Vintage HHEI video
For the past 20 years Lake SWCD has researched and documented the health of our headwater streams. Headwater streams are the small creeks, brooks, springs and ravines that are the origin of most rivers. These small streams join together to form larger streams and rivers or run directly into larger streams and lakes. Ohio EPA defines a headwater stream as a stream with a watershed less than or equal to 20 square miles. Many streams and drainage ways have a watershed of less than one square mile. We refer to these as “primary headwater” streams. These streams may be home to small fish, amphibians and invertebrates.
To evaluate the health of these streams Lake SWCD staff performs Headwater Habitat Evaluation Index (HHEI) analyses from May-October. By taking physical measurements, as well as biological ones we can determine the health of these streams. It is imperitive that small streams remain healthy, as they feed into larger streams, rivers and ultimately Lake Erie. The headwaters of a river play a huge role in its overall health.
These data have informed the county as well as communities on how to best manage this natural resource. Real-world decisions like Riparian buffer ordinances, conservation development practices and prioritizing lands for conservation easement and protection have all been informed by this research.
All those years practicing catching critters as kids has paid off for Lake SWCD staff. While it looks like we are a bunch of adults getting paid to "play in the creek", we can assure you that between the rugged terrain, heavy equipment, brambles, heat, mosquitoes and ticks that this work certainly isn't child's play. Despite these challenges Lake SWCD staff is often rewarded with beautiful views, neat nature finds and a good workout. :) This "vintage" video starring a current and a former Lake SWCD staff member shows the overall HHEI procedure.
Keep an eye out for us at a stream hear you!
If you want to help guide conservation in Lake Cou
Check out the new Lake County Administration Building's bioretention in action!
The 2 beds along the parking area in the front of the building have curb cuts so they can receive stormwater runoff. The plants and planting medium allow for stormwater to infiltrate into the ground, thus reducing the amount of water entering our storm drains. This reduces the amount of pollutants in our waterways and the likelihood of stormwater system failures like Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs).
Our favorite kind of live stream 🥰
LAKE SWCD CONSERVATION NATIVE TREE & PLANT SALE UNDERWAY!
3-4-19 UPDATE: New Jersey Tea is SOLD OUT!
3-11-19 UPDATE: Black Elderberry is SOLD OUT!
3-12-19 UPDATE: Turtlehead is SOLD OUT!
3-12-19 UPDATE: White Pine is SOLD OUT!
In an effort to promote conservation the Lake Soil and Water Conservation District is offering a wide selection of native, bare root tree seedlings, native container trees and shrubs, and other conservation goods. Thirty total species are being offered this year. All bare root species are available in multiples of 5, 10, or 25.This year all 2019 LEAP Native Plants of the Year are being sold.
For those looking for additional backyard conservation goods, there are also 18 cubic foot, wishing well style composters, native wildflower pollinator seed packets, rain barrels, and cover crop seeds. A bird/wildlife house vendor will be on site on Friday during pick up.
For best availability your orders should be received by March 8th, 2019. Lake SWCD is happy to accept orders past this deadline, however late orders are subject to availability.
Orders will be ready for pick-up April 12 and 13 at the Natural Resources building at the Lake County Fairgrounds. $5 bundles of seedlings, Wildflower and cover crop seed, conservation gifts, and rain barrels will be available for purchase by walk-ins during pick-up time.
To download species descriptions or an order form visit,
https://www.lakecountyohio.gov/Portals/20/2019 Tree Sale species descriptions and order form 3_12_19.pdf?ver=2019-03-12-080651-093
Stop #1 on our Grand River Bus Tour Chad Edgar our Resource Protection Specialist talking to students from Heritage Middle School 's 6th grade Arthur Holden Leadership Program about land uses in the Grand River Watershed.
The Spring Ephemeral Wildflowers are at their peak in Lake County right now. Get out and see them before they fade!
2017 UN World Water Day
1.8 billion people worldwide do not have access to clean, safe drinking water. Those of us who are fortunate enough to have access to safe drinking water need to make efforts to keep our drinking water sources clean. It is easier and cheaper to prevent surface and groundwater contamination than it is to clean it up once fouled. #LakeErieStartsHere #DontWasteIt
Ice and waves at the mouth of the Arcola creek estuary!
Big Creek is really moving!
When developing an area and disturbing soils, order is important.
A great example of proper construction sequencing when using erosion controls during soil disturbing activities is shown in this video clip.
Shown is the bank of the Grand River that once separated Gristmill Condominiums and the water's edge, across from Painesville Recreation Park. Currently, the site is in construction for the newly adopted Gristmill Floodplain Restoration Project; a remediation area that will help to educate the public about the importance of floodplain connectivity, especially in an urban setting.
Rip-rap bank stabilization (the large stones) on the river bank as well as the unseen sediment barrier underneath the water, help prevent sediment from washing into the river. Even after a heavy rain event like this past weekend.
Imagine the results if this newly disturbed river bank had the contractors and/or engineers for this project neglected the proper sequence of construction activities.
An "Atta Boy!" goes to all those individuals responsible for this site!
The Mentor Marsh is currently on fire. Stay safe out there!
