Five Rivers MetroParks’ conservation team and volunteers from various fishing clubs and organizations across the region will sink hundreds of donated holiday trees donated by the community into Eastwood Lake on Jan. 16, starting at 10 am.
“By sinking these trees, we’re adding a natural resource that will bolster the food chain starting at the lake’s lowest levels of life,” said MetroParks biologist Grace Dietsch. “It’s a belated holiday present to the inhabitants of Eastwood Lake and gave the public a way to recycle their used holiday trees for the benefit of all wildlife that visit Eastwood MetroPark.”
MetroParks’ holiday tree sinking will make up for the lack of a forest surrounding Eastwood Lake. The donated trees will act as a catalyst, creating much needed habitat for fish, as well as food for microscopic organisms.
The idea to sink used trees in the lake came after the Ohio Department of Natural Resources conducted its biennial fish survey. The findings revealed that the larger fish were not getting enough to eat, indicating baitfish populations weren’t abundant enough.
“The trees will allow fish a place to lay their eggs, which will create more baitfish that are food for predator fish, and a chance for smaller predator fish to get bigger,” said MetroParks outdoor recreation program specialist Kelly Kingery. “It’s a win-win, and it won’t take long before anglers see the difference the trees can make when they’re fishing at the lake.”
The trees will be bundled into groups of two or three, tied to cinder blocks — which Snyder Concrete donated — and submerged into the water. The bundles of trees will be sunk all around the lake, including closer to the shore. While this won’t affect boating activities, it will provide those who fish with more active fishing opportunities closer to shore.
Dietsch expects to see more action around the tree structures as soon as this spring, with activity peaking during the next few years.
When: Wednesday, Jan. 16, starting at 10 am
Where: Eastwood Lake, Eastwood MetroPark Lakeside Entrance, 1401 Harshman Rd.
Questions: Contact MetroParks community engagement coordinator, Lauren Lemons, at 937-275-PARK or [email protected].
