2010 Rocky River IBA Summary
   

In 2005, Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society decided to monitor bird populations in the Rocky River watershed (East Branch).  We believed that birds are a barometer of the health of the watershed.  Our goal was to provide Cleveland Metroparks with data on birds that use the watershed. Metroparks, in turn, needed data to support requests for funding to buy parcels of land they would like to preserve.

At an Open House in March 2006 we welcomed volunteers who would actively participate in the breeding bird survey for the Rocky River IBA. Cleveland Metroparks staff were instrumental in training volunteers according to strict survey protocols.  Survey volunteers numbered 100 by the end of the 2007 season.

From 2006 to 2010, we conducted a five-year survey of breeding birds in the Rocky River IBA. WCAS honored its IBA volunteers at the end of each survey year with an appreciation dinner.  A Vegetation Survey in 2007 evaluated habitat conditions at all 62 point count locations.

To raise awareness and funds, Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society conducted a 31-mile UltraWalk, a Birdathon, and a series of public outreach talks.

Stan and Tom continued their talks to local Kiwanis Clubs in 2010.  This year, the Ohio Kiwanis Club organization contacted the local clubs.  Another group of clubs contacted us, and we scheduled talks to each of them.  Here is the list of clubs we addressed:

March 20, 2010
Lakewood
Kiwanis Club

April 13, 2010
Westlake
Kiwanis Club

May 19, 2010
Young at Heart Seniors Club
Bethany
English Church

Cleveland
, OH

June 22, 2010
Olmsted Kiwanis Club

 



One of Ken's points
One of Ken's points © Ron Pintner

Ken's Favorite tree
Ken's favorite tree © Ron Pintner

Ron at RR 20
Ron at RR20 © Ken Ballas

Raccoon in tree © Paula Lozano
Napping Raccoon © Paula Lozano

Close up of Raccoon
Close up of same Raccoon © Paula Lozano

Point near dead Japanese Knotweed
Point near "dead" Japanese Knotweed © Paula Lozano

Anna at RR004
Anna at RR 04 © Paula Lozano

Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society, 4310 Bush Ave, Cleveland, OH 44109 info@wcasohio.org