MetroParks News
Grow your own with a victory garden this summer
Updated March 14, 2025
Whether you have some extra time at home and are looking for a new hobby or need to supplement your pantry out of necessity, gardening is a great way to stay physically active, enjoy the outdoors and reward yourself with healthy produce. For nearly 80 years, Americans have been gardening during challenging times. During World […]
Outdoor exploration for all abilities
Updated March 13, 2025
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 […]
Meet Juniper, MetroParks’ newest Animal Ambassador
Updated March 13, 2025
The results are in! After tallying the public’s nearly 300 votes, MetroParks’ newest Animal Ambassador’s name is Juniper. Named for a native tree, also commonly known as eastern redcedar or eastern juniper, Juniper is a screech owl that was rescued by Animal Care Alliance in Richmond, Indiana. Because she had incurable injuries to her left […]
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 […]
Be aware of red flags when sourcing seeds this spring
Published February 26, 2025
MetroParks’ gardening pros are raising a red flag when it comes to AI-generated and retouched photos of plants that online stores and marketplaces may be promoting – such as purple watermelon and tie-dyed sunflowers. While many plants are catchy and colorful, shoppers can be easily tricked into buying seeds that don’t yield promised results. For […]
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 […]
MetroParks Monthly: Programs & Events for February
Updated February 3, 2025
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 […]
Hike your way to heart health with the MetroParks Trails Challenge
Updated February 2, 2025
February is National Heart Month and a great time to start a new wellness journey. Engaging in healthy activities outdoors provides a boost of benefits that indoor workout sessions do not, such as decreased stress and increased vitamin D and heart health. Indeed, heart disease is the leading cause of death of men and women […]
Celebrate Black History Month at the 2nd Street Market
Updated January 28, 2025
Originally conceived by African American historian Carter G. Woodson and prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland, Black History Month was created as a way of celebrating and remembering the history of Black Americans and their often-forgotten roles in the history of our country. In 1915, a half century after the ratification of the 13th Amendment abolished […]
The free Adventure Speaker Series starts Feb. 5
Published January 23, 2025
Five Rivers MetroParks and Wright State University have partnered to offer four presentations meant to inspire a sense of adventure in outdoor enthusiasts of all interests. The biennial Adventure Speaker Series begins on Wednesday, Feb. 5 and continues throughout the winter with local explorers covering such topics as climbing, travel, hiking and truck camping. “Many […]
