A winter view of one of Cleveland Heights' bluestone brooks. Photo courtesy of the Jesse Earl Hyde Collection, Case Western Reserve University, Department of Geological Sciences
View Image Gallery

Enjoy a two-part exploration of the history and horticulture of our local watersheds, “the bluestone brooks” on Thursday, August 21 starting at 6 p.m.

Meet at 6 p.m. at the Superior Schoolhouse to join Pebbles Bush, a horticulturist with the Cleveland Metroparks, who will lead a walking tour along the Dugway Brook inside Cumberland Park. A specialist in native plants, she’ll give a guided tour of the brook’s plantscape and natural habitat. Dress for hiking.

At 7 p.m. Dr. Roy Larick will give a lecture inside the Superior Schoolhouse. Dr. Larick is an archaeologist and author of two books about our region’s history: Euclid Creek and Euclid Township, 1796-1801: Protest in the Western Reserve. His interest and research in the region have led Dr. Larick to be active in the historic preservation and nature conservation efforts of the Euclid Creek area. Dr. Larick enjoys a reputation as a wonderful speaker.

He will discuss the "bluestone brooks," Doan, Dugway, Nine Mile and Euclid, which are streams in the eastern part of Cuyahoga County. They cut their deep channels over a period of 14,000 years. Starting 150 years ago, local residents filled and paved their courses and dug massive sewer systems underneath. These changes led to the development of cities like Cleveland Heights. Remnants of the great brooks exist and are important and in flux today.

This presentation is full of interesting maps and historical photographs of the area’s brooks. The events explore the natural world around us and its impact on the development of Cleveland Heights.

Reservations are required for these free events, and space is limited. Call the Cleveland Heights Planning Department, 291-4878 to register for one or both activities. Park in Cumberland parking lot and meet at Superior Schoolhouse. There is limited parking available for handicapped or elderly available at the Schoolhouse.

Sponsored by Cleveland Heights Landmark Commission (www.clevelandheights.com/historyarch_landmarks.asp), Cleveland Heights Historical Society (http://chhistory.org), and Friends of Dugway Brook.

Mazie Adams is a Cleveland Heights Historical Society trustee.