University of Toledo Lake Erie Center

University of Toledo Lake Erie Center The LEC is an interdisciplinary research and education center dedicated to solving environmental problems.

The Lake Erie Center is an integral environmental resource at The University of Toledo and is located in the northwestern corner of Ohio's Maumee Bay State Park. Research at the Lake Erie Center explores the linkages among land use, aquatic resources, water quality, sustainable living and human health - using the Maumee River and Bay and its key influence on the western Lake Erie Basin as a model.

The Lake Erie Center assembles within a single facility programs and expertise in aquatic conservation, bioremediation and restoration, coastal zone processes, environmental chemistry and hydrology, ecology and ecosystem management, fishery genetics, geography and land use planning, limnology, remote sensing, and environmental and health monitoring.

Congratulations Dr. Doro!
09/04/2026

Congratulations Dr. Doro!

🌎 Congratulations to Dr. Kennedy Doro!

Dr. Doro, Department of Environmental Sciences, has been selected as one of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) College of Fellows Distinguished Lecturers for 2026–27!

Through this prestigious program, Dr. Doro will share his research and career journey with students at colleges, universities and other educational institutions across the country — inspiring the next generation of Earth and space scientists.

The lecture series also provides an opportunity to showcase UToledo's leadership in environmental geophysics, hydrogeophysics, subsurface hydrology and interdisciplinary environmental research on a national and international stage.

Congratulations, Kennedy, on this well-deserved honor! 🌟

The University of Toledo Research & Innovation

Lots of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) in Maumee Bay this past week according to LEC's water quality buoy.  See live w...
09/04/2026

Lots of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) in Maumee Bay this past week according to LEC's water quality buoy. See live water quality parameters at https://data.freeboard.tech

We are excited to have Trevor back for what is sure to be another fascinating night of moth watching! Join the fun on We...
09/03/2026

We are excited to have Trevor back for what is sure to be another fascinating night of moth watching! Join the fun on Wednesday at 7:30 at the Lake Erie Center. Indoor presentation (7:30) followed by outdoor excursion ~8:30.

University of Toledo Lake Erie Center Evening Exploration

“Mothing: The Right (Obsession) Hobby for You?”
Wednesday, Sept. 9 | 7:30-9 p.m.

Activity Leader: Trevor Zook, Invasive Species Manager, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge

Summary: Move over birdwatching—it's time for mothing! Discover the fascinating world of moths with regional expert Trevor Zook. He'll begin with a brief presentation showcasing the incredible beauty and diversity of moths found in our area. Afterward, we'll head outside for a "sheeting" excursion—where we’ll attract and identify over a dozen moth species. For your comfort, we recommend wearing dark clothing, long sleeves, pants and a hat, as moths may land on you as well as the sheet.

The free, public event takes place at The University of Toledo Lake Erie Center, 6200 Bay Shore Rd., Oregon, OH, 43616.


Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Toledo The University of Toledo Undergraduate Admission Greening UToledo through Service The University of Toledo Research & Innovation UToledo Office of Student Involvement & Leadership City of Toledo Toledo City Paper The City of Oregon

07/29/2026

The UT Day of Giving is long past, but here's some footage of what our students do on Lake Erie.... in slo-mo with inspirational music!

Demonstrating the Van Dorn water sampler at UToledo Campus Crawl.
07/29/2026

Demonstrating the Van Dorn water sampler at UToledo Campus Crawl.

UToledo Campus Crawl Carp. People are always surprised at how big they are. (Invasive grass carp captured from Sandusky ...
07/29/2026

UToledo Campus Crawl Carp. People are always surprised at how big they are. (Invasive grass carp captured from Sandusky River)

07/29/2026
06/17/2026

What if YOU could help solve real environmental challenges?

At UToledo EcoLab: Solve the Crisis, students will tackle hands-on STEM activities, explore environmental science and work alongside experts to investigate solutions for the future.

🌎 Experiment
🧪 Investigate
🚀 Innovate

Join us this summer at The University of Toledo.

More info and to register: bit.ly/4o9f8uM


City of Toledo Toledo City Paper Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Toledo The University of Toledo Undergraduate Admission University of Toledo Department of Biological Sciences

06/17/2026

🐟 Bringing an ancient Great Lakes species back from the brink.

New research from Dr. Bill Hintz, an associate professor of ecology based at the University of Toledo Lake Erie Center, and collaborators at The University of Toledo tracked the movements of juvenile lake sturgeon released as part of Ohio's first-ever sturgeon reintroduction effort in the Maumee River. The study found that young sturgeon successfully migrated into Lake Erie regardless of how they were raised, providing valuable insight for long-term restoration efforts.

Lake sturgeon once thrived throughout the Great Lakes but were nearly eliminated by overfishing, pollution and habitat loss. Today, UToledo researchers are helping lead a multi-agency effort to restore a self-sustaining population in the Maumee River and western Lake Erie.

"This is a long-term effort," said Dr. Hintz. While the fish won't reach spawning age for another decade or more, the research is helping scientists better understand how to ensure future generations of sturgeon return to Ohio waters.

Along with Hintz, the latest study’s co-authors included lead author Jorden McKenna, who graduated from the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Toledo with a master’s degree in ecology and organismal biology in 2023 and now works as a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service! 🥳

🔬 Research that protects freshwater ecosystems.
🌎 Science with impact for the Great Lakes.
🚀 The Power To Do.

Full article: bit.ly/4aWKhMm

The University of Toledo Alumni and Foundation U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service The University of Toledo Office of Research

06/12/2026

What does it take to restore an iconic Great Lakes species? 🐟

Researchers and students at The University of Toledo are helping reestablish a self-sustaining population of lake sturgeon in the Maumee River and western Lake Erie through a collaborative, long-term restoration effort.

The work is part of the broader research mission of UToledo's Lake Erie Center, where faculty and students study the environmental challenges shaping freshwater ecosystems — from invasive species and algal blooms to water quality and fisheries restoration.

By investigating local conditions, UToledo researchers are generating insights that help protect the Great Lakes and inform conservation efforts far beyond our region.

Learn more: https://www.utoledo.edu/spotlight/sturgeon/

Address

6200 Bayshore Road
Oregon, OH
43616

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+14195308360

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