Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Toledo

08/24/2026

🌿 Protecting Northwest Ohio’s natural ecosystems starts with understanding the threats.

Invasive species—from plants and insects to fungi—can disrupt delicate ecosystems, reduce biodiversity and create lasting environmental and economic impacts.

In this video episode, Current Threats: The Invasion (part of The Living Wild, part of Nature in Action, a multimedia partnership between WGTE Public Media and Metroparks Toledo), Dr. Jon Bossenbroek, Department of Environmental Sciences at The University of Toledo, explains how invasive species arrive, how threats such as emerald ash borer, spotted lanternfly and oak wilt are affecting our region, and what researchers and conservation partners are doing to protect native species.

The good news? Small actions can make a big difference. Planting native species, cleaning outdoor gear and learning how to prevent the spread of invasives can all help protect our natural areas. 🌎

Watch to learn more about the work happening to preserve the biodiversity of Northwest Ohio and beyond.

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08/18/2026

Join alum Randy Thomas for Nature Clash on August 20th!

The University of Toledo Alumni and Foundation The University of Toledo

Meet Randy 5K, host of Nature Clash.

He has been everywhere from Netflix to National Geographic, and now he is bringing that curiosity to Metroparks Toledo for our new series.

The first episode premieres on August 20. www.wgte.org/natureclash

Nature Clash is part of Nature in Action, a digital multimedia collaboration between WGTE and Metroparks Toledo.

08/12/2026

A critical Great Lakes invasive carp project has been put on hold — and the reason remains unclear. 🐟🌊

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters issued a stop-work order July 24 on the Brandon Road Project, a major effort designed to prevent invasive carp from moving through the Chicago area waterway and eventually reaching the Great Lakes.

According to The Blade writer Tom Henry, the Corps confirmed that it ordered contractors to stop work but has not publicly explained why. The agency said the project is under review, but officials have provided few details about what prompted the sudden halt. The stop-work order comes as Great Lakes advocates and researchers continue to emphasize the importance of preventing invasive carp from establishing populations in the Great Lakes.

UToledo aquatic ecologist Dr. Christine Mayer, Department of Environmental Sciences and University of Toledo Lake Erie Center, whose research has helped inform efforts to understand and control grass carp in the Lake Erie basin, emphasizes the importance of continued science and monitoring.

“I'm cautiously optimistic,” Mayer previously said of progress in grass carp removal efforts. “We’re glad to see that there’s a positive relationship between how many fish we remove and their mortality rate.”

The University of Toledo researchers continue working with state and federal partners to understand where grass carp are spawning, how they move through Lake Erie tributaries and which management strategies can help protect the Great Lakes ecosystem. Recent UToledo research underscores the value of monitoring eggs and larvae to guide control efforts.

🔗 Full Blade story: bit.ly/4qe6xHZ

Photo credit: Associated Press

The University of Toledo Research & Innovation

08/03/2026

➡️What does it take to protect one of the world’s greatest freshwater resources? At The University of Toledo, students work alongside leading scientists to find the answers.

As harmful algal bloom season begins in western Lake Erie, researchers at the University of Toledo Lake Erie Center are monitoring bloom development and toxin levels to help safeguard our region’s water. Dr. Thomas Bridgeman, director, and his team provide critical research and real-time data that support communities across northwest Ohio.

The bloom “was particularly thick in Michigan waters a few miles offshore of Luna Pier and Little Cedar Point in Ohio,” Dr. Bridgeman said. “This increase in cyanobacteria is also shown in data coming from sensors on buoys in Lake Erie maintained by UToledo in Maumee Bay and by the City of Toledo near the water intake.”

For students interested in environmental science, biology, ecology, chemistry, data science or freshwater research, the UToledo Lake Erie Center, Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Toledo, offers opportunities to gain hands-on experience addressing real-world environmental challenges while working alongside expert faculty.

🌊 From the classroom to Lake Erie, UToledo students are making an impact!

📰 Read more about Dr. Bridgeman’s work in The Blade: bit.ly/4fBEAGE

07/31/2026

07/31/2026

🌊🐟 Learning beyond the classroom!

Last Friday, July 24, graduate students and young professionals from The University of Toledo’s Rockets Student Sub-Unit of the AFS (American Fisheries Society) traveled to Chicago for an inspiring visit to Shedd Aquarium with Dr. Christine Mayer, Department of Environmental Sciences and University of Toledo Lake Erie Center.

The group met with Dr. Karen Murchie, Director of Freshwater Research at the Shedd, who shared insights about her career journey and the aquarium’s important conservation and research efforts in freshwater and marine ecosystems. Students also explored exhibits featuring incredible aquatic species and learned about the four beluga whales now living at the aquarium after their rescue from a shuttered marine attraction in Canada. Thank you Dr. Murchie!

Experiences like these connect students with scientists, conservation leaders and real-world careers while strengthening their passion for protecting our aquatic environments.

A special thank you to the Department of Environmental Sciences and the Lake Erie Center for making this opportunity possible!

The University of Toledo College of Graduate Studies

07/16/2026

🌊 They may cover sidewalks for a few days each summer, but mayflies are one of the best signs that Lake Erie is thriving.

Dr. Christine Mayer, professor of aquatic ecology in the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Toledo, explains in the Midstory feature that mayflies are an important indicator of healthy, oxygen-rich bottom waters in Lake Erie and their return signals improving ecosystem health.

“They can’t bite you, they don’t have a stinger, they can’t harm you,” Mayer said. “All they can do is pile up and be stinky in your driveway.”

These short-lived insects play a critical role in the lake's food web, providing an important food source for yellow perch, walleye and other fish while signaling improving water quality.

Read more about why the return of the mayflies is great news for Lake Erie in the full Midstory feature: bit.ly/4hglirh

The University of Toledo University of Toledo Lake Erie Center The University of Toledo Office of Research

07/09/2026

Congrats Daryl and John on receiving this distinction! 🥳🚀

06/23/2026

🪲 Have you noticed fewer June bugs than you remember from childhood?

“I can’t say I have either in recent years. Not like when we were younger,” said Jon Bossenbroek, UToledo professor of ecology and chair, Department of Environmental Sciences, in a recent interview with The Blade.

Bossenbroek notes that insect populations have declined significantly, with current agricultural practices and pesticide use among the leading hypotheses researchers are investigating.

The disappearance of familiar insects like June bugs is more than a nostalgic observation—it highlights the importance of ecological research and understanding how human activities affect biodiversity and ecosystem health.

At The University of Toledo, researchers are working to answer these critical environmental questions and help inform solutions for the future.

Full Blade article: tinyurl.com/4p2re72c

06/17/2026

🍁 From Sap to Syrup! 🥞

Ever wonder how delicious maple syrup gets onto your pancakes? 🥞

Dr. Henry Streby, associate professor of ecology in the Department of Environmental Sciences The University of Toledo, UToledo Stranahan Arboretum, explains how students in the "Science and Policy of Foraging" class are taking a deep dive into the environment, learning the biology and ecology of trees by harvesting sap and making maple syrup! 🌳

Did you know it takes 40 to 50 gallons of tree sap to create just ONE gallon of pure maple syrup? 🤯

The best part? This student-made syrup isn't sold—it's given back to the community for free! ❤️

Watch the full interview with 13abc’s Meteorologist Annie Giovannucci to see how they make the magic happen!