ParkWays
How to add native plants to your yard this fall
Updated September 17, 2024
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. […]
Keep on growing: Second season in the garden
Updated August 15, 2024
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.
Not-to-miss meteor shower this summer
Updated August 5, 2024
The spectacular meteor shower, the Perseids, will light up the sky starting this 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 11 to the 12 (when the shower peaks) are opportunities to view the most meteors, according to […]
Firefly populations are dwindling. Here’s how you can help
Published June 24, 2024
Those who have spent many summer evenings outside may have noticed that there aren’t quite as many fireflies as there once were. Indeed, firefly species are dwindling due to many factors, including use of pesticides and habitat loss. Learn more about one of nature’s coolest glowing creatures and how you can help protect their homes.
Love your life jacket
Updated May 20, 2024
It’s heating up outside, which means many people will be itching to get out on the water. No matter how experienced you are at paddling, you can take important actions to ensure you have a safe, fun experience on the water. Wear it One of the most important things you can do to ensure you […]
Keeping it wild
Updated May 6, 2024
Chances are, if you’ve been in your MetroParks this season you’ve spotted wildlife, perhaps even an adorable baby animal. Spring is when many animals mate and give birth to little ones. While spotting any animal in the wild can be exciting, there a few things to remember when you come across a furry, scaly, feathered […]
Just 3 hours can make a difference this Earth Day
Published March 5, 2024
Celebrate Earth Day by protecting and cleaning the region’s parks and waterways during Five Rivers MetroParks’ 36th annual Adopt-A-Park. From 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 20, hundreds of volunteers from across the region will come together to spruce up these green spaces to prepare the parks for the warm weather months. Registration is […]
Be Lazy With Your Landscape
Updated October 18, 2023
This season, it’s time to chill – literally. When the weather cools and leaves start dropping, it’s good to be a little lazy with your yard. Leaving leaves, sticks, clippings and more provides homes for wildlife and helps create a healthy ecosystem in your yard and beyond. MetroParks sustainability coordinator, Tim Pritchard, suggests adopting a […]
Everyone outdoors
Updated June 23, 2023
Five Rivers MetroParks’ 2021 summer issue of ParkWays included a story about Jacey Campbell, local veteran and mom, and her experiences as a MetroParks volunteer. Identifying as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Campbell appreciates nature as a venue where she can be herself and decompress from the stressors of everyday life. Indeed, nature is […]
Paddle safe this season
Updated May 24, 2023
It’s getting warmer and you might be ready to boat – but do you have everything you need for a fun, safe paddling or boating experience? Watch our outdoor recreation team teach you how to prepare to paddle: Whether you are a seasoned paddler or new to the water, you should take these critical steps […]
