Friends of the Crooked River presents
RIVERDAY 2012: Back to the future
Special thanks to Appalachian Outfitters for generously co-sponsoring RiverDay 2012
On Saturday, May 19, join Friends of the Crooked River and co-sponsor Appalachian Outfitters in a celebration of the benefits of a “free-flowing” Cuyahoga River. When RiverDay began twenty-two years ago, there were eight major dams on the Cuyahoga River. Over the last ten years, two have been removed: Kent and Munroe Falls. This summer, two more dams will fall in Cuyahoga Falls! Partners from all over the watershed are working to establish a Cuyahoga River Water Trail. Water quality in Akron will be greatly improved, thanks to the city’s plan to correct its sewer overflows. The events planned for RiverDay 2012 will applaud this work, honor the results of past efforts and preview what dreams may emerge, including removing the BIG DAM.
1. 12thAnnual Berea Streamside CleanuP
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.: Join us to tackle litter in the East Branch of the Rocky River and Coe Lake. Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear work boots or old shoes. Long Sleeves, slacks and work gloves recommended. Trash bags provided. Children under 18 must have adult supervision. Pre-registration required for groups.Meet at the Coe Lake Gazebo behind Berea City Hall at 11 Berea Commons. Contact Jared Bartley r 216-524-6580 x14.More details at Sponsored by the City of Berea, Cuyahoga SWCD and the Rocky River Watershed Council.
2. CLEVELAND ROWING FOUNDATION TOUR OF RIVERGATE PARK AND DRAGON BOATING
10:30 am:Tour of Rivergate Park and Cleveland Rowing Foundation boathouse.
11:00 am: Dragon Boat Paddling Excursion for participants.
Rivergate Park preserves public access to the Cuyahoga River, by transforming a vacant 6.5 acre site into green space and a center for low-impact recreational use of the river. Rivergate offers recreation and environmental sustainability as an economic development catalyst for the area. Check out the people-powered watercraft that utilize the park. Patty Travis will conduct a tour of the park and the boathouse. Michael Ciccarello will accommodate a 30-minute dragon boat paddling excursion on the Cuyahoga. No experience is necessary, but a minimum of ten paddlers is needed to get on the water. (Those under 18 years must be accompanied by parent to paddle). Meet at 1785 Merwin Avenue in the Cleveland Flats (left off Columbus Rd. on the East Bank). See map at Contact Michael Ciccarello at 216-221-1389 or . Visit us on the web at or clevelanddragonboatfestival.com . Sponsored by the Cleveland Rowing Foundation and the Cleveland Dragon Boat Association.
3. Free RiverDay Concert at Cleveland’s Tallest Waterfall
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Cap your RiverDay celebration with a free, outdoor concert of early American folk music at historic Mill Creek Falls Scenic Overlook. Meet at Mill Creek located at 8404 Webb Terrace, Cleveland, at the intersection of Broadway, Turney, Warner and Miles Avenues, two miles north of Garfield Heights and seven miles south of downtown. Rain site is inside the adjacent Neighborhood History Center. Thescenic overlook is a Cleveland Metroparks facility and a regional historic site where the city’s first sawmill, gristmill, and stone quarry were built about 1799. Bring lawn chairs and a camera. Contact us at 216-469-4806 or email . Sponsored by Broadway Public Art and Slavic Village Development.
4. Big Creek: Historic Lower Big Creek Valley Tour
1:00 pm-2:30 pm: Learn about two of Cleveland's earliest settlements and adjoining industry along Big Creek, under the Pearl Road (Brooklyn-Brighton) Bridge. View historic bridge remnants, architecture, historic full-color maps. Learn about the Greenway Plan for the valley. Complimentary food and music. We'll Pop under Pearl during the 2nd annual Pop Up Pearl - a Complete Street Fair: Meet in parking lot behind Sal's Restaurant, 3850 Pearl Road. Contact: Bob Gardin at , 216-269-6472 or visit Sponsored by Friends of Big Creek and Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation.
5. WEST CREEK RIVERDAY HEMLOCK TRAIL HIKE
11:00 am: Join West Creek Preservation Committee for a RiverDay celebration with an exploration of the Hemlock Creek Trail which will eventually connect to the Towpath Trail. Hike from Elmwood Park, across Brecksville Road, past the Independence Technology Center, along the scenic Hemlock Creek down to the Cuyahoga River in the National Park. Join us for all or part of this 4-mile hike. Dress for the weather. Event is rain or shine. Meet at Elmwood Park’s central pavilion (parking adjacent to pavilion). Elmwood Park is located off of Selig Drive in Independence. Contact Derek at 216-749-3720 to RSVP for the hike. Sponsored by West Creek Preservation Committee.
6. "MIGRATION MANIA: AND SPRING OPEN HOUSE AT THE CLEVELAND LAKEFRONT NATURE PRESERVE
7:30 am - 2:00 pm:Self-guided and guided hikes along a one-mile trail. Come experience Cleveland's only nature preserve along the shores of Lake Erie. Learn about Doan Brook and observe native Ohio plants, trees and animals while experiencing a most unusual opportunity to access the lakefront. The Nature Preserve has over 280 of Ohio's 431 identified bird species - this is your chance to explore during prime migration season. Meet at the Cleveland Lakefront State Park office to register for the event 15 minutes before scheduled hike. Parking is available at Cleveland Lakefront State Park office. Exit #177 from I-90 and Route 2. Entrances from North Marginal at E. 72nd Street, from North Marginal between E. 72nd and MLK; park office entrance from Lakeshore Boulevard east of MLK. Contact Chris Trepal at 216-281-6468 . For hike times and details check out our events page at by the Environmental Education Collaborative and the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority.
7. May 12 Euclid Creek Invasive Plant Pull Event & Bioswale Garden Maintenance
9:00 am-noon: Volunteers are needed to help remove invasive garlic mustard.Join us at 9:00 at the Marina parking lot to learn about the Bioswale and help Friends of Euclid Creek (FOEC) with weeding and trash removal in the landscaped median.Join us at 10:00 am at the park entrance parking lot to help with the Invasive Garlic MustardPlant Pull. To learn about and help remove this rapidly spreading invasive plant, meet at Wildwood State Park, Cleveland – located at E. 174th Street and Lakeshore Boulevard. Contact Claire Posius, or 216-524-6580 x16 for more information or Link to our flyer here: Sponsored by the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga SWCD, Friends of Euclid Creek, and ODNR-Wildwood State Park.
8. THE RIVER ART EXHIBITION OPENING AT PENINSULA ART ACADEMY
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Please join us for the opening of The River, an exhibition of original works by artists working in several different media, including two- and three-dimensional works, highlighting the role the Cuyahoga River plays in their everyday lives. Meet the artists and see what the Cuyahoga and its conservation looks like through the eyes and talents of our local artists. Enjoy Peninsula’s annual Spring Stroll while enjoying the sights and sounds of the river itself. The show runs May 19th – June 23rd. Meet at 1600 Mill Street in Peninsula. Contact 330-657-2248 for more information.
9. Cuyahoga Valley National Park River Cleanup
9:00 am-12:00 pm: Help remove trash and exotic plants within the Cuyahoga River watershed. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, sturdy boots, and work gloves. Pre-registration required. Meet: location given upon registration. Contact 330-657-2299, , or for more information and to register. Presented by Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
10. Cuyahoga Valley National Park RiverDay Activities
9:30 am – 11:30 am: Junior Ranger program, “Rambling Along the River.” Fee.Pre-registration required. Meet: location given upon registration. Contact 330-657-2796 ext. 100 to register.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm: Join a park ranger for a short hike along the banks of the Cuyahoga. Meet at NPS Park Headquarters,15610 Vaughn Road in Brecksville. Contact 330-657-2752.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm: Drop by to chat with a ranger about how we test and monitor the Cuyahoga River. Meet at Boston Store Visitor Center, 1550 Boston Mills Road in Peninsula. Contact 330-657-2752.
Presented by Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
11. City of Cuyahoga Falls Bicentennial RiverDay Cleanup & Beautification Project
10:00 am- 2:00 pm: Volunteers are invited to help clean up litter and debris along the Cuyahoga River and throughout the community, plant flowers at park shelters and assist with an invasive plant pull in Water Works Park. Trash bags, planting supplies and lunch will be provided for project volunteers. Contact Becky McCleary to register at or 330-971-8201. Sponsored by the City of Cuyahoga Falls.
12. THE BEST DAM BUS TOUR
Take the bus to tour projects in the middle Cuyahoga River that have aided in restoring water quality. Bring a sack lunch and water. Dress for the weather.
9:00 AM – 11:30 AM:Tour the Goodyear Little Cuyahoga River dam modification and river restoration project. Tour Rack 40. See the combined sewer overflow detention basin; learn about Akron’s plans to correct sewers.
Noon: Lunch at Munroe Falls. Tour Munroe Falls dam removal and river restoration.
1:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Tour Plum Creek dam removal and river restoration. Tour Kent dam modification and river restoration.
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Tour Cuyahoga Falls dams slated to be removed.
Take the morning tour; take the afternoon tour. Do both. Your choice. FREE but reservations required. Contact Elaine Marsh or call (330)666-4026. Sponsored by Friends of the Crooked River.
13. "Haley's Run" Trail Tour
2:00 p.m.:Join us as we explore this newlycreated trail, designed by engineers to simulate a natural trail.It curves and winds along a small tributary of the LittleCuyahoga River, emptying into the river at the newly developedGoodyear megaplex, now under construction. This is an easy one mile trail for biking orwalking. Meetat the trailhead on Landon Street, off Triplett Blvd oneblock west of Seiberling Ave. in East Akron. Contact Lauren vonVesterfield at 330.592.8155.Sponsored by theLittle Cuyahoga Conservancy.
14. Crooked River Day Guided Hike
10:00 am - Noon:“Take a Hike” along the River with CLPA guide, Bob Jenkins.Enjoy the wildlife and learn a bit about our area’s history. The hike is about 2 miles, round trip. Dress for comfort and weather.Afterward, check out our historic store and enjoy ice cream treats or snacks.Meetat the Mustill Store at57 West North Street, Akron, 44304. Learn more at Rowan McTaggart at 330-374-5625. Sponsored byCascade LocksPark Association.
15. MUNROE FALLS - RIVER DAY FESTIVAL
10:00 am-3:00 pm: Help us celebrate and beautify the Cuyahoga Riverthat runs through Munroe Falls, with a day of fun, food, entertainment, children’s activities, displays and demonstrations related to wildlife and the great outdoors! Local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts (and other volunteers) will participate in the annual pulling of the invasive garlic mustard plant along the banks of the river, in a friendly competition, with prizes for the winning team. Those who wish to participate in the weed pulling should wear long pants, closed shoes and gloves. In keeping with matters of waterways, the environment and nature, we are pleased to welcome back: Buckeye Perennials - Native Ohio Plants; Lake Erie Nature and Science Center - Live Native Ohio Animals; ODNR Wildlife District 3 - Archery Trailer; Ohio EPA - Live Fish & River Life Display; Summit County Soil & Water District - Stream & Rain Garden; The Canal Society - History & Current Activities. Some new participants "planned" for this year include: Geocaching, a wonderful new hobby for locating treasures via GPS!; Abraham Lincoln Reenactor - Civil War Era; Friends of Ohio Barns - Tools & Timber Framing; Chick-fil-A -- scrumptious food to nibble on throughout the day. Meet at Brust Park, 128 North Main (Rt. 91), Munroe Falls, next to the Cuyahoga River. Contact Joan Busic at 330-687-2686 or EMail: to request a flyer for the event. Sponsored by Munroe Falls Park Board.
7:00 am-11:00 am: River Day 2012 begins with a FREE PANCAKE BREAKFAST at the Fire Station on Munroe Falls Avenue. "Donations" are gratefully accepted.
16. May 18 Kent Parks and Recreation's Watershed Celebration for Kent City Schools
10:00 am-1:00 pm: Hands on water education activities at Heritage Park on the Cuyahoga River. Kayak demonstration and participation in the "Ready, Set, Wear it Ohio!" awareness day with life jackets. By reservation only
17. May 19 Kent Environmental Council and Kent Parks and Recreation River Day and Dedication of Plum Creek Restoration
See listing below. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Meet at Plum Creek Park off Cherry Street in Kent. Contact us for more information at 330-673-1193 or visit Sponsored by Kent Environmental Council and Kent Parks and Recreation.
10:00 am-1:00 pm: Join us at 11:00 am for a dedication of the restoration of Plum Creek (a Crooked River tributary) with its free-flowing stream and native landscaping. Come early and enjoy a self-guided walk of the creek, environmental and rain barrel displays, with hands-on activities and crafts for families. See what the dip nets find in our water quality "mini critter" survey, find out about our first ever statewide award on the project, and meet some of our aquatic friends. Along with a kayak and water display, you can try on a life jacket as we participate in the "Ready, Set, Wear It Ohio!" awareness day and attempt to break a world record. Contact Kent Parks and Recreation website: for more information.
5:30 pm-8:00 pm: Festivities will conclude with a traditional potluck picnic at Plum Creek Park, where at 5:30 pm, the free-flowing Plum Creek and the Cuyahoga River will continue to draw people together. Please bring a dish to share to this event. Contact us at 330-678-8760 with any questions. Sponsored by the Kent Community Dinner.
Crooked River Adventures will offer canoe and kayak trips weather and water levels permitting. There is a fee for this activity. Contact us at 330-541-7467.
18. Morgan Preserve Wetlands and Stream Restoration Tour
1:00 p.m.: Join us for an educational tour of this9.5-acre wetlands site and 1,470 linear feet of stream restoration at the Portage Park District's Morgan Preserve. This project, funded by a Surface WaterImprovement Fund grant from the Ohio EPA, was completed with a variety of partners including: Portage Parks, Davey Resource Group, Kent State University, local boy scouts and communityvolunteers. Meetat the parking area on Nicodemus Road 0.4 mile east of SR 44 in Shalersville Township. Contact Christine Craycroft for more information at or go to Sponsored byPortage Park District.
19. Jungle Bird Canoe Safari at Eldon Russell Park
9:00 am - 11:00 am: Join our International Migratory Bird and River Day observances by celebrating the return of migratory songbirds from the Latin American Tropics. See sandpipers, vireos, flycatchers, cuckoos, thrushes, orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Indigo Buntings and warblers, including the famed Golden Swamp Warbler.Bring your canoe or kayak; a limited number of park canoes will be available for use.Registrationsaccepted May 12-18. Contactus by calling 440-279-0880. More information at by Geauga Park District.
RiverDay 2012 Sponsors
Cuyahoga River Community Planning
Cuyahoga River Remedial Action Plan
Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Davey Tree Expert Company
EnviroScience, Inc.
Keel-haulers Canoe Club
RiverReach Construction
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