Howdy folks,

I'd like to extend an invitation to anyone interested to make an initial foray into the world of native fishes this Saturday, April 19th, weather and water levels permitting.  We will meet at my house at 4:30 for those interested to recoup a bit from Earth Day activities, eat some hotdogs and potato salad, and a look at my home aquaria. 

Our house is at 2348 Sherwood, Toledo, OH 43614.  You can park on the street facing east, or go into one of the side streets.  It's a yellowish house that looks peculiar, called a Lustron and is on the north side of the street, without any number marking.  I'll put a Wild Ones sign (our native plant group) out front so you can find it easier.

We will leave around 5:30 to head to Side Cut Metropark to be in the water near the Riverview Area parking lot (where we will park).  Here's a map:

http://www.metroparkstoledo.com/metroparks/maps/sidecut.pdf

We'll be in the area where the old lock and dam are just upstream behind the restrooms.  If you get to the water and look up and downstream, you won't be able to miss us. 

If you'd like to use any of the equipment or take fish home, you'll need an Ohio fishing license:

http://www.ohiodnr.com/wildlife/dow/regulations/vendor.aspx (buy online)

 We will need to be stringent about this.  There will be officers patrolling and our activity is going to stand out. 

However, if you'd just like to see what the fuss is about, PLEASE come join us.  I'll have a tank on site so we can view our catch and it'll be no problem for you to be there.  We just have to be clear about who is collecting and who is there just for the learning  :)

We will then hop on the highway and hit Harroun Park in Sylvania.  Parking is behind the Hotel there on Main Street.  I figure we'll be up there about 7:30.

For really showy fish, we'll need to head further out than these sites (about an hour away to get on the moraines and out of the lake plain).  But you will get to see greenside and orangethroat darters, orangespot and pumpkinseed sunfish, and a whole host of fishes you never imagined lived in those muddy ol' streams  :)  Should be a lot of fun. 

Todd

I'm SO there! 

I've got the dirt and sand for the tank, and will be filling it tomorrow(the gal who gave it to me found the stand for it, but I can't get it until tomorrow). I may need someone's help figuring out the ehiem filter if they can find the rest of the parts- they think they know where the parts are.

I've got coolers(both styrofoam and a big plastic one with wheels) as well as myriad buckets with lids.  I'm trying to borrow waders from  a brother.

Todd, thank you SO much for all of this!

THIS is how excited I am!

Yay!  I'll be there! 

I'd like to tag along, I will check with the wife to make sure there are no other plans. I'm sure my youngest daughter would like to see as well.

Yes!  PLEASE bring the kids!!  Like the hokey pokey, that's what it's all about!

Todd

Todd,

I may like to come too... just for the fun and adventure.  No collecting for me, but a day outside sounds great!  Besides it will be fun to see Mary sooooo excited.  I'll let you know when I get my schedule confirmed.  I'm currently in Cleveland for 2 days of training with my new job.  Gotta run before I get busted!

Kimber

farmertodd said :

Yes!  PLEASE bring the kids!!  Like the hokey pokey, that's what it's all about!

Todd

I might come see your tanks and check out the first stop, but we are going to the Mud Hens game at 7 so I won't be able to hang around for very long.  I would definitely be interested in another trip though.  I don't want any fish, but I will bring the camera

I live in Maumee and like to walk the Towpath Trail.  I will try to run into you along the trail if the weather is nice.  There is a chance I may be out of town too, darn...  

You should be there and busy by 6pm. You won't know me, but I'm sure I will be able to figure out who y'all are!  I will just be observing.

--Tim

Okey dokey.  See you guys out there tomorrow!

Todd