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Lake Sturgeon Release Celebration

September 19 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

A photo of a person's hand holding a bucket with a Lake Erie and sturgeon fish graphic on it. Text reads: Sturgeon Release, September 19th.

 

UPDATE:

 

The CVNP sturgeon release event is now sold out of tickets for releasing fish. However, a limited number of additional fish may be available for walk-up participants on the day of the event, but availability is not guaranteed.

CVNP still encourages folks to come to the event to observe fish releasing, participate in activities, and learn about sturgeon and conservation from park rangers and other experts!

You can also check out Cleveland Metroparks’ Sturgeon Fest on Sept. 19th. This is free, family-friendly event featuring educational activities, trivia games, crafts, and more! Learn more here.

Additionally, stop by NEORSD Clean Water Fest (also Sept. 19th), a full day of free games, giveaways, tours, trucks, education and inspiration! Learn more here. And, if you attend Clean Water Fest and Cleveland Metroparks’ Sturgeon Fest, you’ll be entered into a prize basket drawing! Pick up a fest “passport” at either event to show you’ve attended each event.

 

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CVNP Sturgeon Release Event Overview

 

Help release young lake sturgeon into the Cuyahoga River, as part of a multi-year initiative to repopulate this iconic native species.

Be part of history in the making! Join us on Saturday, September 19th, at the Boston Store Trailhead River Access near Boston Mill Visitor Center in Cuyahoga Valley National Park for a truly unforgettable experience—the release of young lake sturgeon into the Cuyahoga River!

Thanks to dam removal and improved water quality, the Cuyahoga River is welcoming back one of its most iconic native species. Lake sturgeon, once abundant in Ohio, are returning—and you can help launch their journey!

What to Expect:

  • 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Open house with family-friendly activities. Learn about sturgeon reintroduction and the river’s transforation from conservation experts, shop sturgeon merchandise, and more.
  • 9:15 a.m. – Opening remarks from project partners.
  • 9:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. – Take turns gently releasing young sturgeon into the river at 30-minute intervals.

Meet experts from the National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Ohio Division of Wildlife, and other passionate partners. Learn about the river’s transformation and the inspiring comeback of native wildlife.

This is a family-friendly event perfect for kids, nature lovers, and anyone curious about conservation in action. Witness the magic of restoration and connect with a community dedicated to protecting our natural heritage!

 

RSVP to Reserve Your Fish!

Each ticket includes the opportunity to release one sturgeon.

To help as many people as possible participate in this special event, we ask:

  • Individuals and small groups to register for one fish
  • Larger groups and families to register for two fish

A limited number of additional fish may be available for walk-up participants on the day of the event, but availability is not guaranteed.

 

Register  

 

Parking:

The public can park at Boston Trailhead (1508 Boston Mills Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264) and the Boston Mill Visitor Center (6947 Riverview Rd., Peninsula) for the event. However, spots are limited. Boston Mills Ski Area (7100 Riverview Rd, Peninsula) is available as overflow parking.

 

Special thanks to our partners working on this sturgeon reintroduction initiative:

Summit Metro Parks, Cleveland Metroparks, Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, US Fish and Wildlife Service

Details

Venue

  • Boston Store Trailhead River Access
  • 1508 Boston Mills Road
    Peninsula, OH 44264 United States     + Google Map