MetroParks Monthly: Programs & Events for November

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 on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

PROGRAMS

Active Outdoors 

• Hiking for Older Adults: Nov. 8 – 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Eastwood MetroPark
• Fly Tying: Nov. 9 – 6 to 8 p.m. at Five Rivers MetroParks Main Office
• Bicycle Maintenance 2: Shifters & Derailleurs: Nov. 9 – 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Possum Creek MetroPark
• Vaulting 101: Nov. 12 – 2:00 to 3:15 p.m. at Carriage Hill MetroPark
• Advanced Fly Tying: Nov. 16 – 6 to 8 p.m. at Five Rivers MetroParks Main Office
• Land Navigation: Nov. 18 – 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Germantown MetroPark
• Hiking for Older Adults: Nov. 29 – 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at Sugarcreek MetroPark

Youth & Family

• Stargazing: Nov. 3 – 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. at Twin Creek MetroPark
• Impact of Invasive Species: Nov. 4 – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
• Leaf Exploration: Nov. 4 – 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
• Globe at Night: Nov. 4 – 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at Twin Creek MetroPark
• Tike Hike: Nov. 9 – 10 to 11 a.m. at Taylorsville MetroPark
• Tike Hike: Nov. 16 – 10 to 11 a.m. at Hills & Dales MetroPark
• Fall Bird Walk: Nov. 18 – 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Possum Creek MetroPark
• Become an Ecologist: Nov. 18 – 2 to 4p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
• Owl Search: Nov. 18 – 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Englewood MetroPark
• Project Feederwatch: Nov. 25 – 11:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Germantown MetroPark
• Raptor Excursion: Nov. 25 – 3 to 4 p.m. at Germantown MetroPark

Adult Nature Exploration

• Witch Hazels in the Landscape: Nov. 12 – 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
• EcoTalk – Ohio Bat Populations and Maternity Roosts : Nov. 16 – 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
• Owls of Ohio: Nov. 17 – 6 to 8 p.m. at Germantown MetroPark
• Fall Bird Walk: Nov 18 – 9 to 11 a.m. at Germantown MetroPark
• Capturing Family Gatherings: Nov. 18 – 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
• Native Tree Identification: Nov. 18 – 1 to 4 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
• Lea Crunch Hike: Nov. 20 – 11 a.m. to noon at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark

Earth Friendly Living

• Artisan Skills and Heritage Cookery Day: Nov. 4 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Carriage Hill MetroPark
• Fiber Arts Meetup: Nov. 7 – 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Possum Creek MetroPark
• Planting Bloomers for Winter: Nov. 10 – 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 2nd Street Market

For Everyone

• Paint-A-Park: Nov. 5 – 12 to 3 p.m. at 2nd Street Market
• Northern Saw-whet Owl Bird Banding: Nov. 10 – 8 to 10 p.m. at Germantown MetroPark
• Story time at the Market: When Winter Comes: Nov. 17 – 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the 2nd Street Market

SPECIAL EVENTS

SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Shopping season at the 2nd Street Market kicks off early with the Global Artisan Fair on Sunday, Nov. 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Market has collaborated with community partners to host artisans who have immigrated to Dayton from countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Columbia, Eritrea and beyond. Explore international culture and shop fair-trade and handmade, all while welcoming Dayton’s new residents.

The Market will also host its annual Stock Up Wednesday event on Wednesday, Nov. 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy extended shopping hours to grab last-minute meal necessities, décor, desserts, prepared foods and more.

Learn more about the Market’s seasonal programs and shopping opportunities.

Programs at the 2nd Street Market are sponsored by Dayton Children’s.

METROPARKS ICE RINK OPENS FOR THE SEASON

Lace up your skates and get ready to glide – the MetroParks Ice Rink opens on Friday, Nov. 24. 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, presented by Butler Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, and MSD Warming Zone. Additionally, warm beverages will be available at the RiverScape Café. New this season, 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.

The MetroParks Ice Rink is sponsored by PNC, MSD, Butler Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, USI Insurance Services, Ed Smith Flowers & Gifts and Winans Chocolates + Coffees.

SUPPORT ISLAND METROPARK THIS GIVING TUESDAY

Approximately 87% of Five Rivers MetroParks funding comes from a property tax levy supported by Montgomery County voters. This Giving Tuesday, Nov. 28, help fill the 13% funding gap with a donation to the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation in support of Island MetroPark for the replacement of the splash pad and playground along with other amenity upgrades, along with an endowment that will help with future funding needs.

DONATE TO THIS PROJECT 

Learn more about the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation’s work.

Monthly must-do in your MetroParks

• Plan at night hike: Daylight saving time ends on Nov. 5, 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 picnic: Cooler weather means few insects and colorful foliage. Head to your favorite MetroPark for a picnic lunch and post-meal hike to explore the trails.
• New nature play: Cox Arboretum MetroPark staff and volunteers were hard at work last spring and summer working on a new nature play area. This new play space features natural elements that encourage kids to run, jump, climb and have fun while exploring the natural world.

Sustainability Tip: Be a little lazy with your landscaping this fall

Put down that rake and take a hike instead! Our conservation team reminds you it’s okay to be a little lazy with your landscape. Leaving leaves, sticks, clippings and more natural yard materials provides homes for wildlife and helps create a healthy ecosystem in your yard. Learn more by reading this month’s blog.

November Challenge: Stay active outdoors as it cools down

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

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