http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:03:25 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/06/02/ohio-adds-another-16-acres-of-wetlands-to-its-lake-erie-watershed-inventory/stories/20260602106 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/06/02/ohio-adds-another-16-acres-of-wetlands-to-its-lake-erie-watershed-inventory/stories/20260602106#comments Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:52:38 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/06/02/ohio-adds-another-16-acres-of-wetlands-to-its-lake-erie-watershed-inventory/stories/20260602106 BASCOM, Ohio — Sixteen more acres of wetlands have been added to the growing list of thousands that the state of Ohio has paid to build or expand across northwest Ohio since 2019. The Funk-Dewald Nature Preserve has a new 16-acre wetland complex and vernal pool complex. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/06/01/metroparks-toledo-new-philanthropy-officer-billy-mann/stories/20260601062 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/06/01/metroparks-toledo-new-philanthropy-officer-billy-mann/stories/20260601062#comments Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:07:50 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/06/01/metroparks-toledo-new-philanthropy-officer-billy-mann/stories/20260601062 A fixture in Toledo’s philanthropy community is becoming Metroparks Toledo’s chief philanthropy officer. Billy Mann Ally Effler https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/29/mathematical-model-determine-lake-erie-species-diversity/stories/20260526089 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/29/mathematical-model-determine-lake-erie-species-diversity/stories/20260526089#comments Fri, 29 May 2026 13:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/29/mathematical-model-determine-lake-erie-species-diversity/stories/20260526089 Scientists at the University of Toledo are developing a mathematical framework to aid in measuring the health of ecosystems. UT professor Song Qian works on campus at the University of Toledo. William Hintz is a professor in the University of Toledo department of environmental sciences. Song Qian is a UT professor in the department of environmental sciences and lead author on a study working toward figuring out species diversity levels in Lake Erie. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/24/annual-nrc-open-houses-fermdavis-besse/stories/20260524066 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/24/annual-nrc-open-houses-fermdavis-besse/stories/20260524066#comments Sun, 24 May 2026 18:07:33 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/24/annual-nrc-open-houses-fermdavis-besse/stories/20260524066 The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is hosting open houses to discuss annual operations of DTE Energy’s Fermi 2 nuclear plant on Wednesday and Vistra Corp.’s Davis-Besse nuclear plant on Thursday. Fermi 2's cooling towers are seen from a distance. Davis-Besse's cooling tower is featured. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/20/another-20-acres-of-globally-rare-oak-openings-land-acquired-by-metroparks/stories/20260520085 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/20/another-20-acres-of-globally-rare-oak-openings-land-acquired-by-metroparks/stories/20260520085#comments Wed, 20 May 2026 17:11:01 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/20/another-20-acres-of-globally-rare-oak-openings-land-acquired-by-metroparks/stories/20260520085 Another 20 acres of undeveloped land in western Lucas County’s globally rare Oak Openings region has come under Metroparks Toledo ownership. One view of the property and some of its impressive trees. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/19/wedding-favor-becomes-birdings-hottest-collectible/stories/20260518080 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/19/wedding-favor-becomes-birdings-hottest-collectible/stories/20260518080#comments Tue, 19 May 2026 11:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/19/wedding-favor-becomes-birdings-hottest-collectible/stories/20260518080 What started off as a wedding favor turned into one of the hottest items at the recently concluded Biggest Week in American Birding’s annual 10-day festival. Christina Baal attending to one of her customers, Kilsyth MIddlebrook, of Nacogdoches, Texas. Christina Baal, near the Lake Erie shoreline at Maumee Bay State Park on Friday. Three of the many trading cards made by artist Christina Baal. Some of the framed prints of Christina Baal's artwork. Some of Christina Baal's bookmarks. She sells them for $1 apiece because she wants more people to enjoy her birding artwork. Christina Baal at her booth. A couple of her young fans viewing the cards she had for sale. One of Christina Baal's binders on her display table. Some of the greeting cards she sells. Part of her display table. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/13/area-doctors-begin-prescribing-time-in-nature-citing-mental-health-benefits/stories/20260513090 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/13/area-doctors-begin-prescribing-time-in-nature-citing-mental-health-benefits/stories/20260513090#comments Wed, 13 May 2026 20:52:22 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/13/area-doctors-begin-prescribing-time-in-nature-citing-mental-health-benefits/stories/20260513090 Mercy Health doctors are offering a new prescription to reduce stress, boost mood, protect against depression, and improve sleep: nature. Metroparks Toledo Executive Director Dave Zenk, right, is joined by Mercy Health VP of Business Development Matt Sapara at a news conference announcing NatureRx, a partnership with Mercy Health, at Side Cut Metropark in Maumee on May 13. Metroparks Toledo Executive Director Dave Zenk speaks at a news conference announcing NatureRx, a partnership with Mercy Health, at Side Cut Metropark in Maumee on May 13. Mercy Health VP of Business Development Matt Sapara speaks at a news conference announcing NatureRx, a partnership with Mercy Health, at Side Cut Metropark in Maumee on May 13. A sign outside a news conference at Side Cut Metropark in Maumee promotes the Metroparks' partnership with Mercy Health on May 13. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/11/gov-dewine-first-lady-fran-dewine-see-power-tiny-birds-unite-people/stories/20260511088 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/11/gov-dewine-first-lady-fran-dewine-see-power-tiny-birds-unite-people/stories/20260511088#comments Mon, 11 May 2026 20:41:51 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/11/gov-dewine-first-lady-fran-dewine-see-power-tiny-birds-unite-people/stories/20260511088 OAK HARBOR, Ohio — Sometimes, duty calls. At left, Ryan Jacob, banding director at the Black Swamp Bird Observatory, shows Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine a red-winged blackbird. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine speaks during a celebration of Bird Ohio Day. First Lady Fran DeWine releases a red-winged blackbird as Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, at left, watches. Mona Rutger, founder and executive director of Castalia-based Back to the Wild Wildlife Rescue, holds a barn owl. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, right, looks over to a barn owl handled by Mona Rutger, founder and executive director of Castalia-based Back to the Wild Wildlife Rescue, only visible by her arm. A bald eagle soars. A woman takes in the birds near the bridge at the visitor center. A barn owl brought by Castalia-based Back to the Wild Wildlife Rescue. Kimberly Kaufman, executive director of the Black Swamp Bird Observatory, speaks. Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz speaks. Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz speaks. First Lady Fran DeWine releases a red-winged blackbird as Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, at left, watches. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/09/we-ve-only-got-one-experts-preach-sustainability-at-annual-ecofest/stories/20260509091 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/09/we-ve-only-got-one-experts-preach-sustainability-at-annual-ecofest/stories/20260509091#comments Sat, 09 May 2026 19:19:02 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/09/we-ve-only-got-one-experts-preach-sustainability-at-annual-ecofest/stories/20260509091 The word sustainability was the operative word for dozens of northwest Ohioans on Saturday. Beckett Beaverson, 13, makes slime with the help of Marj Mulcahy, of Lake Eerie Advocates, during EcoFest at the Glass City Metropark in Toledo on May 9. Rita Jackson, of Shirl’s Closet, laughs while talking with an attendee at her booth during EcoFest at the Glass City Metropark in Toledo on May 9. John Butts, 12, and Lucas Dandini, 15, of Toledo Technology Academy, operate a robot during EcoFest at the Glass City Metropark in Toledo on May 9. Sally Hobbib Rumman, founder of Biofutura-US, a compostable bag company, smiles while talking with an attendee at her booth during EcoFest at the Glass City Metropark in Toledo on May 9. Karen Johns, 17, of Toledo Technology Academy, spins a wheel to play an environmental trivia game during EcoFest at the Glass City Metropark in Toledo on May 9. Attendees browse booths during EcoFest at the Glass City Metropark in Toledo on May 9. Cassandra Boorom, owner of C11 Clean, and her husband, Joe, chat with attendees during EcoFest at the Glass City Metropark in Toledo on May 9. Amy Stone, former Ohio Sate University extension educator, speaks during a Gardeing 101 panel during EcoFest at the Glass City Metropark in Toledo on May 9. Marvin Gladieux, Toledo Technology Academy teacher, sets a napkin on fire using a solar reflector array, during EcoFest at the Glass City Metropark in Toledo on May 9. Lisa Foos, Toledo Technology Academy teacher, roasts a marshmallow on a solar reflector array, during EcoFest at the Glass City Metropark in Toledo on May 9. Marvin Gladieux, Toledo Technology Academy teacher, sets a napkin on fire using a solar reflector array, during EcoFest at the Glass City Metropark in Toledo on May 9. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/08/little-birdie-told-me-oak-harbor-now-warbler-capital-of-world/stories/20260509069 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/08/little-birdie-told-me-oak-harbor-now-warbler-capital-of-world/stories/20260509069#comments Sat, 09 May 2026 01:28:05 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/08/little-birdie-told-me-oak-harbor-now-warbler-capital-of-world/stories/20260509069 OAK HARBOR, Ohio — Let us take a break from the war in Iran, growing anxiety about a deadly threat called Hantavirus, and the cutthroat politics associated with the 2026 election for a different piece of breaking news with global implications. A Northern Parula spotted on the first day of the Biggest Week in American Birding on May 8 at Magee Marsh in Oak Harbor. A Blackburnian Warbler spotted. A male Downy Woodpecker spotted. An American Redstart spotted. At left, Connie Ernske of Holgate looks for warblers. At right, Keith Reinbolt of Tiffin photographs birds. At center, Rich Ernst of upstate New York helps his daughter Michelle, 7, spot a Blackburnian Warbler. Guests attend opening night ceremonies. Guests attend opening night ceremonies. Guests attend opening night ceremonies. Quinton Babcock, mayor of Oak Harbor, which hails itself as "The Warbler Capital of the World," talks with visiting media. Tracy Marr talks with guests. Kimberly Kaufman, Black Swamp Bird Observatory executive director, welcomes guests. Guests attend opening night ceremonies. Kimberly Kaufman, Black Swamp Bird Observatory executive director, welcomes guests during opening night ceremonies. Mindy Rice Withrow, Black Swamp Birdiong Observatory chair, welcomes guests. Guests look at birding materials. Marcy Kaptur, U.S. Rep., welcomes guests. Eric Hopson, of Naples, NY, gets on the mic to tell people he saw a Prothonotary Warblerto check off his "life list" as guests attend. Vendors like Ethan Kistler, who helped found the Ohio Young Birders Club and now runs a worldwide birding tour company, Wings Worlwide, set up for opening night ceremonies. Kimberly Kaufman, Black Swamp Bird Observatory executive director, welcomes guests. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/08/moderate-algal-bloom-for-lake-erie-likely-but-not-a-record-breaker/stories/20260508096 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/08/moderate-algal-bloom-for-lake-erie-likely-but-not-a-record-breaker/stories/20260508096#comments Fri, 08 May 2026 17:06:32 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/08/moderate-algal-bloom-for-lake-erie-likely-but-not-a-record-breaker/stories/20260508096 Lake Erie’s 2026 summer algal bloom has the potential of being the most significant since 2019 because of heavy spring rain that caused a lot of agricultural runoff. NOAA oceanographer Rick Stumpf after a Lake Erie science cruise offered by OSU's Stone Laboratory last summer. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/07/activist-wants-more-attention-paid-to-manure/stories/20260507086 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/07/activist-wants-more-attention-paid-to-manure/stories/20260507086#comments Thu, 07 May 2026 19:23:02 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/07/activist-wants-more-attention-paid-to-manure/stories/20260507086 LAKESIDE, Ohio — Manure was such a theme at this year’s annual Lake Erie Waterkeeper conference that founder Sandy Bihn titled the event itself a “manure conference.” File photo of cows inside a concentrated animal feeding operation, known as a CAFO. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/06/dewine-wants-voters-to-keep-his-h2ohio-legacy/stories/20260504086 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/06/dewine-wants-voters-to-keep-his-h2ohio-legacy/stories/20260504086#comments Wed, 06 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/06/dewine-wants-voters-to-keep-his-h2ohio-legacy/stories/20260504086 Gov. Mike DeWine wants his H2Ohio program to be funded by a voter-approved bond issue after he leaves office. Gov. Mike DeWine answering questions during a post-luncheon news conference at BGSU on April 14. Ohio DNR Director Mary Mertz, speaking at an H2Ohio event near Sandusky in July. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/05/ut-study-finds-invasive-goldfish-affect-freshwater-lakes/stories/20260504082 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/05/ut-study-finds-invasive-goldfish-affect-freshwater-lakes/stories/20260504082#comments Tue, 05 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/05/ut-study-finds-invasive-goldfish-affect-freshwater-lakes/stories/20260504082 A popular household pet can also be an ecological disaster for freshwater lakes, University of Toledo researchers warn, taking away vital resources from native species. Fancy goldfish swim in tanks at The Fish Guys on Sylvania Avenue in west Toledo on May 4. The common goldfish, from which the fancy goldfish were bred, was found by University of Toledo researchers to be harmful to native fish when introduced into freshwater ecosystems. Fancy goldfish swim in tanks at The Fish Guys on Sylvania Avenue in west Toledo on May 4. The common goldfish, from which the fancy goldfish were bred, was found by University of Toledo researchers to be harmful to native fish when introduced into freshwater ecosystems. Fancy goldfish swim in tanks at The Fish Guys on Sylvania Avenue in west Toledo on May 4. The common goldfish, from which the fancy goldfish were bred, was found by University of Toledo researchers to be harmful to native fish when introduced into freshwater ecosystems. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/02/microplastics-algal-blooms-double-whammy-trouble-lake-erie/stories/20260425012 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/02/microplastics-algal-blooms-double-whammy-trouble-lake-erie/stories/20260425012#comments Sat, 02 May 2026 17:13:20 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/02/microplastics-algal-blooms-double-whammy-trouble-lake-erie/stories/20260425012 As if toxic algal blooms aren’t bad enough by themselves, the emergence of microplastic pollution in Lake Erie has the potential of making them worse. Microplastics sit on a human hand. Sherri "Sam" Mason, speaking to a packed room of journalists on April 17 during the annual Society of Environmental Journalists conference in Chicago. Judith Enck, speaking to a packed room of journalists on April 17 during the annual Society of Environmental Journalists conference in Chicago. Next to her is California Attorney General Rob Bonta, another one of the presenters. He recently filed a major lawsuit against the plastics industry, alleging it has exaggerated its recycling claims. Judith Enck, speaking to a packed room of journalists on April 17 during the annual Society of Environmental Journalists conference in Chicago. Next to her is California Attorney General Rob Bonta, another one of the presenters. He recently filed a major lawsuit against the plastics industry, alleging it has exaggerated its recycling claims. David Kennedy, delivering a talk at the University of Toledo's Lake Erie Center in Oregon a year ago. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/01/airborne-algae-particle-research-focus-great-lakes-center/stories/20260430107 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/01/airborne-algae-particle-research-focus-great-lakes-center/stories/20260430107#comments Fri, 01 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/01/airborne-algae-particle-research-focus-great-lakes-center/stories/20260430107 Algal blooms have become more than just a summertime annoyance. Dr. Deepa Mukundan, UT pediatrics department chair, said there are two HABs-related scenarios that are part of the training now at the medical school. In one, residents learn how to respond to a child with a rash. In the other, they learn to respond to a child with asthma. Under both scenarios, the conditions are a result to algae exposure, and a mannequin like this is used for training. Steve Haller and David Kennedy, two researchers from UT's medical school who co-led the event. A third was UT's Dr. Joan Duggan. Attendees toured the Lloyd A. Jacobs Interprofessional Immersive Simulation Center on UT's Health Science campus. Inside that building, medical students get hands-on training. Some of the in-person attendees of the annual gathering. Dr. Joan Duggan. Dr. Basil E. Akpunonu https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/30/officials-lucas-county-kick-off-5th-annual-litter-league/stories/20260430114 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/30/officials-lucas-county-kick-off-5th-annual-litter-league/stories/20260430114#comments Thu, 30 Apr 2026 22:41:02 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/30/officials-lucas-county-kick-off-5th-annual-litter-league/stories/20260430114 Jamie Howard wants people to know that litter impacts communities, including animals. Jamie Howard, the 2026 Kid Mayor, listens as Adam Cassi, executive director of Keep Toledo Lucas County Beautiful, speaks about the importance of the fifth annual Litter League at Promenade Park in Toledo on April 30. Jamie Howard, the 2026 Kid Mayor, whispers a secret to Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz before announcing the fifth annual Litter League at Promenade Park in Toledo on April 30. Jamie Howard, the 2026 Kid Mayor, Lisa Sobecki, Lucas County Commissioner, and Nick Komives, Toledo council member listen as Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz announces the kickoff of the fifth annual Litter League at Promenade Park in Toledo on April 30. Adam Cassi, executive director of Keep Toledo Lucas County Beautiful, speaks about the importance of the fifth annual Litter League at Promenade Park in Toledo on April 30. Jamie Howard, the 2026 Kid Mayor, talks with Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz before announcing the fifth annual Litter League at Promenade Park in Toledo on April 30. Alex Gerken, senior vice president of Fifth Third Bank in Northwestern Ohio, speaks about the importance of the fifth annual Litter League at Promenade Park in Toledo on April 30. Commissioner Anita Lopez smiles and listens as Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz announces the kickoff of the fifth annual Litter League at Promenade Park in Toledo on April 30. A House sparrow sits on a fountain outside of the Promedica Headquarters building in Toledo on April 30. Alex Gerken, senior vice president of Fifth Third Bank in Northwestern Ohio, Jamie Howard, the 2026 Kid Mayor, and Lisa Sobecki, Lucas County Commissioner, listen during a press briefing about the fifth annual Litter League at Promenade Park in Toledo on April 30. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/30/stinky-konjac-bloom-draws-attention-zoo-greenhouse/stories/20260429082 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/30/stinky-konjac-bloom-draws-attention-zoo-greenhouse/stories/20260429082#comments Thu, 30 Apr 2026 22:35:15 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/30/stinky-konjac-bloom-draws-attention-zoo-greenhouse/stories/20260429082 The tropics greenhouse at the Toledo Zoo is home to many different kinds of organisms big and small, but few are so interesting — or stinky — as one of its newer additions. Konjac, an exotic plant that is in bloom for a short time and has an unpleasant odor is shown on April 28 at the Toledo Zoo. Zoo's horticulturist Mandy Hansen holds a konjac corm, an exotic plant that is in bloom for a short time and has an unpleasant odor is shown on April 28 at the Toledo Zoo. The konjac plant in full bloom at the Toledo Zoo earlier this week. Konjac plant is growing at the Bowling Green State University Greenhouse in Bowling Green in 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/29/h2ohio-project-dedicate-improve-prime-coastal-wetlands/stories/20260430067 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/29/h2ohio-project-dedicate-improve-prime-coastal-wetlands/stories/20260430067#comments Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:14:51 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/29/h2ohio-project-dedicate-improve-prime-coastal-wetlands/stories/20260430067 Northwest Ohio’s latest H2Ohio wetlands project is not by any means the largest. A security fenced water pump that transfers water to and from Niles ditch sits in Mallard Club Wildlife Area in Oregon on April 29. Patrick Baranowski, area manager at MaGee Marsh, points to a marsh ditch in front of Federal Reserve Marsh while speaking about the wetland project improvements at Mallard Club Wildlife Area in Oregon on April 29. Ohio State Representative Elgin Rogers takes a picture of Niles Ditch during a ribbon-cutting for the completion of a wetland project at Mallard Club Wildlife Area in Oregon on April 29. Algae sits ontop of the water at the marsh in Mallard Club Wildlife Area in Oregon on April 29. A water pump that can move 1,000 gallons of water per minute flows into the marsh at Mallard Club Wildlife Area in Oregon on April 29. A water pump that can move 1,000 gallons of water per minute flows into the marsh at Mallard Club Wildlife Area in Oregon on April 29. Contributing members and staff of H2Ohio, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio Senate, Ducks Unlimited, and more stand together during a ribbon-cutting for the completion of a wetland project at Mallard Club Wildlife Area in Oregon on April 29. Ohio State Senator Theresa Gavarone gives remarks as someone take a picture during a ribbon-cutting for the completion of a wetland project at Mallard Club Wildlife Area in Oregon on April 29. Dave Sherman explains the new improvements of the H2Ohio wetland project at Mallard Club Wildlife Area in Oregon on April 29. Mary Mertz, middle, Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, smiles after cutting the ribbon for the completion of the H2Ohio wetland project at Mallard Club Wildlife Area in Oregon on April 29. Mary Mertz, director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, speaks during a ribbon-cutting for the completion of a wetland project at Mallard Club Wildlife Area in Oregon on April 29. An egret sits in the marsh at Mallard Club Wildlife Area in Oregon on April 29. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/27/oak-tree-planted-sylvania-commemorates-americas-250th-anniversary/stories/20260427094 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/27/oak-tree-planted-sylvania-commemorates-americas-250th-anniversary/stories/20260427094#comments Mon, 27 Apr 2026 21:18:23 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/27/oak-tree-planted-sylvania-commemorates-americas-250th-anniversary/stories/20260427094 Sylvania Mayor Mark Frye pointed to an oak tree on the grounds of the city’s municipal complex, saying the tree had been there for 350 years. People gather for the Lucas County Heritage Tree Planting ceremony at Sylvania City Hall in Sylvania on April 27. Lucas County Commissioner Lisa Sobecki speaks during the Lucas County Heritage Tree Planting ceremony at Sylvania City Hall in Sylvania on April 27. Brady Kohlenberg, chairman of the Sylvania Tree Commission, speaks about the swamp white oak during the Lucas County Heritage Tree Planting ceremony at Sylvania City Hall in Sylvania on April 27. Heidi Hurst, vice president of Cenovus Toledo Refinery, speaks during the Lucas County Heritage Tree Planting ceremony at Sylvania City Hall in Sylvania on April 27. Lance Woodworth, president and CEO of Destination Toledo, speaks during the Lucas County Heritage Tree Planting ceremony at Sylvania City Hall in Sylvania on April 27. Michael Lieber, Sylvania’s town crier, opens up the event during the Lucas County Heritage Tree Planting ceremony at Sylvania City Hall in Sylvania on April 27. Sylvania Mayor Mark Frye speaks during the Lucas County Heritage Tree Planting ceremony at Sylvania City Hall in Sylvania on April 27. Lucas County Commissioner Lisa Sobecki and 4-year-old Maeberry Barton shovel soil together onto the swamp white oak. Sylvania Mayor Mark Frye shovels soil onto the swamp white oak. Brady Kohlenberg, chairman of the Sylvania Tree Commission, shovels soil onto the swamp white oak.