http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Sat, 12 Sep 2026 05:09:57 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/11/parts-lake-erie-are-now-reported-very-scummy/stories/20260911108 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/11/parts-lake-erie-are-now-reported-very-scummy/stories/20260911108#comments Fri, 11 Sep 2026 20:18:15 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/11/parts-lake-erie-are-now-reported-very-scummy/stories/20260911108 Now’s the time to be especially careful if you’re boating on western Lake Erie. A photo of the open water of Lake Erie, near the mouth of the Maumee River, taken Aug. 25 from aboard a NOAA research vessel. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/09/h2ohio-wetlands-project-ottawa-hills/stories/20260909102 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/09/h2ohio-wetlands-project-ottawa-hills/stories/20260909102#comments Wed, 09 Sep 2026 16:46:55 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/09/h2ohio-wetlands-project-ottawa-hills/stories/20260909102 The latest H2Ohio wetlands project was dedicated this week, this time at a 23-acre site inside Ottawa Hills. From left, Bill Stanley, Nature Conservancy Ohio chapter director; Ohio Sen. Paula Hicks-Hudson (D., Toledo), Ohio Rep. Erika White (D., Springfield Township), and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz. A portion of the 23-acre wetland project dedicated this week by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the village of Ottawa Hills. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/09/with-no-time-to-spare-michigan-hatches-a-great-lakes-whitefish-rescue-plan-1/stories/20260909081 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/09/with-no-time-to-spare-michigan-hatches-a-great-lakes-whitefish-rescue-plan-1/stories/20260909081#comments Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:18:38 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/09/with-no-time-to-spare-michigan-hatches-a-great-lakes-whitefish-rescue-plan-1/stories/20260909081 With time running out to save the Great Lakes’ whitefish from a deadly mussel invasion, Michigan officials have a moonshot plan to pluck fish from Lake Michigan and breed them in captivity. Joel Petersen carries a net of whitefish aboard a boat near Leland, Mich., 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/08/construction-of-invasive-carp-barrier-resumes/stories/20260908083 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/08/construction-of-invasive-carp-barrier-resumes/stories/20260908083#comments Tue, 08 Sep 2026 21:22:33 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/08/construction-of-invasive-carp-barrier-resumes/stories/20260908083 JOLIET, Ill. — Construction of the invasive carp barrier near Chicago is back on. Invasive carp shown leaping near Memphis in this 2011 file photo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/06/lettuce-safe-shoppers-ready/stories/20260903096 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/06/lettuce-safe-shoppers-ready/stories/20260903096#comments Sun, 06 Sep 2026 17:12:16 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/06/lettuce-safe-shoppers-ready/stories/20260903096 Shannon Solt has no problem buying lettuce — so long as it is grown locally. “I’d rather support local at this point,” Mrs. Solt, of Perrysburg, said outside Kazmaier’s Market in Perrysburg on Wednesday.  The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers For Salad is displayed at the salad bar on Sept. 3 at Walt Churchill's Market in Perrysburg. Salad is displayed at the salad bar on Sept. 3 at Walt Churchill's Market in Perrysburg. Dawn Self, a manager at Walt Churchill's Market in Perrysburg, holds a container of iceberg lettuce from the popular salad bar inside the store. Salad Bar Lead Cari Vicary tends to the salad bar on Sept. 3 at Walt Churchill's Market in Perrysburg. Rob and Shannon Solt are reluctant to buy bagged lettuce again. Frank Johnoff of Maumee and his wife Joann said they prefer alternatives to lettuce. Holly Spenthoff of Monclova Township uses the salad bar on Sept. 3 at Walt Churchill's Market in Perrysburg. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/02/photo-gallery-dry-creek-preserve/stories/20260902106 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/02/photo-gallery-dry-creek-preserve/stories/20260902106#comments Wed, 02 Sep 2026 20:03:35 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/02/photo-gallery-dry-creek-preserve/stories/20260902106 Community members were invited Wednesday to a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Walbridge Dry Creek Preserve in Walbridge, Ohio. Attendees were invited to tour the preserve and learn more about the ecological practices implemented on the site. Walbridge mayor Ed Kolanko talks about the work involved for the Dry Creek Preserve trail at a ribbon-cutting news conference announcing its opening on Sept. 2 in Walbridge, Ohio. The habitat rehabilitation project slows down the Dry Creek, allowing for ecological health improvement. Walbridge mayor Ed Kolanko talks about the work involved for the Dry Creek Preserve trail at a ribbon-cutting news conference announcing its opening on Sept. 2 in Walbridge, Ohio. Walbridge mayor Ed Kolanko talks about the work involved for the Dry Creek Preserve trail at a ribbon-cutting news conference announcing its opening on Sept. 2 in Walbridge, Ohio. Guests listen to information at a ribbon-cutting news conference announcing the opening of the Dry Creek Preserve trail on Sept. 2 in Walbridge, Ohio. Guests are given tours of the half-mile trail in off-road vehicles after the ribbon-cutting news conference announcing the opening of the Dry Creek Preserve trail on Sept. 2 in Walbridge, Ohio. Wood Co. engineer Josh Belknap and Walbridge mayor Ed Kolanko congratulate each other on the project at a ribbon-cutting news conference announcing the opening of the Dry Creek Preserve trail on Sept. 2 in Walbridge, Ohio. Guests walk the half-mile trail after a ribbon-cutting news conference announcing the opening of the Dry Creek Preserve trail on Sept. 2 in Walbridge, Ohio. The Ohio EPA's Cherie Blair cuts the ribbon with local project partners at a news conference announcing the opening of the Dry Creek Preserve trail on Sept. 2 in Walbridge, Ohio. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/02/explore-more-of-toledo-with-new-park-quest-pass/stories/20260902080 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/02/explore-more-of-toledo-with-new-park-quest-pass/stories/20260902080#comments Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:21:46 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/02/explore-more-of-toledo-with-new-park-quest-pass/stories/20260902080 Toledo wants its residents to “stop scrolling and start strolling,” so an incentive program has been launched to do just that. Lyndaris Caldwell uses the Explore More Parks pass Sept. 1 at Jermain Park in Toledo. From left, Lyndaris Caldwell, Parks Commissioner Karen Ranney Wolkins, and Parks and Recreation Outreach and Special Events Manager Jacqueline Johnson check in using the Explore More Parks pass Sept. 1 at Jermain Park in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/01/late-summer-heat-blankets-ohio-temperature/stories/20260901090 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/01/late-summer-heat-blankets-ohio-temperature/stories/20260901090#comments Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:48:27 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/01/late-summer-heat-blankets-ohio-temperature/stories/20260901090 Don’t grab your flannels just yet — the start of September might signal that fall is around the corner, but Toledo and most of Ohio are still in the thick of summer heat. Pablo Williams mows a lawn on a hot summer day in Toledo on Sept. 1. Jason Schwartz, Toledo, fishes for yellow perch off a dock in Cullen Park on Sept. 1 in North Toledo. John Ortyl, of Point Place, enjoys a cigar in his 'summer shoes' at Cullen Park on Sept. 1 in North Toledo. Pablo Williams mows a lawn on a hot summer day in Toledo on Sept. 1. Jason Schwartz, Toledo, fishes for yellow perch off a dock in Cullen Park on Sept. 1 in North Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/30/anxiety-lake-erie-future-remains-progress/stories/20260830053 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/30/anxiety-lake-erie-future-remains-progress/stories/20260830053#comments Sun, 30 Aug 2026 14:45:18 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/30/anxiety-lake-erie-future-remains-progress/stories/20260830053 GIBRALTAR ISLAND, Ohio — As Ohio’s race for governor enters its final stretch, a few encouraging signs have emerged about the future of Lake Erie. A view of Lake Erie from the Gibraltar Island shoreline shortly after sunrise Friday. Two of the many rocks along the Gibraltar Island shoreline. One of the many rocks near the Gibraltar Island shoreline. This little walleye, probably less than a year old, shows its razor-sharp teeth and disgust after being captured in a trawl during the science cruise on Lake Erie. It was returned to the lake. A live yellow perch caught in the trawl. On top is a baby yellow perch. Below it is a baby walleye. Those are Lake Erie's two most popular sportfish. Both were captured in a trawl and returned to the lake. NOAA oceanographer Rick Stumpf, who tracks algal blooms in Lake Erie and other parts of the country, came out from his office in Maryland for the event. In his photo, he is examining fresh water samples taken during Friday's Lake Erie science cruise hosted by Ohio Sea Grant/OSU Stone Laboratory. NOAA oceanographer Rick Stumpf, who tracks algal blooms in Lake Erie and other parts of the country, came out from his office in Maryland for the event. In his photo, he is examining fresh water samples taken during Friday's Lake Erie science cruise hosted by Ohio Sea Grant/OSU Stone Laboratory. Ohio Sea Grant/Ohio State University Stone Laboratory Director Chris Winslow aboard Friday's science cruise. Ohio Sea Grant/Ohio State University Stone Laboratory Director Chris Winslow comparing three freshly drawn water samples aboard the science cruise. Lake Erie is a major draw for recreational boaters, such as this one photographed Friday. Microplastics expert John Lenhart. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/26/plant-biodiversity-is-increasing-on-metroparks-property-report-shows/stories/20260826077 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/26/plant-biodiversity-is-increasing-on-metroparks-property-report-shows/stories/20260826077#comments Wed, 26 Aug 2026 18:15:28 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/26/plant-biodiversity-is-increasing-on-metroparks-property-report-shows/stories/20260826077 Two-thirds of Metroparks Toledo plant sites examined over a recent six-year period showed biodiversity gains, a new report shows. LaRae Sprow, Metroparks Toledo crew leader, explains some of Pearson Metropark's ecological features during an Earth Day hike on April 22. A native trillium that started to flower when it was photographed inside Pearson Metropark on Earth Day. Trilliums are wildflowers native to Ohio that flower in the spring. The species known as the Large-Flowered Trillium was designated Ohio's state flower in 1986. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/24/algal-bloom-now-up-to-480-square-miles-in-size/stories/20260824068 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/24/algal-bloom-now-up-to-480-square-miles-in-size/stories/20260824068#comments Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:57:43 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/24/algal-bloom-now-up-to-480-square-miles-in-size/stories/20260824068 Western Lake Erie’s algal bloom has grown to 480 square miles, the largest it has been this summer. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/24/first-of-many-phases-of-marblehead-peninsula-trails-to-be-built-in-2030/stories/20260821074 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/24/first-of-many-phases-of-marblehead-peninsula-trails-to-be-built-in-2030/stories/20260821074#comments Mon, 24 Aug 2026 14:56:45 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/24/first-of-many-phases-of-marblehead-peninsula-trails-to-be-built-in-2030/stories/20260821074 MARBLEHEAD, Ohio — Plans are being made to build the first of what could eventually become a large network of trails across the Marblehead Peninsula. The first phase of the Marblehead Peninsula Trail will be constructed in 2030. Shown here is a portion of the Alexander Pike segment, which will include a new trailhead on East Bay Shore Road and approximately 1.5 miles of trail for non-motorized recreation. It will be connected to the Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve. Lakeside daisies. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/23/wild-heart-being-shown-bowling-green/stories/20260823041 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/23/wild-heart-being-shown-bowling-green/stories/20260823041#comments Sun, 23 Aug 2026 20:19:56 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/23/wild-heart-being-shown-bowling-green/stories/20260823041 BOWLING GREEN — Ohio: Wild at Heart, an hourlong film produced by the state of Ohio to highlight its natural resources, will be shown Sept. 9 at the Carter Historic Farm. An American bald eagle https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/18/evacuation-called-part-east-toledo-hazardous-materials-release/stories/20260818113 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/18/evacuation-called-part-east-toledo-hazardous-materials-release/stories/20260818113#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2026 20:59:15 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/18/evacuation-called-part-east-toledo-hazardous-materials-release/stories/20260818113 The hazardous materials evacuation for an area near the Port of Toledo has been lifted. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/18/island-projects-help-bring-back-the-maumee-river-s-story-to-tell/stories/20260813112 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/18/island-projects-help-bring-back-the-maumee-river-s-story-to-tell/stories/20260813112#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2026 11:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/18/island-projects-help-bring-back-the-maumee-river-s-story-to-tell/stories/20260813112 Paul Pacholski yearns for the day that children will be able to explore Maumee River islands like he did as a kid decades ago. Maumee River Yacht Club, next to Walbridge Park, sits behind and benefits from restoration work done to Delaware/Horseshoe Island. Corbutt Island, which could be the next Maumee River island to be restored. It is north of Delaware/Horseshoe and Clark islands. Aerial photo of the newly restored Audubon Islands State Nature Preserve in Maumee. Aerial photo of the newly restored Audubon Islands State Nature Preserve in Maumee. Aerial photo of the newly restored Audubon Islands State Nature Preserve in Maumee. Aerial photo of the newly restored Audubon Islands State Nature Preserve in Maumee. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/12/toledo-area-waterways-are-getting-another-37-6-million-of-improvements/stories/20260812050 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/12/toledo-area-waterways-are-getting-another-37-6-million-of-improvements/stories/20260812050#comments Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:46:53 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/12/toledo-area-waterways-are-getting-another-37-6-million-of-improvements/stories/20260812050 Another $37.6 million is being invested in Toledo-area waterways to dredge silt, improve access, clean up legacy pollution, and make them healthier for humans, fish, and wildlife. An old photograph showcasing what the Maumee River banks used to look like is shown during the announcement of major investments in the Maumee Area of Concern at the National Museum of Great Lakes in Toledo, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. Photographs and graphs showcase what the new river improvement project will include during the announcement of major investments in the Maumee Area of Concern at the National Museum of Great Lakes in Toledo, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. Anne Vogel, regional administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, speaks during the announcement of major investments in the Maumee Area of Concern at the National Museum of Great Lakes in Toledo, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. David Zavac, regional outreach and campaign director for Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, speaks on her behalf during the announcement of major investments in the Maumee Area of Concern at the National Museum of Great Lakes in Toledo, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz speaks during the announcement of major investments in the Maumee Area of Concern at the National Museum of Great Lakes in Toledo, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. Mike Pniewski, council chair for the Maumee Area of Concern Advisory, speaks during the announcement of major investments in the Maumee Area of Concern at the National Museum of Great Lakes in Toledo, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. John Logue, director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, speaks during the announcement of major investments in the Maumee Area of Concern at the National Museum of Great Lakes in Toledo, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. Kate Fineske, Executive Director of the National Museum of the Great Lakes, speaks during the announcement of major investments in the Maumee Area of Concern at the National Museum of Great Lakes in Toledo, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/10/think-before-you-throw-away-those-table-scraps-speaker-says/stories/20260810078 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/10/think-before-you-throw-away-those-table-scraps-speaker-says/stories/20260810078#comments Mon, 10 Aug 2026 19:19:20 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/10/think-before-you-throw-away-those-table-scraps-speaker-says/stories/20260810078 Like a lot of people, Thomas McQuillan doesn’t like to waste food. Thomas McQuillan speaks at the Rotary Club meeting on Aug. 10 at the Glass City Center in Toledo. Thomas McQuillan speaks. Thomas McQuillan speaks. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/09/schmucker-family-farms-vows-change-controversy/stories/20260808026 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/09/schmucker-family-farms-vows-change-controversy/stories/20260808026#comments Sun, 09 Aug 2026 10:59:18 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/09/schmucker-family-farms-vows-change-controversy/stories/20260808026 EDON, Ohio — Steps away from the Ohio-Indiana state line lies the Schmucker Family Farms headquarters, a working complex of multiple buildings that a company spokesman equates to the hub on a wheel of smaller businesses. Cattle inside a barn at Schmucker Family Farms on Aug. 6 in Edon. Cattle inside a barn at Schmucker Family Farms on Aug. 6 in Edon. Cattle inside a barn at Schmucker Family Farms on Aug. 6 in Edon. Cattle barn at Schmucker Family Farms on Aug. 6 in Edon. Cattle inside a barn at Schmucker Family Farms on Aug. 6 in Edon. Cattle inside a barn at Schmucker Family Farms on Aug. 6 in Edon. Cattle inside a barn at Schmucker Family Farms on Aug. 6 in Edon. Exterior of a barn is featured at Schmucker Family Farms on Aug. 6 in Edon. Exterior of a barn at Schmucker Family Farms Thursday, August 6, 2026, in Edon. Manure sits inside a barn at Schmucker Family Farms on Aug. 6 in Edon. Manure sits inside a barn at Schmucker Family Farms on Aug. 6 in Edon. Manure tank sits behind a barn at Schmucker Family Farms on Aug. 6 in Edon. Bedding, left, and char, right, were made from manure at Schmucker Family Farms on Aug. 6 in Edon. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/05/ruling-puts-line-5-project-on-hold-but-for-how-long/stories/20260804094 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/05/ruling-puts-line-5-project-on-hold-but-for-how-long/stories/20260804094#comments Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/05/ruling-puts-line-5-project-on-hold-but-for-how-long/stories/20260804094 The Michigan Supreme Court’s decision to invalidate a permit required for improving the Line 5 oil and gas pipeline’s safety is raising a lot of questions. View of the Mackinac Bridge that spans the Straits of Mackinac. Scott Hayes, PBF Energy/Toledo Refining Co.'s Midwest government relations director, is shown outside of the refinery in this Aug. 4, 2021, file photo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/04/new-kelleys-island-trail-packs-a-lot-of-history-into-a-short-distance/stories/20260724079 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/04/new-kelleys-island-trail-packs-a-lot-of-history-into-a-short-distance/stories/20260724079#comments Tue, 04 Aug 2026 17:42:35 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/04/new-kelleys-island-trail-packs-a-lot-of-history-into-a-short-distance/stories/20260724079 KELLEYS ISLAND, Ohio — Hikers can get a double-dose of unique Kelleys Island history packed into a relatively new trail that’s no longer than a few city blocks. Where the trail continues, just after the glacial grooves. The beginning of the trail straddles the side of the Ohio DNR's Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve, which are a short distance from Kelleys Island State Park. View of the glacial grooves that have been preserved. The beginning on the trail, near the glacial grooves. Pat Hayes, Kelleys Island Audubon chapter president, peers out at the trail from the top of the glacial grooves visitor's area. Remnants of the Crusher Building are at the end of the trail. Part of the building's exterior at the end of the trail. An interior view. The trail's dedication plaque, near the historic Crusher Building. A view of the pollinator garden near the Crusher Building, at the end of the trail. Another view of the pollinator garden near the Crusher Building, at the end of the trail. Another view of the pollinator garden near the Crusher Building, at the end of the trail. Closeup of flowers in the pollinator garden at the end of the trail. A scenic view of Lake Erie awaits visitors at the end of the trail.