http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:00:23 GMT en-us hourly 1 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. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/05/residents-encouraged-grow-native-plants-biodiversity/stories/20260326117 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/05/residents-encouraged-grow-native-plants-biodiversity/stories/20260326117#comments Sun, 05 Apr 2026 14:57:10 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/04/05/residents-encouraged-grow-native-plants-biodiversity/stories/20260326117 BOWLING GREEN — Environmental conservation experts and administrators are calling on area residents to grow native plants to support local biodiversity. Greg Petropoulos jots notes during a native pollinator and wildlife habitat workshop at the Wood Soil and Water Conservation District in Bowling Green on March 26. People gather in to attend a native pollinator and wildlife habitat workshop at the Wood Soil and Water Conservation District in Bowling Green on March 26. Owen Schassberger, farm bill biologist with Pheasants Forever, gives a presentation during a native pollinator and wildlife habitat workshop at the Wood Soil and Water Conservation District in Bowling Green on March 26. Owen Schassberger, farm bill biologist with Pheasants Forever, gives a presentation during a native pollinator and wildlife habitat workshop at the Wood Soil and Water Conservation District in Bowling Green on March 26. Julie Lause, administrative and outreach manager with the Wood Soil and Water Conservation District, speaks about their newsletter during a native pollinator and wildlife habitat workshop at the Wood Soil and Water Conservation District in Bowling Green on March 26. Dusty Tyson asks a question during a native pollinator and wildlife habitat workshop at the Wood Soil and Water Conservation District in Bowling Green on March 26. Matt Conner, a wildlife management consultant with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, speaks during a native pollinator and wildlife habitat workshop at the Wood Soil and Water Conservation District in Bowling Green on March 26. Matt Conner, a wildlife management consultant with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, speaks during a native pollinator and wildlife habitat workshop at the Wood Soil and Water Conservation District in Bowling Green on March 26. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/26/thunderstorms-bolt-through-lucas-county/stories/20260326113 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/26/thunderstorms-bolt-through-lucas-county/stories/20260326113#comments Thu, 26 Mar 2026 23:37:20 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/26/thunderstorms-bolt-through-lucas-county/stories/20260326113 A severe thunderstorm warning was issued at 7:14 p.m. by Lucas County on Thursday. The warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. Lightning strikes near the Toledo Museum of Art as a thunderstorm rolls over the city in 2013. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/26/poster-contest-for-conservation-districts-open-to-k-12-students/stories/20260322057 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/26/poster-contest-for-conservation-districts-open-to-k-12-students/stories/20260322057#comments Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:08:23 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/26/poster-contest-for-conservation-districts-open-to-k-12-students/stories/20260322057 BOWLING GREEN — Wood County students in kindergarten through 12th grade are eligible to enter a conservation outreach poster contest. Soil: Where it all Begins is the theme of the 2026 youth poster contest sponsored by the National Association of Conservation Districts. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/24/public-health-expert-wows-huge-crowd-ut-environmental-message/stories/20260324102 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/24/public-health-expert-wows-huge-crowd-ut-environmental-message/stories/20260324102#comments Wed, 25 Mar 2026 01:10:08 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/24/public-health-expert-wows-huge-crowd-ut-environmental-message/stories/20260324102 From wildfire smoke to fracking, lead poisoning, microplastics, and data centers, a public health expert captivated a large group of students, educators, and citizens Tuesday with a talk about modern environmental health risks. Keynote speaker Ruth McDermott-Levy warned about a multitude of environmental health risks. Keynote speaker Ruth McDermott-Levy warned about a multitude of environmental health risks. Some of the 450 or so people in attendance Tuesday on the University of Toledo campus to hear public health expert Ruth McDermott-Levy. The auditorium has a capacity of 500 people. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/22/recruitment-push-ramps-up-airborne-algal-toxin-study/stories/20260321015 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/22/recruitment-push-ramps-up-airborne-algal-toxin-study/stories/20260321015#comments Sun, 22 Mar 2026 13:18:57 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/22/recruitment-push-ramps-up-airborne-algal-toxin-study/stories/20260321015 Sue Carter didn’t hesitate when she heard researchers were looking for people who live along Lake Erie to help answer a question no one has been able to fully explain. Steven Haller holds a NIOX VERO device, which assess airway inflammation, outside of the GLAMR (Great Lakes Aerosol Monitoring Research) mobile unit at the University of Toledo’s Health Science Campus in Toledo on March 17. From left, Upasana Shrestha, Apurva Lad, Steven Haller, Livia Bruni de Souza, Jennifer Gilmore, Kim Steele and Katherine Behrens in the GLAMR (Great Lakes Aerosol Monitoring Research) mobile unit at at the University of Toledo’s Health Science Campus in Toledo on March 17. Steven Haller shows a NIOX VERO device, which assess airway inflammation, in the GLAMR (Great Lakes Aerosol Monitoring Research) mobile unit. Katherine Behrens demonstrates use of a NIOX VERO device (which assess airway inflammation) in the GLAMR (Great Lakes Aerosol Monitoring Research) mobile unit. Katherine Behrens shows a NIOX VERO device, which assess airway inflammation, in the GLAMR (Great Lakes Aerosol Monitoring Research) mobile unit. Steven Haller holds a NIOX VERO device, which assess airway inflammation, outside of the GLAMR (Great Lakes Aerosol Monitoring Research) mobile unit. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/19/next-phase-of-the-sandusky-bay-initiative-continues-mission-for-a-cleaner-lake-e/stories/20260319080 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/19/next-phase-of-the-sandusky-bay-initiative-continues-mission-for-a-cleaner-lake-e/stories/20260319080#comments Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:21:18 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/19/next-phase-of-the-sandusky-bay-initiative-continues-mission-for-a-cleaner-lake-e/stories/20260319080 FREMONT — A visionary plan for how Lake Erie’s Sandusky Bay might look years from now was generally well-received by local residents Wednesday night. Alexis McCarter, the Nature Conservancy, leads part of the discussion. Ashlee Decker, the Nature Conservancy, leads part of the discussion. Ashlee Decker. Fremont residents Mark Moyer and Jim Quaintance talk about one of the poster boards on display during the open house. Photo taken Wednesday of the Raccoon Creek barrier wetland funded by Gov. DeWine's H2Ohio program. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/17/toledo-expert-weighs-in-on-meteor-seen-over-parts-of-ohio/stories/20260317096 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/17/toledo-expert-weighs-in-on-meteor-seen-over-parts-of-ohio/stories/20260317096#comments Tue, 17 Mar 2026 18:27:20 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/17/toledo-expert-weighs-in-on-meteor-seen-over-parts-of-ohio/stories/20260317096 A flash of light and loud explosion seen across eastern Ohio Tuesday morning is drawing considerable attention from astronomical experts of all kinds. This image made from video shows video taken from a surveillance camera showing a suspected meteor falling through the sky in Olmsted Falls, Ohio, on March 17. This image taken from video shows a suspected meteor falling through the sky in the greater Pittsburgh, Pa., area on March 17. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/15/toledo-botanical-garden-to-host-caterpillar-documentary-screening/stories/20260312127 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/15/toledo-botanical-garden-to-host-caterpillar-documentary-screening/stories/20260312127#comments Sun, 15 Mar 2026 17:02:13 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/15/toledo-botanical-garden-to-host-caterpillar-documentary-screening/stories/20260312127 The Toledo Naturalists’ Association will hold a caterpillar documentary screening Thursday at the Toledo Botanical Garden. Blooming flowers at the Toledo Botanical Garden in Toledo on May 29, 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/15/what-s-behind-whiteford-township-s-water-woes/stories/20260314017 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/15/what-s-behind-whiteford-township-s-water-woes/stories/20260314017#comments Sun, 15 Mar 2026 11:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/15/what-s-behind-whiteford-township-s-water-woes/stories/20260314017 OTTAWA LAKE — Lindsay Daschner worries what the future holds for her and her beloved dog, Tater. Lindsay Daschner, owner of Forget Me Not Farms, with her dog Tater on March 3 in Ottawa Lake, Michigan. Lindsay Daschner, owner of Forget Me Not Farms on March 3. Lindsay Daschner, owner of Forget Me Not Farms, picks flowers on March 3. A flower leaf floats in a bucket of water at Forget Me Not Farms on March 3. Lindsay Daschner, owner of Forget Me Not Farms, enters one of her greenhouses on March 3. Lindsay Daschner, owner of Forget Me Not Farms on March 3. A bucket of flowers at Forget Me Not Farms on March 3. Steven Morgan, Whiteford Township Trustee, on March 3. Stoneco on March 3 in Ottawa Lake, Michigan. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/13/wind-overturns-semi-on-skyway-power-outages-reported/stories/20260313107 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/13/wind-overturns-semi-on-skyway-power-outages-reported/stories/20260313107#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2026 17:24:01 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/13/wind-overturns-semi-on-skyway-power-outages-reported/stories/20260313107 Strong winds that swept across northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan Friday caused multiple traffic disruptions, scattered power outages, and minor building damage. Large trees fell onto multiple cars due to high winds in the Old Orchard neighborhood of Toledo. Pedestrians hold their hoods on their heads during a windy day in downtown Toledo. A pedestrian struggles to put on her coat on a windy day. Pedestrians walk with their hoods up while crossing the street on a windy day in downtown Toledo. A resident of the Old Orchard neighborhood takes a photo after tree branches are strewn across the sidewalk next to their home from high winds in Toledo. Kim Mangam looks at a large uprooted tree due to high winds. Kim Mangam inspects a large tree uprooted from high winds in the Old Orchard neighborhood of Toledo. Lisa Johnson takes a photo of a large tree uprooted from high winds in the Old Orchard neighborhood of Toledo. Large trees fell onto multiple cars due to high winds in the Old Orchard neighborhood of Toledo. A resident of the Old Orchard neighborhood assesses the damage after large trees fell onto multiple cars next to their home due to high winds. High winds caused multiple large trees to fall onto a car parked along a street in the Old Orchard neighborhood of Toledo. Graham Schoen, 4, inspects an uprooted tree that fell onto multiple cars due to high winds in the Old Orchard neighborhood of Toledo. Graham Schoen, 4, inspects an uprooted tree due to high winds in the Old Orchard neighborhood of Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/12/appeals-court-remands-major-lake-erie-case-to-trial-court-so-it-can-resume/stories/20260312102 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/12/appeals-court-remands-major-lake-erie-case-to-trial-court-so-it-can-resume/stories/20260312102#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:13:34 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/12/appeals-court-remands-major-lake-erie-case-to-trial-court-so-it-can-resume/stories/20260312102 A long and complicated court battle over how best to protect western Lake Erie from harmful algal blooms is able to proceed again. Gibraltar Island, when algae was thick along its shoreline on Sept. 1, 2023. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/12/wind-forecast-prompts-vehicle-restrictions-on-ohio-turnpike/stories/20260312107 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/12/wind-forecast-prompts-vehicle-restrictions-on-ohio-turnpike/stories/20260312107#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2026 17:30:57 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/12/wind-forecast-prompts-vehicle-restrictions-on-ohio-turnpike/stories/20260312107 Forecast high wind in northern Ohio has prompted the Ohio Turnpike to ban larger vehicles susceptible to wind throughout the day Friday. An Ohio Turnpike sign near Wauseon. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/09/northwest-ohio-is-the-gateway-to-birding-nirvana-advocate-tells-rotarians/stories/20260309095 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/09/northwest-ohio-is-the-gateway-to-birding-nirvana-advocate-tells-rotarians/stories/20260309095#comments Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:50:55 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/09/northwest-ohio-is-the-gateway-to-birding-nirvana-advocate-tells-rotarians/stories/20260309095 We’re not just singing the warbler’s praise when we say this: Kim Kaufman gets excited about birds. Kim Kaufman, the longtime executive director of the Black Swamp Bird Observatory, is known to get excited about birds. Retired attorney and BSBO/Rotarian member Greg Fess had Kim Kaufman cracking up during his extended introduction. Greg Fess, a retired attorney, Black Swamp Bird Observatory member, and local Rotarian, introduced Kim Kaufman. There also were a few sweet moments. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/04/farmers-want-tlc-for-their-top-soil-when-new-water-main-gets-installed/stories/20260304086 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/04/farmers-want-tlc-for-their-top-soil-when-new-water-main-gets-installed/stories/20260304086#comments Wed, 04 Mar 2026 18:17:35 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/04/farmers-want-tlc-for-their-top-soil-when-new-water-main-gets-installed/stories/20260304086 Farmers affected by the region’s biggest waterline project have a request: Be careful with their top soil. Jacob Goetz, city of Toledo water program manager, advises guests seeking information on water main construction at a public forum March 3 in Eisenhower Intermediate School in Oregon. Guests seeking information on water main construction attend a public forum March 3 at Eisenhower Intermediate School in Oregon. Guests seeking information on water main construction attend a public forum March 3 at Eisenhower Intermediate School in Oregon. Guests seeking information on water main construction attend a public forum March 3 at Eisenhower Intermediate School in Oregon. Oregon resident Tim Timmons gets information on water main construction at a public forum March 3 at Eisenhower Intermediate School in Oregon. Guests seeking information on water main construction attend a public forum March 3 at Eisenhower Intermediate School in Oregon. Guests seeking information on water main construction attend a public forum March 3 at Eisenhower Intermediate School in Oregon. Guests seeking information on water main construction attend a public forum March 3 at Eisenhower Intermediate School in Oregon. Guests seeking information on water main construction attend a public forum March 3 at Eisenhower Intermediate School in Oregon. Guests seeking information on water main construction attend a public forum March 3 at Eisenhower Intermediate School in Oregon. Guests seeking information on water main construction attend a public forum March 3 at Eisenhower Intermediate School in Oregon. Jacob Goetz, city of Toledo water program manager, advises guests seeking information on water main construction March 3 at a public forum in Eisenhower Intermediate School in Oregon. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/02/natural-gas-bills-spike-february-relief-on-way-officials-say/stories/20260226106 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/02/natural-gas-bills-spike-february-relief-on-way-officials-say/stories/20260226106#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2026 21:05:27 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/03/02/natural-gas-bills-spike-february-relief-on-way-officials-say/stories/20260226106 Natural gas bills skyrocketed in February, leaving many northwest Ohioans wondering what changed and what’s next. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/02/25/planning-under-way-for-new-metropark-along-maumee-river-in-vistula-neighborhood/stories/20260225113 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/02/25/planning-under-way-for-new-metropark-along-maumee-river-in-vistula-neighborhood/stories/20260225113#comments Wed, 25 Feb 2026 19:37:26 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/02/25/planning-under-way-for-new-metropark-along-maumee-river-in-vistula-neighborhood/stories/20260225113 Metroparks Toledo’s board authorized planning and design of the region’s next Metropark at its meeting on Wednesday. Artist rendering of the future Vistula Metropark, a $23 million project within the $200 million Glass City Riverwalk. Construction on the new park is to expected begin in 2027, and take about two years. Artist rendering of the future Vistula Metropark, a $23 million project within the $200 million Glass City Riverwalk. Construction on the new park is to expected begin in 2027, and take about two years. Artist rendering of the future Vistula Metropark, a $23 million project within the $200 million Glass City Riverwalk. Construction on the new park is to expected begin in 2027, and take about two years. Artist rendering of the future Vistula Metropark, a $23 million project within the $200 million Glass City Riverwalk. Construction on the new park is to expected begin in 2027, and take about two years. Artist rendering of the future Vistula Metropark, a $23 million project within the $200 million Glass City Riverwalk. Construction on the new park is to expected begin in 2027, and take about two years. Metroparks Toledo Executive Director Dave Zenk, photographed after delivering a keynote luncheon speech to the Rotary Club of Toledo on April 14. Metroparks Toledo Executive Director Dave Zenk, photographed after delivering a keynote luncheon speech to the Rotary Club of Toledo on April 14.