Tuesday, May 13, 2008
More Multi-Sport - Shipwreck Scuba Diving Program Launches
Photo courtesy of Russ MacNeal
Here's a new multi-sport activity for Lake Erie enthusiasts...
Ohio Sea Grant has launched a new interactive website, Shipwrecks and Maritime Tales of the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail, available to browse at www.ohioshipwrecks.org . The website was designed to help promote the protection of Lake Erie’s shipwrecks and increase awareness of its rich maritime history. With the help of Sea Grant Extension, divers now have the information necessary to discover shipwrecks in Lake Erie. “There was a pressing need for a website such as this,” says Joe Lucente, Ohio Sea Grant Extension Educator. “Now an online database of Lake Erie shipwrecks exists for people to access and learn about Lake Erie’s maritime history or find a wreck to explore.” The site gives those who may be unfamiliar with Lake Erie shipwrecks access to details of the wrecks in a convenient location. The hope is that people will be inspired to go out and explore the shipwrecks and enjoy the history and opportunities Lake Erie has to offer.
The website features the locations of many of the 277 known wrecks and more detailed information on 28 specific wrecks, including GPS coordinates, location information, and the history of each ship, as well as photographs. The interactive map allows users to browse and discover the locations of every known wreck, including the Morning Star, whose remains lie 70 feet under water after a collision with another ship in 1868. Some of the shipwreck listings feature underwater videos, so a website visitor can get a glimpse at the sites beneath the surface. “Whether you are a seasoned scuba diver or a maritime history aficionado, we believe you will not only learn more about Lake Erie's maritime heritage but will also gain an increased respect for the need to preserve and protect Ohio's historic shipwrecks,” states Dave Kelch, Ohio Sea Grant Extension Specialist.
The project is linked to the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail, one of 126 national scenic byways designated by the Federal Highway Administration. This signed route travels from Conneaut to Toledo and celebrates the natural resources and historic treasures along Lake Erie. Lake Erie claims more shipwrecks than any other Great Lake with over 1,700. To date only 277 have been found, salvaged or located by divers. The remains of these wrecks lay scattered across the Lake’s floor and provide an exciting opportunity for outdoors people, tourists and scholars alike.
This project was jointly funded by the Ohio Lake Erie Commission and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Coastal Management. Dave Kelch and Joe Lucente are two of 11 Ohio Sea Grant Extension agents located across Ohio’s Lake Erie counties. Ohio Sea Grant Extension is part of Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Sea Grant College Program, one of 32 NOAA Sea Grant programs dedicated to the protection and sustainable use of marine and Great Lakes resources.. For the shipwrecks website, visit www.ohioshipwrecks.org . For more information about Ohio Sea Grant, visit www.ohioseagrant.osu.edu For more information contact: Dave Kelch, Ohio Sea Grant Extension Specialist: 440-326-5851,kelch.3@osu.edu or Joe Lucente, Ohio Sea Grant Extension Educator: 419-213-4254, lucente.6@osu.edu
Several of these shipwrecks lie just off the Lake Erie shore along the Back Roads and Beaches bike route. For a brochure, stop in at the Lorain County Visitors Bureau. Brochures are available 24 hours a day.
Labels: Lake Erie, Ohio Sea Grant, scuba, shipwrecks
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Just another day along the Back Roads and Beaches Route...
Friday, April 25, 2008
Upcoming Events along Back Roads and Beaches
April 26–27: Herb Fair, Vermilion River Reservation, 10am–4pm. Herb growers and gardening tips. 440.967.7310. Lorain County Metroparks website
May 3–4: Breuer Pottery Spring Open House and Sale, 47361 West Hamilton Road, Oberlin, 12pm–5pm. Fine one-of-a-kind pottery, wine, hors d'oeuvres and desserts. Breuer Pottery is located directly off the Lorain County Metroparks North Coast Inland Trail. You can find them just beyond the entrance of the trail on Hamilton Avenue in Oberlin. Click here to find out how to get there on the Back Roads and Beaches Bike Route.
May 3, Oberlin’s Big Parade: Oberlin, 11am. Celebrate art, spring, the community, and fun with Oberlin College students. 440.774.6262 | www.oberlin.org
May 3, Oberlin Farmer’s Market, located next to Oberlin City Hall, Oberlin. 9am–1pm. Locally grown, organic and prepared foods opens for the season once again! 440.775.2423
May 6–June 29th: Paul B. Arnold “Homages: Tributes to the Masters” Color Woodcuts, FAVA Gallery, 39 South Main St., Oberlin.
Labels: arts, events, Lorain County Metro Parks, Oberlin
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Afrost-Won't be so frosty!
Don't forget: Sunday, April 20, 2008, 9am: Afrost. Sponsored by the Lorain Wheelmen. The ride will depart the Nordson Depot, Franklin St., in Amherst. There will be routes of 25, 50 and 64 miles. Registration will be from 8–9:30am. What a great way to get inspired and get an early kick-start to the season if you haven't already!
Labels: Afrost, events, Lorain Wheelmen
Earth Day in Oberlin
Today is Earth Day in Oberlin and what a perfect day for it.
Temps in the 70s and all the trees in bloom.
There's nothing like the smell of magnolias in bloom on Tappan Square!
Cyclists and runners are out and about.
This morning was also the annual Earth Day 5k run in Oberlin.
Labels: 5k Earth Day race, back roads and beaches, Earth Day, events, Oberlin
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
SIGNS of Spring
The grass is greening up and soon the trees will be lush and green as well. But, although there is still a shortage of leaves, there is no shortage of sunshine these days and temperatures in the 60s and 70s. Bikers were out in full force on the Lorain County Metro Parks Inland Trail this evening, enjoying a beautiful sunset. The Back Roads and Beaches Route follows a portion of this great trail. It is the one spot on the route where there is no motorized traffic. The Lorain County Metro Parks will be opening another great trail next month. Stay tuned!
That's not all that's greening up! The Lorain County Engineer's office is currently installing point of interest signage along the Back Roads and Beaches route. This way, great attractions that are along the way—but not directly on the route—aren't missed.
Labels: back roads and beaches, biking, Lorain County Metro Parks, Splash Zone
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Spring: Rebirth, Ritual and ReCreation
Of course, taking in a bike ride is a great way to kick-off the spring season. All along the Back Roads and Beaches route, art galleries, museums and performance spaces are alive with activity that reflects the current season. The Beth K. Stocker Art Gallery at Lorain County Community College is host to the exhibit, “Spring: Rebirth, Ritual and ReCreation.” Although the gallery isn't right on the Back Roads and Beaches Route, many of the surrounding activities are. On Saturday, May 24, 1–5pm, Common Ground will be hosting an Environmental Art Day. There will be a presentation on the work of Andy Goldsworthy. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own art using only objects found in nature. Common Ground is right along the BRaB route so biking to this great event is a great way to heighten the natural experience.
Common Ground: Cindy Nord Center for Renewal
Here are some other great events coming up along the route:
- April 5, Art Auction and Wine Tasting, FAVA Gallery, Oberlin, 7–10pm
- April 8, Oberlin Orchestra, Finney Chapel, Oberlin College, 8pm.
- April 10, Artist Recital Series, Finney Chapel, Oberlin College, 8pm. Grammy award winning violinist, Hilary Hahn and Oberlin alumnus, Josh Ritter collaborate in a broad range of original and traditional music.
- April 11, Nat Brandt Program and Book Signing, Oberlin Public Library, 4pm. Author of The Town that Started the Civil War will present a program about his newest book.
- April 13, Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra Concert, Apollo Theater, Oberlin 3:30pm.
- April 13, Sing for Spring, Avon Lake United Church of Christ, 7:30pm
- April 17–20, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Hall Auditorium, Oberlin College, 8pm, Sun 2pm. Set in a recording studio in 1927, this two-act drama tells the story of blues legend Ma Rainey.
- April 20, Pasta Paradise, Jackalope Restaurant, Lorain. Pasta buffet benefits the Black River Historical Society.
Labels: arts, events, Jackalope Restaurant, Underground Railroad
Photo courtesy of Russ MacNeal
