Conservation & Sustainability
Remove and replace these popular invasive plants from your property
Updated May 30, 2025
Guest blogger: Sustainability Manager Tim Pritchard Invasive species reduce biodiversity, degrade habitat, and limit the ability of native ecosystems to store carbon, making their removal and replacement an important and impactful conservation action for any who manages land, from backyard to commercial property. Replacing invasives with native species helps to create habitat and mitigate climate […]
EcoTalk: The American Kestrel: Our Smallest Falcon – May 2025
Published April 24, 2025
On Thursday, May 8, 2025, Five Rivers MetroParks invites an environmental researcher to present about local science. These EcoTalk presentations are an effort to further connect us to nature by learning about conservation topics and ways to implement positive change at home. Thursday, May 8, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Cox Arboretum MetroPark Fifth-third Conference Room […]
Understanding MetroParks’ impact with soil science
Published April 14, 2025
In 2023, Five Rivers MetroParks conducted a comprehensive study on soil carbon sequestration across its diverse ecosystems, including prairies, forests and wetlands. Carbon sequestration – the process of capturing and storing CO2 – is integral in reducing the amount of greenhouse glass emissions and limiting climate change. “As a conservation leader in our region, […]
Celebrate Earth DayTON this April through May, starting at the 2nd Street Market
Updated April 10, 2025
Earth DayTON is a celebration of all the forward-thinking individuals and organizations in the Miami Valley doing good work to help further sustainability, conservation, and environmental justice efforts. The City of Dayton Office of Sustainability and Five Rivers MetroParks began leading this initiative in 2023 to illustrate how to get involved in events, programs, and […]
Trash in rivers is an increasing problem – we can all pitch in to help
Published April 7, 2025
Guest blogger: Perry V. Richter The arrival of spring after a long, freezing winter is bringing warmer temperatures, brave flowers, budding trees, and, of course, a whole lot of activity. Walkers and cyclists get out onto trails around the Miami Valley. However, one thing that isn’t so exciting will also show itself as snow and […]
Plant it for the planet
Updated April 2, 2025
April is Ohio Native Plant Month, the perfect occasion to learn more about the importance of these beautiful, important flowers, shrubs and trees. Adapted to the environment in which they grow, native plants provide the perfect food and shelter for wildlife. Many native plants are also critical to pollinators — animals and insects that cause […]
MetroParks Monthly: Programs & Events for April
Updated March 27, 2025
Below you’ll find a list of programs and events for all ages, from children to life-long 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 […]
More than 300 volunteers needed for this year’s Adopt-A-Park Earth Day celebration
Published March 10, 2025
Five Rivers MetroParks will host its largest annual day of service, Adopt-A-Park, on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to noon at multiple sites across Montgomery County. Hundreds of volunteers are needed to help MetroParks staff spruce up green spaces and work on special projects that protect the region’s parks and waterways. Registration is required […]
MetroParks’ first Birding Challenge is here and so is your chance to win prizes
Published March 3, 2025
Five Rivers MetroParks has launched its newest public challenge, which invites participants to connect with the outdoors by engaging in one of the country’s most popular outdoor pastimes—birding. The MetroParks Birding Challenge also allows the public to contribute to important citizen science and local conservation activities. The MetroParks Birding Challenge features 30 tasks that invite […]
9 green spring cleaning tips
Updated February 20, 2025
It’s officially spring cleaning season, and many may be itching to get their spaces cleaned, organized and purged of unnecessary items that have piled up during winter. You can create tidy, healthy living spaces and reduce your impact on the environment with just a little extra effort. Before you start pitching unwanted items, remember there […]
