Five Rivers MetroParks

The Cox Arboretum MetroPark staff are feeling festive! Soon, you’ll be able to spot these cute works of art on the grounds of Cox Arboretum MetroPark. See if you can spot all the gnomes! ?? Many thanks to our volunteer wood workers, Uriah Langmeyer and other park staff for their hard work to make Cox Arboretum MetroPark feel special this season – and year-round!

Our Wellness Committee ensures that our staff are getting all the benefits that our visitors experience in the parks, from physical health to mental wellness. Over the past few years, this committee has created a few new staff programs including the MetroParks Trails Challenge, which had 85 staff participants in 2024! Additionally, this was the first year of our new Wellness Time benefit. Staff can complete a host of healthy actions - from cancer screenings to fitness classes - to earn time off for wellness each quarter. Hundreds of staff completed 1,103 healthy actions in 2024. Many thanks to our Wellness Committee and leadership who ideate and support these staff opportunities! ??

A short behind-the-scenes moment at MetroParks Ranger HQ! Our favorites are the shelf of retired "vintage" gear - it's like visiting a tiny museum - and the missing "cat" poster. ?? In addition to their awesome senses of humor, MetroParks rangers are dedicated to protecting the persons, property and natural resources in MetroParks. If you are a certified law enforcement officer and love serving the community, spending time in nature and dad jokes/puns, consider applying for a position as a MetroParks Ranger! Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/d3fH5bQY

Are you ready to lace up your skates?! MetroParks Ice Rink at RiverScape MetroPark opens Friday, Nov. 29! https://lnkd.in/gj5QQHC7

Here are more photos from yesterday's Ohio Soil Health Week event I hosted at The Foodbank, Inc. Collaborating with the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA), Five Rivers MetroParks, The Ohio State University Montgomery County Extension, and Central State University Southwest Extension, we showcased Ohio's conservation and ag education successes. This strong network of organizations demonstrates the power of "cross-pollination," allowing us to work together to reach community members more effectively. Attendees from Dayton Public School District, University of Dayton, and other educational institutions will ensure that the message of Ohio Soil Health Week will continue to grow across our state.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the amount of household garbage in the US increases 25% between Thanksgiving and New Years Day, resulting in 5 million tons of waste that is sent to the landfill. Keep holiday waste out of the landfill by recycling old/unwanted lights at 10 different Five Rivers MetroParks locations! https://lnkd.in/gRCiHM-g

Today, Veterans Day, we want to show our deepest gratitude to all those who have served. In particular, we would like to recognize the veterans on MetroParks staff who have served in the Ohio Military Reserve, as well as the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy, Army and Air Force. Invite your favorite veteran on a fall stroll to show them some extra appreciation for their service. ??

Not all heroes wear capes – sometimes they wear MetroParks gear! ?? Yesterday, at Chamberlain Road near Twin Creek Drive (Twin Creek MetroPark), a substantial brush fire started near a residential area. While the source of the fire remains unknown, it spread quickly due to high winds and dry leaves. Mutual Aid fire departments were called to assist, but parks services and conservation staff responded to provide assistance, as well. Because many of MetroParks’ conservation staff and (some) park staff conduct prescribed burns/are trained in wildfire management, their knowledge and skill helped to control the fire. Twin Valley park manager Chris Landis prepared gear for our conservation team while they were in route to the fire. The team responded with the burn trailer and appropriate equipment. The fire department and conservation staff stayed on the scene for several hours to put out numerous hot spots. A huge shout out to all the rangers who responded, firefighters and Germantown MetroPark’s parks staff, in addition to Shane Sheldon, Mike Osborne, Mike Cooper, Sarah Browning, Nichole Freshour, Megan Rude and Kevin Reichling. Thank you for saving the day. Remember, the best way to prevent a brushfire during dry, windy weather is to use fire safety practices: https://lnkd.in/gpdc7Tbz

“Five Rivers MetroParks is essential to our quality of life, and the parks stimulate community economic development,” Chief Executive Officer Karen Hesser said. “We greatly appreciate the support of the voters. These results reinforce how much our community values the high-quality parks and open spaces that MetroParks has protected for more than 60 years. With this levy, MetroParks will continue to offer access to nature for all who live, work, learn and play in Montgomery County.” https://lnkd.in/gifhN92K

Wherever you may be today - work, school, home, the gym, out with loved ones or your polling location - we hope you get a chance to spend some time in nature today. ?? Learn how to Get Out & Explore your MetroParks today and year-round: www.metroparks.org/explore