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 […]

Five Rivers MetroParks has always been near and dear to the hearts of longtime Oregon District residents Katie and Russ Joseph. When their 15-year-old son, Eli, was born it became a family affair.    “One of our greatest memories was our first Bike to Work Day pancake breakfast with Eli at RiverScape MetroPark. He must have […]

Now that the weather is warming and there are more hours of daylight, it’s 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 […]

Lucy’s Pastry Palace Grand Opening at the 2nd Street Market Lucy’s Pastry Palace now has a permanent booth at the 2nd Street Market. They will celebrate their grand opening this Saturday, March 16. Introduced to authentic Armenian pastries since childhood, Owner Tamara Cerovcevic passion for baking led her to search for a way to share […]

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 […]

Here’s to Another Ice Rink Season!   Whether you came to ice skate, participated in a sport league or just came to spectate with hot cocoa, we are grateful for every visitor who chose to spend time with us this season. While we had some wonky weather at times, we are beyond thankful for the community’s […]

Witch hazels are flowering plants boasting warm colors that also have medicinal properties. There are four main species – American witch hazel (H. virginiana), Chinese witch hazel (H. mollis), Ozark witch hazel (H. vernalis) and Japanese witch hazel (H. japonica) – and hundreds of cultivars (plant varieties that have been cultivated through selected breeding). These […]

Each year, Five Rivers MetroParks volunteers monitor 48 bluebird boxes throughout nine MetroParks. Why do we monitor bluebirds? In the 1890s, House Sparrows and European Starlings found their way to the United States, competing with existing bluebirds for nesting sites. This bird boom and loss of habitat due to increased development meant that, by the […]

If you’re looking for a fun, easy way to give back to nature and help the environment, participating in citizen science can be the perfect answer. Citizen science is research conducted voluntarily by the public to address real-world problems. These projects can be local or international.  Citizen science allows participants to give back to nature […]

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 […]

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