>From: "Nicholas J. Zarlinga" <njz_at_clevelandmetroparks.com>
>Reply-To: nanfa_at_aquaria.net
>To: "'nanfa_at_aquaria.net'" <nanfa at aquaria.net>
>Subject: NANFA-- Rob's writings
>Date: Tue, 9 Oct 2001 23:12:44 -0400
>
>Rob, I think you found your calling. I almost get a more visual impact of
>your account than I do when I am actually there! Just a minor correction,
>Jeff Riebe is a naturalist with the Cleveland Metroparks in the North
>Chagrin Reservation. I know he will be flattered to hear your fine and
>deserved compliment to him. Thanks for the ones directed at me.
>
>Nick Zarlinga
>Aquarium Biologist
>Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
>216-661-6500 ex 4485
>
>"Fish worship... is it wrong??" (Ray Troll)
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: owner-nanfa-digest_at_aquaria.net [SMTP:owner-nanfa-digest at aquaria.net]
>Sent: Thursday, October 11, 2001 11:45 AM
>To: nanfa-digest_at_aquaria.net
>Subject: nanfa V1 #1088
>
>
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2001 11:43:02 -0400
>From: Christopher Scharpf <ichthos_at_charm.net>
>Subject: NANFA-- from "The Collected Writings of Rob Carillio"
>
>Fish Sampling in Phelps Creek, Ashtabula County, Ohio
>
>by Rob Carillio
>
>
>I have always loved the kinds of streams located in Ashtabula County,
>Ohio,
>mainly for the interesting geological features, but one in particular tha
>thas always been an enchanting memory, is Phelps Creek, located in the
>deepest S.W. corner of the Amish influenced county.
>
>With its highly visable evidence of "natural artwork" sculpted by glacier
>activity, Phelps Creek boasts thick and healthy riparian zone and is
>undoubtedly one of the more healthy and scenic streams in North East Ohio.
>The medium-sized tributary is a major tributary of the State Scenic and
>Wild
>River, The Grand River, and is part of the Lake Erie drainage.
>
>The particular site I would visit on a beautiful early October afternoon,
>welcomed myself, Trumbull County Metroparks Board Member Bill Flynn,
>NANFA'S
>Nick Zarlinga and his wife Linda, and of course, the best wild bird sound
>imitator I have ever heard, Lake County MetroParks Naturalist, Jeff Rebe.
>We
>gained access to the stream near the old 1863 covered bridge, which had
>long
>been closed off due to liability situations. Since we couldn't cross it,
>we
>had to literally climb a steep embankment of rocks down to the creek bed.
>Although a little challenging, this only added a spice of adventure to the
>outing!
>
>Taking just a moment, I feel compelled to comment on the wonderful historic
>coverd bridge at the acess point This bridge was well over 40 feet above
>the
>stream and supported by large sandstone block columns! Oh well, in any
>event, this covered bridge alone was worth the trip to at least get some
>post card perfect photos! The trees in Autumn colors of red, yellow, brown
>and green coupled with the rocky cliffs and Phelps Creek lazily flowing
>below, was a stunning sight to behold near the bridge! Summer's end was
>evident as the waters of the creek were very low.
>
>Since it was almost 6pm, we obviously weren't going to have much daylight,
>so we started wading the stream!! Outdoor temperatures were in the high
>60's
>to low 70's, water temp was around 65 degrees. Nick, Bill and Jeff were the
>primary fish seekers, as I basically handled the buckets! Hey...I'm for
>hire.. Do all of you hear that? HA! We all suddenly heard something raising
>a ruckus in the hemlock trees high above the gorge. Look up in the sky! Up
>in the forest canopy. What did we see?? No, not Darterman... BUT...
>approximately four wild turkeys! This was quite inspiring, seeing that in
>recent history, these birds were absent from Ohio!
>
>Another impressive sight was the small waterfall up stream a little way. As
>we were hiking the strembed searching for nice sampling spots. we were
>becoming lost in our own little world, when we were informed by a woman
>atop the gorge banks that we were venturing on private property! Nick
>Zarlinga took the liberty and explained to the wary property owner that
>"her
>stream" was the subject of high naturalist interest, and that we were just
>trying to see what species inhabit the diverse habitats in the stream! Nice
>job, Nick!
>
> Finally findind some nice sampling areas, Nick, Bill, and Jeff, were able
>to sample various pools. These were the only habitats available due to the
>low water levels. By the way, Linda Zarlinga, who in recent days has not
>had
>much luck with hiking in natural areas (she broke some bones on a recent
>trip!), found a safe solitude on a large stream rock that made a perfect
>sitting spot! Linda had the right idea, as she knew how slippery the stream
>rocks were! I almost fell twice!!! Now the fish finding would begin! Using
>various methods taught by "The Nick Zarlinga school for the INSEINE" we
>were
>able to locate in a couple hours only about 10 species. This was largely
>due
>to the nets getting caught on large rocks.
>
>Although Phelps Creek boasts a diverse assemblege of native fishes, on this
>late afternoon, our inventory read like this: Johnny Darter, Rainbow
>Darter,
>White Sucker, Common and maybe Striped Shiner, Blacknose Dace, Bluntnose
>Minnow, Central Stone Roller, Mottled Sculpiin, Northern Hog Sucker (a big
>fella!), Creek Chub, Sand Shiner, Green Sunfish, Fantail Darter, and some
>various Crayfish. (Roger Thoma, where are you?)
>
>As darkness began to cast foreboding shaddows upon Phelps Creek Gorge, we
>thought is best to pack up the gear and begin climbing out. I thought this
>was difficult climbing down with empty hands. (Try climbing UP, with
>buckets
>full of fish and water!) Phelps Creek Gorge, in the early evening, can
>appear quite spooky! This was fitting for October, as I now know what
>Ichabod Crane felt like when he was riding his horse fearfully slow heading
>home from Sleepy Hollw! I hope to return to this extreemly picturesque
>stream, perhaps in the Spring time, when water is a little higher, and
>fishes are in full breeding color. This is a "best kept secret" kind of
>place in North East Ohio, and I think anyone would find the trip
>worthwhile,
>even if just to enjoy the scenery of this enchanting place! It's a natural
>gem, amidst the highly populated north east portion of Ohio!
>
>Thank you Nick and Linda Zarlinga, Jeff Rebe, and Bill Flynn for attending
>this small but quality gathering. And thank you Nick for your hospitality
>as
>we ventured back to your home to unwind, examine what we caught, eat, and
>just talk fish! . Oh., by the way, I can't forget to mention what a great
>native tank you have!
>
>
>/-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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>/"Unless stated otherwise, comments made on this list do not necessarily
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>/ Association"
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>------------------------------
>
>End of nanfa V1 #1088
>*********************
>
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>/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>/"Unless stated otherwise, comments made on this list do not necessarily
>/ reflect the beliefs or goals of the North American Native Fishes
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>/ This is the discussion list of the North American Native Fishes
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>/ nanfa_at_aquaria.net. To subscribe, unsubscribe, or get help, send the word
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>http://www.nanfa.org
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