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