http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Thu, 20 Aug 2026 03:56:08 GMT en-us hourly 1 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. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/04/bacteria-advisories-in-effect-at-maumee-bay-state-park-beaches/stories/20260804093 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/04/bacteria-advisories-in-effect-at-maumee-bay-state-park-beaches/stories/20260804093#comments Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:55:08 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/04/bacteria-advisories-in-effect-at-maumee-bay-state-park-beaches/stories/20260804093 The latest bacteria advisories at Maumee Bay State Park were issued Tuesday morning. A high bacteria warning is now in effect at Maumee Bay State Park's two beaches, its inland beach and its Lake Erie beach. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/03/trash-to-treasure-toledos-newest-riverfront-trail-opens/stories/20260803094 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/03/trash-to-treasure-toledos-newest-riverfront-trail-opens/stories/20260803094#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2026 22:33:23 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/03/trash-to-treasure-toledos-newest-riverfront-trail-opens/stories/20260803094 Toledo officials on Monday dedicated a new public park that transforms a former confined disposal facility into a restored riverfront destination along the Maumee River. Attendees get a view of the Maumee River and freighters as they stop at a boardwalk while walking around the trail after the dedication for Pontiac Preserve. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz looks out toward Lake Erie during a walk around the trail after the dedication for Pontiac Preserve, the newest addition to Toledo's parks system. City Council President Vanice Williams looks through her binoculars during a dedication for Pontiac Preserve, the newest addition to Toledo's parks system, in Toledo. Attendees get a view of the Maumee River as they stop at a boardwalk. City Council President Vanice Williams speaks. People walk around the trail. Joe Fausnaugh, Toledo’s public services director, speaks. Joe Fausnaugh, Toledo’s public services director, speaks. A map of the park and potential additions to it. Steve Day, a landscape architect with the City of Toledo, left, and Dave Zabler, a Point Place resident, chat during a walk around the trail. Dignitaries cut the ribbon. A expanse of wetland seen during a walk around the trail. City Council President Vanice Williams looks at a house wren through her binoculars,. City Council President Vanice Williams looks at a house wren through her binoculars. A expanse of wetland seen during a walk around the trail. A house wren. A house wren. An egret sits on a branch. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz speaks. David Zavac, a U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur staffer, speaks in her absence after yesterday’s car crash. Freighter John G. Munson. Freighter John G. Munson. People walk around the trail. A train goes on a bridge over the Maumee River and boaters head out in the water. A house wren at Pontiac Preserve, the newest addition to Toledo's parks system, in Toledo. City Council President Vanice Williams looks at a house wren through her binoculars during a walk around the trail after the dedication for Pontiac Preserve, the newest addition to Toledo's parks system, in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/03/lake-erie-algal-bloom-doubles-in-size-in-a-week/stories/20260803077 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/03/lake-erie-algal-bloom-doubles-in-size-in-a-week/stories/20260803077#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2026 18:57:58 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/03/lake-erie-algal-bloom-doubles-in-size-in-a-week/stories/20260803077 Western Lake Erie’s algal bloom has doubled in size in a week. Algae begins to bloom at Luna Pier, Mich., on July 27. The latest National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimate, released Monday, states that the bloom has grown to 200 square miles. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/03/task-force-urges-fast-resumption-of-carp-barrier-project/stories/20260803073 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/03/task-force-urges-fast-resumption-of-carp-barrier-project/stories/20260803073#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2026 17:51:35 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/03/task-force-urges-fast-resumption-of-carp-barrier-project/stories/20260803073 Four co-chairmen of the House Great Lakes Task Force, including U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo), have told the Trump Administration it is imperative that work resume on the invasive carp barrier near Chicago as soon as possible. File photo of invasive carp moving northward toward Chicago https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/31/algal-bloom-remains-on-pace-to-be-moderate-in-size-noaa-says/stories/20260731075 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/31/algal-bloom-remains-on-pace-to-be-moderate-in-size-noaa-says/stories/20260731075#comments Fri, 31 Jul 2026 15:20:25 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/31/algal-bloom-remains-on-pace-to-be-moderate-in-size-noaa-says/stories/20260731075 The 2026 Lake Erie algal bloom remains on pace to be a moderate-sized bloom. Weeds and algae float in Lake Erie during a scientific informational boat ride at NOAA's 2026 Lake Erie algal bloom forecast around South Bass Island June 25. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/31/portions-of-northwest-ohio-are-abnormally-dry-again-or-in-a-moderate-drought/stories/20260731074 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/31/portions-of-northwest-ohio-are-abnormally-dry-again-or-in-a-moderate-drought/stories/20260731074#comments Fri, 31 Jul 2026 15:04:18 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/31/portions-of-northwest-ohio-are-abnormally-dry-again-or-in-a-moderate-drought/stories/20260731074 The southwest corner of Lucas County, as well as portions of Fulton, Williams, Henry, Defiance, and Paulding counties, are abnormally dry again, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor map published Thursday. Portions of northwest Ohio are abnormally dry or in a moderate drought. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/31/napoleon-fish-loss-worse-than-originally-thought/stories/20260731084 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/31/napoleon-fish-loss-worse-than-originally-thought/stories/20260731084#comments Fri, 31 Jul 2026 14:55:27 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/31/napoleon-fish-loss-worse-than-originally-thought/stories/20260731084 NAPOLEON — The calculated fish loss from the liquid fertilizer spill into the Maumee River earlier this month is worse than the state of Ohio’s original estimate. This overview illustrates the spill site and the location of two dams that were built to contain the spill. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/30/corps-abruptly-halts-work-invasive-carp-barrier/stories/20260730094 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/30/corps-abruptly-halts-work-invasive-carp-barrier/stories/20260730094#comments Thu, 30 Jul 2026 19:30:23 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/30/corps-abruptly-halts-work-invasive-carp-barrier/stories/20260730094 JOLIET, Ill. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has abruptly halted construction of the multibillion-dollar invasive carp barrier near Chicago that is designed to keep highly destructive invasive carp from getting into the Great Lakes. In this 2012, file photo, invasive carp are seen leaping from the Illinois River near Havana, Ill., after being jolted by an electric current from a research boat. Invasive carp are shown leaping near Memphis in this 2011 file photo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/30/state-seeks-penalties-over-alleged-illegal-cattle-operation/stories/20260729054 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/30/state-seeks-penalties-over-alleged-illegal-cattle-operation/stories/20260729054#comments Thu, 30 Jul 2026 18:04:19 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/30/state-seeks-penalties-over-alleged-illegal-cattle-operation/stories/20260729054 MONTPELIER, Ohio — Ohio Attorney General D. Andrew Wilson’s office is seeking thousands of dollars in penalties from an Indiana couple it claims illegally built a concentrated animal feeding operation, or CAFO, for more than 1,000 cattle some 18 months ago. Sam Mullins is the Ohio Department of Agriculture's chief of livestock permitting. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/30/residents-asked-whether-maumee-bay-state-park-beaches-are-clean-enough/stories/20260728095 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/30/residents-asked-whether-maumee-bay-state-park-beaches-are-clean-enough/stories/20260728095#comments Thu, 30 Jul 2026 11:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/30/residents-asked-whether-maumee-bay-state-park-beaches-are-clean-enough/stories/20260728095 Ohio residents are being asked if they believe enough has been done to keep Maumee Bay State Park visitors safe from exposure to beach bacteria and algal toxins. From left, Dundee residents Avery Rowe, 8, plays in the water with his cousin Milo Bodine, 11, in Lake Erie on July 28 at Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon. People walk along the along the shoreline on July 28 at Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon. At right, Dundee residents Milo Bodine, 11, plays in the water with his cousin Avery Rowe, 8, in Lake Erie on July 28 at Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon. From left, Dundee residents Milo Bodine, 11, plays in the water with his cousin Avery Rowe, 8, in Lake Erie on July 28 at Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon. A man kayaks along the shoreline on July 28 at Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon. From left, Heather Henry and her husband Jim Henry of Richmond ride there bicycles along the shoreline on July 28 at Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/29/post-celebration-enthusiasm-for-the-riverwalk-pleases-metroparks/stories/20260729094 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/29/post-celebration-enthusiasm-for-the-riverwalk-pleases-metroparks/stories/20260729094#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 18:22:12 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/29/post-celebration-enthusiasm-for-the-riverwalk-pleases-metroparks/stories/20260729094 More than 250,000 visits have been made to the Glass City Riverwalk since Metroparks Toledo hosted its mega Watershed Weekend celebration. A woman runs along a trail at the Glass City Riverwalk in Toledo on July 29. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/28/tree-by-tree-toledo-teens-climb-prune-protect-citys-urban-forest/stories/20260728098 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/28/tree-by-tree-toledo-teens-climb-prune-protect-citys-urban-forest/stories/20260728098#comments Tue, 28 Jul 2026 20:57:02 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/28/tree-by-tree-toledo-teens-climb-prune-protect-citys-urban-forest/stories/20260728098 Tavio Mosqueda said he has learned a lot — no, everything — about trees this summer. Tavio Mosqueda, a Toledo Technology Academy of Engineering rising senior, demonstrates throwing a line on a tree during the Urban Forestry Teen Tree Student Presentations at Forest Cemetery in Toledo on July 28. Tavio Mosqueda, a Toledo Technology Academy of Engineering rising senior, demonstrates throwing a line on a tree during the Urban Forestry Teen Tree Student Presentations at Forest Cemetery in Toledo on July 28. Diego Mosqueda, a University of Toledo student and Tavio’s brother, tries throwing a line on a tree after being volunteered by Tavio Mosqueda, a Toledo Technology Academy of Engineering rising senior, during the Urban Forestry Teen Tree Student Presentations at Forest Cemetery in Toledo on July 28. Kaya Wright, an Aerospace and Natural Science Academy of Toledo rising junior, cuts a tree limb in a pruning demonstration during the Urban Forestry Teen Tree Student Presentations at Forest Cemetery in Toledo on July 28. U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur listens to the students give their presentations during the Urban Forestry Teen Tree Student Presentations at Forest Cemetery in Toledo on July 28. People move onto the next stop on the walking tour during the Urban Forestry Teen Tree Student Presentations at Forest Cemetery in Toledo on July 28. Shark Tillery, a Rogers High School rising senior, cuts a tree limb in a pruning demonstration during the Urban Forestry Teen Tree Student Presentations at Forest Cemetery in Toledo on July 28. Sophia Birkhimer, an Aerospace and Natural Science Academy of Toledo rising senior, shows a catalpa tree leaf during the Urban Forestry Teen Tree Student Presentations at Forest Cemetery in Toledo on July 28. Tavio Mosqueda, a Toledo Technology Academy of Engineering rising senior, demonstrates throwing a line on a tree during the Urban Forestry Teen Tree Student Presentations at Forest Cemetery in Toledo on July 28. From left, Megan Grundy, an Aerospace and Natural Science Academy of Toledo rising senior, Sophia Birkhimer, an Aerospace and Natural Science Academy of Toledo rising senior, and Elijah Tucker, a Scott High School rising senior, explain stem girdling roots during the Urban Forestry Teen Tree Student Presentations at Forest Cemetery in Toledo on July 28. Attendees go on a walking tour during the Urban Forestry Teen Tree Student Presentations at Forest Cemetery in Toledo on July 28. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/28/onion-bag-project-recruits-paddlers-to-collect-litter/stories/20260724084 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/28/onion-bag-project-recruits-paddlers-to-collect-litter/stories/20260724084#comments Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:27:58 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/28/onion-bag-project-recruits-paddlers-to-collect-litter/stories/20260724084 When people kayak in Ohio’s waterways, they come upon fish, trees, and wildlife as they paddle. An Onion Bag Litter Prevention Project box at Mary Jane Thurston State Park near Grand Rapids, Ohio, on July 25. Men fish in the Maumee River at Mary Jane Thurston State Park near Grand Rapids, Ohio, on July 25. Water flows over the dam at Mary Jane Thurston State Park near Grand Rapids, Ohio, on July 25. An Onion Bag Litter Prevention Project box at Mary Jane Thurston State Park near Grand Rapids, Ohio, on July 25. A boat goes by in the Maumee River at Mary Jane Thurston State Park near Grand Rapids, Ohio, on July 25.