (Rain Barrel workshop in Mayfield Village on July 15 and in Beachwood in August, registration required).

Please note that an August meeting for FOEC will not take place. See you the first Tuesday in September!

VFW nature tour

A thank you goes out to Frank Skala for the photo he took during the event and to all involved in planning the guided tour of the VFW Grounds on White Road. This large and unique tract of land includes creeks, beaver ponds, and woods.

The address is 29512 White Road , Willoughby Hills 44092 . It is on the south side of White Road (between Bishop and Rockefeller), about 1,500 feet west of Rockefeller.

Need FOEC representative at rain barrel workshops

Claire Posius has two rain barrel workshops coming up. We need a FOEC representative to sign up potential new FOEC members and be there to briefly talk to the group about FOEC. Please let Claire know if you can help.

Rain Barrel Workshop in Mayfield Village

Wednesday, July 15 6:30pm-8:00pm

Mayfield Village Community Room

6621 Wilson Mills Road, Mayfield Village 44143

Registration Required: Open June 8 for Mayfield residents and June 15 for the public.

Contact Claire Posius, cposius@cuyahogaswcd.org or 216-524-6580 x16

Rain Barrel Workshop in Beachwood

Saturday, August 1 10:00am-11:30am

Beachwood Community Center

25325 Fairmount Blvd., Beachwood 44122

Registration Required: Open June 29 for Beachwood residents and July 6 for the public.

Contact Claire Posius, cposius@cuyahogaswcd.org or 216-524-6580 x16

Internship opportunity

Interested in an internship opportunity with the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District? This could be for yourself, a family member or a friend.

Watershed Assessment / Engineering Intern / Summer 2009 — full time — paid

The Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is a political subdivision of the State of Ohio with a mission to provide educational and technical services for the conservation and protection of soil and water resources. Cuyahoga SWCD is located in Valley View, Ohio .

Please click here for full job posting (http://www.cuyahogaswcd.org/about-employment.htm)

Send letter of interest (email preferred) with resume by June 26, 2009 to:
Jared Bartley , Rocky River Watershed Coordinator,
Cuyahoga SWCD, 6100 West Canal Road
Valley View , Ohio 44125 ,
216-524-6580, ext. 14; fax: 216-524-6584;
Email: jbartley@cuyahogaswcd.org

June 2009 Update

Welcome to the June 2009 update
If you have content for this update, please let me know at jeanette.evans@sbcglobal.net.

Some of the items covered in this update include:

* June 2 meeting recap
* Upcoming meetings and outings
* Member update on Sara (Sally) Richardson
* Sierra Club wants to thank Governor Strickland
* Join us for the VFW nature tour

June 2 meeting recap

The Tuesday, June 2 evening meeting was at the South Euclid Community Center at 1370 Victory Drive, South Euclid, OH 44121.

FOEC member Athey Lutz gave a talk on natural stream design and the latest ideas on restoring streams and rebuilding macroinvertabrate and fish habitat.

We discussed nominations to fill the open positions of vice president and secretary, and three positions on the Board of Directors. If you would like to nominate someone or submit yourself, please call Fran Hogg 440-449-6119, Ginny Aveni 216-381-8433, or Frank Skala 440-473-3484.

Here are some other reminders.

* The South Euclid rain barrel event is on June 6. Contact Claire Posius for more information.

* The regular July meeting - the first Tuesday in July - will include a pot-luck picnic at an outdoor location

* The regular August meeting is canceled.

Member update on Sara (Sally) Richardson

Let's send our best wishes for a quick recovery for Sara (Sally) Richardson.
How about a card, phone call, or visit?
She is getting therapy now and hopes to be home soon.
Grande Point Healthcare (216-261-9600)
3 Merit Drive
Richmond Heights
Room 108 (216-797-7471)

For more details, please contact Frank Skala (fskala@ameritech.net) or Barb Pophal.

Sierra Club wants you to thank Gov. Strickland

For details on the post card that the Sierra Club has available to thank Gov. Strickland for his "support of continued work in moving Ohio forward with renewable energy and energy efficiency standards" please contact Jeanette Evans at jeanette.evans@sbcglobal.net.

Upcoming meetings and outings

Regular monthly meetings are normally held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the South Euclid Community Center at 1370 Victory Drive, South Euclid, OH 44121.

* June 20 (moved from June 13)
VFW nature tour.
VFW located on White Road at 11:00.
We will be guided by one of our own FOEC members.

* July 7
The July monthly meeting - the first Tuesday in July - will include a pot-luck picnic. If a new person just shows up without bringing something or member forgets to bring something, that's okay.

• The meeting is at the Rear Quarry Picnic Area of Euclid Creek Reservation.
  
• The entry driveway is across from the Ranger Office. Go all the way to the end of the side road to the picnic shelter. The shelter is almost directly under the bridge for Monticello Road that goes overhead.
• 5PM - picnic starts - eat at 6PM - meeting at 7PM.
  
• Rear quarry picnic area is located off Euclid Creek Parkway, near the green Road entrance of Euclid Creek Reservation in Euclid. It is near the Anderson Road end of the park. Go down the side road to the Rear Quarry area and keep following it all the way to the shelter house.
• Arrive any time between 5 and 6 PM to meet and socialize.
  
• Begin eating at 6PM.
  
• FOEC is supplying pizza and soft drinks.
• Bring a dish (main, side, salad) or dessert to share and your table setting.
  
• FOEC meeting begins at 7PM.
  

Join our VFW nature tour

Get ready to visit another great location in the Euclid Creek Watershed. Please mark your calendar/PDA/iPhone now to join the adventure on Saturday, June 20 at 10:00 a.m., as we go on a guided tour of the VFW Grounds on White Road . Ron Peura, FOEC member and VFW Post Commander, will lead us on an exploration of the creeks, beaver ponds and woods in this large, unique tract of land. This is a special invitation to explore this property, so don’t miss out.

The address is 29512 White Road , Willoughby Hills 44092 . It is on the south side of White Road (between Bishop and Rockefeller), about 1,500 feet west of Rockefeller. The driveway is marked with a 4-foot high stone post with a VFW sign. Take the long gravel driveway to the parking lot where we’ll gather.

Please plan to be there at 10:00 sharp so you don’t get left behind. The hike will take about an hour. We should be back to the parking lot no later than 11:30.

It is a rain-or-shine event. Regular old walking-in-the-woods shoes are fine unless it is especially wet.

Please call Frank Skala at 440-473-3484 for questions.

Calling for your input

Please let me know at jeanette.evans@sbcglobal.net if you have pictures or other items for this newsletter. Here is a picture of the dusty goldenrod meadow. FOEC purchased a conservation easement of 12.5 acres for an endangered plant habitat (dusty goldenrod) and primary headwater streams and wetlands.

Dusty goldenrod (Solidag/Puberula) is found in Highland Heights, Ohio, the only known location in Ohio. This location is part a meadow containing an unusual diversity of vascular plants (400+), which are rare and/endangered in Ohio or Cuyahoga County, with dusty goldenrod being the most notable.

The meadow with the dusty goldenrod is part of an area of land that is environmentally sensitive. The land is a mix of wooded swamp, wet meadow, and wet forest and contains several streams that are the headwaters of the East Branch of the Euclid Creek.