Bullfrogs croak from the lake’s edge as an osprey’s white belly flashes in the sky above. Spotting a bluegill just below the water’s surface, the raptor swiftly transitions from soar to dive. In the blink of an eye, talons crash through still waters and wrap around the unaware bluegill. Fresh meal in tow, the osprey ascends toward his nest atop a light post. Safely overlooking the lake, the osprey and his family feast.
Now common sights around Summit County’s waters, ospreys, bald eagles and much more have benefited from efforts to protect and restore the health of our waters. It’s not just animals that benefit. With the fear of sludge-topped lakes and flaming rivers gone, human communities can once again connect and thrive along rich waterways. Thanks to continuing restoration projects, our streams, lakes and rivers can be touchstones of human and non-human communities for generations to come.
Trash on land can be carried to nearby streams, rivers and lakes. Once in the water, it may harm wildlife directly or break down into microplastics or other materials that are difficult to detect but still capable of causing harm over time. The simple act of picking up a piece of trash goes a long way toward protecting our waters.
For more stories like this, check out Green Islands magazine, a bi-monthly publication from Summit Metro Parks. Summit County residents can sign up to receive the publication at home free of charge.