For environmentally minded locals who want to make a difference in our community, there are several ways to get involved. We’ve compiled a list of five organizations that are seeking volunteers.
Black Swamp Conservancy
The mission of Black Swamp Conservancy is to preserve and enhance natural habitats and family farms in northwest Ohio for the benefit of current and future generations.
“We preserve over 22,000 acres at this time, more than 180 properties,” said Laura Rodriguez, events and education manager for Black Swamp Conservancy. A lot of the acreage includes family farms in Northwest Ohio, as well as natural habitats.
The conservancy restores strategically located properties back to their natural ecosystem, which could help in filtering water coming off of farm fields before it goes into a ditch, stream or river. The goal is stopping it before it lands in Lake Erie. This also helps increase biodiversity and natural habitat.
There are seasonal nature walks, along with gardening and photography workshops. On Wednesdays during the summer, there is the Paddle and Groove event, featuring live music from a pontoon while kayaking or canoeing downtown on the Maumee River.
Help out by removing invasive plants, planting beneficials, maintaining trails, improving habitats, office tasks, and planning or working at events.
Contact information: 419-833-1025 | Location: P.O. Box 33, Perrysburg
Citizens Climate Lobby – Perrysburg (CCL)
The mission of CCL Perrysburg is to promote a legislative climate solution, the Carbon Fee and Dividend policy. The CCL also builds awareness about the present state of the climate.
“We can actually solve this problem through the policy, working together and being bipartisan. Climate change affects us all. Instead of arguing with each other, why don’t we work together and find solutions?” reasoned Rob Schuster, CCL’s chair.
“Citizens’ Climate Lobby – Perrysburg is totally powered by volunteers. We train members of the group to join in actions including lobbying politicians in northwest Ohio and Washington D.C., community tabling, and writing letters to the editor. There is also an easy monthly activity, such as writing a brief email to your congressman,” he explained.
Meetings are the third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Way Public Library in Perrysburg. Zoom is available.
Google Citizens Climate Lobby, click the join CCL button, provide your information, and it will bring you to our chapter page or email Rob at robshue7@gmail.com
Climate Reality Project: NW Ohio Chapter (CRP)
“Our mission is to be the voice of reality about climate change in northwest Ohio by educating about the state of climate change and the need for individual and policy action,” said the organization’s co-chair, Julie Shapiro.
For years, Climate Reality delivered climate presentations to civic groups, churches and clubs, and lobbied politicians to bring about policy change.
“We have expanded and now we collaborate with other groups to do projects such as EcoFest Toledo and movie events,” she said.
“We have a library tour targeting climate topics specific to their area. We did one at the Mott branch library about the urban heat island effect and what to do about it. The next one, at the Oregon library will focus on the impact of the changing climate on agriculture.
“We are a volunteer organization, so we need all kinds of help with our projects and welcome people openly,” noted Shapiro.
The group usually meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at Toledo libraries, primarily the Sanger branch. Keep up to date with their meetings and events by following the group on Facebook. To get involved, email julie.shapiro@outlook.com.
Lake Erie Advocates
LEA defends Lake Erie from assaults by animal factories and other polluting sources to sustain the lake’s health for all life that depends on it.
“Since the water crisis in 2014…we have not had a moratorium on more manure…but five million more animals had been added,” said Sue Carter, an activist involved in LEA.
“I mean, the best thing to do is just show up at a meeting. There’ll be something to do, because there’s always going to be some place to put your body with a sign, or to go to a meeting and learn more, or speak out someplace or confront a politician.”
From its beginnings, LEA has confronted politicians, taught at schools, done demonstrations and put up billboards.
The best way to join this group is to attend a meeting. You can also go to lakeerieadvocates.org and subscribe for updates.
Public meetings take place on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., and held at Grace Lutheran Church, 4441 Monroe St, Toledo.
Partners for Clean Streams
“Partners for clean streams is a coalition of citizens, government agencies, businesses and industries working towards restoring the quality of water,” said executive director Jesse Stock. “Our mission is primarily the removal of debris in and alongside our waterways.
“Seeing families, especially those with kids under 18, helping out gives me a lot of hope. It’s inspiring to see their enthusiasm,” said Stock. “We have a year-round debris removal program, but what we’re most known for is an annual event in September that we’ve held for 28 years.”
Partners for Clean Streams also marks storm drains, removes fishing debris from the Maumee River and monitors water quality.
To sign up for these activities, visit their website here. Reach out to admin@partnersforcleanstreams.org or 419-874-0727 for more information.
This is an ongoing list of volunteer opportunities that will be updated throughout the year as we receive more updates. Bookmark it!
