Volunteers needed for Doan Brook stenciling project

The Doan Brook Watershed Partnership (DBWP) is offering community members an opportunity to help reduce water pollutants in Doan Brook and Lake Erie by taking part in its Storm Drain Stenciling Saturdays on July 13 and Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. until noon.

Volunteers will mark curbs next to residential storm drains in Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights with the waterproof message, “Lake Erie starts here.” This will serve as a reminder to the residents of these communities that their actions can impact the water quality of the Doan Brook and Lake Erie.

Doan Brook runs eight miles from Shaker Heights through Cleveland Heights and University Circle to Lake Erie. Most of the stormwater runoff that enters Doan Brook is not treated before it reaches Lake Erie. The stormwater runoff often contains motor oil, litter, pet and yard waste, and fertilizers and pesticides.

These pollutants are a large factor in increased algae blooms and ecosystem damage to Lake Erie. DBWP began this program because of the high number of contaminants in Doan Brook and Lake Erie. Storm Drain Stenciling Saturdays are one of the programs the group offers to improve the health of local watersheds.

For more information, or to volunteer, contact Mary Ryan at 216-321-5935 (ext. 244) or ryan@shakerlakes.org.