http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Fri, 15 May 2026 09:00:23 GMT en-us hourly 1 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. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/26/ramp-it-up-seeks-volunteers-interstate-ramp-cleanup-effort/stories/20260424009 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/26/ramp-it-up-seeks-volunteers-interstate-ramp-cleanup-effort/stories/20260424009#comments Sun, 26 Apr 2026 16:56:42 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/26/ramp-it-up-seeks-volunteers-interstate-ramp-cleanup-effort/stories/20260424009 Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful is looking for volunteers for a May 2 county-wide cleanup. Adam Cassi, executive director of Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful, speaks during a news conference kicking off the Toledo Litter League at Fifth Third Field in Toledo on May 1. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/24/portion-pearson-metropark-designated-old-growth-forest-arbor-day/stories/20260424097 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/24/portion-pearson-metropark-designated-old-growth-forest-arbor-day/stories/20260424097#comments Fri, 24 Apr 2026 22:41:12 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/24/portion-pearson-metropark-designated-old-growth-forest-arbor-day/stories/20260424097 This year’s annual Arbor Day celebration included a special twist: A large swath of Pearson Metropark became part of the national Old-Growth Forest Network. Zurijanne Carter, Metroparks Toledo natural resources director. Brian Kane, Old-Growth Forest Network Mid-Atlantic regional manager. Group shot of Metroparks Toledo staffers with Brian Kane prior to the mile-long hike they took through a portion of Pearson Metropark that has become part of the Old-Growth Forest Network. Some of the Pearson Metropark trees. The trunk of a large white ash tree. The top of a large white ash tree. The top of a maple tree. Erin Paquette, a Metroparks Toledo outreach educator, explains some of the park's ecological features during the hike. LaRae Sprow, Metroparks Toledo crew leader, explains some of Pearson Metropark's ecological features during the hike. One of the park's fallen trees that adds to the wildlife habitat and soil health. A native trillium that is starting to flower. 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. Aerial view of the southern part of Pearson Metropark. The areas encircled in red are what has been accepted into the national Old-Growth Forest Network. About 30 people came out for the rededication ceremony of this aging burr oak, believed to be one of the oldest trees in this part of the country. But there are signs of development around it, including a busy road, a power line, and a light fixture. This burr oak tree along Newport Road near Telegraph Road, on the property of DTE's Newport Service Center, is known to be at least 250 years old and might be as old as 300 years old. The newest plaque next to the tree. There's also one from a Bicentennial dedication in 1976. The Newport, Mich. event included an Arbor Day cake and cookies. The Newport, Mich. event included an Arbor Day cake and cookies. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/21/earth-day-2026-how-far-weve-come-and-how-far-we-need-to-go/stories/20260421090 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/21/earth-day-2026-how-far-weve-come-and-how-far-we-need-to-go/stories/20260421090#comments Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:28:09 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/21/earth-day-2026-how-far-weve-come-and-how-far-we-need-to-go/stories/20260421090 Earth Day has come to mean many things since April 22, 1970, when 20 million people took to the streets to demand the planet be saved before it was too late. A scenic vista of Lake Erie. A boat plying the Lake Erie water, as seen from Gibraltar Island, just after sunrise on Aug. 28, 2024. Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken said “Earth Day is now battle,” as opposed to a celebration, during a news conference hosted by Lake Erie Advocates on April 22, 2024, at Middle Grounds Metropark in downtown Toledo to protest unregulated waste runoff into Lake Erie by industrial farms. Water rights activists hold signs during a news conference on Earth Day hosted by Lake Erie Advocates, April 22, in downtown Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/21/health-advisory-remains-in-effect-for-swan-creek/stories/20260421082 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/21/health-advisory-remains-in-effect-for-swan-creek/stories/20260421082#comments Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:26:31 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/21/health-advisory-remains-in-effect-for-swan-creek/stories/20260421082 The public health advisory for Swan Creek and its tributaries — from Eastgate Road to the Maumee River — remains in effect due to elevated levels of E. coli bacteria identified through ongoing water testing. Swan Creek is sifted of surface water debris at Swan Creek Preserve Metropark. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/16/strong-midwest-storms-cause-damage-in-ann-arbor/stories/20260416108 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/16/strong-midwest-storms-cause-damage-in-ann-arbor/stories/20260416108#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:54:54 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/16/strong-midwest-storms-cause-damage-in-ann-arbor/stories/20260416108 ANN ARBOR — Communities in Michigan were recovering after powerful overnight storms damaged two ice arenas, flooded streets and uprooted trees, as other Midwestern states worked to rebuild after storms. A team from the Michigan Department of Transportation inspects a washed-out bridge on M-119 between Division and Island View Roads, south of Cross Village, Mich., in Emmett County on April 13. An uprooted tree rests on a home following a severe storm April 15 in Ann Arbor. A wall, torn off of the Veterans Memorial Ice Rink following a severe storm, is seen April 15 in Ann Arbor. City Streets Department workers inspect a sinkhole that swallowed a street light and parts of a sidewalk along the surging Boardman/Ottaway River on April 15 in downtown Traverse City, Mich. Storm damage is seen at the Argus Building in Ann Arbor on April 15. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/09/south-solar-project-gets-plan-commission-support/stories/20260409115 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/09/south-solar-project-gets-plan-commission-support/stories/20260409115#comments Thu, 09 Apr 2026 22:41:30 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/09/south-solar-project-gets-plan-commission-support/stories/20260409115 After considerable discussion, the Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commission has agreed unanimously to endorse plans for a standalone community solar array in South Toledo. Joe Cordella, Historic South Initiative vice president, was the first of three applicants to address the Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commission about the project on April 9. Flanking him are his co-applicants, Molly Thompson, CEO of Elevated Energy Solutions, and Carl Wagner, HSI board chairman, who spoke after Mr. Cordella finished. After hearing from multiple people, the Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commission unanimously agreed to recommend the project to Toledo City Council, which is expected to vote on it May 20.