Education
MetroParks Monthly: Programs & Events for September
Updated August 25th, 2023
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 […]
How to add native plants to your yard this fall
Updated August 21st, 2023
Don’t put away your gardening tools as the weather begins to cool: Native trees and shrubs thrive when planted in the fall since they’ve adapted to our climate. Many of the trees’ natural changes, such as losing their leaves in autumn, ensure they enter dormancy before the coldest weather arrives and stay dormant until spring. […]
Not-to-miss meteor shower this summer
Updated August 8th, 2023
The spectacular meteor shower, the Perseids, will light up the sky starting as early as next week. According to astronomers, stargazers can expect to see up to 60 meteors an hour on a clear night. Typically the early mornings of August 12 and 13 (when the shower peaks) are opportunities to view the most meteors, […]
Keep on growing: Second season in the garden
Updated July 27th, 2023
Hot weather crops, such as peppers and tomatoes, are getting ripe and popping up left and right in your garden. In case you were thinking about winding down, think again: You can keep the gardening fun going into fall with cooler-season vegetables and herbs.
The rewards of a local, diverse, climate-conscious diet
Published July 26, 2023
Guest blogger: MetroParks Sustainability Manager, Tim Pritchard Better food choices can help curb climate change and embracing this notion can lead to rewarding lifestyle changes and personal wellness. Climate change is a heavy, urgent and overwhelming topic, but it is important that we share knowledge and empowerment focused on the betterment of our collective environment […]
Spend time in nature during Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
Published July 20, 2023
July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and the perfect time to check-in with yourself and loved ones, as well as learn about all the ways you can support your mental wellbeing outdoors. One in five American adults live with mental illness, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of those who […]
Free family fun at MetroParks’ Small Farm & Food Fest
Published July 13, 2023
Five Rivers MetroParks will host its Small Farm & Food Fest on Saturday, Aug. 5, 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 farmers market that focuses on healthy eating and sustainable living. Festivalgoers will experience […]
Forest Therapy improves mental, physical health
Updated March 20th, 2023
Join group walks or practice forest therapy on your own time. While research shows spending just 20 minutes in nature — or simply going outside — improves your wellbeing, forest therapy takes it to the next level.  Ellen Foley and Dave Thaeler are forest therapy guides certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy […]
A few weeks left to nominate your favorite OUTstanding Teacher
Updated January 5th, 2023
Five Rivers MetroParks is accepting nominations for its eighth annual OUTStanding Teacher Award, open to Dayton-area classroom educators who teach any subject from pre-K through high school. Nominations are due Jan. 31, 2023. A winner will be selected from each of the following categories: Rising Star (less than 10 years of teaching experience) Leader (10 […]
Pop quiz – are you recycling right?
Updated December 2nd, 2022
It’s America Recycles Day and your Five Rivers MetroParks is celebrating with a little sustainability pop quiz. Check out the questions and then mark your calendar for some opportunities that can help you live a more sustainable lifestyle: TRUE/FALSE: You can’t recycle aerosol cans in Montgomery County. False. As long as the can is empty […]
