Smoke in the Summer Savanna
Metroparks successfully conducted its first ever summer prescribed fire in the Oak Openings.
Conservation
Protecting what we have so future generations can enjoy the unspoiled land, and the clean air and water that we enjoy.
Metroparks actively works to preserve the best examples of Northwest Ohio’s natural areas for public enjoyment. Protecting forests, grasslands, rivers, and wetlands, promoting sustainable use, is the most important work that we do.
Articles Tagged in Conservation, Resources, Protection
A Doodlebug’s Story
Its story is written on the sand in the early morning light. Trails of scribbles and strange, twisted etchings scrawled by a mysterious creature called a “doodlebug” during the dark of the night.
Common Tern Nesting a Success at Howard Marsh
Common terns aren't so common in Western Lake Erie, but artificial nesting platforms are helping to increase the population of the sea bird.
The Jeweled Acrobats
Dragonflies are some of the oldest insects on earth. These beautiful animals took to the air long before dinosaurs walked the earth and were enormous---- the largest having a wingspan of two and a half feet! However, today, you may only encounter a “large” dragonfly at only three inches long. Lucas County is home to approximately 95 species of Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) and Ohio has more than 150 species, with interesting names like “Dragonhunter,” “Dasher,” “Darner,” and “Clubtail.”
“Unexpected” Findings in the Oak Openings
Sometimes there is joy in the “unexpected.” In the Oak Openings region, the “unexpected” may appear as a new research finding, a certain state-listed plant found emerging in a newly restored area or the discovery of a rare wildlife species.
The “Sand Runners”
A buzzy, insect-like “tick tucka zreeeee” resonates from the lower tip of a plant stalk in the middle of the prairie. A hidden “tssssslipp” echoes underfoot in two or three spots. These interesting sounds always add some mystery to the spring and summer grasslands in special places of the Oak Openings region.
Hidden Homes
Most of us visiting a Metropark during the spring and summer won’t realize just how many birds are watching us from their nests as we pass them by on the trails or by boat. Birds and their nests are often quietly camouflaged or hidden in the grasses, wetland vegetation, or small shrubs. Numerous species of birds choose Metroparks to call “home,” during the summer months, due to the fact that these natural areas offer abundant food and excellent habitat.
Aerial Acrobats
Tree swallows -- also known in the birding world as aerial insectivores -- are capable of ingesting 2,000 insects a day!
Floats for Fledglings
Cooperative effort between The Ohio Division Wildlife and Metroparks Toledo, you might have a chance to view Common terns on your next visit Howard Marsh Metropark.
Blanding’s Turtles in the Metroparks
See a Blanding's turtle? Your information can help the Toledo Zoo and partners gather important information about this unique species that makes its home in the Oak Openings.
Toledo's Frogtown
Before settlement, north Toledo and downtown encompassed a mosaic of different natural habitats that included mostly marshland, as well as forest and prairie. Wetland areas along the banks of the Maumee and surrounding areas, were a popular haven for large numbers of frogs and toads, and early Toledo was appropriately dubbed the name “Frogtown.”
A Snake’s Way
The prominent, upturned nose and unique color patterns should give it away, but that’s not always likely with the hognose snake.
Back to the Nest for Baby Owl
An owlet that fell from a tree at Secor Metopark was cared for by Nature's Nursery and returned to the nest.
The Thrill of the Trill
Love is in the air - American toad style. Listen closely and you can hear it in their song.
Machine Will Help Master Marsh Management
A specialized machine will help manage marshes and other natural areas inaccessible by typical vehicles.
Colorful Seasons Ahead
As April comes to a chilly end, and we wrap up the first Ohio Native Plant Month, keep in mind that the season for native plants is just beginning.
Humming Along
Every spring, Ruby-throated hummingbirds make their long-distance migration back to northwest Ohio to take advantage of the abundant food sources and good nesting sites.
Flight of the Bumble bee
After a long winter’s nap, the queen bumble bee emerges from her underground throne on the first warm days of spring.
Ohio Native Plant Month is Time to Celebrate Wildflowers
April is officially Native Plant Month in Ohio, and the Metroparks have a beautiful array of wildflowers to discover.
Passing the Time
This sleepy barred owl found near Secor Metropark patiently passes the time by soaking up some sun and getting some rest.
Celebrating Women in History
As we celebrate Women’s History month, Metroparks Toledo is proud to recognize the legacy women have had on our industry. From local naturalists to the most notable scientists, women have been impacting the environmental field for over a century.
Where Are the Birds in Winter? Right Here!
There were 91 species tallied in the annual Toledo Christmas Bird Count, and another 68 species spotted in the Grand Rapids-Waterville count.
Pearson Forest Bounces Back From Loss of Ash Trees
How has the forest at Pearson Metropark fared 17 years after the arrival of a destructive Asian pest called the emerald ash borer. About as well as researchers could hope, according to a new scientific paper.
Western Reserve Land Conservancy and Metroparks Preserve 226 Acres to Expand Secor Metropark
Deal is a rare opportunity to expand a Metropark in one of Ohio's most significant natural regions, the Oak Openings.
Metroparks Planted 35,000 Trees this Spring
Metroparks Toledo planted 35,000 trees over several weeks this spring with the help of partners and volunteers.
Bird Research Conducted this Summer at Wildwood
Visitors to WIldwood this summer may see a bird banding station near the Yellow Trail.
Pearson Bat Condo Open for Business
A new bat 'condo' at Pearson Metropark can house up to 3,000 bats!
Mosquito Control in the Metroparks
Metroparks takes steps reduce risk of W. Nile virus from mosquitoes.
A Marsh & More: New Park Advances Many Goals
Howard Marsh will benefit Lake Area, provide additional recreation opportunities and put Metroparks Toledo a step closer to fulfilling its promise of a park within five miles of every home in the county.
Howard Marsh Contract Awarded
The Board of Park Commissioners has approved a contract with Mark Haynes Construction of Norwalk for the construction of Howard Marsh Metropark near the Lake Erie shore in Jerusalem Township.
2016 Winter Deer Cull Concludes
More than 6,000 lbs of ground venison was donated to local food charities following a winter culling operation at Oak Openings Preserve and Wildwood Preserve.
New Metropark Is A Hot Spot For Dragonflies
Dragonflies are hot, and Wiregrass Lake is a hot spot to see them.
Volunteers Survey Vernal Pools
The Metroparks Vernal Pool Monitoring Program raises public awareness about the existence of these habitats while allowing people to participate in interesting and important field-research.
Long-term Butterfly Monitoring
There are five butterfly transects monitored in the Metroparks, currently: three occur in Oak Openings Preserve, one at Wildwood Preserve and one at Swan Creek Preserve.
Human Land Uses And The Impact On Plant Species Diversity
Human land uses have a strong influence on landscape level patterns of plant species diversity, especially for exotic species, a recent study concluded.
'Condo' Shelters Bats At Oak Openings
It is important to conserve our bat species, as they play a very important ecological role as major predators of night flying insects, like mosquitoes and agricultural pests