MetroParks Monthly: Programs & Events for November

GET OUT & EXPLORE YOUR METROPARKS

For more than 60 years, Five Rivers MetroParks has been connecting people with nature by providing clean, safe outdoor spaces that support the public’s physical, emotional and mental health. You can learn more about exploring your MetroParks and get involved by:

• Volunteering with Five Rivers MetroParks
• Learning more about your Five Rivers MetroParks on November’s ballot
• Becoming a MetroParks Champion

MetroParks on the Ballot

Five Rivers MetroParks has an issue on the November 5th ballot. It is a 1-mill, 10-year operating levy. By law, Five Rivers MetroParks cannot advocate for this issue. An independent campaign committee, Five Rivers MetroParks Levy Committee, has formed to do this. To contact the campaign committee, you can visit their website at VoteForFiveRivers.org or email them at info@voteforfiverivers.org.

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 on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

PROGRAMS

Active Outdoors

• Patriot Fly Tying Class: Nov. 6 – 6 to 8:30 p.m. at MetroParks’ Main Office
• Bicycle Maintenance 1: Nov. 7 – 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Possum Creek MetroPark
• Dayton Backpacker Campfire Series: Discovering & Rediscovering the Joy of the Trail: Nov. 7 – 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
• Northern Saw-whet Owl Bird Banding: Nov. 7 – 8 to 10 p.m. at Germantown MetroPark
• Bicycle Maintenance 2: Brakes: Nov. 12 – 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Possum Creek MetroPark
• Hiking for Older Adults: Nov. 13 – 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Taylorsville MetroPark
• Discover Paddlesports: Types of Equipment: Nov. 14 – 6 to 8 p.m. at Possum Creek MetroPark
• Cold Weather Camping 1: Nov. 16 – 6 to 7 p.m. at Germantown MetroPark
• Bicycle Maintenance 2: Shifters & Derailleurs: Nov. 19 – 6 – 8:30 p.m. at Possum Creek MetroPark
• Cold Weather Camping 2: Nov. 23, 3 p.m. to Nov. 24, 9 a.m. at Possum Creek MetroPark

Youth & Family

• Wonders of Stargazing: Nov. 1 – 8 to 9:30 p.m. at Twin Creek MetroPark
• Leaf Exploration: Nov. 2 – 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Sugarcreek MetroPark
• Light Pollution Detective: Nov. 2 – 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Twin Creek MetroPark
• Feeder Bird Behavior & Identification: Nov. 9 – 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Germantown MetroPark
• Raptor Excursion: Nov. 9 – 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Hills & Dales MetroPark
• Tike Hike: Nov. 15 – 10 to 11 a.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
• Who’s That Bird at my Feeder?: Nov. 16 – 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Germantown MetroPark
• Become an Ecologist: Nov. 16 – 2 to 4 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
• Tike Hike: Nov. 20 – 10 to 11 a.m. at Germantown MetroPark
• Discover Dinosaur’s Descendants: Nov. 23 – 10 to 11 am. at Englewood MetroPark

Adult Nature Exploration

• Photos of Family Gatherings: Nov. 2 – 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
• Family Caregiver Nature Walk: Nov. 12 – 11 a.m. to noon at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
• EcoTalks: Local Insect Research: Nov. 20 – 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
• Owls of Ohio: Nov. 22 – 6 to 8 p.m. at Germantown MetroPark
• Fall Nature Walk: Nov. 23 – 9 to 11 a.m. at Germantown MetroPark
• Native Tree ID: Nov. 23 – 1 to 4 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark

Earth Friendly Living

• Houseplants for the Holidays: Nov. 2 – 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
• Biscuit Day: Nov. 2 – noon to 4 p.m. at Carriage Hill MetroPark
• Fire Cider: Nov. 9 – 1 to 4 p.m. at Possum Creek MetroPark
• Compost Kitchen: Nov. 13 – 6 to 8 p.m. at Possum Creek MetroPark

For Everyone

• Paint-A-Park: Nov. 3 – noon to 3 p.m. at Wesleyan MetroPark

SPECIAL EVENTS

Holidays at the 2nd Street Market

It’s the season of giving and gratitude, and the 2nd Street Market has so many ways for shoppers to support local businesses this November. Get a jump start on holiday gift giving during Global Artisan Market on Nov. 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Featuring special guest artisans from across the globe, the Global Artisan Market is a great way to welcome new Daytonians to the region and experience their culture.

Visitors can enjoy special shopping hours at the Market before Thanksgiving during Stock-Up Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 27. Grab meal staples, prepared dishes, desserts, holiday décor, flowers and much more before you start meal prepping for the holiday.

New this season, the 2nd Street Market offers low-impact, indoor fitness sessions as part of its new wellness series. Enjoy free Tai Chi & Qigong and Yoga sessions on select Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

MetroParks Ice Rink

Lace up your skates and get ready to glide – the MetroParks Ice Rink opens on Friday, Nov. 29. Enjoy sweeping views of the Great Miami River and downtown Dayton skyline all dressed up for the holiday season. Though the rink is outdoors, visitors can stay warm and cozy in the comfort tent and MSD Warming Zone. Additionally, warm beverages will be available at the RiverScape Café. Alcoholic beverages will be available to those who are 21 and older.

Admission is $7 with a skate rental fee of $3. Children under the age of 3 are admitted free with a paying adult. Thanks to the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation, those who use SNAP/EBT benefits can receive 50% off admission and skate rentals by showing their card upon purchasing admission.

MetroParks Ice Rink media is sponsored by WKEF22 / FOX 45.

Give us your feedback

MetroParks and University of Dayton want to hear from you about protecting the region’s natural heritage. Take this 10-minute survey or save this email and return to it when you have 10 minutes to spare. Take the survey here.

MONTHLY MUST-DOS IN YOUR METROPARKS

Plan a night hike: Daylight saving time ends on Nov. 3, meaning daylight will be shorter and the sun will set earlier in the day. Nature at night is a different experience, so be sure to plan an evening hike with a headlamp or flashlight to see what kind of sights and sounds you can discover after the sun sets.

Fall fishing: Cooler weather and changing leaves make fall a great time to Get Out & Fish. Pack some water, layer up and head to one of these locations to see what you can catch.

Cozy picnic: Bring blankets and a warm meal into the parks for a fall picnic. The crisp air means less insects buzzing around, plus you can enjoy the warm autumn colors during a pre- or post-meal hike.

SUSTAINABILITY TIP: Don’t chuck your pumpkins!

Did you know that more than one billion pounds of pumpkin ends up in the landfill each year? Show some love to the environment and your leftover jack-o-lanterns by dropping off clean, wax and paint-free pumpkins at Carriage Hill MetroPark. Pumpkins will be given to the farm animals to snack on. Bins will be placed outside starting Nov. 1 for pumpkin drop off.

NOVEMBER CHALLENGE:

Your inclination might be to stay inside as the temps become frosty, but spending time outdoors year-round is critical for your mental and physical health.

As temperatures continue to drop, layer up and spend time outdoors doing your favorite activities. Even if you can’t be outside for as long, you will still get some much-needed vitamin D, fresh air and exercise. Learn more about cold weather activities in MetroParks.

Please note: Programs and events with limited capacity may fill quickly; however, in some cases waitlists are available. Please contact 937-275-PARK to inquire about being placed on a waitlist. Additionally, programs may be cancelled due to a variety of reasons – including weather conditions – please check our online calendar to check the status of a program or event before attending.