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Overview
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Key Initiatives
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Measuring Progress
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Everyday Actions
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Networks of conservation non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, and home owners/private land owners collectively work to conserve, restore, and interconnect habitats and ecosystems between public and private lands.
An increasingly warmer climate will impact terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in Lucas County. It is important that critical areas are protected to mitigate these impacts as the areas adapt to new climate cycles. The ecosystems of Lake Erie and all contributing watersheds will be affected, which could have negative economic effects related to fishing and tourism. In addition, the terrestrial ecosystems, such as the Oak Openings region, will be negatively impacted as plant and habitat ranges shift northward. Agricultural production also will be impacted and will need to adapt to a warmer growing season and potentially more sporadic rain events. Lastly, some areas have the ability to sequester carbon in an effort to combat climate change and that potential should be maximized in future programs and plans.
As part of Going Beyond Green, considerations will be made to ensure that the costs and benefits of conserving, restoring, and interconnecting habitats and ecosystems are equitably shared across socio-economic sectors and the various parts of the County.
Healthy, interconnected ecosystems and habitats will lead to improved watershed health and increased recreational opportunities across the region while reducing infrastructure costs and increasing economic development and vitality for the region. Additionally, targeted open space conservation can enable focused development efforts and reduced costs associated with development by guiding it toward less ecologically sensitive and expensive places to build.
An increasingly warmer climate will impact terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in Lucas County. It is important that critical areas are protected to mitigate these impacts as the areas adapt to new climate cycles. The ecosystems of Lake Erie and all contributing watersheds will be affected, which could have negative economic effects related to fishing and tourism. In addition, the terrestrial ecosystems, such as the Oak Openings region, will be negatively impacted as plant and habitat ranges shift northward. Agricultural production also will be impacted and will need to adapt to a warmer growing season and potentially more sporadic rain events. Lastly, some areas have the ability to sequester carbon in an effort to combat climate change and that potential should be maximized in future programs and plans.
As part of Going Beyond Green, considerations will be made to ensure that the costs and benefits of conserving, restoring, and interconnecting habitats and ecosystems are equitably shared across socio-economic sectors and the various parts of the County.
Healthy, interconnected ecosystems and habitats will lead to improved watershed health and increased recreational opportunities across the region while reducing infrastructure costs and increasing economic development and vitality for the region. Additionally, targeted open space conservation can enable focused development efforts and reduced costs associated with development by guiding it toward less ecologically sensitive and expensive places to build.
- Protect more land for our region's wildlife and unique plant life, targeting urban and coastal areas along Lake Erie and building off the work done in the Oak Openings region
- Develop a way for City Parks, Metroparks, and any other agencies to share ideas and practices to make the best use of parks, wildlife habitats, and other green spaces for the community
- Support farmers in adopting best practices to help their farms remain productive while protecting the health of nearby lands and waters
- Rain gardens provide storage for floodwater and help prevent ditches and storm sewers from being overwhelmed, improve water quality by filtering pollutants from stormwater, provide wildlife habitat (especially when planted with native species), and beautify neighborhoods with minimal maintenance once the plants are established. Check out the Rain Garden Initiative for rain garden installation tips and designs.
- Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle! Redirecting waste headed to landfills means a longer lifespan for our landfills with the added benefit of giving a second life to our waste and reducing the amount of new resources being generated. Click here for an updated listing of what and where to recycle provided by Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful.
- Enjoy regional open spaces: get outside and enjoy the natural areas in the region
- Check out the Metroparks, Olander Park System, and local biking organizations
- Landscape wisely: learn about native plants and how to ecologically manage invasive species
- Educate your friends and family about open spaces: you are the best advocate for continuing and expanding the network of natural areas in the region
- Encourage friends and family to get outdoors: help build a critical mass supporting natural areas preservation and connection
- Volunteer your time and/or donate to your favorite local conservation group: our natural areas managers need your support to provide high quality recreation experiences and habitat for plans and animals