The best food is homegrown, whether in your backyard or your local farmer’s field. Eating local reduces your carbon footprint, keeps land in production and money in the community and has a positive impact on the environment. Five Rivers MetroParks supports the local food movement as part of our conservation mission. Our facilities and programs help you learn to grow, source and use local food using earth-friendly practices.

Featured Locations

2nd Street Market

600 E. Second St., Dayton, OH 45402 Directions >

The 2nd Street Market is a vibrant, local food-focused farmer’s market experience. Our local vendors sell everything from apples to zucchini, from arepas to zesty salsas. Bring the whole family—and your guests from out of town—to experience this vibrant, downtown destination.

Note: The 2nd Street Market is open outdoors and on a smaller scale. Visit on Saturdays to shop from local farmers. For up-to-date hours, visit the Market’s page.

Possum Creek Farm

4790 Frytown Rd., Dayton, OH 45417 Directions >

The Possum Creek Farm promotes small-scale food-raising for the local community. Our demonstration gardens are located at the farm, directly across from the farmhouse. Our raised beds are planted to maximize yield in a small space. We mix in fruits, flowers and some perennial goodies like strawberries, gooseberries, and asparagus. Besides being delicious, these additions encourage pollinators and biodiversity in the garden. Learn how at the farm.

Carriage Hill Historical Farm

7860 E. Shull Rd., Dayton, OH 45424 Directions >

The Historical Farm at Carriage Hill gives visitors a glimpse of life on a conservative family farm in the 1880s. Watch demonstrations of tried and true sustainable methods of growing, cooking and preserving food from livestock to sorghum, tomatoes to rhubarb. You might be surprised at how relevant these techniques are more than a century later.

Garden Plots at Possum Creek and Wegerzyn Gardens

Large garden plots are available on an annual basis at two Five Rivers MetroParks: Possum Creek, and Wegerzyn Gardens. These 800-square-foot plots are open from April-November each year for growing produce to feed you and your family. Wegerzyn Gardens also has organic plots available year-round.

Learn more about garden plot rental

Edible Landscape Garden at Cox Arboretum

6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45449 Directions >

The Edible Landscape Garden combines beauty and utility through an ornamental display of fruits, vegetables and herbs. As you stroll through this attractive and practical garden you may even find some ideas for your own backyard!

Community Gardens

Gardening is an easy way to live more sustainable and community gardening is a great way to grow your own food – and new friendships.

Five Rivers MetroParks Supports Community Gardening initiatives through providing seeds and seedlings (as available) and consulting on the design and details of community garden development and longevity. We also provide educational programming to those who request it, as available. View our community gardens map to see if you have a community garden in your neighborhood.

Learn more about community gardening

Grow, cook and eat local with Five Rivers MetroParks

MetroParks offers ample opportunities to learn about food. Source, grow and explore the world of food at the following parks:

Programs & Events

Outdoor Farmers' Market at the 2nd Street Market

Each Saturday through October!

Enjoy the best of in-season, locally grown vegetables, herbs and bedding plants brought to the Market straight from the field at the annual summer outdoor Farmers’ Market. Conventional and organic farmers will participate every Saturday.

Learn more about the Market.

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Resources

Helpful links to enhance your experience

Do it at Home

Local Foods Directory

Community Resources

Food: Earth to Table