About the Region

Metroparks and Lucas County are located primarily within the Maumee River Watershed, the largest in the Great Lakes Basin.

The Great Lakes are the largest system of fresh surface water on earth, containing approximately 21% of the world’s fresh surface water. Bordering Lake Erie, Toledo is a component of the Great Lakes basin. The Maumee and Ottawa River Watersheds, as part of this area, are all important pieces of our natural heritage.

In addition to our crucial position in the Lake Erie watershed, Metroparks and Lucas County are uniquely situated in an area that spans four varied and critical ecosystems: the Lake Erie Coastal Marsh Zone, the Great Black Swamp, the Maumee River, and the Oak Openings Region. Some of the unique natural resources within these different ecosystems include: the easternmost population of Lark Sparrows, the largest walleye run in the world, the greatest number of rare plant species in Ohio, and critical habitat for the state-threatened Blanding’s Turtle. Metroparks Toledo is committed to preserving and restoring these natural resources and sharing them with the community.