Lake County, OH: Stormwater Management Department

06/09/2026

06/09/2026

Monday’s Most Wanted—The Stinky Invader!

At #7 on our Most Wanted List Invasives is tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima). This stinky invader may sound pleasant but be warned, it’s anything but heavenly.
Originally from China and introduced to the U.S. in the 1800s, this tree gives off an unpleasant scent (often compared to rotten peanut butter) and has distinctly long pinnate leaves. It grows quickly and can produce up to 300,000 seeds per year as an adult. It’s also a favorite host for another unwanted guest, the spotted lanternfly.

Removal Tips: This one’s tough because cutting or mowing can make it spread even more. The best method is using systemic herbicides on the leaves or the bark during late summer. Like other invasive plants, multiple treatments are often needed.

Native alternatives include any number of native trees such as Ohio buckeye, black walnut, and tuliptree to name a few.

To learn more, visit ohiodnr.gov/invasiveplants or contact your county’s soil and water conservation district or OSU Extension program.

Check back next Monday for #6 on our Most Wanted Invasive Plants List!

06/08/2026

💧🚗 Don't Drip and Drive! 🚗💧

Vehicle leaks don't just harm your car, they can also pollute our waterways. Oil, coolant, and other fluids that drip onto roads and driveways can wash into storm drains, eventually reaching local streams, rivers, and lakes.

Take a moment to check for leaks and make repairs! Protect your vehicle, keep our roads safe, and help keep our waterways clean.🌿

06/08/2026

🚨 Parents: If your teen's texts are full of mysterious acronyms, don't panic, there's a good chance they're really just talking about fish, clean water, and free-flowing rivers.

Check out our handy translation guide to see what they’ve really been saying!

06/08/2026

Beach condition prediction results courtesy of Lake County General Health District ⬇️ Other beach info: goto.lakemetroparks.com/fairport-harbor-beach

06/08/2026

Mentor Marsh Master Plan Online Survey.

05/29/2026

Tomorrow!

TOMORROW!!! IT'S ALMOST HERE! COME SEE US FROM 8-2PM!

Help us keep these dangerous items out of our landfill and dispose of them properly!

05/29/2026

For this , we're talking about Ohio's cutest residents - the ones you may see curled up in your backyard around this time of year🦌

You may be asking yourself, "what do I do if I see a baby animal left alone in my yard?" (Great question by the way). Here are some things you need to know:
- Wildlife parents often leave their nest or young in a location they consider safe while they forage or hunt nearby.
- A parent is almost always nearby and will come back as needed to feed and care for them.
- The best thing for you to do is keep your distance (and be proud that your yard feels safe for wildlife!)

05/29/2026

but stay safe!

Sunny skies may make it feel like a great day near Lake Erie, but waves will be elevated on Saturday and the lake water is still cold. A Beach Hazards Statement is in effect for portions of the Lake Erie shoreline, with waves of 3 to 5 feet possible. Even if you’re not planning to swim, use caution near piers, breakwalls, river outlets, and the shoreline. Conditions will also be hazardous for small craft.