Education
MetroParks Monthly: Programs & Events for August
Updated July 26th, 2024
Below you’ll find a list of programs and events for all ages, from children to lifelong learners, in addition to MetroParks must-dos, sustainability tips and information on what’s growing in the parks this month.   Take a deeper dive into your areas of interest by signing up for MetroParks’ email newsletters and following Five Rivers MetroParks […]
Free Small Farm & Food Fest celebrates sustainable living, healthy eating, debuts new trail
Published July 11, 2024
Five Rivers MetroParks will host Small Farm & Food Fest on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Carriage Hill MetroPark, 7800 E. Shull Rd. This free, all-ages festival offers hands-on activities, demonstrations, local speakers and a pop-up farmer’s market that focuses on healthy eating and sustainable living. Festivalgoers will experience modern-day […]
Staycation in Dayton
Published June 26, 2024
If cross-country trips aren’t in the cards this year, consider a staycation in nature at one of MetroParks’ 23 campsites. MetroParks offers three types of sites suited for the type of camping adventure you want to have outdoors. Frontcountry campsites: Frontcountry experiences are for those who want to enjoy amenities, such as nearby parking, rest […]
Firefly populations are dwindling. Here’s how you can help
Published June 24, 2024
Those who have spent many summer evenings outside may have noticed that there aren’t quite as many fireflies as there once were. Indeed, firefly species are dwindling due to many factors, including use of pesticides and habitat loss. Learn more about one of nature’s coolest glowing creatures and how you can help protect their homes.
Love your life jacket
Updated May 20th, 2024
It’s heating up outside, which means many people will be itching to get out on the water. No matter how experienced you are at paddling, you can take important actions to ensure you have a safe, fun experience on the water. Wear it One of the most important things you can do to ensure you […]
Get started composting
Updated May 14th, 2024
Cut your waste and feed your garden by creating a compost area at home. To get started, all you need is a little know-how and a space big enough for a container or bin. Why compost? Organic waste, such as food and yard waste, make 25% to 50% of what people throw away. While you may […]
Keeping it wild
Updated May 6th, 2024
Chances are, if you’ve been in your MetroParks this season you’ve spotted wildlife, perhaps even an adorable baby animal. Spring is when many animals mate and give birth to little ones. While spotting any animal in the wild can be exciting, there a few things to remember when you come across a furry, scaly, feathered […]
Outdoor exploration for all abilities
Published March 20, 2024
Each individual experiences the outside world differently and brings a unique perspective on how to enjoy the natural world – a sentiment local mom and MetroParks human resources and volunteer manager Jenny Hymans often reminds those around her. What started with a tiny speck of light on an ultrasound turned into a long journey for […]
Be a mud skipper during this weird weather season
Updated March 7th, 2024
For the third year in a row, winter’s flip-flopping temps and wet weather have probably resulted in many of your favorite natural surface trails being muddy. When this happens, regional park manager Mike Osborne encourages parkgoers to avoid these trails or take your adventures to the region’s many paved trails. “When there are muddy patches […]
Mark your calendar: Astronomical events in 2024
Updated January 31st, 2024
There are so many incredible ways to experience nature on our Earth that people might not remember to look up and experience the wonders of the sky. This year, we have some major astronomical events happening and Dayton gets a front row seat. TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE Daytonians are in for a celestial spectacle on […]