Lake Monitors
Since our water crisis earlier this month, many people are now more aware of the challenges and problems faced by our beloved, life-sustaining Great Lake Erie. To gain a better understanding of the environmental stresses and factors contributing to Erie’s health, visit the University of Toledo’s Lake Erie Center (Monday-Friday, 9am-4:30pm) and attend the free guided tours every Wednesday starting at 10am, or by appointment. You will see state-of-the-art equipment and instructional displays, and get an in-depth look into the research conducted by the LEC students and professors concerning algae blooms, invasive species, E. coli levels, aquatic wildlife’s health, and overall water quality. The facility also offers an annual photo contest (deadline Nov. 3), a summer science program, a lecture series, and the 18th Annual Clean Our Streams on September 20 (register online). 6200 Bayshore Rd. Oregon, Ohio. 419-530-8360. Visit utoledo.edu/nsm/lec/ for updates on algae blooms, to view past lectures, and for more info.
Fields for Life
No one can deny the beauty of prairies alive with butterflies and bees while lush grasses and wispy flowers sway lazily in the breeze, stretching to the far-off horizon. Be captivated at the 2014 Oak Openings Region Prairie Conference not only by their beauty but also by their environmental importance. “Prairies are responsible for creating the fertile soils in our region which we use to grow our food. They also help provide food and habitat for pollinators and wildlife,” said Denise Gehring, past president of Wild Ones (wildones.org—a group dedicated to preserving and restoring native plant communities).
The Toledo-area prairies are considered among the best in the country because of their plant biodiversity. Learn about and tour the gorgeous Oak Openings prairie area, as well as Irwin Prairie, Kitty Todd Preserve and more. Keynote Speaker Heather Holm will explore the topic of “Native Bees of Prairie Ecosystems and their Role as Pollinators of Native Plants.” Ohio Prairie Conference at Secor Metropark (metroparkstoledo.com, 1001 W. Central Ave.) Saturday, September 13, 8am -5pm (registration is required). The $35 fee includes continental breakfast, boxed lunch and materials. Go to ohioprairie.org for more info. Register at metroparksprograms.com or 419-407-9701 by September 10.
On Sunday, September 14, Holm will discuss her book “Pollinators of Native Plants” at Wildwood Metropark’s Manor House at 1pm. (metroparkstoledo.com, 5100 W. Central Ave.). This book is quickly becoming the best for anyone interested in learning about and identifying native plants and pollinators. The talk is free and open to the public.
It’s-not-too-late Wacky Statewide Summer Fun (September 23 is the first day of fall):
Tour De Donut Bike Ride
September 6 in Arcanum, Ohio.
thetourdedonut.com
Water Dog Races and Flea Market
August 29 and 31 in Lima,.
maxfleamarketandwaterdograces.com
Ohio Renaissance Festival
August 30–October 19 Waynesville, Ohio.
renfestival.com
Lego Travel Adventure
through September 7, Great Lakes Science Center Cleveland.
greatscience.com
Milan Melon Festival
August 30–September 1, Milan, Ohio.
milanmelonfestival.org
Best zany miniature golf courses:
Sandusky at sanduskygoofygolf.com
Canal Fulton at sluggers-putters.com
Westerville at westervilleminigolf.com
