Duck and Otter Creeks Partnership completed a Wetland Identification and Restoration Plan in 2003, which describes nine sites where restoration projects could potentially be implemented.  This document took a year to develop and was funded by a $74,000 grant from US EPA.   One site that was identified as a potential restoration site is the Ravine Park wetland, just north of the Toledo Lutheran Home on Wheeling St.  This wetland is adjacent to Duck Creek.  Wetlands are important to the health of a watershed because they provide a direct benefit to their surroundings.  For example, wetland plants act as filters for runoff and are able to convert organic pollutants present in the runoff into harmless compounds.   Wetlands also provide habitat for local wildlife and reduce flooding by providing a natural storage area for runoff during rain events.

In 2006, the Duck and Otter Creeks Partnership received a $50,000 grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Foundation for a wetland enhancement project located at the Lutheran Home in Toledo.  Through this project, DOCP was able to restore and create several acres of native habitat adjacent to a 150 acre urban wetland established and protected by the City of Toledo near the headwaters of Duck Creek.  This native buffer will reduce the volume of and filter stormwater runoff associated with pollutants, increase and diversify wildlife habitat, increase groundwater recharge and result in improved water quality in Duck Creek. The native area includes a 2-acre native grass prairie, a wildflower bowl, a rain garden, and five native gardens that attract butterflies, songbirds and hummingbirds.  Many other species, including aquatic and upland, will benefit from our project from the improved water quality and native habitat that it will provide. A pervious concrete path, which will not increase the amount of stormwater, was installed to connect all the gardens and make them accessible to residents from the adjacent Lutheran Homes, many of whom use wheelchairs or walkers.  Educational signs, benches overlooking the wetlands, and bird nesting boxes were installed to complete the project.

The Duck and Otter Creeks Partnership is now looking for volunteers for the second phase of this project; public education and long-term maintenance.  Some potential projects are: labeling established plants with their common and scientific name, creating an adopt-a-garden program to help with monthly maintenance, designing an educational brochure for the residents of Lutheran Homes, and providing workshops for residents of Lutheran Homes as well as the surrounding neighbors.  Other projects will also be considered.  Please contact Duck and Otter Creeks Partnership at 419-530-8366 or by e-mail at dopartnership@yahoo.com if you are interested in becoming a volunteer.

Pictures of the Project