Day with a Friend
Euclid Creek flows north through 12 communities and nearby Euclid and Collinwood. The stream makes its way to meet Lake Erie at Wildwood Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks. If it only could speak, the Creek could tell of its ancestors who were here when the area was covered by mile-high glaciers. An old and familiar landmark, so a group of 80 decided to get to spend a day getting to make a fresh acquaintance
“A Day in the Life of Euclid Creek” started at the Metroparks newest reservation, the former Acacia Country Club. Volunteers of the Friends of Euclid Creek monitor the creek’s water quality showed how they sample biology and chemistry features of the stream. Others took to the hiking paths to witness how a manicured golf course is being reclaimed by nature -- every day a little bit more.
Further down the Creek bed, the next stop was at Greenwood Farm. Participants helped gather and identify bugs living in the water. Macroinvertebrates are indicators of water quality. Some of those bottom dwellers refuse to live anywhere near pollution, so finding them said good things about the Creek.
The final stop was at the mouth of Euclid Creek where it flows into the Lake. This freshwater estuary is becoming a nursery for young fish. A naturalist demonstrated the varied species of Erie’s fish. These were alive and swimming in glass containers. One Lake species, a Pumpkin Fish, showed striking red and orange colors which observers compared to what might be found along an ocean reef. For many, this was a rare, close-up opportunity to see fish, other than as a Lenten patty on a bun.
This was the third annual day-long journey along the Euclid Creek, a shared program of the Metroparks Watershed Stewardship program and the Friends of Euclid Creek. Both provide ongoing volunteer opportunities. While it’s getting better, the Creek still needs friends.
Patrick Henry
Euclid resident committed to the common good, strong neighborhoods and the health of our Lake Erie.