Nature Is Open
Bat Conservation In Your MetroParks
Updated November 22, 2024
Bats play a key role in the ecosystem and provide humans with several ecosystem services, primarily insect control. There are 10 bat species commonly found in Ohio, including the federally endangered Indiana bat and northern long-eared bat, and the state endangered little brown bat and tricolored bat. Like many species, bat populations are threatened by […]
Safe ways to cool down in your MetroParks
Updated May 23, 2024
While there is no swimming in your Five Rivers MetroParks, there are still opportunities for you to splash on hot days. Visit one of the following locations for a cool down now through Labor Day starting May 27: Island MetroPark (101 E. Helena St., Dayton): This park features both a traditional playground and a sprayground. […]
7 ways to celebrate Mother’s Day outdoors this weekend
Updated May 6, 2024
Show your mother figures in your life some love this Sunday, Mother’s Day, by sharing your time with them. Gifts are great, but time spent with loved ones is priceless and we have just the place: the great outdoors. Here are a few easy ways to surprise your favorite mom, grandma, fur mom or bonus […]
The Healing Effects of Nature
Updated May 26, 2022
The science behind why spending time outdoors improves your physical and mental health For millennium, many have understood that time spent in nature improves human health. Take for example Hippocrates, a Greek physician born around the year 460 BC. Traditionally referred to as the “father of medicine,” he’s widely attributed to the quote, “Nature itself […]
Twin Valley Trails Challenge returns June 4
Published May 26, 2022
Five Rivers MetroParks will host the Twin Valley Trail Challenge on Saturday, June 4. Participants in this free, noncompetitive event choose their own adventure by hiking any distance from 1 to 28.7 miles, following marked routes on the Twin Valley Trail (TVT), located in and connecting Germantown and Twin Creek MetroParks — one of the […]
Five Rivers MetroParks hires new chief of philanthropy
Published November 29, 2021
Alexis Larsen has joined Five Rivers MetroParks’ executive leadership team as its new chief of philanthropy, starting Monday, Nov. 29. Larsen comes to MetroParks from the Dayton Art Institute (DAI), where she served as the external affairs director for 10 years. During her time at the museum, Larsen oversaw staff and volunteers in fundraising more […]
Winter is coming: MetroParks horticulturalists provide tips on how to prep your plants
Published October 14, 2021
From banana plants to gryphon begonias, you could get lost in the amount of impressive tropical and succulent plants on display at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark during the warm weather months. However, these plants cannot grow outdoors once temperatures reach 45 degrees and need to be put in a much warmer environment during the winter. Moving […]
Steele family service: Make volunteering a family adventure
Published September 10, 2021
As the saying goes, “it takes a village,” but in the case of Adventure Central, its village is built from generations of service-minded families with one goal: to see children thriving outdoors and in the classroom. Take the Steele family, for example. Father, Sheldon Steele, 52, and his daughters, Mariah Steele, 25; Asja Steele, 18; […]
Don’t miss live music, art and more this weekend!
Published August 4, 2021
This weekend is the perfect time to rediscover your favorite happenings in downtown Dayton. Visit RiverScape MetroPark and the 2nd Street Market for food, entertainment and more this Friday and Saturday. Here’s what’s in store: FRIDAY, AUG. 6 Art in the City Preview Join MetroParks and downtown Dayton’s other business, organizations and arts venues for […]
Storytime: Celebrating National Parks and Recreation Month
Updated July 19, 2021
Storytime: Celebrating National Parks and Recreation Month July is National Parks and Recreation Month and this year, the celebration is all about sharing stories. Your Five Rivers MetroParks has a rich history you can learn more about by tuning in to Decoding Nature each month for a new episode which will stream on local service […]
