Dip into wetland issues with the Friends of Big Creek tonight at the Zoo Preregistration was requested, but not mandatory - give them a call at least.

One more update to FOBC's program for the Urban Wetlands mini-symposium on Wednesday, September 24th. We're pleased that Colby Sattler, West Creek Preservation Committee's new Watershed Coordinator will present information on the West Creek Reservation and Confluence Wetland Projects.

We hope you will be joining us for dinner and the symposium. If so, please let us know by e-mailing info [at] friendsofbigcreek [dot] org or phoning Bob Gardin at 216-661-4998. We'd like to have your registration by Tuesday, but if you have a last minute schedule change and can attend, please feel free to do so. Complete symposium info is listed below.

FOBC NEWS NOTE:

We're pleased and proud to announce that two members of FOBC were recognized and honored September 13th at the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District's 59th Annual Meeting & Conservation Day:

Sean Brennan, Parma City Council, Certificate of Appreciation
Bob Gardin, Friends of Big Creek Chair, Conservationist of the Year

Congratulations to Messrs. Brennan and Gardin! Thank you both for all your efforts.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008  (Register by 9/23)
6:00 - 9:00 PM

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Reinberger Education Center
3900 Wildlife Way (Next to the Zoo's Main Entrance), Cleveland, Ohio 44109

Symposium Program

6:00 - 6:30 PM: Dinner, Registration & Introductions
6:30 - 9:00 PM: Presentations:

WETLANDS 101: John Katko, Friends of Wetlands

CONSERVATION & RESTORATION TOOLS:

Economic Valuation of Wetlands as a Conservation Tool
Mike McNutt, Cuyahoga County Board of Health

Prioritizing Wetland Restoration in the Big Creek Watershed
Charles Hambly, Cuyahoga River Remedial Action Plan

Tools for protecting Wetlands
Janine Rybka, Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District and
Andy Vidra, Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency

MODEL PROJECTS IN URBANIZED AREAS:

Cleveland Metroparks Vernal Pool Enhancement Project
Terry Robison, Cleveland Metroparks, Division of Natural Resources

West Creek Reservation & Confluence Wetland Projects
Colby Sattler, West Creek Preservation Committee

Nine Mile Creek Stormwater Retrofit Wetland Project
Jennifer Zielinski, Biohabitats, Inc.

Puritas Wetland Project
Melissa Miller, Bellaire-Puritas Development Corporation

Valley Forge High School Wetland Project
Jim Wohl, Project Coordinator

9:00 - 9:30 PM: Networking/Socializing

This event is free and open to the public. Friends of Big Creek will provide dinner and we ask that you RSVP by Tuesday, Sept. 23rd so we can plan refreshments.