Innovation, Conservation, Restoration Metroparks Toledo wins 2019 Innovation in Conservation Award By Lindsay Collins
T
he stress of water-quality issues is a concern well-known by many communities across the United States. One place that has become familiar with the problem is the area bordering Lake Erie, which battles water-quality issues from agricultural runoff in the watershed.
NRPA’s 2019 Innovation in
Such land-use issues affect not only human lives, but also animal populations. These changes were felt by the communities of the Toledo, Ohio, metropol-
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PHOTO COURTESY OF TOLEDO AERIAL MEDIA
Metroparks Toledo for Howard Marsh Metropark Conservation Project
itan area, home to part of the Lake Erie Birding Trail. The trail boasts nearly 400 species of birds (www.metroparkstoledo .com/outdoor-adventures/ birding) whose habits are being altered due to disappearing habitats. Metroparks Toledo, through its Howard Marsh Met-
ropark conservation project, is tackling these issues head-on, with its inventive and expansive solution to address several environmental concerns through habitat restoration, natural water-quality improvement, and public education and access.
Natural Solutions In 2008, Metroparks Toledo began its restoration project with the purchase of 987 acres of active farmland near the south shore of Lake Erie. By 2016,
The Howard Marsh Metropark features nearly 600 acres of restored welands, accessible to visitors via hiking trails and observation decks. 10
Parks & Recreation
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