The Gott Fen Expansion will permanently preserve 55 acres of ecologically valuable land in the Tinker's Creek watershed that includes over 50 acres of high-quality Category 3 wetland habitat classified as a Boreal Fen (a rare wetland community).  Boreal fens are rare wetlands communities that typically harbor rare and endangered species often reflective of more northern climates.  The U.S. EPA's Ecologically Rich Areas Report has listed Gott Fen as one of the finest boreal fens in the State of Ohio.    

Additionally, this property lies directly above the Cuyahoga Buried Valley Aquifer.  Tinker's Creek headwaters originate in the area, adding to the importance of protecting the site, as the wetlands permit ground water recharge and serve the vital function of filtering and providing a clean water source at its origin.  Acquisition of this site will ensure that the Tinker's Creek floodplain, including the fen community on both sides of the Creek, is protected in perpetuity.   

10:30 AM  - Welcome by Hank Angelo, City Manager for the City of Bedford

10:40 AM - Organic Lawn Care Practices  

Dan Norris of Good Nature Organic Lawn Care

11:00 AM - Aqueduct Walk - Chris Vild

11:30 AM - Local Food Demonstration - Chew Matthew Anderson of Unami

12:00 PM - Chil Band

1:00  PM - Importance of Native Plants

Kathy Hanratty of Enviroscapes Landscape Design

1:30  PM - Rain Barrel Demonstration - David George of Blue Water Ohio

2:00  PM - Olympic Steel Wind Turbine - Greg Courtney of Wind Turbines of Ohio

2:30  PM - Composting Demonstration

Kathleen Rocco of the Cuyahoga Solid Waste District

Concurrent Children's Sessions

11:00 AM -Story Hour - Cuyahoga County Public Library Southeast Branch

2:00 PM - YMCA Program - Southeast YMCA

The New Hampshire Homeowner's Guide to Stormwater Management:  Do-It-Yourself Stormwater Solutions for Your Home was developed to help homeowners better manage stormwater on their properties. It can also be used by communities as an outreach tool to encourage better stormwater management on private properties. It provides fact sheets with step-by-step instructions for homeowners to install stormwater treatment practices themselves, such as dry wells and rain gardens.

The second tool, The New Hampshire Residential Loading Model, is a modeling tool for homeowners to estimate the amount stormwater pollutants, specifically phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment running off of their properties. The model can be used to:

1. Estimate a property's "stormwater footprint" or how much phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment that a property contributes to the watershed.
2. Estimate the benefit of installing various stormwater management practices on a property.
3. Compare the existing and future conditions of a property with different stormwater treatment scenarios and the impact on pollutant loading.
4. Determine if a property meets a targeted nutrient goal or nutrient load reduction for its watershed, if such a target exists.

 Both resources are available on the NH DES website here 

The Tinkers Creek Watershed Partners is accepting applications for a Part-time Watershed Coordinator for the Tinkers Creek Watershed. This position is responsible for watershed planning and organization, implementation of the state endorsed watershed action plan, conducting educational outreach, and implementing protection and restoration activities within the Tinkers Creek watershed. The applicant will be required to network with numerous agencies, organizations, and citizens.

Minimum of two year post-secondary education in (Biology, Ecology, Geology, Environmental Science, Geography, Science Education or related field). Bachelor's degree preferred. Demonstrated work experience in a scientific or educational setting.   Strong public speaking skills and enthusiasm for working with a wide variety of audiences. Good interpersonal communication skills, including tact, sense of humor, and assertiveness. Demonstrated ability to multi-task and work both independently and as a team player.  Background and knowledge of grants (management and application process). Working familiarity with the internet and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required).

Experience in water quality monitoring/analysis and volunteer management is a plus. Must pass a background check. A valid Ohio driver's license is required.

This position is being supported by a grant. Salary will be a maximum of $25,000.00 per year and it will be on a contract basis.

Applicants should provide a resume, three references, and a cover letter indicating why you are interested in the position by 4:00 p.m., September 15, 2011 to the Tinkers Creek Watershed Partners, PO Box 444, Twinsburg, OH 44087, or via email to hstark@ohioswa.com.

Questions can be directed to Harry Stark at hstark@ohioswa.com