The Five Rivers Metroparks have a plethora of exciting things for us Daytonians to enjoy this spring. Grab the kids, put on some comfy shoes and go explore. Get out of your comfort zone and go to a new park this year- you won’t regret it.
A HALF MILE MORE
Sat. Apr 2, 8:00 am-12:00 pm
SUGARCREEK METROPARK, Trailhead Parking Lot , 4178 Conference Rd.
This outdoor community recreation opportunity is sponsored by Miami Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America. Contact Bill Mathies for more information. See contact info to register. Contact (937) 435-1019 or [email protected] for details. Age: All ages Fee: $20
(FREE) BIKE FOR THE HEALTH OF IT!: RIDE TO VERONA
Sat. Apr 2, 9:00-11:00 am
BIKEWAY: WOLF CREEK, Ohio Bike Route 38
Meet in the parking lot behind Rob’s Restaurant, 705 Arlington Rd. in Brookville.(11 miles). Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Contact (937) 277-4823 for details. Age: All ages
(FREE) TRY GARDENING!
Sat. Apr 2, 11:00 am-3:00 pm
POSSUM CREEK METROPARK, Possum Creek Education Building, 4790 Frytown Rd.
Learn how to get your garden planted for spring and brush up on your gardening skills. Demonstrations and fun opportunities for visitors of all ages to get their hands dirty will be available. Try planting potatoes, asparagus, and other spring crops. Learn about composting and get garden advice from staff and volunteers. Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Age: All ages
(FREE) EASTWOOD HIKE WITH THE METRO DAYTON HIKERS
Sun. Apr 3, 1:30-3:30 pm
EASTWOOD METROPARK, Last Parking Lot, 1385 Harshman Rd.
Enjoy a 4-5 mile, two-hour easy hike. No registration required. Contact (937) 687-0114 or [email protected] for details. Age: All ages
(FREE) ADULT NATURE WALKS: ADULT NATURE WALK
Tue. Apr 5, 9:00-11:00 am
TAYLORSVILLE METROPARK, Shelter: CCC/East Park Parking Lot, 2101 U.S. 40
Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Age: 18Y and up
(FREE) VOLUNTEER: HORTICULTURAL LEARNING SERIES
Tue. Apr 5, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
AULLWOOD GARDEN METROPARK, Aullwood Gardens, 930 Aullwood Rd.
These projects are great opportunities for staff and seasoned and novice gardeners to learn from each other. Each session will include a learning topic, followed by a work project. Please visit metroparks.org for more information. Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Contact (937) 277-4133 or [email protected] for details. Age: 18Y and up
(FREE) TRY MOUNTAIN BIKING
Tue. Apr 5, 4:00-7:00 pm
MOMBA, 4485 Union School House Road
Is not owning a mountain bike keeping you from trying it? If so, then come out to MoMBA and borrow one of our bikes to ride for a lap or two. Bikes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Youth younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Helmets are mandatory and provided with bike. Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Age: All ages
(FREE) CONSERVATION KIDS: TIKES (AGES 3-5): BUDS AND BUGS
Wed. Apr 6, 1:00-2:00 pm
TAYLORSVILLE METROPARK, Shelter: Blue Heron /Parking Lot, 2000 U.S. 40
Use facepaint to transform your preschooler into a bee, bug, or butterfly. We will pretend to be nature’s pollinators, exploring flower to flower, and discovering the relationships that flowers have with bugs. Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Age: 3Y-5Y
(FREE) CAFé SCI: MIAMI CONSERVANCY DISTRICT
Wed. Apr 6, 6:30-8:30 pm
COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Fifth Third Conference Room, 6733 Springboro Pk.
Learn what this partnering agency does to manage regional waterways and protect watershed quality. Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Age: 18Y and up
TWIN VALLEY TRAIL VAN TOUR
Thu. Apr 7, 5:30-8:00 pm
GERMANTOWN METROPARK, Twin Valley Welcome Center, 6910 Boomershine Rd.
Join us for a driving tour, visiting trailheads and backcountry campsites along the Twin Valley Trail to help plan your next backpacking adventure. Plan to stretch your legs on a couple of 1/2 mile hikes. Registration required. Age: 18Y and up Fee: $5
(FREE) TEACHERS’ NIGHT OUT: BUSY BEES
Thu. Apr 7, 6:00-8:00 pm
COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Mead Westvaco Theatre, 6733 Springboro Pk.
This month we will focus on our number 1 pollinators, bees! Teachers will discover new ways to bring pollination to life through citizen science opportunities, learn how to observe bees safely with students, and learn how to attract pollinators to their school garden. Registration required. Age: 18Y and up
(FREE) BIKE FOR THE HEALTH OF IT!: RIDE TO TROTWOOD
Sat. Apr 9, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
BIKEWAY: WOLF CREEK, Ohio Bike Route 38
Meet in the parking lot behind Rob’s Restaurant, 705 Arlington Rd. in Brookville. (14 miles). Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Age: All ages
GROWING UP WILD TRAINING
Sat. Apr 9, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Kettering Learning Lab, 6733 Springboro Pk.
Do you want to get your students outdoors to learn? Using proven material for early childhood educators geared toward curriculum goals, this workshop gives you the tools needed for successful outdoor learning. You will also learn about our Green Schoolyards program and how we can help you better utilize the outdoor space at your school. Registration required. Age: 18Y and up Fee: $5
(FREE) 19TH CENTURY FARMING DEMONSTRATIONS: FROM SHEEP TO SHAWLS
Sat., Sun Apr. 9-10, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
CARRIAGE HILL METROPARK, Carriage Hill Historical Farm, 7850 E. Shull Rd.
Watch as sheep are sheared for the spring at 2pm. Help card wool and watch as fabric is dyed using traditional methods. Hear about the spinning process and factory production of wool. Watch spinners and weavers process the wool into yarn. No registration required. Age: All ages
BACKPACKING 2
Sat., Sun Apr. 9-10, 12:00-12:15 pm
GERMANTOWN METROPARK, Campsite: Shimps Hollow, 7350 Boomershine Rd.
Spend a night on the Twin Valley Trail learning how to pack your backpack, use a water filter, cook in the backcountry, select a campsite and more. Equipment is available at no additional charge with reservation. Prerequisites: Backpacking 1 or Intro to Backpacking. Registration required. Age: 14Y and up Fee: $40
TEEN MUSHROOM GROWING
Sat. Apr 9, 12:30-2:30 pm
POSSUM CREEK METROPARK, Possum Creek Education Building, 4790 Frytown Rd.
Help us get our mushroom spawn started for City Beets, our youth program teaching teens about gardening and food. Learn everything you need to know about starting mushrooms. Registration required. Age: 12Y-18Y Fee: $5
WILD ABOUT WILDFLOWERS WALKS: WILDFLOWER WALK: EARLY SPRING WONDERS
Sun. Apr 10, 2:00-3:00 pm
COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Parking Lot, 6733 Springboro Pk.
Join us for a look at the first wildflowers of the season. Learn when and how long they bloom and how to introduce these beauties into your own landscape. We hope to have the following starts ready this week:Trillium sessile, Mertensia virginica (Virginia blue bells), Phlox divaricate, viola sororia x confederate Registration required. Age: 18Y and up Fee: $10
(FREE) LEARNING FROM THE LANDSCAPE: COX ARBORETUM METROPARK: GARDEN DESIGN
Tue. Apr 12, 6:00-7:00 pm
COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Parking Lot, 6733 Springboro Pk.
Learn how to make a garden design using the plantings at Cox as an example. A great opportunity to see the early gardens, learn how they will evolve and change over the growing season, and how you can use this information in your own home garden. Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Age: 18Y and up
(FREE) VOLUNTEER: CONSERVATION VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION
Wed. Apr 13, 9:00-11:00 am
FIVE RIVERS METROPARKS MAIN OFFICE, 409 E. Monument Ave., 3rd Floor
Five Rivers MetroParks protects nearly 16,000 acres, and we could use your help. Whether you are interested in fish or flowers, like to walk or prefer to help in an office or the greenhouse, there is an opportunity perfect for you. Discover what we are doing in conservation and how to get involved. Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Contact [email protected] for details. Age: All ages
(FREE) VOLUNTEER: WEGERZYN GARDENS ORIENTATION
Wed. Apr 13, 10:30 am-12:00 pm
WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, Adult Classroom, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave.
Discover how volunteers can get involved and make an impact at this hidden gem of the Miami Valley. Orientation will provide an overview of opportunities and a walking tour. Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Age: 18Y and up
(FREE) COMPOST KITCHEN
Wed. Apr. 13-27, 11:00 am-1:00 pm
COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Fifth Third Conference Room, 6733 Springboro Pk.
This three-part program covers everything you need to know to compost effectively and is offered free of charge thanks to a partnership with Montgomery County Solid Waste District. Talks and activities explore soil ecology, chemical free gardening and household waste management. Participants completing all three programs receive a free composter. Registration required. Age: 16Y and up
FLY FISHING 1
Wed. Apr 13, 6:00-8:00 pm
COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Mead Westvaco Theatre, 6733 Springboro Pk.
An introduction to fly fishing, this classroom program covers gear, (both essentials and accessories), flies, several different casts, and more. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required. Age: 12Y and up Fee: $5
BUS TRIP: CINCINNATI FLOWER SHOW AND BERN’S
Thu. Apr 14, 8:00 am-5:00 pm
WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, Auditorium, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave.
Today we’ll visit the Cincinnati Flower Show at Yeatman’s Cove. After a great morning, we’ll have lunch at a local bistro and then conclude the trip with a visit to Bern’s Garden Center in Middletown. Reservations required and due March 11. Credit cards and checks accepted. Registration required. Contact (937) 276-7052 for details. Age: 18Y and up Fee: $69
(FREE) VOLUNTEER: SUSTAINABLE TRAIL SUPPORT TEAM/TRAIL MONITOR ORIENTATION
Thu. Apr 14, 9:00-11:00 am
TAYLORSVILLE METROPARK, Land Stewardship Classroom, 8300 Brown School Rd.
There are more than 75 miles of trails throughout Five Rivers MetroParks, and we are continuing our efforts in maintaining them. Volunteers are needed to help monitor and act as trail team leaders to help support our trails. Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Contact [email protected] for details. Age: All ages
(FREE) TREE SEEDLING GIVEAWAY
Fri. Apr 15, 11:00 am-3:00 pm
Sat. Apr 16, 8:00 am-3:00 pm
2ND STREET MARKET, 600 E. Second St.
Celebrate Earth Day and pick up free tree seedlings while supplies last! No registration required. Contact (937) 228-2088 for details. Age: All ages
(FREE) CONSERVATION KIDS: TIKES (AGES 3-5): NOCTURNAL AMPHIBIAN QUEST
Fri. Apr 15, 7:30-8:30 pm
SUGARCREEK METROPARK, Trailhead Parking Lot , 4178 Conference Rd.
Search for spring peepers, spotted salamanders, and other amphibians in Sugarcreek’s vernal pool, only 1/4 mile away from the parking lot. If time allows, we may go for a night hike and try to call in barred owls. Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Age: 3Y-5Y
BEGINNING BIRDING WORKSHOP
Sat. Apr 16, 8:00 am-12:00 pm
COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Kettering Learning Lab, 6733 Springboro Pk.
Get started with the basics of birding, including identification, field guide and binocular use, bird song, biology, and behavior. The 2-hour indoor session will be followed by a 2-hour field study. Participants receive a birding handbook, ODNR field guides and bird song CDs. Registration required. Age: 14Y and up Fee: $25
(FREE) BIKE FOR THE HEALTH OF IT!: RIDE TO FIFTH THIRD GATEWAY PARK
Sat. Apr 16, 9:00-11:00 am
BIKEWAY: CREEKSIDE, Ohio Bike Route 2
(12 miles) Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Contact (937) 277-4823 for details. Age: All ages
(FREE) ADOPT-A-PARK 2016
Sat. Apr 16, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
RIVERSCAPE METROPARK, 237 E. Monument Ave.
Volunteers are needed to work at 15 river locations and every Five Rivers MetroParks facility. See Page 5 for details. Registration required. Contact (937) 275-7275 for details. Age: All ages
(FREE) VOLUNTEER: GARDENING ANGELS WORK DAYS
Sat. Apr 16, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, Outdoor Venues, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave.
Work with knowledgeable horticulturists to keep the gardens looking great. Discover design ideas, unique plants, and cultivation techniques suitable for the home garden. Get some exercise and make an impact! Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Age: 18Y and up
(FREE) WEGERZYN GARDENS WALKFEST
Sat. Apr 16, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, Picnic Area, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Avenue
This outdoor community recreation opportunity is sponsored by Purple Penguins. No registration required. Contact (937) 429-3946 for details. Age: All ages
CONSERVATION KIDS: EXPLORERS & VOYAGERS (AGES 6-13): AMPHIBIAN NATURALIST TRAINING
Sat. Apr 16, 2:00-4:00 pm
COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Kettering Learning Lab, 6733 Springboro Pk.
Learn your local amphibians and practice techniques in searching for them and sharing them with others. We’ll venture out into the wetlands for our own adventure, then help you develop your own get-together! Registration required. Age: 6Y-13Y Fee: $10
CONSERVATION KIDS: TIKES (AGES 3-5): FROG PARTY
Sat. Apr 16, 2:00-4:00 pm
COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Wallace Library, 6733 Springboro Pk.
See what’s ‘hoppinin’ around Cox Arboretum’s wetlands and develop your own Amphibian Party at a park or at your home! Registration required. Age: 3Y-5Y Fee: $10
(FREE) CONSERVATION KIDS: EXPLORERS & VOYAGERS (AGES 6-13): NOCTURNAL AMPHIBIAN SEARCH
Sat. Apr 16, 7:30-9:00 pm
SUGARCREEK METROPARK, Trailhead Parking Lot , 4178 Conference Rd.
Join us on an evening search for Spring Peepers and Spotted Salamanders in Sugarcreek’s vernal pool, only 1/4 mile away from the parking lot. Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Age: 6Y-13Y
(FREE) GERMANTOWN HIKE WITH THE METRO DAYTON HIKERS
Sun. Apr 17, 1:30-4:30 pm
GERMANTOWN METROPARK, Welcome Center Parking Lot, 6910 Boomershine Rd.
Enjoy a 7 mile, three-hour rugged hike. No registration required. Contact (937) 687-0114 or [email protected] for details. Age: All ages
(FREE) AULLWOOD IN SPRING
Sun. Apr 17, 2:00-4:00 pm
AULLWOOD GARDEN METROPARK, Aullwood Gardens, 930 Aullwood Rd.
Come ready to see the carpet of bluebells and other spring wildflowers. It’s a once-a-year wonder, so don’t miss this beautiful sight. We’ll meet in the parking lot. Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Age: 18Y and up
CONSERVATION KIDS: TIKES (AGES 3-5): LEAVE A LEGACY
Mon. Apr 18, 11:00 am-12:30 pm
SUGARCREEK METROPARK, Trailhead Parking Lot , 4178 Conference Rd.
This month we will continue helping our forests by checking on the seedlings planted last spring. We will also learn about the “invaders” that hurt our forests. Come out and take part in our reforestation effort! Registration required. Age: 3Y-5Y Fee: $5
BICYCLE TOURING
Mon. Apr 18, 6:00-8:00 pm
COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Fifth Third Conference Room, 6733 Springboro Pk.
This lecture-style class will cover touring equipment, clothing options, types of tours and tour planning. Registration required. Age: 14Y and up Fee: $5
(FREE) LEARNING FROM THE LANDSCAPE: WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK: WILDFLOWER WALK ON THE MARIE AULL TRAIL
Tue. Apr 19, 6:00-7:00 pm
WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, Parking Lot, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave.
This is a great opportunity to see not only the flowers, but also the wonderful foliage of trees and shrubs as they break open for a new year. We’ll also go through some of the formal gardens. Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Age: 18Y and up
(FREE) VOLUNTEER: HORTICULTURAL LEARNING SERIES
Wed. Apr 20, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
RIVERSCAPE METROPARK, RiverScape Pavilion, 111 E. Monument Ave.
These projects are great opportunities for staff and seasoned and novice gardeners to learn from each other. Each session will include a learning topic, followed by a work project. Please visit www.metroparks for more information. Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Contact (937) 277-4133 or [email protected] for details. Age: 18Y and up
(FREE) STORYTIME ADVENTURES: WATER
Wed. Apr 20, 10:00-11:00 am
WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, Skeeter’s Shelter , 1301 E. Siebenthaler avenue
Come to the Children’s Discovery Garden and enjoy a time for stories and exploring, designed especially for toddlers and their caregivers. Our theme for the next two Wednesdays is water. We’ll read a story and then go on a brief adventure. Registration required. Age: 3Y-5Y
(FREE) VOLUNTEER: CONSERVATION VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION
Thu. Apr 21, 6:30-8:30 pm
FIVE RIVERS METROPARKS MAIN OFFICE, 409 E. Monument Ave., 3rd Floor
Five Rivers MetroParks protects nearly 16,000 acres, and we could use your help. Whether you are interested in fish or flowers, like to walk or prefer to help in an office or the greenhouse, there is an opportunity perfect for you. Discover what we are doing in conservation and how to get involved. Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Contact [email protected] for details. Age: All ages
(FREE) VOLUNTEER: RIVERSCAPE GARDENERS KICKOFF
Fri. Apr 22, 9:00-11:00 am
RIVERSCAPE METROPARK, RiverScape Pavilion, 111 E. Monument Ave.
Get to know fellow volunteers and learn how you can help keep this park a beautiful downtown resource. Bring a container to participate in the “make it – take it” session. Prerequisites: none. Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Contact [email protected] for details. Age: 18Y and up
(FREE) VOLUNTEER: THE BIG PULL
Fri. Apr 22, 9:30 am-12:00 pm
AULLWOOD GARDEN METROPARK, 900 Aullwood Rd.
Join former Ohio First Lady Hope Taft in the effort to restore the exquisite woodlands at Aullwood Garden by removing garlic mustard and other invasive plants. Meet in the parking lot and and follow the trail to the house. Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Contact (937) 848-2993 or [email protected] for details. Age: 18Y and up
FAMILY FARM CHORES
Sat. Apr 23, 8:30-10:00 am
CARRIAGE HILL METROPARK, Carriage Hill Historical Farm, 7850 E. Shull Rd.
Join a farm staff member to experience a typical work day for a farm hand. Participants will help with a variety of historic chores. Meet at the front gate of the farm. Registration required. Age: 8Y-12Y Fee: $5
(FREE) BIKE FOR THE HEALTH OF IT!: RIDE TO WRIGHT BROTHERS MEMORIAL PARK
Sat. Apr 23, 9:00-11:00 am
BIKEWAY: MAD RIVER, Ohio Bike Route 8
Meet in last parking at 1385 Harshman Rd. park entrance. 9 miles. Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Age: All ages
GARDEN PREP BOOT CAMP
Sat. Apr 23, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
POSSUM CREEK METROPARK, Possum Creek Education Building, 4790 Frytown Rd.
Learn how to get your vegetable or landscape garden ready for spring planting. This program is hands-on, so bring your gloves and gardening shoes and be ready to work. MetroParks experts will be there guiding you through clean-up and soil prep, talking about ways to assure a more successful gardening season with tips on site selection, planting, supports, and suggestions for weed prevention and irrigation techniques. Registration required. Age: 18Y and up Fee: $10
VOLUNTEER: HERITAGE INTERPRETER HISTORICAL SKILLS COURSE
Sat. Apr 23, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Sat. Apr 30, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
CARRIAGE HILL METROPARK, Carriage Hill Historical Farm, 7850 E. Shull Rd.
Join us for a class entirely devoted to 19th century skills. Participants will choose from an array of available sessions. Topics include canning, blacksmithing, woodworking, gardening, sewing, draft horse basics, broom making and hearth cooking. Participants will attend two classes and provide 50 hours of volunteer service. Register by April 15th. Registration required. Contact [email protected] for details. Age: 18Y and up Fee: $35
BACKPACKING 2
Sat., Sun Apr. 23-24, 12:00-12:15 pm
GERMANTOWN METROPARK, Campsite: Shimps Hollow, 7350 Boomershine Rd.
Spend a night on the Twin Valley Trail learning how to pack your backpack, use a water filter, cook in the backcountry, select a campsite and more. Equipment is available at no additional charge with reservation. Prerequisites: Backpacking 1 or Intro to Backpacking. Registration required. Age: 14Y and up Fee: $40
WILD ABOUT WILDFLOWERS WALKS: WILDFLOWER WALK: THE NEXT LAYER OF SPRING
Sun. Apr 24, 2:00-3:00 pm
COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Parking Lot, 6733 Springboro Pk.
Today we’ll see the next spring blooms to emerge in the wildflower area and learn how they, along with the first emerging plants, create a broader color pallet and richer look for the season. We hope to have seedlings for Delphinium tricorne, Sedum ternatum, Podophyllum peltatum (May apple). Registration required. Age: All ages Fee: $10
(FREE) VOLUNTEER: AULLWOOD GARDEN ORIENTATION
Tue. Apr 26, 10:30 am-12:00 pm
AULLWOOD GARDEN METROPARK, Aull Residence, 900 Aullwood Rd.
Volunteers have a big impact on maintaining and preserving this historic estate garden and living work of art and local history. Orientation will provide an overview of opportunities and a walking tour. Park in the lot at 955 Aullwood Rd. and follow the trail to the house. Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Age: 18Y and up
NYMPHS, EMERGERS, DRIES
Tue. Apr 26, 6:00-8:00 pm
COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Kettering Learning Lab, 6733 Springboro Pk.
What is the difference between an emerger, a spinner and streamer? Learn all about various flies and when to use them during this program designed for those with some knowledge about fly fishing. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required. Age: 14Y and up Fee: $10
(FREE) VOLUNTEER: URBAN PARKS VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION
Tue. Apr 26, 6:00-8:00 pm
FIVE RIVERS METROPARKS MAIN OFFICE, 409 E. Monument Ave., 3rd Floor
Orientation provides history, an overview of location-specific opportunities and an introduction to upcoming opportunities. Coming to orientation and training does not obligate you to anything. Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Contact [email protected] for details. Age: 18Y and up
(FREE) VOLUNTEER: WETLAND WORKDAYS
Wed. Apr 27, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
OFFSITE,
The Great Miami Wetland Mitigation Bank is in need of help in the preserving and enhancing of the unique ecosystem MetroParks is developing. Join staff in essential projects like tree plantings, seeding, and invasive plant removal while getting a chance to discover this new conservation treasure. Registration required. Contact [email protected] for details. Age: All ages
(FREE) STORYTIME ADVENTURES
Wed. Apr 27, 10:00-11:00 am
WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, Skeeter’s Shelter , 1301 E. Siebenthaler avenue
Come to the Children’s Discovery Garden and enjoy a time for stories and exploring, designed especially for toddlers and their caregivers. Our theme for two Wednesdays is water. We’ll read a story and then go on a brief adventure. This program is a repeat of the previous week. Registration required. Age: 3Y-5Y
BEGINNER GARDENING: PLANTING TECHNIQUES
Wed. Apr 27, 6:00-8:00 pm
POSSUM CREEK METROPARK, Possum Creek Education Building, 4790 Frytown Rd.
Get your hands dirty and learn to how to plant everything from a seed to a tree! Proper planting is essential to the success of each plant in your garden—it’s so much more than just digging a hole. You’ll leave with a 4-pack of seedlings and the confidence to successfully plant anything! Registration required. Age: 18Y and up Fee: $10
5K/10K RUN FOR THE HEALTH OF IT
Sat. Apr 30, 8:30-10:30 am
RIVERSCAPE METROPARK, RiverScape Pavilion, 111 E. Monument Ave.
Sponsored by the Junior League of Dayton, additional information on the Junior League of Dayton’s website. See contact info to register. Contact (937) 467-9683 for details. www.jldayton.org. Age: All ages Fee: 5K early registration: $25, 5K day of race: $30, 10K early registration: $35, 10K day of race: $40
(FREE) BIKE FOR THE HEALTH OF IT!: RIDE TO KYLE PARK
Sat. Apr 30, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
BIKEWAY: GREAT MIAMI RIVER, Ohio Bike Route 25
Meet at Rip Rap Park, located at the intersections of Little York, Rip Rap, and Taylorsville roads, in the parking lot near the soccer fields. (16 miles) Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Age: All ages
FLY FISHING 2: LAKE
Sat. Apr 30, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
TAYLORSVILLE METROPARK, Poplar Creek Fishing Pond/Parking Lot, 7790 Johnson Station Rd.
Fly Fishing 1 put all the knowledge in your head, now let’s move it to your hands! Learn to cast, tie on a fly, set the hook and strip in the line – all essential skills for catching that fish. Equipment available upon request. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Prerequisites: Fly Fishing 1. Registration required. Age: 14Y and up Fee: $30
(FREE) ANNUAL MAYFAIR PLANT SALE
Sat. Apr 30, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, Wegerzyn Center, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave.
Get a jump on spring and purchase unusual perennials, annuals, vegetables and herbs for companion planting or to enhance your landscape. Pass-along plants are locally grown. Enjoy hanging baskets, just in time for Mother’s Day. A Wegerzyn Gardens Foundation event and fundraiser. No registration required. Age: All ages
PICTURING PETALS AND PLANTS
Sat. Apr 30, 10:00-11:30 am
COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Fifth Third Conference Room, 6733 Springboro Pk.
Discover methods for photographing flowers and other kinds of plants outdoors. Learn to use focus to direct the viewer’s eye, and to portray flowers within the larger context of a garden. Following a presentation indoors, the class will then go outside (weather permitting) to take photos in the garden. Registration required. Age: 18Y and up Fee: $20
(FREE) CONSERVATION KIDS: EXPLORERS & VOYAGERS (AGES 6-13): WOODLAND SALAMANDER SEARCH
Sat. Apr 30, 12:30-2:00 pm
TAYLORSVILLE METROPARK, Shelter: Hilltop /Sledding Hill/Parking Lot, 1200 Brown School Rd.
Discover the predators of the leaf litter as we explore the lives of red-back salamanders while bonding with your family in nature. Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Age: 6Y-13Y
CONSERVATION KIDS: EXPLORERS & VOYAGERS (AGES 6-13): BULLFROG ROUND UP
Sat. Apr 30, 7:30-9:00 pm
GERMANTOWN METROPARK, Shelter: Sunfish/Valley Overlook/Parking Lot, 7101 Conservancy Rd.
Our very own Conservation Kids frog surveys have discovered bullfrogs at a vernal pool critical for MetroParks’ anuran biodiversity: These bullfrogs need to be removed, and we need kids to help! Registration required. Age: 6Y-13Y Fee: $5
