spring 2013 FREE parkways

hidden nature 2013 Scan this QR code to get the latest anniversary details.

“Plant it Forward.” Original artwork by Amy Kollar Anderson. celebrating 50 years Take a “nature hike” down memory lane 2 sav e the date Remember to Sva e the Date Be sure to mark your calendars for these upcoming Five Rivers MetroParks events!

M arch 2 M arch 11 Miami valley national gardening geographic live: conference annie griffiths Sinclair Community College Victoria Theatre

M arch 16 April 12-13 S t. patrick’s day tree seedling at the market give-away PNC 2nd Street Market PNC 2nd Street Market

April 20 April 22 adopt-a-park national Various Locations geographic live: paul sereno Victoria Theatre

April 27 M ay 4-5 wildflower and mayfair plant sale native plant sale Wegerzyn Gardens Cox Arboretum MetroPark MetroPark

M ay 10 M ay 17 urban nights national bike to RiverScape MetroPark work day pancake breakfast Photo by Leah Stahl RiverScape MetroPark

For more information about these upcoming events or any of the programs and events offered by MetroParks each month, check the back section of this issue of ParkWays or visit metroparks.org metroparks.org (937) 275 PARK (7275) it’s our nature. thoughts from becky 3

Remember to D ear MetroParks Friends, As another season of spring emerges from the cold winter months, I am always in awe of the wondrous reawakening of the forests and Save the Date green spaces throughout our area. As the chill of the winter months fades away, we look to the present and future to continue to find ways to connect ourselves and community to the wonders of nature. What better place to do so than in one of our MetroParks? During 2013, Five Rivers MetroParks will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. Our organization’s official birth was on April 8, 1963, thanks to the Becky Benná visionary leadership and efforts of volunteers and community leaders Executive Director who ensured green space and protection of the area’s natural heritage could be enjoyed by many generations. As a result of these efforts, the park district has evolved and grown over the past 50 years. This issue of ParkWays celebrates and highlights the history of Five Rivers MetroParks. Also, another milestone that I would like to acknowledge is the 50th anniversary of Cox Arboretum MetroPark. The arboretum came into existence as a result of a group of dedicated local conservationists who convinced James M. Cox, Jr., to donate his farm in the early sixties. To support the arboretum, The James M. Cox, Jr., Arboretum Foundation was formed in 1963 and continues to partner with HOLD ON TO MetroParks to ensure the legacy of this land. YOUR PARKWAYS! As I begin my journey into a third year as executive director, I continue to be inspired and energized by the strong sense of community, Starting this summer, there willingness to work together for the greater good, and innovative will be only three issues of thinking for which our area is well-known. I am looking forward to the ParkWays published each year. next 50 years, as we and generations to come make the Miami Valley a The summer issue will cover wonderful place to call home! June, July, August, September, and October programs. Be sure to hang on to your summer issue, set to debut in early May. Don’t forget, you can easily search for programs and things to do in your MetroParks when you ParkWays is your guide log onto metroparks.org. Hit to all the great activities and Get the lowdown on activities going on in your the “Find a Program” button to programs MetroParks offers every month. Check out the MetroParks! Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/fiveriversmetroparks. search for programs by date, Activity Guide beginning on page activity, or location. You can also get updates by following us on 17 and get outside! Twitter:twitter.com/metroparkstweet .

M etroParks Commissioners Five Rivers MetroParks is dedicated to protecting Greater Dayton’s natural heritage and to providing outdoor recreation and education experiences that inspire a lasting personal connection with nature.

Alan F. Pippenger Karen L. Davis Irvin G. Bieser, Jr. Commissioner photos ©Easterling Studios 4 th ere is always som ething to do at five rivers metroparks

#2 GARDEN TOURS: Take a ride on a free tram tour at Cox Arboretum MetroPark. Times and dates vary; 3 visit metroparks.org for details or call (937) 434-9005. Registration requested.

1 #1 SHELTERED PAST: Have your next get- together at the historical CCC shelter at #3 ARGONNE GONE: Can you find traces of Taylorsville MetroPark, built by the Civilian the old Argonne Forest Park along the purple or Conservation Corps in 1936. 2 orange trail at Possum Creek MetroPark? Top Ten ways to celebrate your MetroParks’ 50th anniversary #5 BLAST FROM THE PAST: Drylick Run, now called Carriage Hill MetroPark, was one of the 7 first parks in the district. 5

Photo by RA Makley 4 Photo by RA Makley #4 DAM INTERESTING: Visit the earthen dams at Englewood, Germantown, Huffman, #7 LIVING HISTORY: Visit Aullwood Garden and Taylorsville MetroParks to see some of the MetroPark and view the estate of conservation earliest parklands. leaders John and Marie Aull, who were instrumental in the park district’s formation. #8 FUTURE FORESTS: Join Five Rivers MetroParks for “Seedling Saturdays” in March. Visit metroparks.org/forests and plant trees for future generations! 6 #6 HOPEWELL REMNANTS: Hike the pink trail at Twin Creek MetroPark to see remnants of earthen walls built around 2,000 years ago by the Hopewell Culture.

#9 SLICE OF CENTRAL PARK: Did you know the Olmstead brothers, famous for designing New York’s Central Park, also 10 designed Hills & #10 FENCED IN: Two Bellbrook companies sold Dales MetroPark “living fence” in the late 1800s. See this yourself Photo byTim Gaffney in 1907? on the orange trail at Sugarcreek MetroPark and 8 9 walk through the osage orange tunnel! metroparks.org (937) 275 PARK (7275) it’s our nature. volunteering with five rivers metroparks 5 3 METROPARKS VOLUNTEERS: WE CAN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU! VOLUNTEERING LEAVES LASTING LEGACY WITH FIVE RIVERS METROPARKS Volunteers have always played a leading role in Five Rivers MetroParks. The park Here are some of the ways you district was founded when a small group can get involved as a volunteer! of volunteers on the Save Open Space Visit metroparks.org/volunteer or Committee wanted to find a solution for call (937) 275-PARK (7275) to get protecting green space during a period of started! heavy urban sprawl. Volunteers have been a Conservation and reforestation critical component of the park district ever volunteers (including Forest Foster since. “There have been times that the only Families) are needed all year long. way the park district survived was through Visit metroparks.org/forests to sign the efforts of volunteers,” says Volunteer up. Services Manager Kevin Kepler. Guides and hosts are needed After the park district’s founding in 1963, throughout the district to support volunteers helped clear existing parklands staff in educating the public. If in 1967 when some of the hiking trails were parks. Cleanup days, Eagle Scout projects, you love working with families and created and the first educational programs and civic volunteers contributed to park teaching kids about nature, these were offered. Monetary and land gifts amenities. Later in the ’90s, volunteer opportunities are for you! management was formally organized under through the 1960s and ’70s helped expand Love outdoor recreation? Volunteers the human resources department to track the MetroParks system. Eugene Kettering are needed in ongoing support of the individual volunteer contributions as well and Marie Aull, both park district volunteers, numerous active recreation (biking, as meet risk management, insurance, and made significant cash donations to keep the paddling, hiking) opportunities. safety requirements. park district afloat between levies in the Help Five Rivers MetroParks reach ’60s. Today park visitors enjoy strolling the Volunteerism doubled in numbers during the more people during our events. grounds of Aullwood Garden MetroPark, early 2000s as new programs were added Volunteers are needed to support thanks to Marie deeding the property to in outdoor recreation, law enforcement, events at RiverScape MetroPark Five Rivers MetroParks. Cox Arboretum and conservation. “It was great to see that as well as facility-based seasonal became part of the MetroPark system every time we opened up new paths to programs like the Midwest Outdoor in 1972. volunteering, we got a fantastic response Experience. from people who wanted to share their During the mid-1970s, inflation ate deeply If you’re looking for a project for your unique talents,” Kepler says. into the park district’s operations budget. Scouts, neighborhood, workplace, Staff and volunteers stepped up to Volunteers are just as important today church, or any other group or help fund the park district beyond the as they were when the park district was organization, call for a list of dates levy resources. Grants, fundraisers, and formed. In response to the financial and projects suited to your group. foundations were created to offset the hardships during the recent recession, new Adopt-A-Park, the biggest single financial differences. Today, the James M. volunteer opportunities emerged. “Just as day of volunteering, takes place Cox, Jr., Arboretum Foundation, Wegerzyn we have done for 50 years, volunteers are April 20, 2013. Individuals and Gardens Foundation, and Friends of our backbone for Five Rivers MetroParks, groups are needed to work at Carriage Hill collect financial and talent supporting the need for change and over 25 community locations. Visit resources to support their dedicated parks. adjustment in order to deliver core services metroparks.org/adopt today to Click on the “support” link found on these and help maintain quality programming and register! park web pages to learn more about the operations for all park patrons,” Kepler says. foundations and how you can get involved. Volunteerism expanded district wide in VOLUNTEER FAST FACTS the 1980s, with opportunities in many new In 2012, there were more than 2,000 long-term MetroParks volunteers working areas and facilities. Horticulture, education, at every Five Rivers MetroParks facility. In addition to these 2,000 permanent and conservation volunteers provided volunteers, another 3,000 “episodic” volunteers contributed their time and talents, hundreds of hours of support. A decade supporting MetroParks’ goals through their companies, civic and faith-based groups, later, volunteerism significantly expanded schools, Scouts, and clubs. All totaled, more than 75,000 hours of service were again, collaborating between facilities recorded for 2012! as well as with communities around the

it’s our nature. (937) 275 PARK (7275) metroparks.org 6 50 years of conservation A HALF CENTURY OF PROTECTING MIAMI VALLEY’S NATURAL HERITAGE When Five Rivers MetroParks first became a park district in 1963, conservation was the driving factor behind its creation. “Urban sprawl and loss of green space was a frequent theme in the ’60s,” says Conservation Director Dave Nolin. “One of the earliest ‘brand identities’ of the park district was influenced by a book called Green Mansions written in 1904 that became a film in 1959. It had similar themes of conservation and respect for the land as the recently popular movie ‘Avatar.’” During the park district’s first 15 years of existence, the land management philosophy was “disturbances” such as storms, flooding, fire, not to manage it—simply add infrastructure for and animals. “Given that large-scale fires or the public access. “The philosophy of conservation return of wolves are not safe or likely events, basically understood that natural areas are it calls on humans to act in place of those places to be exempted from development and disturbances,” Klunk says. protected from harmful influences of human Land stewardship plans would allow for a activity forever,” Nolin says. “This sounded variety of natural habitats for the public to great, but locally and nationally, it was becoming enjoy, too. Without proper stewardship, the clear that this philosophy was not realistic.” parklands could go the way of many older park Human settlement in former wild areas created districts and be composed mainly of tall trees a deeper impact that required proactive and mowed grass. This type of developed land involvement. is not attractive to wildlife. “Interactions with Assistant Director Dane Mutter, who started native wildlife are what make a visit to a Five with the Montgomery County Park District Rivers MetroParks facility so special,” almost from its inception, realized the no-action Nolin says. land management concept would not sustain Nolin was hired in 1985 as the park district’s the plants, animals, and diverse experiences first land stewardship specialist to create found in the new park reserves. He wrote the and oversee the plans. Today, this practice first land-management plan for the agency continues, and the conservation team has and former director Don Schmidt successfully grown to about a dozen staff. “We work with acquired the Board of Park Commissioners’ the park managers to balance public enjoyment endorsement. “The plan called for a survey and comfort with needs of healthy habitat and of natural plant communities/habitats in the wildlife,” says wildlife biologist Mike Enright. parks, in order to designate where different habitats will be established and managed,” In 1995, the park district’s scope and size says Conservation Manager Mary Klunk. “He increased significantly. Former director Marvin called this process ‘land stewardship.’” At Olinsky and the board proposed connecting the core of this philosophy is the realization the parks together by managing the region’s that many natural habitats are dependent on rivers system, as well as several existing urban

Online extra Visit MetroParks.org and click on the “conservation” link on the right-hand side to learn more about Five Rivers MetroParks conservation efforts, including land conservation stewardship and wildlife management.

metroparks.org (937) 275 PARK (7275) it’s our nature. conservation 7 parks along the rivers. A new levy to 1,000 acres in size and contain little in If you want fund these bold new initiatives was the way of public facilities, but they are to get involved passed in 1994. These additions and open to the public and managed by the with protecting the other new land purchases increased the conservation team. “We needed to keep Miami Valley’s natural size of the park district to over 10,000 up with the growing inventory of natural areas through conservation acres. “Each new piece of land needed areas needing attention as well as the volunteer opportunities, check a plan to manage it, and additional labor increasing problem of invasive species,” out these upcoming events: was necessary to carry out the plan,” Nolin says. “Today, our team has grown SEEDLING SATURDAYS Nolin says. Klunk was added in 1997 as to 13 full- and part-time employees.” Sat. Mar 9, 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m. the conservation team’s second land Even with this level of staffing, managing CARRIAGE HILL METROPARK, Redbud stewardship employee. nearly 15,500 acres of protected lands Campsite, 8775 Bellefontaine Rd. By the year 2000, it was becoming clear requires an agency-wide commitment. that the natural areas of what were now By 2010, the acreage of protected Sat. Mar 16, 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m. branded as Five Rivers MetroParks were lands reached unprecedented levels. CARRIAGE HILL METROPARK, being increasingly damaged by a quickly Native habitat was being restored Visitor’s Center, 7800 E. Shull Rd. growing population of white-tailed deer. and wildlife species thought to be Sat. Mar 23, 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m. “Dominance of any single species in an gone from the area were returning. CARRIAGE HILL METROPARK, ecosystem is bad news,” Nolin explains. Former director Charlie Shoemaker Visitor’s Center, 7800 E. Shull Rd. “The food supply gets thrown off, which proposed a resolution mandating that Sat. Apr 13, 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m. threatens other species that live on that Five Rivers MetroParks maintains an MEDLAR CONSERVATION AREA, food supply, plus the future existence of industry-leading minimum of 90% of Rice Farm House, 4528 Medlar Rd. that food supply. When old trees in the its lands as designated natural areas. forest die, and there are no young trees “This outstanding commitment to Join our reforestation efforts and help to replace them because we allowed conservation has verified once again the us plant tree seedlings! Five Rivers deer to consume everything, there will park district and the region’s support MetroParks and our volunteers grew be no more forest.” for the protection and stewardship of these seedlings in 2011, and they are ready to find their places in our The park district also had problems natural areas for the enjoyment of the forests. Your help is needed! We will be with its many lakes and ponds because citizens of the Miami Valley,” Nolin says. planting over 12,000 new tree seedlings of algae blooms and declining fishing With this new precedent set, it had this March in locations throughout opportunities. Enright was hired in 2002 become apparent that long-term MetroParks. Registration required. as a full-time wildlife biologist to deal appreciation and protection of the Contact (937) 275-7275 for details or visit with these issues, and by 2008, deer agency’s natural areas, processes and metroparks.org/forests. populations had been reduced to a wildlife needed more than the paid sustainable level in the parks, and lakes staff. “When we brought on full-time CONSERVATION and ponds had a management plan. Volunteer Coordinator Yvonne Dunphe, VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION Now the region’s native habitat could we were able to recruit hundreds of Thu. Mar 14, 6:30-8:00p.m. thrive naturally. dedicated volunteers!” Nolin says. Tue. Apr 30, 9:00-10:30a.m. “These outstanding folks have made Through the 2000s, land acquisition Five Rivers MetroParks Main Office, 409 many conservation projects possible, of natural areas continued at a quick E. Monument Ave., 3rd Floor including a new, large-scale reforestation pace with help from state and federal effort, an expanded invasive species Five Rivers MetroParks protects over grant funding. Because Five Rivers control effort, and many other vital 15,000 acres, and we could use your MetroParks’ funds and staff were projects. It has also greatly added to the help. Discover all the ways you can limited, there wasn’t an opportunity to overall awareness in the community of participate and join our conservation turn them into MetroParks, so a new the responsibilities and joys of managing team in reforestation efforts, habitat category of parkland was created. These our treasured natural areas.” restoration, wildlife management, “conservation areas” range from 2 to and land stewardship. Attending the orientation doesn’t commit you to anything, so come see what we are doing. Registration requested, walk- ins welcome. Contact (937) 277-4147 or [email protected] for details, or visit metroparks.org/ AboutUs/Conservation.aspx. it’s our nature. (937) 275 PARK (7275) metroparks.org 8 learning about nature EDUCATION HAS BEEN AN IMPORTANT for the natural areas. The naturalists’ knowledge COMPONENT OF FIVE RIVERS of ecosystems, habitats and cycles was a critical METROPARKS FOR the PAST 50 YEARS element in determining maintenance for the Teaching people how to be good environmental parks and interactions with the public. Nature stewards has always been an important walks, garden tours, and family bonfires were principle of Five Rivers MetroParks. As the among some of the earliest programs. These park district celebrates its 50th anniversary, types of programs continue today. Turn to page we take a look back at how the educational 27 for nature programming, such as the Family opportunities blossomed from a few nature Nature Walk, Tike Hikes, or birding adventures. walks a week to the multitude of programs School tours also are mainstays of traditional you’ll find at the back of this magazine. park programming. Teachers, parent groups, In the early days when the park district was youth leaders, and others responsible for formed, there were only a few staff members on educational programming are invited to explore hand. Until a formal conservation department tour and field trip options. Visitmetroparks was formed in the mid-1980s, MetroParks .org and click the “teachers” link found on the naturalists were responsible for providing “special interest” drop-down menu. Here, you public programs about the parks and the land will find resources for educators, including an as well as developing the conservation plans overview and booking information for available

Photo by Richard Hartley R esources for teachers or youth leaders include: Field trips Reservable education kits Scheduled programs Child-care providers can take advantage of the Natural Adventures Box program. After taking a Photo by Richard Hartley Richard by Photo three-hour orientation and instructional seminar, child-care providers will be certified to “check out” a box that’s full of supplies aimed at getting children outside and exploring nature. To learn more, select “teachers” from the “special interest” drop-down menu found at metroparks.org education and click on the link for child-care providers found at the top of the page. metroparks.org (937) 275 PARK (7275) it’s our nature. education 9

without extensive natural Online extra history knowledge to Visit metroparks.org and select “teachers” from the get kids outside. These “special interest” drop-down menu to find resources resources include the Natural Adventures Boxes, for educators, youth leaders and child-care providers! teacher field school, Education Kits, and Inquiry Adventures. Although technology can be a barrier to getting youth outdoors, Five Rivers MetroParks has a few tech tricks to help visitors discover the natural world using a fun and familiar medium. The Talking Trees displays posted at seven MetroParks facilities are perfect examples. Park visitors can call the listed number and hear a message “from” the tree. These messages inform visitors about environmental issues and Five Rivers MetroParks’ conservation tours and field trips. These programs Sustainable living reduces objectives. Visit metroparks.org/forests are adaptable to a multidisciplinary environmental impact. This knowledge to find the locations for all the Talking curriculum and help meet Ohio and daily practices are important to Trees displays. Academic Content Standards impart to Miami Valley residents, which Benchmarks. is why ecofriendly attitudes take center Another way Five Rivers MetroParks is using technology to create personal Today, Five Rivers MetroParks stage in MetroParks programming. “For example, we take care of the rivers and park experiences is the Venture naturalists and programming staff Quest program. “It’s like geocaching, hold a variety of expertises, including the habitat around them, but we know that being a good neighbor also keeps except you are searching for natural horticulture, agriculture, nonformal landmarks,” Arnold says. Visit our waterways clean and viable,” Arnold education, and interpretation. “Our metroparks.org/venturequest to says. “It does us no good to try and vision is to be the catalyst for a culture download a brochure that lists the six make a stretch of river pristine if there of conservation in the Dayton region,” Venture Quest locations. Using a hand- are chemicals routinely dumped into the says Conservation and Nature Program held GPS or GPS application for your river upstream.” Manager Katrina Arnold. “We not only smartphone, enter the GPS coordinates continue the tradition of making people Because caring for the environment to find the hidden spots. The special aware of Dayton’s natural resources, but is a community effort, the more places are marked with a post that also extending our conservation mission advocates spreading the message, has a raised icon affixed to it. Using a into people’s daily lives, helping them to the better! In order to make Five crayon or pencil, make a rubbing of live more sustainably.” Rivers MetroParks’ vision of being the the icon on your brochure. Once you Whether you want to learn how to conservation leader of a vital, active, have completed a rubbing from all six locations, mail in the brochure and you identify birds, create a butterfly garden, nature-based community, we have to will be entered into a drawing for a new tell the difference between a hickory find ways to reach more people, despite Garmin 60 GPS device. and oak tree, make your own compost, having limited resources. Today, the find animal homes, or just broaden educational experience has expanded Adding resources for educators, youth your appreciation for nature, there from traditional models, such as public leaders, and child-care providers is are programs available that will help programs, tours, and a speaker’s bureau another way Five Rivers MetroParks you learn new skills or further develop that limit interested participants to can reach children and teens, educating techniques. “We are lucky to be able a specific window of opportunity, to them about the natural world around to take care of much of our region’s creating independent and self-guided them and helping them appreciate their natural habitat,” Arnold says. “But when experiences that can happen at any history. Visit metroparks.org and select everyone pitches in to do their part for time, creating a larger window of access. “teachers” from the “special interest” the environment, we can bring nature Staff train caregivers and teachers drop-down menu to find the full list into our own backyards!” to use the parks. We share nature- of activities and appropriate contact exploration tools to empower adults information. it’s our nature. (937) 275 PARK (7275) metroparks.org 10 adventure lives in dayton

adventure initiative,” Dingle explains. About OUTDOOR RECREATION 1,500 people attended GearFest. This annual SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON REGION event still takes place, although under a Outdoor recreation has been an integral part of different name. Last fall was the debut of the enjoying the outdoors, even before Five Rivers Midwest Outdoor Experience. “We changed MetroParks was created 50 years ago. Today, the name of the event to more accurately the outdoor connections staff at Five Rivers reflect the nature of the event and the types of MetroParks helps area residents discover the things you could expect when you went. Plus, beauty of nature through the many recreational by focusing on the experiential aspect, we draw opportunities waiting for park visitors. in bigger crowds and have a better audience Hiking programs began in Five Rivers MetroParks for sponsorships,” Dingle says. The 2012 event facilities shortly after the park district formed in drew 15,000 attendees; next year’s Midwest 1963. It wasn’t until 2005 that the park district Outdoor Experience is slated for October 5-6 expanded to incorporate programming specific at Eastwood MetroPark. Visit outdoorx.org for to outdoor recreation. “The purpose of having more information. outdoor recreation staff is to show people how Following the success of GearFest, the first to use recreational amenities with the hope that Adventure Summit took place in January 2006, they’ll continue to do so, possibly sharing the featuring speakers, activities, and exhibitors. experience with friends and family,” explains This biennial event continues, alternating years Outdoor Recreation Manager Amy Dingle. with the Adventure Speaker Series. “This is what’s going to help us reach that vision Later in 2006, the first Bike to Work Day of Dayton becoming the ‘Outdoor Adventure Pancake Breakfast served hundreds of hungry Capital of the Midwest.’” bicycle riders as a cap to celebrating National The first recreation-based event was GearFest Bike to Work Week. “What we’ve been able to and took place in October on the grounds start as far as cycling advocacy since then has of what is now the PNC 2nd Street Market. been really exciting,” Dingle says. “The Miami “This gear swap was designed to bring the Valley Cycling Summit allows cycling advocates outdoor community together in one place to to connect with business and government build momentum for MetroParks’ new outdoor leaders to discuss cycling opportunities.” The first cycling summit took place in 2010—the same year Dayton nabbed bronze-level status as a Bike-Friendly City. New recreational facilities were added in 2006. The 22-mile backpacking trail connecting Germantown and Twin Creek MetroParks broke ground on National Trails Day with a special volunteer event called Trailstock. Construction was completed in 2008, and the Twin Valley Trail officially opened in June. Today, the TVT offers hiking enthusiasts a backcountry experience, complete with camp- sites. It continues to be a draw to the region, and recognition in national publications, such as Backpacker magazine, showcases the Dayton region’s recreational amenities to the rest of the country. Visit metroparks.org/TVT to learn more about this trail. recreation Soon after the TVT was completed, another metroparks.org (937) 275 PARK (7275) it’s our nature. recreation 11

as the destination if they’re commuting to work or checking out a festival.” Five Rivers MetroParks operates Ride the River Rentals, which offers bicycle and roller blade rentals, kayak rentals (operated by Whitewater Warehouse), and ice skate rentals in the winter. Visit metroparks. org/RiverScape and click on the “Ride the River Rentals” link on the “amenities” tab for prices, hours of operation, and more information. Click the “bike hub” link from this same “amenities page” for membership information, a video tour of specialized outdoor recreation facility a new 18-hole course located in the hub, and other details. was built. MetroParks Mountain Englewood MetroPark. Disc golf uses a Another achievement for outdoor Biking Area (commonly referred to set of specialized flying discs, which are recreation and a boon to a vibrant as MoMBA) opened in September thrown from a starting tee to a basket at downtown, the River Run project, 2007. Built to International Mountain the end of the hole. Like golf, the player reached its $4 million fundraising goal. Biking Association sustainable trail who can put his or her disc in the basket About $3.8 million was raised from standards, MoMBA added to Five Rivers using the fewest number of throws corporate and foundation donors, MetroParks’ offerings. The 8-mile track is the winner. Visit metroparks.org/ with the remainder brought in through provides a trail that anyone from the discgolf for complete rules and a hole- public donations. The project is moving novice mountain biker to the more by-hole map. forward with acquiring permits and construction is tentatively slated experienced rider would enjoy. Today, In 2010, Five Rivers MetroParks opened for 2014. The Mad River restoration Try Mountain Biking programs and other phase three of RiverScape MetroPark, skills-based classes teach residents project also will improve riparian and Dayton became just the third city habitat and add a fun spot for paddle- proper riding techniques so they may east of the Mississippi River to have ride all year long. Turn to page 27 to find sport enthusiasts. This project (as of a fully functional commuter bike hub. this magazine’s publishing) is in the the list of upcoming programs, or visit “RiverScape MetroPark is situated at the metroparks.org/MoMBA to learn more. bidding phase. Watch metroparks. confluence of several waterways and a org for further developments on these Dayton is home to several disc golf couple major bikeways,” Dingle says. “It’s and other exciting amenities for the courses, and in 2009 Five Rivers a great spot to put a hub and give “Outdoor Adventure Capital of the MetroParks joined their ranks, offering people a rest area, or have RiverScape Midwest”! BY THE NUMBERS Here is a glance at how many people outdoor recreation has touched since its formal incorporation into Five Rivers MetroParks.

No. Public Programs 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 6 3 1 25 140 136 146 105 102 133

No. Program Participants 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 227 14 42 2391 14,640 14,844 11,853 10,699 18,846 17,524

Tot a l Programs Participants 797 83,347 it’s our nature. (937) 275 PARK (7275) metroparks.org 12 FIVE RIVERS METROPARKS TURNS 50 C elebrating a Half Century of Conservation, Stretching Out Education, and Recreation in the Miami Valley In 1959, the Regional Transportation Committee This year marks two milestones for events that wanted to study the effects of urban sprawl changed history for the Dayton area. In 1913, and the dwindling open space in Montgomery floodwaters swept through the region, forever and Greene counties. The Open Space Study changing the landscape and lives of those living in Committee was formed under the direction of the Miami Valley. A century later, area residents landscape architect and land planner Harold memorialize the significance of the event and look R. Freiheit. The subsequent study, “A Legacy back on the incredible feats of engineering that for the Future: A Plan for Open Space in have kept people and property safe ever since. Greene-Montgomery County,” found that there When the waters receded 100 years ago, they would be little open space left in the Dayton left behind destruction, but it was from those metropolitan area; existing parks would not floodwaters that your Five Rivers MetroParks be adequate to meet the needs of the emerged. Read on to learn a brief history of your growing community. MetroParks and how one of the region’s most Another outdoor advocate emerged who would impactful natural disasters turned into one of its champion efforts to preserve open space. greatest assets. Glenn Thompson, editor of the former Dayton The Flood Journal-Herald, was a Tennessee native, lifelong After the 1913 flood, residents pooled resources hunter, and outdoorsman. His experience in to prevent another such disaster from happening Cincinnati gave him affection for the Hamilton again. The Miami Conservancy District, created County Park District, and he wanted a similar to build and maintain the five earthen dams that facility in Montgomery County. control regional waterways, was established in Following one of Thompson’s speaking 1915. The dams, protecting levees, and channel engagements at The Garden Club of Dayton, improvements that comprised the flood control member Jean V. Woodhull wanted to take system were completed in 1922 under the up the challenge of preserving green space. direction of chief engineer Arthur Thompson suggested they could form a Save E. Morgan. Open Space Committee. Woodhull organized Morgan was not only an outstanding engineer, meetings with other garden clubs and like- but a conservationist. Due in large part to his minded organizations across the region, efforts, the impoundment areas above the dams and the committee had its official start with and the stream floodplains were retained by the Thompson elected as its president. Miami Conservancy District and made available The Save Open Space Committee researched to the public for recreational pursuits. In the agencies that could promote the preservation 1930s, the land at Taylorsville, Huffman, and of open space. The state, city, county, and a Englewood dams was developed by the Civilian park district were considered. Ultimately, it was Conservation Corps (C.C.C.). From their camp at decided that a park district would fulfill the Taylorsville Dam, 200 enrollees and supervisors community needs for open space. Twelve Ohio built trails, picnic areas, and shelter houses. At counties had already formed park districts for the same time, the National Youth Administration this purpose, with Cuyahoga being the first made similar improvements at Germantown Dam. in 1917.

“LEAF A LEGACY” Want to make your mark on Five Rivers MetroParks’ history? Volunteer! Opportunities are available for all ages, talents, and skill levels. Find out how your passion for the outdoors can inspire a personal connection with nature leaf a legacy today at metroparks.org/volunteer.

metroparks.org (937) 275 PARK (7275) it’s our nature. spring 13 The Beginning of the Park District The Save Open Space Committee submitted the application and the park district was officially formed on April 8, 1963, set with the purpose “to protect natural areas, parks and river corridors, and to promote the conservation and use of these lands and waterways for the ongoing benefit of the people in the region.” Probate Court Judge Neal F. Zimmers appointed Specialty Papers Company president William P. Patterson, local attorney Charles S. Bridge, and Price Brothers Company officer Harry S. Price, Jr., to the Board of Park Commissioners. Price already had credentials as an outdoor advocate; he was instrumental in turning a gravel pit into Eastwood Lake Park for the City of Dayton, May 1965 was a primary election, and parking lots. Over the years, that policy which today is managed by Five Rivers state law prohibited park district levies has shifted; today, an industry-leading MetroParks as Eastwood MetroPark. in a primary election. This meant the 90% of lands maintained by Five Rivers campaign would have to go on hold MetroParks is preserved as natural Soon after, Thompson recommended until November 1965. It was feared that area. This pristine habitat contributed then-superintendent of Columbus momentum would be lost. to the rebound of several native parks and recreation, J. Richard Again, Glenn Thompson intervened. He wildlife species, including river otters, Lawwill, to serve as director-secretary black bears, and bald eagles. of the park district. During his called then-Governor James H. Rhodes time working for the National Park and asked him to propose special Lawwill established criteria for buying Service in the Civilian Conservation legislation permitting the Montgomery parkland as well as a master plan for Corps period, Lawwill had designed County Park District to place a levy on park locations so the entire county the master plans for Taylorsville, the May ballot. Thompson pointed out would be served. Land acquisition Englewood, and Huffman. After two this could be achieved by adding it to was a priority. Getting ahead of meetings with the park commissioners, the agenda for the lame duck session of development was important because Lawwill was hired and began his duties the legislature already called. Rhodes land values were rising fast. as director-secretary on May 2, 1964. agreed, and the special privilege was Cgearria Hill, Englewood & voted by the state legislature. (Some Possum Creek MetroParks Funding years later, the law was changed to Acquisition was begun in those To ensure adequate and consistent allow all park district levies to be voted areas of the county where potential funding, the park district placed a $0.3 on in primary elections.) development was the greatest. Huber million, 10-year levy on the November Adding More Heights was growing rapidly. Drylick 1964 ballot, just eight months after Run (now Carriage Hill MetroPark) was hiring the director. With a short time Green Space In 1965, the park district set a land the first to be acquired in April 1965. At frame and competing with other well- the same time this purchase was made established governmental levies on the acquisition goal of 8,500 acres. This figure was based upon the projected a small parcel of 29 acres was acquired ballot, the park district, being merely a to begin Englewood MetroPark. concept, was difficult to sell to voters. population growth within the county and recommendations from Freiheit’s Possum Creek MetroPark followed The levy failed, but managed to acquire with the purchase of 275 acres on a promising 49 percent. open-space study of one acre per 1,000 people. The policy was also February 2, 1966. The park commissioners decided that established to keep 80% of park Possum Creek was not in the original a credible showing had been made and district lands in a natural state with the master plan, which called for a green another attempt should be pursued as remaining 20% to be developed for space north of Trotwood to serve the soon as possible. The next election in picnic areas, roads, nature centers, and western part of the county; however, it’s our nature. (937) 275 PARK (7275) metroparks.org 14 spring

in the parks. (Today, some of these trails are being revamped as part of Online extra an initiative to create sustainably built For additional details about the history of Five trails.) Ralph Scott, a naturalist with the Dayton Museum of Natural History, Rivers MetroParks, visit metroparks.org and select joined the park district to lead walks “history” from the “about us” drop-down menu. and became the park district’s chief naturalist in 1967. Huston, Scott, and Lawwill led walks on every weekend for Ten years earlier, Woodhull, Jean two years. Also in 1967, Dane W. Mutter Mahoney, and others had talked James joined the park district to interpret the Cox, Jr., into donating his farm south areas. Mutter began planning additional of town for an arboretum. In addition hiking trails, developing education to the donation, Cox established a programs, and designing land-use $300,000 trust fund to help support it. management plans. A ullWOOD Garden Urban Parks In 1977, another horticultural facility After Marvin Olinsky was appointed was added when local conservation as the third director-secretary on supporter Marie Aull conveyed her December 1, 1986, he championed home and 30-acre garden to the park a $0.7 million, ten-year replacement district. Aull had been instrumental levy, which passed. The levy campaign in training members of the staff in the pledged to continue providing a comparison of topography and land nuances of estate gardening. clean, safe, well-managed parks costs, as well as the strategic location recreation areas with innovative programming and of Possum Creek to serve the western activities for all ages, and to pursue an half of the county, led to its selection. In 1967, the park district leased the recreation areas at Englewood, aggressive land stewardship program. Although much of the land had been As part of a growing focus on rivers, used as a landfill and hog farm and Taylorsville, Huffman, and Germantown dams from the Miami Conservancy Eastwood Park was viewed as an ideal areas had been stripped of topsoil, it site for the park district’s involvement. had potential. The staff immediately District. The conservancy district, main mission was flood control, had On April 1, 1990, Eastwood became tackled the job of cleaning up the site. part of the park district through a lease In the years that followed, additional supported the creation of the park district since it lacked the resources to agreement with the City of Dayton purchases added to the size and running until the year 2089. diversity of the park. Thanks to proper fully develop the recreation potential land stewardship, Possum Creek of its areas. With community support and the MetroPark today is home to one of The responsibilities of operating the additional funding provided by passing the largest and most diverse planted leased areas placed a huge budgetary the 1994 levy, on January 1, 1995, prairies in Ohio. strain on the new park district through agreements with the City of Dayton and Miami Conservancy Sugarcreek MetroPark (MetroParks), which was primarily involved in acquiring land. Now it had District, the park district added Island In the mid-1960s, land prices in Park, Van Cleve Park (RiverScape Centerville and Washington Township to operate four partially developed parks. MetroPark), Deeds Point, Wesleyan had already escalated beyond the Nature Center, Sunrise Park, Wegerzyn reach of the park district. To serve Park District’s Horticultural Center (Wegerzyn the suburban population, Sugarcreek First Staff Gardens MetroPark), and river corridor MetroPark in Greene County During this period of rapid acquisition, areas to its facilities. was acquired in October 1966. By new faces joined the staff. Scott December 15, 1966, Sugarcreek had Huston was hired in September 1965 as Birth of Five Rivers grown to 540 acres. assistant director. The staff consisted MetroParks Cox Arboretum of Lawwill, Huston, and Clara Wine, the There was considerable confusion In December 1972, the park district park district’s dedicated secretary for around the name of the park district— experienced new growth when Cox many years. Huston began his duties by Montgomery County Park District Arboretum became part of the district. leading walks and “bushwhacking” trails (followed by Dayton-Montgomery County Park District and finally Park metroparks.org (937) 275 PARK (7275) it’s our nature. spring 15

District of Dayton-Montgomery Conservation opportunities also County). The name led residents to presented themselves with the passing believe the park district was part of of the 2000 levy. By June 2001, 300 the City of Dayton or Montgomery acres of scenic land were purchased County government structure. Few and an additional 250 acres protected knew which parks fell under park through conservation easements in district management and that the park the Twin Creek Valley northwest of district was in fact a separate political Germantown MetroPark and south of subdivision of the State of Ohio. Twin Creek MetroPark. Attention was After considerable research and also focused on the Stillwater River community input, the Board of Park corridor with MetroParks striving Commissioners requested approval to protect undeveloped stretches from the Montgomery County Probate between Englewood and Wegerzyn Court for a name change to Five Gardens MetroParks. Rivers MetroParks. The new name The Future of Five was approved on July 20, 1995. It was Rivers MetroParks selected to eliminate confusion and From its humble beginnings as a better reflect the direction of the collection of names on a yellow legal agency. “Five Rivers” relates to the pad that was the Save Open Space five waterways (Great Miami River, Committee, Five Rivers MetroParks Stillwater River, Mad River, Twin Creek, has grown to encompass 15,450 acres MetroParks maintains. This site, which and Wolf Creek) in Montgomery making up 25 facilities, including was originally slated to be a dump County and the importance of river public parks, conservation areas, before MetroParks intervened, will corridors. “MetroParks” was coined and recreation trails. Dayton is home someday become a MetroPark with to designate the region-wide services to the largest bikeway network in public amenities that will serve the provided. the country—330 miles of paved Trotwood neighborhood. The Five Rivers MetroParks went on trails connect natural and historical Another site with potential to become to pass a new $1.8 mil, 10-year levy (to destinations. Special features include a future MetroPark is the Medlar replace the $1.2 mil levy) in November Ohio’s first native butterfly house at Conservation Area. This site, located 2000. Funding was now in place to Cox Arboretum MetroPark, a working near the Austin Landing area, is move forward with programming and 1880s historical farm at Carriage Hill in the process of conversion to a maintenance of RiverScape MetroPark. MetroPark, the Children’s Discovery second-growth forest from its former Development of this site continues Garden at Wegerzyn Gardens farmland state. Plans are under way today; just this past summer, funding MetroPark, an 8-mile mountain to extend the bikeway to this location, was secured for the River Run project. biking facility adjacent to Huffman connecting the area and nearby school This initiative will remove the low MetroPark, a nature center at to beautiful, natural spaces. dam from the Great Miami River and Germantown MetroPark, the award- install flow control structures that will winning youth development program Stay tuned for more information as improve riparian habitat and aquatic Adventure Central at Wesleyan Five Rivers MetroParks celebrates its wildlife, with a bonus benefit of MetroPark, a working sustainable golden anniversary. On behalf of Five creating about 7 miles of water trails farm at Possum Creek MetroPark, a Rivers MetroParks staff, executive perfect for paddle sports, fishing and 22-mile backpacking trail connecting director Becky Benná, and the Board wildlife viewing. The project, spurred Germantown and Twin Creek of Park Commissioners, we would like by a $1 million challenge grant from MetroParks, and an 18-hole disc golf to thank the greater Dayton community the James M. Cox, Jr., Foundation, course at Englewood MetroPark. for its support these past 50 years. Whether you gave your time and received $3.8 million total from Future MetroParks include the Great talents through volunteering, visited a corporate and foundation support. Miami Wetland Mitigation Bank in park, or cast a vote for a levy, we’re all The final push to reach the $4 million Trotwood. This site balances the so thankful that our residents choose goal came from public donations. The need for local development and land to invest in protecting our region’s River Run project is now in the planning protection by providing a means for natural heritage and providing outdoor and permitting stage. Construction is developers to purchase wetland credits experiences that inspire a personal projected to begin summer 2014. (required by law) that Five Rivers connection with nature. it’s our nature. (937) 275 PARK (7275) metroparks.org Five rivers MetroParks is pleased to present Your guide to SPRING PROGRAMS Finding your interests is quick and easy. You can find them in this ParkWays by TOPIC or by DATE. Follow the simple instructions below and start filling up your calendar with programs for all ages. By TOPIC Interested in paddle sports, photography, gardening or hiking? Looking to volunteer or maybe just want to find all the seasonal happenings in the MetroParks? Check out the TOPIC section. Each program lists the date, name, time, place and description. You can register online at www.metroparks.org or by phone.

By DATE Yo u can also search for programs by date. This is a chronological listing of every program at every park. Pick a date, find an activity that interests you and go to the page listed to find out more information. For more details on programs, or to register, visit www.metroparks.org. You can register online or by phone.

ONLINE You can make a comprehensive search for programs using tools online. Search for programs listed by date, topic or park when you visit www.metroparks.org and click on the “Find a Program” link found on the left-hand navigation bar. You can also find suggestions by clicking the “Get Outside” link at the top of the page. Metroparks.org helps you get connected to park information, program guides, videos, nature play, and online registration. If you’re a “go on your own” park user, the website is a great place to find maps, park features, trail information and more.

NOTE: Some programs require a minimum number of participants and are subject to cancellation. Those with reservations will be contacted if this occurs. Some outdoor events are weather permitting. The website contains up-to-date information on cancellations. FEES: Fees are required at the time of registration and are non-refundable. Alerts and Closures Weather conditions and construction can affect hiking trails, bikeways and access to certain park entrances. All construction information, including detours, as well as any weather-related notices are posted online at: metroparks.org/alerts How to contact a Ranger in a MetroPark: Emergency contact: 9-1-1 Non-emergency contact: (937) 535-2580 Inform the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher you are in a MetroParks facility. A MetroParks Law Enforcement Ranger will be notified and respond to the situation as soon as possible. As always, if it is an emergency, please call 9-1-1. LOST SOMETHING? If you lost something valuable in a MetroPark, contact the Rangers to identify and retrieve riverscape metropark riverscape your belongings. Contact Administrative Assistant Robert Makley at (937) 567-4265 for details.

16 metroparks.org GUIDE TO PROGR AMS BY D ATE

Wed, Jan 23, 2013 Orientation, Five Rivers MetroParks Main Mon, Mar 25, 2013 1:00 pm Volunteer: Native Plant Primer, Five Office (see page 29) 9:00 am Children’s Tour Guide Workshop Rivers MetroParks Main Office (see page 24) 6:30 pm Intro to Backpacking for Women, Series: In the Field with Field Trips, Cox Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark (page 20) Arboretum MetroPark (see page 28) Fri, mar 1, 2013 10:00 am Tike Hike: Here Come the 8:00 am City Beets 2013: Call for Sat, Mar 16, 2013 Ducklings, Eastwood MetroPark (see page 28) Applications, Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark 8:30 am Family Farm Chores, Carriage Hill 6:00 pm Bicycle Maintenance Basics, (see page 24) MetroPark (see page 22) Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark (see page 20) 9:00 am Seedling Saturdays, Carriage Hill Sat, Mar 2, 2013 MetroPark (see page 27) Wed, Mar 27, 2013 7:30 am Miami Valley Gardening Conference, 10:00 am Getting Started with Digital 10:00 am Tikes Taking Action: Seedlings Offsite (see page 24) Photography, Cox Arboretum MetroPark (see Galore, Germantown MetroPark (see page 29) 8:00 am Wilderness First Responder, Possum page 32) Creek MetroPark (see page 31) 10:00 am Jr. Farmers Series, Possum Creek Thu, Mar 28, 2013 10:00 am Family Nature Walk, Taylorsville MetroPark (see page 22) 7:00 pm Cafe Sci, Cox Arboretum MetroPark MetroPark (see page 27) 10:00 am Getting a Jump on Spring, Wegerzyn (see page 30) Gardens MetroPark (see page 24) Sun, Mar 3, 2013 10:00 am St. Patrick’s Day at the Market, Sat, Mar 30, 2013 1:30 pm Taylorsville Hike with the Metro PNC 2nd Street Market (see page 22) 10:00 am Plants on My Plate, Wegerzyn Dayton Hikers, Taylorsville MetroPark (see 1:00 pm Eureka Lab: Marvelous Mud, Cox Gardens MetroPark (see page 25) page 23) Arboretum MetroPark (see page 29) Thu, Apr 4, 2013 Tue, Mar 5, 2013 Sun, Mar 17, 2013 10:00 am Backpacking Babies: Magnificent 9:00 am Volunteer: MetroPark Volunteer 12:00 pm Corn Shelling & Grinding, Carriage Trees, Sugarcreek MetroPark (see page 27) Naturalist, Germantown MetroPark (page 27) Hill MetroPark (see page 26) 6:00 pm Your Best Vegetable Garden, Possum 1:30 pm Englewood Hike with the Metro Creek MetroPark (see page 25) Wed, Mar 6, 2013 Dayton Hikers, Englewood MetroPark (see 7:00 pm The Elephant in the Living Room, page 23) Fri, Apr 5, 2013 Cox Arboretum MetroPark (see page 26) 8:00 pm Tike Hike: Nocturnal Amphibian Mon, Mar 18, 2013 Search, Sugarcreek MetroPark (see page 28) Thu, Mar 7, 2013 9:00 am Volunteer: Aullwood Garden, 10:00 am Backpacking Babies: Sounds of Aullwood Garden MetroPark (see page 24) Sat, Apr 6, 2013 Nature, Sugarcreek MetroPark (see page 27) 9:30 am Children’s Tour Guide Workshop 9:00 am Bike for the Health of It: Ride to Series: Pollinator Partners, Cox Arboretum Verona, Bikeway: Wolf Creek (see page 20) MetroPark (see page 27) Sat, Mar 9, 2013 12:00 pm Backpacking Basics, Germantown 4:00 pm Competitive Junior Rowing, Island 9:00 am Seedling Saturdays, Carriage Hill MetroPark (see page 20) MetroPark (see page 32) MetroPark (see page 27) 6:00 pm Intro to Bicycle Maintenance, Sun, Apr 7, 2013 Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark (see page 20) Mon, Mar 11, 2013 1:30 pm Twin Creek Hike with the Metro 9:30 am Children’s Tour Guide Workshop Dayton Hikers, Twin Creek MetroPark (see Series: Warm-up for Spring, Cox Arboretum Wed, Mar 20, 2013 page 23) MetroPark (see page 27) 6:30 pm Community Garden Coordinators’ 2:00 pm Woodland Wildflowers, Possum Dinner, Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark (page 6:00 pm Fly-Fishing for Bass and Bluegill, Creek MetroPark (see page 30) 25) Possum Creek MetroPark (see page 23) 6:30 pm Intro to Backpacking, Cox Arboretum 7:00 pm National Geographic Live: Annie Tue, Apr 9, 2013 MetroPark (page 20) Griffiths, Offsite (see page 22) 6:00 pm Nectar: It Does a Bug Good! Cox Arboretum MetroPark (see page 30) Fri, Mar 22, 2013 Tue, Mar 12, 2013 10:00 am Tike Hike: Signs of Spring, Hills & 10:00 am Tike Hike: Coyotes, Sugarcreek Wed, Apr 10, 2013 Dales MetroPark (see page 28) MetroPark (see page 28) 10:00 am Tike Hike: Emerging Pollinators, 1:00 pm Farm to Preschool: The Wondrous Germantown MetroPark (see page 28) Seed, Possum Creek MetroPark (see page 24) Sat, Mar 23, 2013 6:00 pm Compost Kitchen: Building Better 9:00 am Seedling Saturdays, Carriage Hill Soil, Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark (see page MetroPark (see page 27) Thu, Mar 14, 2013 25) 10:00 am Try It: Planting Potatoes, Wegerzyn 10:00 am Tike Hike: Woodland Adventure, Gardens MetroPark (see page 25) Englewood MetroPark (see page 28) Fri, Apr 12, 2013 10:00 am Landscape for Life Series, Cox 10:00 am Parent and Preschooler: Jack’s 11:00 am Tree Seedling Giveaway, PNC 2nd Arboretum MetroPark (see page 25) Giant Beanstalk, Cox Arboretum MetroPark Street Market (see page 25) Carriage Hill (see page 28) 8:00 pm Woodcock Watch, MetroPark (see page 29) 6:30 pm Volunteer: Conservation Volunteer

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Sat, Apr 13, 2013 Mon, Apr 22, 2013 Fri, May 3, 2013 8:00 am Twin Creek 10K, Twin Creek 7:00 pm National Geographic Live: Paul 8:00 am Twin Valley Trail Backpacking Trip, MetroPark (see page 23) Sereno, Offsite (see page 22) Germantown MetroPark (see page 20) 9:00 am Bike for the Health of It: Ride to 8:30 pm Tike Hike: Forests at Night, Hills & Trotwood, Bikeway: Wolf Creek (see page 20) Tue, Apr 23, 2013 Dales MetroPark (see page 28) 9:00 am Seedling Saturdays, Medlar 11:00 am Stroller Struts: Daffodils, Cox Conservation Area (see page 27) Arboretum MetroPark (see page 30) Sat, May 4, 2013 12:00 pm Backpacking Basics, Germantown 4:00 pm Try Fly Fishing, Cox Arboretum 8:30 am Knowing Our Wildflowers, MetroPark (see page 20) MetroPark (see page 23) Germantown MetroPark (see page 30) 12:00 pm From Sheep to Shawls, Carriage Hill 8:30 am Celtic Academy 5K, Eastwood MetroPark (see page 26) Wed, Apr 24, 2013 MetroPark (see page 23) 10:00 am Tikes Taking Action: Bluebird Trails, 9:00 am Fish with a Ranger, Possum Creek Sun, Apr 14, 2013 Carriage Hill MetroPark (see page 29) MetroPark (see page 23) 8:30 am AMSA /AIDS 5K, Wegerzyn Gardens 6:00 pm Compost Kitchen: All About Worms, 9:00 am Bike for the Health of It: Ride to MetroPark (see page 23) Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark (see page 25) Kyle Park, Bikeway: Great Miami River (see 12:00 pm From Sheep to Shawls, Carriage Hill page 21) MetroPark (see page 26) Thu, Apr 25, 2013 9:00 am Annual MayFair Plant Sale, Wegerzyn 2:00 pm Secret Hills and Spring Wildflowers 8:00 am Bus Trip: Englewood Dam and the Gardens MetroPark (see page 25) Walk, Germantown MetroPark (see page 30) 1913 Flood, Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark (see 10:00 am Canning Club: Asparagus, Carriage 2:00 pm April at Aullwood, Aullwood Garden page 26) Hill MetroPark (see page 26) MetroPark (see page 25) 2:00 pm Aullwood in Bloom, Aullwood Garden Fri, Apr 26, 2013 Sun, May 5, 2013 MetroPark (see page 32) 9:00 am Volunteer: Forest Foster Family, Cox 12:00 pm All Things Fermented: Kraut, Arboretum MetroPark (see page 30) Vinegar & Yeast, Carriage Hill MetroPark (see Tue, Apr 16, 2013 page 26) 9:00 am Stroller Struts: Daffodils, Cox Sat, Apr 27, 2013 1:30 pm Possum Creek Hike with the Metro Arboretum MetroPark (see page 30) 8:00 am Beginning Birding Workshop, Dayton Hikers, Possum Creek MetroPark (see 1:00 pm Farm to Preschool: What Makes a Germantown MetroPark (see page 30) page 23) Plant? Possum Creek MetroPark (see page 24) 8:30 am Smart Cycling Basics, Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark (see page 21) Mon, May 6, 2013 Wed, Apr 17, 2013 9:00 am Bike for the Health of It: Ride to 5:30 pm Introduction to Fly Fishing, Possum 6:00 pm Compost Kitchen: Backyard Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, Eastwood Creek MetroPark (see page 23) Composting, Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark MetroPark (see page 21) (see page 25) 10:00 am Wildflower and Native Plant Sale, Tue, May 7, 2013 Cox Arboretum MetroPark (see page 25) 11:30 am Lunch and Learn: Victorian Thu, Apr 18, 2013 1:00 pm Bird Song Study, Germantown Landscaping, Carriage Hill MetroPark (see 10:00 am Tike Hike: Buds and Bugs, Hills & MetroPark (see page 30) page 26) Dales MetroPark (see page 28) 6:30 pm Volunteer: Conservation Volunteer 6:00 pm Intro to Smart Cycling, Wegerzyn Sun, Apr 28, 2013 Orientation, Five Rivers MetroParks Main Gardens MetroPark (see page 21) 12:00 pm Tilling the Soil, Carriage Hill Office (see page 29) 6:30 pm Volunteer: Conservation Caretaker MetroPark (see page 22) 6:30 pm Volunteer: RiverScape Events, Orientation, Five Rivers MetroParks Main RiverScape MetroPark (see page 22) Office (see page 30) Mon, Apr 29, 2013 10:00 am Tike Hike: Woodland Nests, Wed, May 8, 2013 Sat, Apr 20, 2013 Taylorsville MetroPark (see page 28) 5:00 pm Volunteer: Bike to Work Day 8:30 am Family Farm Chores, Carriage Hill Orientation, RiverScape MetroPark MetroPark (see page 22) Tue, Apr 30, 2013 (see page 21) 9:00 am Bike for the Health of It: Ride 9:00 am Volunteer: Conservation Volunteer to Fifth Third Gateway Park, Eastwood Orientation, Five Rivers MetroParks Main Thu, May 9, 2013 MetroPark (see page 21) Office (see page 29) 10:00 am Tike Hike: Little Sprouts, 9:00 am Adopt-A-Park, multiple locations (see Germantown MetroPark (see page 28) page 30) Wed, May 1, 2013 10:00 am Parent and Preschooler: Tops and 9:00 am Wegerzyn Gardens Walkfest, 4:00 pm Try Mountain Biking, Huffman Bottoms, Cox Arboretum MetroPark Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark (see page 23) MetroPark (see page 27) (see page 28) 4:00 pm Try Kayaking, Eastwood MetroPark Sun, Apr 21, 2013 (see page 31) Thu, May 2, 2013 10:00 am Photography: Just the Basics, 10:00 am Backpacking Babies: Plant Life, Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark (see page 32) Sugarcreek MetroPark (see page 27) Fri, May 10, 2013 2:00 pm Woodland Wildflowers, Sugarcreek 5:00 pm Great Dayton Adventure, RiverScape MetroPark (see page 30) MetroPark (see page 31) 5:00 pm Urban Nights, RiverScape MetroPark (see page 22) 8:30 pm Screech Owl Search, Hills & Dales 18 metroparks.org MetroPark (see page 31) GUIDE TO PROGR AMS BY D ATE

Sat, May 11, 2013 6:00 am Forest Birds Field Trip, Possum Creek MetroPark (see page 31) 9:00 am Bike for the Health of It: Ride to Radvansky Bridge, Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark (see page 21) 9:00 am Volunteer: Backpacking Trail Work Days, Germantown MetroPark (see page 20) 9:00 am Eastwood Walkfest, Eastwood MetroPark (see page 24) 9:00 am Fly Fishing Basics, Offsite Sun, May 19, 2013 (see page 23) 10:00 am Twin Valley Trail Hike with 9:30 am Wegerzyn Bike Rodeo, Wegerzyn the Metro Dayton Hikers, Germantown Dayton is home to the Gardens MetroPark (see page 21) MetroPark (see page 24) 12:00 pm Volunteer: MoMBA Trail Work Days, 12:00 pm Corn 101, Carriage Hill MetroPark country’s largest off-street, Huffman MetroPark (see page 27) (see page 22) paved bikeway! Want to 1:00 pm Volunteer: Paddlesport Assistant Sun, May 12, 2013 Training, Eastwood MetroPark (see page 31) get started? Check out 1:00 pm Bike to the Dragons, Offsite 2:00 pm Wildflowers through Butterfly Eyes, (see page 21) metroparks.org/cycling Germantown MetroPark (see page 31) to view suggested access Mon, May 13, 2013 Mon, May 20, 2013 points, links to maps, 6:00 pm Adult Learn to Row, Island MetroPark 10:00 am Tike Hike: Buds and Bugs, (see page 32) Englewood MetroPark (see page 28) upcoming programs and more! Tue, May 14, 2013 Tue, May 21, 2013 10:00 am Tike Hike: Emerging Pollinators, 4:00 pm Try Fly Fishing, Cox Arboretum Taylorsville MetroPark (see page 28) MetroPark (see page 23) 10:00 am Volunteer: Garden Experience Mentors at Wegerzyn Needed, Wegerzyn Wed, May 22, 2013 Gardens MetroPark (see page 26) 2:30 pm Gardening for Bee and Other 1:00 pm Farm to Preschool: Vegetable or Pollinators, Cox Arboretum MetroPark Fruit? Possum Creek MetroPark (see page 24) (see page 31) 6:30 pm Fundamentals of Commuting, PNC Wed, May 15, 2013 2nd Street Market (see page 21) 10:00 am Tikes Taking Action: Milkweed for Monarchs, Germantown MetroPark (see page Thu, May 23, 2013 29) 7:00 pm Café Sci, Cox Arboretum MetroPark (see page 30) Thu, May 16, 2013 6:00 pm Advanced Butterfly Class: Butterflies Sat, May 25, 2013 of Ohio, Cox Arboretum MetroPark (see page 9:00 am Bike for the Health of It: Ride 31) to Fifth Third Gateway Park, Eastwood MetroPark (see page 21) Fri, May 17, 2013 7:00 pm National Bike to Work Day Pancake Wed, May 29, 2013 Breakfast, RiverScape MetroPark (see page 21) 9:00 am Volunteer: Conservation Volunteer Orientation, Five Rivers MetroParks Main Sat, May 18, 2013 Office (see page 29) 8:30 am Family Farm Chores, Carriage Hill 6:30 pm Intro to Bicycle Touring, Five Rivers MetroPark (see page 22) MetroParks Main Office (see page 21) 9:00 am Bike for the Health of It: Ride to Verona, Bikeway: Wolf Creek (see page 21) Thu, May 30, 2013 9:00 am Lupus Awareness Walk, Wesleyan 8:00 am ACA Canoe Instructor Certification, MetroPark (see page 24) Eastwood MetroPark (see page 32) 9:00 am Tab-a-pull-ooza, PNC 2nd Street 8:00 am ACA Kayak Instructor Certification, Market (see page 22) Eastwood MetroPark (see page 32) 10:00 am Nature Photography Step by Step, Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark (see page 32) 10:00 am Walk the Falls, Englewood Fri, Jun 14, 2013 MetroPark (see page 31) 5:30 pm Bicycle Touring Basics, Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark (see page 22) 10:00 am Gardening Boot Camp #1--Planting, Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark (see page 26) metroparks.org 19 GUIDE TO PROGR AMS BY TOPIC YOUR PROGRAM GUIDE HAS A NEW FORMAT! Programs are now listed only by their topic, instead of being broken out into “Education,” “Recreation” and “Special Events” categories. We hope you will find this format easier to find the programs you’re interested in attending, and perhaps discover programs you never knew were available before! Visit metroparks.org and click on the “Find a Program” link to search for programs and register online.

BACKPACKING TWIN VALLEY TRAIL BICYCLE MAINTENANCE BASICS BACKPACKING TRIP Mon. Mar 25, 6:00-8:30 pm E138 INTRO TO BACKPACKING FOR Fri. May 3, 8:00 AM - Sun. May 5, 8:00 WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, WOMEN PM E122 Auditorium, 1301 East Siebenthaler Ave. This next step in the bike maintenance Thu. Mar 14, 6:30-9:00 pm E119 GERMANTOWN METROPARK, Sledding Hill/ WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, Adult TVT/Parking Lot, 6206 Boomershine Rd. progression will give riders a more Classroom, 1301 East Siebenthaler Ave. Join Five Rivers MetroParks as it hits the comprehensive understanding of what makes Join other women interested in backpacking Twin Valley Trail for 3 days of backpacking. the wheels go round. This hands-on class to get an orientation to this sport. This This is an ideal trip for the newcomer who will cover bike fitting, tune-ups, advanced class, taught by female backpacking experts, has just taken Backpacking Basics and brake and drivetrain maintenance, as well will cover trip planning, trail techniques, is looking to take the next step toward as wheel truing. Prerequisites: Intro to nutrition, physical fitness, “Leave No Trace” getting out on his or her own. Equipment is Bike Maintenance. Registration required. concepts, and female-specific techniques. available upon request. You MUST attend Contact (937) 277-4374 for details. Age: All Registration required. Contact (937) 277- the pre-trip meeting on April 17. Registration ages Fee: $10 4374 for details. Age: 18Y and up Fee: $5 8 required. Contact (937) 277-4374 for details. Age: All ages Fee: $50 BIKE FOR THE HEALTH OF IT! INTRO TO BACKPACKING Join us for a bike ride on Saturdays, Wed. Mar 20, 6:30-9:00 pm E118 (FREE) VOLUNTEER: April through October. Earn a T-shirt by COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Fifth Third BACKPACKING TRAIL WORK DAYS reaching a goal of 125 miles. Participants Conference Room, 6733 Springboro Pk. Sat. May 11, 9:00 am-12:00 pm E123 completing 250 miles or more will receive Get an introduction to backpacking and find GERMANTOWN METROPARK, Park Office, 6675 an additional award. Parents/guardians your comfort zone in terms of trips and gear Conservancy Rd. must remain with children. Wearing a selection. This class will introduce you to Learn about sustainable trail building helmet is strongly recommended for all trip planning, trail techniques and nutrition, while helping maintain the Twin Valley participants and required for children physical fitness, and “Leave No Trace” Backpacking Trail. No experience is under 13. We ride rain or shine, but may concepts. Registration required. Contact necessary; tools are provided. Please cancel due to storms or trail flooding. (937) 277-4374 or [email protected] bring water and work gloves. Youth 14-17 for details. Age: 14Y and up Fee: $5 8 may attend if accompanied by an adult. (FREE) RIDE TO VERONA Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Sat. Apr 6, 9:00-11:00 am E11 BACKPACKING BASICS Contact (937) 277-4374 or outdoors@ Sat. may 18, 9:00-11:00 am 7773 Sat. Apr 6, 12:00 PM - Sun. Apr 7, 12:00 metroparks.org for details. Age: 18Y and up Bikeway: Wolf Creek , Ohio Bike Route 38 PM E120 8 R Join us for a bike ride on the Wolf Creek Sat. Apr 13, 12:00 PM - Sun. Apr 14, Bikeway. Meet in the parking lot behind 12:00 PM E121 CYCLING Rob’s Restaurant, 705 Arlington Rd., in GERMANTOWN METROPARK, Campsite: Brookville. We will ride toward Verona (11 Shimps Hollow, 7350 Boomershine Rd. INTRO TO BICYCLE miles). Registration requested, walk-ins This overnight field-based program hits the MAINTENANCE welcome. Contact (937) 277-4823 for trail for a trip into the wilds of Germantown Mon. Mar 18, 6:00-8:30 pm E137 details. metroparks.org/bikehealth. Age: MetroPark on the Twin Valley Trail. Spend WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, All ages 8 a night out under the stars utilizing “Leave Auditorium, 1301 East Siebenthaler Ave. No Trace” principles and practice the This lecture style class with some hands-on (FREE) RIDE TO TROTWOOD E12 techniques covered during Introduction instruction will help you diagnose and fix Sat. Apr 13, 9:00 am-12:00 pm Bikeway: Wolf Creek , Ohio Bike Route 38 to Backpacking. Gear is available at minor mechanical issues. Participants will be Join us for a bike ride on the Wolf Creek no additional charge with reservation. introduced to basic repairs and adjustments Bikeway. Meet in the parking lot behind Prerequisites: Intro to Backpacking. as well as the tools needed to do so. Topics Rob’s Restaurant, 705 Arlington Rd. in Registration required. Contact (937) 277- will include bike inspection and terminology, Brookville. We will ride toward Trotwood 4374 for details. Age: 14Y and up Fee: $15 fixing a flat tire, and basic brake and gear adjustment. Registration required. Contact (14 miles). Registration requested, walk- (937) 277-4374 for details. Age: All ages Fee: ins welcome. Contact (937) 277-4823 for $5 8 details. metroparks.org/bikehealth. Age: All ages 8 8 = OOnlinenline Registrationegistration A Availablevailable 20 metroparks.org R = Program isis Weather-Weather-DDependentependent GUIDE TO PROGR AMS BY TOPIC

(FREE) RIDE TO FIFTH THIRD a classroom session, taught by League (FREE) BIKE TO THE DRAGONS GATEWAY PARK Certified Instructors, and designed Sun. May 12, 1:00-6:00 pm E71 Sat. Apr 20, 9:00 am-12:00 pm E16 to provide cyclists of all levels better OFFSITE, Fifth Third Field, 220 N Patterson Blvd. EASTWOOD METROPARK, Last Parking Lot, knowledge and understanding of how to Hop on your bike and head downtown to 1385 Harshman Rd. safely and effectively operate their bicycles watch America’s favorite game. The first 50 Join us for a bike ride on the Creekside in various situations. Topics will include cyclists to register on the Dragon’s website and Bikeway. We will ride to the Fifth Third ride preparation, traffic laws, equipment, “Bike to the Game” will win complimentary Gateway Park (12 miles). Registration clothing, and much more. Registration lawn seats and prizes courtesy of Five Rivers requested, walk-ins welcome. Contact required. Contact (937) 277-4374 for details. MetroParks, Dayton Dragons, and the Miami (937) 277-4823 for more information. Age: All ages Fee: $10 8 Valley Regional Planning Commission. Valet metroparks.org/bikehealth. Age: All bike parking available. Registration begins April ages 8 SMART CYCLING BASICS 15. See contact info to register. Contact (937) Sat. Apr 27, 8:30 am-3:00 pm E140 228-2287 or [email protected] for (FREE) RIDE TO WEGERZYN WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, details. www.daytondragons.com. Age: All ages GARDENS METROPARK Auditorium, 1301 East Siebenthaler Ave. Sat. Apr 27, 9:00 am-12:00 pm 7770 Smart Cycling Basics, part two of the cycling (FREE) NATIONAL BIKE TO WORK EASTWOOD METROPARK, Last Parking Lot, series, takes the knowledge gained in Intro DAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST 1385 Harshman Rd. and puts it to use on the bike. This hands- Fri. May 17, 7:00-9:00 am E92 Join us for a bike ride on the Mad on class will teach riders maneuvering, RIVERSCAPE METROPARK, RiverScape River Bikeway. We will ride to signaling and riding skills to make them more Pavilion, 111 E. Monument Ave. Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark (13 competent and comfortable on the streets Leave your car in the garage and support miles). Registration requested, walk-ins and trails of the Miami Valley. Helmets and National Bike to Work Day. Ride in on welcome. Contact (937) 277-4823 for bicycles required. Prerequisites: Intro your own or with a group to RiverScape details. metroparks.org/bikehealth. Age: to Smart Cycling. Registration required. MetroPark for a free pancake breakfast, All ages 8 Contact (937) 277-4374 for details. Age: All then head to work. Live music, cycling- ages Fee: $25 related exhibitors, and a team challenge are (FREE) RIDE TO KYLE PARK also part of the fun. Turn this one day into Sat. May 4, 9:00 am-12:00 pm 7771 (FREE) VOLUNTEER: BIKE TO a lifestyle. Registration requested, walk-ins Bikeway: Great Miami River, Ohio Bike WORK DAY ORIENTATION welcome. Contact (937) 277-4374 for details. Route 25 Wed. May 8, 5:00-8:00 pm E99 metroparks.org/biketowork. Age: All ages Join us for a bike ride on the Great RIVERSCAPE METROPARK, RiverScape 8 Miami River Bikeway. Meet at Rip Rap Pavilion, 111 E. Monument Ave. Park, located at the intersections of Promote cycling and enjoy good company FUNDAMENTALS OF Little York, Rip Rap, and Taylorsville while volunteering for the Bike to Work Day COMMUTING roads, in the parking lot near the soccer Pancake Breakfast. Attend this orientation E143 fields. We will ride to Kyle Park (15 Wed. May 22, 6:30-8:30 pm where you can sign up for volunteer shifts PNC 2ND STREET MARKET, Pavilion, miles). Registration requested, walk-ins that are available either Thursday, May 16, or 600 E. 2nd St. welcome. Contact (937) 277-4823 for Friday, May 17. Refreshments will be served! This class goes over what is involved to details. metroparks.org/bikehealth. Age: Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. get you biking to work, to the store, or a All ages 8 Contact (937) 277-4374 for details. Age: 14Y favorite restaurant. This lecture-style class and up 8 will include bike terminology, commuting (FREE) RIDE TO RADVANSKY equipment, and trip and bike preparation. BRIDGE (FREE) WEGERZYN BIKE RODEO We will briefly discuss traffic laws, hazards Sat. May 11, 9:00 am-12:00 pm B1189 Sat. May 11, 9:30 am-1:00 pm E21 encountered, safe-riding skills and proper WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, Parking route planning. Registration required. Parking Lot, 1301 East Siebenthaler Ave. Lot, 1301 East Siebenthaler Ave. Contact (937) 277-4374 for details. Age: All Join us on a bike ride on the Great Miami Join the MetroParks Ranger Division on a ages Fee: $10 8 Bikeway. We will ride to Radvansky ride through a safety course, and have your Lane Bridge, near Fishburg Road (16 bike checked out by a technician. Before INTRO TO BICYCLE TOURING miles). Registration requested, walk-ins riding, students are encouraged to have Wed. May 29, 6:30-9:00 pm E144 welcome. Contact (937) 277-4823 for their helmets properly fitted. New helmets Five Rivers MetroParks Main Office, 409 E. details. Age: All ages 8 will be available on an as-needed basis Monument Ave., 3rd Floor (no beads in hair, please). Allow one hour Intro to Bicycle Touring gives you the INTRO TO SMART CYCLING to complete the activities. Registration knowledge needed to get started with bicycle requested, walk-ins welcome. Contact Thu. Apr 18, 6:00-8:30 pm E139 touring. This lecture style class will cover WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, (937) 277-4823 for details. Age: 3Y-15Y 8 touring equipment for your bike, clothing Auditorium, 1301 East Siebenthaler Ave. options, types of tours, and tour planning. Step one in the Smart Cycling Series is Join us as we discover the joy of bicycle

8 = Online Registration Available R = Program is Weather-Dependent metroparks.org 21 GUIDE TO PROGR AMS BY TOPIC touring while on the trail, path, or road. PAUL SERENO (FREE) URBAN NIGHTS Registration required. Contact (937) 277-4374 Mon. Apr 22, 7:00-9:00 pm E153 Fri. May 10, 5:00-10:00 pm E98 for details. Age: All ages Fee: $10 8 OFFSITE, Victoria Theatre, 1 W. Second St., RiverScape MetroPark, 111 E. Dayton Monument Ave. BICYCLE TOURING BASICS Discoverer of dinosaurs on five continents Come see RiverScape MetroPark come Fri. Jun 14, 5:30 PM - Sat. Jun 15, 3:30 and leader of dozens of expeditions, alive at Urban Nights! Spring is here, PM F16 Sereno and his team discovered the first and there’s no better way to get outside Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, 1301 E. dinosaurs to roam the Earth—the predators and celebrate it than by enjoying all the Siebenthaler Ave. Herrerasaurus and the primitive Eoraptor, sights and sounds of this citywide party! After completing Intro to Bicycle Touring the “dawn stealer.” These expeditions RiverScape MetroPark is sure to add join us for an actual bicycle tour! By utilizing revealed the most complete picture yet excitement to an already thrilling event the vast network of bikeways in the Miami of the dawn of the dinosaur era, some 225 with food by Café Vélo and fun activities! Valley we will ride out to a campsite, million years ago. Registration requested, No registration required. Contact (937) 274- camp overnight, and then return the next walk-ins welcome. Contact (937) 228-3630 0126 for details. Age: All ages R day. Lessons will be taught during bike or [email protected] for details. preparation, on the trail, and in camp. Bikes www.victoriatheatre.com/series/national and helmets are required. Prerequisites: -geographic-live. Age: All ages Fee: Package FARMING Intro to Bicycle Touring. Registration A: $102, Package B: $72, Package C: $57 required. Contact (937) 277-4374 for details. (FREE) FAMILY FARM CHORES Sat. Mar 16, 8:30-10:00 am E130 Age: All ages Fee: $25 (FREE) ST. PATRICK’S DAY AT Sat. Apr 20, 8:30-10:00 am E131 THE MARKET Sat. May 18, 8:30-10:00 am E132 Sat. Mar 16, 10:00 am-1:30 pm E165 CARRIAGE HILL METROPARK, Carriage Hill ENTERTAINMENT PNC 2nd Street Market, 600 E. 2nd St. Historical Farm, 7850 E. Shull Rd. Come celebrate the wearing of the green Join a farm staff person to feed animals, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC at the PNC 2nd Street Market! This year’s gather eggs, and clean stalls. Get to know LIVE SERIES event features live Celtic music, followed by some of the farm animals up close and dancers from the Celtic Academy of Irish personal. Meet at the farm. Registration National Geographic Live has been Dance. No registration required. Contact bringing the world of National required. Contact (937) 278-2609 for details. (937) 228-2088 or [email protected] Age: 6Y-18Y 8 Geographic to cities across North for details. Age: All ages America. Come see a unique mix of dynamic events, fascinating people, and (FREE) JR. FARMERS SERIES (FREE) TAB-A-PULL-OOZA Sat. Mar 16, 10:00-11:30 am E145 captivating stories from the front lines Sat. May 18, 9:00 am-2:00 pm E164 of exploration at the Victoria Theatre POSSUM CREEK METROPARK, Possum Creek PNC 2nd Street Market, 600 E. 2nd St. Education Building, 4790 Frytown Rd. in downtown Dayton. Each evening Bring your aluminum can pull tabs to the Want to learn about the animals at Possum concludes with a lively question-and- PNC 2nd Street Market to help raise funds Creek MetroPark’s farm? Beginning March answer session and an opportunity to for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of 1, we will take reservations for Possum meet the presenter in the lobby. Co- the Miami Valley. No registration required. Creek’s Jr. Farmers Series. You will learn presented by Victoria Theatre Association Contact (937) 228-2088 or bramsey@ about equine, pigs, goats, sheep, poultry and and Five Rivers MetroParks. metroparks.org for details. Age: All ages cattle. Registration required. Contact (937) ANNIE GRIFFITHS 276-7062 for details. Age: 10Y-12Y 8 (FREE) VOLUNTEER: Mon. Mar 11, 7:00-9:00 pm E152 OFFSITE, Victoria Theatre, 1 W. Second St., RIVERSCAPE EVENTS (FREE) TILLING THE SOIL Dayton Tue. May 7, 6:30-7:30 pm E151 Sun. Apr 28, 12:00-5:00 pm E67 One of the first women photographers to RIVERSCAPE METROPARK, RiverScape CARRIAGE HILL METROPARK, Carriage Hill work for National Geographic, Griffiths has Pavilion, 111 E. Monument Ave. Historical Farm, 7850 E. Shull Rd. photographed in more than 100 countries The RiverScape Events Volunteers support Watch as various horse-drawn equipment during her career. She has worked on RiverScape MetroPark activity on a flexible, is used to turn the soil. Also, watch as dozens of magazine and book projects, seasonal schedule. Volunteers can support plowmen compete in the state plowing including stories on Lawrence of Arabia, events by greeting park visitors, facilitating contest. No registration required. Contact Baja California, Galilee, Petra, Sydney, New setup, and working with outside organizers. (937) 278-2609 for details. Age: All ages Zealand, and Jerusalem. Don’t miss this You can help for one day or many. Come exciting speaker! Registration requested, and learn more and get energized and (FREE) CORN 101 walk-ins welcome. Contact (937) 228-3630 excited about helping with activities at Sun. May 19, 12:00-5:00 pm E68 or [email protected] for details. RiverScape! Registration requested, walk-ins CARRIAGE HILL METROPARK, Carriage Hill www.victoriatheatre.com/series/national welcome. Contact (937) 275-5016 or sidney. Historical Farm, 7850 E. Shull Rd. Watch as the farmer rides the corn planter -geographic-live. Age: All ages Fee: Package [email protected] for details. Age: 18Y and plants the corn in check rows. See a A: $102, Package B: $72, Package C: $57 & up 8 cornfield laid out before your very eyes.

8 = Online Registration Available 22 metroparks.org R = Program is Weather-Dependent GUIDE TO PROGR AMS BY TOPIC Afterward, stop by the farmhouse to learn include a classroom overview of gear, local TWIN CREEK 10K about heirloom corn and its uses. No opportunities and techniques needed to Sat. Apr 13, 8:00 am-12:00 pm E129 registration required. Contact (937) 278- get started. Casting techniques are covered TWIN CREEK METROPARK, High View Shelter/ 2609 for details. Age: All ages through a variety of fun drills teaching basic Trailhead Parking Lot, 9688 Eby Rd. fundamentals. Participants should dress for This outdoor recreation opportunity is outdoor activity. Registration requested, sponsored by the Ohio River Road Runners FISHING walk-ins welcome. Contact (937) 277-4374 for Club. ORRRC members free; $9 for non- details. Age: 0Y-14Y Fee: $10 8 members. See contact info to register. FLY FISHING FOR BASS AND Contact (937) 605-0864 for details. BLUEGILL FLY FISHING BASICS orrrc.org. Age: All ages Fee: $9 Mon. Mar 11, 6:00-8:00 pm E102 Sat. May 11, 9:00 am-4:00 pm E104 POSSUM CREEK METROPARK, Possum Creek Offsite AMSA/AIDS 5K Education Building, 4790 Frytown Rd. Are you ready to take the next step in fly Sun. Apr 14, 8:30 am-12:00 pm E15 The Miami Valley is loaded with great bass fishing? Join us for a day of fly fishing on Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, and bluegill fishing opportunities on our a local river. Students will learn tips on 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave. local streams, ponds and lakes. Learn about reading water, casting techniques, flies This outdoor community recreation the techniques, gear and flies needed to to use and gear needed to fish our local opportunity is sponsored by American catch these fun sport fish on a fly rod. Fly lakes, ponds and rivers. Lunch and gear Medical Student Association/Wright fishing experience is recommended, but provided. Location determined based on State School of Medicine. See contact not required. This is a classroom session. fishing conditions. Fishing license required. info to register. Contact (937) 271-5859 or Registration required. Contact (937) 277- Prerequisites: Introduction to Fly Fishing. [email protected] for details. Age: All 4374 for details. Age: All ages Fee: $10 8 Registration required. Contact (937) 277- ages Fee: $20 4374 for details. Age: 18Y and up Fee: $40 (FREE) TRY FLY FISHING (FREE) WEGERZYN GARDENS Tue. Apr 23, 4:00-7:00 pm E105 WALKFEST Tue. May 21, 4:00-7:00 pm E106 FITNESS & HEALTH Sat. Apr 20, 9:00 am-4:00 pm E14 COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Outdoor Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, Venues , 6733 Springboro Pk. (FREE) TAYLORSVILLE HIKE WITH 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave. Have you ever wanted to learn how to cast THE METRO DAYTON HIKERS This outdoor community recreation a fly rod? Join us to see if you can entice Sun. Mar 3, 1:30-3:30 pm E124 opportunity is sponsored by Purple a fish to bite and catch a fish on a fly rod. TAYLORSVILLE METROPARK, Shelter: Blue Penguins Walking Club for the beauty of No fishing license required. Instructor Heron/Parking Lot, 2000 U.S. 40 nature and health of walking. Start anytime is available for questions and will teach Enjoy a 5-mile, two-hour hike with the Metro between 9AM and 1PM and finish by 4PM. basic techniques in a controlled and safe Dayton Hikers. This hike is considered See contact info to register. Contact (937) environment. Equipment is available on a moderate, some hills. No registration 429-3946 or [email protected] for details. first-come first-served basis. Registration required. Contact (937) 687-0114 for details. Age: All ages requested, walk-ins welcome. Contact (937) Age: All ages 277-4374 for details. Age: All ages 8 CELTIC ACADEMY 5K (FREE) ENGLEWOOD HIKE WITH Sat. May 4, 8:30 am-12:00 pm E19 FISH WITH A RANGER THE METRO DAYTON HIKERS EASTWOOD METROPARK, Last Parking Lot, Sat. May 4, 9:00 am-12:00 pm E100 Sun. Mar 17, 1:30-4:00 pm E125 1385 Harshman Rd. POSSUM CREEK METROPARK, Farm, 4790 ENGLEWOOD METROPARK, Shelter: Patty/ This outdoor community recreation Frytown Rd. East Park, 4361 National Rd. opportunity is sponsored by the Friends Come fish with a Ranger. Officer Enjoy a 5-mile, two-and-a-half-hour hike of the Celtic Academy. This 5K run/walk Zimmerman will teach students a lesson with the Metro Dayton Hikers. This hike begins at Eastwood MetroPark. See contact on safety. Once the lesson is complete, the is considered difficult, hilly in spots. No info to register. Contact (937) 387-7092 or students will be able to walk to a stocked registration required. Contact (937) 687-0114 [email protected] for details. Age: fishing pond and borrow poles to fish. Bait for details. Age: All ages All ages Fee: $20 and drinking water will be provided. Please bring your own chairs and sunglasses or a (FREE) TWIN CREEK HIKE WITH (FREE) POSSUM CREEK HIKE WITH billed hat. Scholarships are available upon THE METRO DAYTON HIKERS THE METRO DAYTON HIKERS request. Registration required. Contact (937) Sun. Apr 7, 1:30-4:30 pm E126 Sun. May 5, 1:30-3:30 pm E127 277-4823 for details. Age: 4Y-15Y Fee: $2 8 TWIN CREEK METROPARK, High View Shelter/ POSSUM CREEK METROPARK, Argonne Forest Trailhead Parking Lot, 9688 Eby Rd. Parking Lot, 4790 Frytown Rd. INTRODUCTION TO FLY FISHING Enjoy a 7-mile, three-hour hike with the Enjoy a 5-mile, two-hour hike with the Metro Mon. May 6, 5:30-8:30 pm E103 Metro Dayton Hikers. This hike is considered Dayton Hikers. This hike is considered easy, POSSUM CREEK METROPARK, Possum Creek rugged, for experienced hikers only. No no hills. No registration required. Contact Education Building, 4790 Frytown Rd. registration required. Contact (937) 687-0114 (937) 687-0114 for details. Age: All ages Get an overview of fly fishing. The session will for details. Age: All ages

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(FREE) EASTWOOD WALKFEST (FREE) CITY BEETS 2013: CALL FOR WHAT MAKES A PLANT? Sat. May 11, 9:00 am-4:00 pm E13 APPLICATIONS Tue. Apr 16, 1:00-2:30 pm E114 EASTWOOD METROPARK, Last Parking Lot, Fri. Mar 1, 8:00 am-5:00 pm D155 POSSUM CREEK METROPARK, Possum 1385 Harshman Rd. Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, Creek Education Building, 4790 Frytown Rd. This outdoor community recreation 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave. Learn about the different parts of a opportunity is sponsored by the Purple City Beets is a gardening and leadership plant, how they are like us and how they Penguins Walking Club for the beauty of program for 12- to 15-year-olds. Participants are different from us. Reservations begin nature and health of walking. Start anytime grow food at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark April 1. Registration required. Contact between 9AM and 1PM and finish by 4PM. Community Garden while learning (937) 276-7062 for details. Age: 3Y-6Y 8 See contact info to register. Contact (937) leadership skills. Produce is sold at the PNC PTN 429-3946 or [email protected] for details. 2nd Street Market and used in nutrition and Age: All ages cooking lessons. Teens receive a stipend. VEGETABLE OR FRUIT? Applications available online or at Wegerzyn Tue. May 14, 1:00-2:30 pm E97 (FREE) LUPUS AWARENESS WALK Gardens MetroPark. Applications are due POSSUM CREEK METROPARK, Possum Creek Education Building, 4790 Frytown Rd. Sat. May 18, 9:00 am-12:00 pm E56 March 1. Contact (937) 277-6545 or e-mail Youngsters will learn the differences and Wesleyan MetroPark, 1441 Wesleyan Rd. [email protected] for similarities of vegetables and fruits. What This outdoor community recreation details. More online at metroparks.org/ makes a vegetable a vegetable and what opportunity is sponsored by Public Health - citybeets. Age: 12Y-15Y Dayton & Montgomery County to help raise makes a fruit a fruit? Reservations begin awareness for those living with lupus disease. MIAMI VALLEY GARDENING May 1. Registration required. Contact (937) 276-7062 for details. Age: 3Y-6Y 8 Contact Jim Bolden. See contact info to CONFERENCE register. Contact (937) 225-5025 or jbolden@ PTN Sat. Mar 2, 7:30 am-5:00 pm E1 phdmc.org for details. Age: All ages OFFSITE, Sinclair Community College, 444 W. (FREE) Third St. GETTING A JUMP (FREE) TWIN VALLEY TRAIL HIKE Enjoy MetroPark’s annual kick-off to the ON SPRING WITH THE METRO DAYTON HIKERS spring gardening season. This year’s theme Sat. Mar 16, 10:00 am-12:00 pm E75 Sun. May 19, 10:00 am-2:00 pm E128 is “Learning from Nature” and our keynote WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, Adult GERMANTOWN METROPARK, Sledding Hill/ speakers are national garden authorities Lee Classroom, 1301 East Siebenthaler Ave. Spring makes all gardeners eager to start. TVT/Parking Lot, 6206 Boomershine Rd. Reich and Andrew Keys with four additional This class is designed to help you learn Hike with Metro Dayton Hikers along the breakout sessions. Fee includes breakfast about container and garden bed preparation Twin Valley Trail for a 14-mile, four-hour snack, full lunch (vegetarian options as well as plant selection—vegetables and hike. This hike is considered rugged, for available), breaks and covered parking. flowers. Get your soil corrected now and experienced hikers only. Bring a small lunch Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. enjoy a full season of bountiful blooms and to carry in a pack. No registration required. Contact (937) 277-6545 or log on to delicious food. Registration requested, walk- Contact (937) 687-0114 for details. metroparks.org/conference for details or ins welcome. Contact (937) 277-6545 for Age: All ages to register. Age: 18Y and up Fee: Online registration, $50; Mail/Call/In-Person details. Age: All ages 8 registration, $60 8 GARDENING & (FREE) VOLUNTEER: (FREE) FARM TO PRESCHOOL AULLWOOD GARDEN LANDSCAPING Mon. Mar 18, 9:00 am-12:00 pm E32 Farm to Preschool is designed to help AULLWOOD GARDEN METROPARK, Aull VOLUNTEER: NATIVE children understand what they are eating Residence, 900 Aullwood Rd. PLANT PRIMER and where that food comes from. Healthy Marie Aull’s garden is a living work of art. Wed. Jan 23-Mar 13, 1:00-4:00 pm D98 food means healthy children, which starts Volunteers will learn the basics of shade Five Rivers MetroParks Main Office, 409 E. at the farm. gardening using both native and exotic Monument Ave., 3rd Floor THE WONDROUS SEED plants. Staff-led sessions will show you some Learn about native plants and habitats of of Marie’s favorites and give you a chance to Tue. Mar 12, 1:00-2:30 pm E96 the Miami Valley, invasive species impacting see how this garden unfolds each season. A our land, propagation of native perennials POSSUM CREEK METROPARK, Possum Creek Education Building, 4790 Frytown Rd. special volunteer kick off will be held at the and shrubs, and techniques for successful Get your hands dirty while planting seeds Aull Home on March 18 at 9 am. Registration reforestation and habitat restoration. to observe the root development and the requested, walk-ins welcome. Contact (937) Required: 25 hours of volunteer service. growth of leaves. Learn the importance 276-7055 or [email protected] for For an interview and more information, of seeds and some of the different plants details. Age: 18Y and up 8 call Yvonne Dunphe at (937) 277-4147. that develop from them. Listen to a story Registration required. Contact (937) 277- about a tiny seed. Reservations begin 4147 or [email protected] for March 1. Registration required. Contact details. Age: 21Y and up Fee: $35 8 (937) 276-7062 for details. Age: 3Y-6Y 8 PTN

8 = Online Registration Available 24 metroparks.org R = Program is Weather-Dependent GUIDE TO PROGR AMS BY TOPIC

(FREE) COMMUNITY GARDEN stems, leaves and flowers. Reservations produce quick, quality compost. Learn COORDINATORS’ DINNER begin March 1. Registration required. how to manage a worm bin yourself! Wed. Mar 20, 6:30-8:30 pm 7851 Contact (937) 276-7062 for details. Age: John Woodman from Montgomery WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, 6Y-10Y PTN 8 County Solid Waste will also discuss Auditorium, 1301 East Siebenthaler Ave. community composting efforts. Do you work with a community garden in YOUR BEST VEGETABLE GARDEN Registration required. Contact (937) 277- Montgomery County? Join MetroParks’ Thu. Apr 4-May 9, 6:00-8:00 pm E101 6545 for details. Age: 18Y and up 8 community gardening program staff and POSSUM CREEK METROPARK, Possum Creek representatives from the region’s 60 Education Building, 4790 Frytown Rd. (FREE) TREE SEEDLING GIVEAWAY community gardens for dinner—no need to In this program, important aspects of Fri., Sat. Apr 12-13, 11:00 am-3:00 pm bring anything. Discover essential resources gardening are covered: soils, planning, E163 and information, and meet your gardening planting, pests and preserving. The final session is a project or sharing garden PNC 2nd Street Market, 600 E. 2nd St. colleagues. Registration required. Contact Celebrate Earth Day early by stopping by and (937) 276-7053 for details. Age: 18Y and up tips. Participants are required to give 25 volunteer service hours. To apply and getting your tree seedlings while supplies last! arrange an orientation, call Volunteer This project is brought to you with the support (FREE) TRY IT: of the Montgomery and Miami County Soil PLANTING POTATOES Services Manager Kevin Kepler at (937) 277- 4154 by February 15. Registration required. and Water Conservation districts and Rush Sat. Mar 23, 10:00-11:00 am E86 Creek Gardens. No registration required. WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, Contact (937) 277-4154 for details. Age: 18Y and up Fee: $20 Contact (937) 228-2088 or bramsey@ Community Gardens Classroom, 1301 East metroparks.org for details. Age: All ages Siebenthaler Ave. Desperate to get out in the garden, but not COMPOST KITCHEN (FREE) APRIL AT AULLWOOD sure what to do once you’re there? Get your Composting is a sound and effective Sun. Apr 14, 2:00-4:00 pm E80 hands dirty and learn how to plant potatoes Aullwood Garden MetroPark, and other cool-weather crops, including way to improve garden soil and recycle waste materials. Classes may be taken 900 Aullwood Rd. what you can plant now! Registration Join us for a beautiful time at historic requested, walk-ins welcome. Contact (937) separately or as a series. Participants attending all three sessions will receive Aullwood Garden MetroPark. Spring is a 277-6545 for details. Age: All ages 8 R a free composter from the Montgomery special season at Aullwood, and you won’t County Solid Waste District. want to miss the beauty of the early blooms LANDSCAPE FOR LIFE SERIES and buds of trees and flowers. Bring your Sat. Mar 23-Apr 27, 10:00 am-2:00 pm (FREE) BUILDING BETTER SOIL friends and bring your camera. If you want E77 Wed. Apr 10, 6:00-8:00 pm E88 to take pictures, photographer Adam Alonzo COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Mead WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, will also be on hand to help you get the best Westvaco Theatre, 6733 Springboro Pk. Auditorium, 1301 East Siebenthaler Ave. nature photos. Registration requested, walk- Sustainability is not just planting certain Gardeners learn how to evaluate their ins welcome. Contact (937) 277-6545 for plants; it’s all about understanding the soil, manage its composition, and add details. Age: All ages 8 R environment and how each of us, through available nutrients without the use of learning and making informed choices, synthetic fertilizer. Registration required. (FREE) WILDFLOWER AND NATIVE can make a difference in the health of our Contact (937) 277-6545 for details. Age: PLANT SALE gardens and of our entire area. This is a 18Y and up 8 great combination of hands-on learning, Sat. Apr 27, 10:00 am-4:00 pm E91 COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Kettering lectures, workshops and field trips, and (FREE) BACKYARD COMPOSTING Learning Lath House, 6733 Springboro Pk. an at-home project. Registration required. Wed. Apr 17, 6:00-8:00 pm E89 Browse the selection of unique wildflowers Contact (937) 434-9005 for details. Age: All WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, and native plants and get advice from the ages Fee: $60 8 Auditorium, 1301 East Siebenthaler Ave. Wildflower Volunteer Group to find the This class will focus on various plants most suitable for your garden. All of composting methods, describe the (FREE) PLANTS ON MY PLATE the plants offered in this sale are ethically characteristics of good compost, and Sat. Mar 30, 10:00-11:30 am E154 propagated or rescued from local areas address many of the typical challenges Sat. Apr 27, 10:00-11:30 am slated for development. No registration associated with getting started. Sat. May 25, 10:00-11:30 am required. Contact (937) 434-9005 for Registration required. Contact (937) 277- Sat. Jun 29, 10:00-11:30 am details. Age: All ages WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, Skeeter’s 6545 for details. Age: 18Y and up 8 Garden, 1301 East Siebenthaler Ave. (FREE) ANNUAL MAYFAIR Join us at Skeeter’s Garden at Wegerzyn (FREE) ALL ABOUT WORMS Gardens MetroPark on the last Saturday of Wed. Apr 24, 6:00-8:00 pm E90 PLANT SALE each month to discover how plants play a WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, Sat. May 4, 9:00 am-3:00 pm E93 role in the many things we eat. Each month Auditorium, 1301 East Siebenthaler Ave. Sun. May 5, 11:00 am-3:00 pm a new topic will be covered such as roots, Worms are very efficient composters, WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, and with their help gardeners can Auditorium, 1301 East Siebenthaler Ave.

8 = Online Registration Available R = Program is Weather-Dependent metroparks.org 25 GUIDE TO PROGR AMS BY TOPIC

Get a jump on spring and purchase (FREE) THE ELEPHANT IN THE family lived there. We will stop at the unusual perennials, annuals and herbs for LIVING ROOM Miami Conservancy District’s offices to companion planting or simply to enhance Wed. Mar 6, 7:00-9:00 pm E64 discover the role played by this important your landscape at our annual plant sale. COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Mead organization. Lunch will be at a charming, Purchase organic vegetable plants for your Westvaco Theatre, 6733 Springboro Pk. historic tavern. Registration required. home garden. Pass-along plants are locally See the extraordinary story of two men Contact (937) 277-6545 for details. Age: 21Y grown and dug plants, perfect for local at the heart of the dangerous-animals- and up Fee: $68 gardens. Enjoy hanging baskets, just in time as-pets issue: Tim Harrison, an Ohio for Mother’s Day. No registration required. police officer whose friend was killed (FREE) ALL THINGS FERMENTED: Contact (937) 277-6545 for details. by an exotic pet, and Terry Brumfield, a KRAUT, VINEGAR & YEAST metroparks.org/PlantSales. Age: All ages big-hearted man struggling to raise two Sun. May 5, 12:00-5:00 pm E134 African lions he loves. Tim Harrison will CARRIAGE HILL METROPARK, Carriage Hill (FREE) VOLUNTEER: GARDEN host a Q&A after the film. Free popcorn. Historical Farm, 7850 E. Shull Rd. EXPERIENCE MENTORS AT Film length: 94 min. Registration Come learn about the various fermented WEGERZYN NEEDED requested, walk-ins welcome. Contact items found in an 1880s farmhouse pantry. Watch as sauerkraut is made, homemade Tue. May 14-28, 10:00 am-12:00 pm E20 (937) 434-9005 for details. Age: 14Y WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, Adult and up vinegar is produced, and yeast is made Classroom, 1301 East Siebenthaler Ave. from potatoes and hops. No registration Garden Experience Mentor (GEM) required. Contact (937) 278-2609 for volunteers are needed to welcome visitors details. Age: All ages to the cool plants and habitats of the HERITAGE & HISTORY Children’s Discovery Garden at Wegerzyn (FREE) CORN SHELLING & LUNCH AND LEARN Gardens MetroPark. GEMs can volunteer GRINDING Enjoy speakers who will give new meaning two-hour shifts during the weekdays, Sun. Mar 17, 12:00-5:00 pm E65 to the term “power gardening” during this weekends and evenings. Three trainings will CARRIAGE HILL METROPARK, Carriage Hill brown-bag lunch series. be held May 14, 21 and 28 from 10AM - 12 Historical Farm, 7850 E. Shull Rd. PM. Registration required. Contact (937) Try your hand at one of the most common (FREE) VICTORIAN 276-7055 or [email protected] for 19th-century farm chores. Visitors of all LANDSCAPING details. Age: 18Y and up ages can stop by the barn to help shell Tue. May 7, 11:30 am-1:00 pm E69 the kernels from the cob. Also, watch as CARRIAGE HILL METROPARK, Carriage Hill GARDENING BOOT CAMP the kernels are then ground for feed. No Historical Farm, 7850 E. Shull Rd. #1— PLANTING registration required. Contact (937) 278- Come learn about the various ways in Sat. May 18, 10:00 am-1:00 pm E84 2609 for details. Age: 18Y and up which Victorians, either on the farm or in Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, the city, landscaped their yards. Practical 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave. (FREE) FROM SHEEP TO SHAWLS examples will be provided. Registration Need to know how to garden fast? Join Sat., Sun. Apr 13-14, 12:00-5:00 pm E66 required. Contact (937) 278-2609 for us for seasonal three-hour sessions on Carriage Hill MetroPark, 7800 E. Shull Rd. details. Age: 18Y and up 8 practical gardening skills, presented during The role sheep played on the farm will be the gardening season. You’ll learn the discussed for this comprehensive program. techniques you need at the right time of Watch as the sheep are sheared each day year. Bring your lunch and all your questions for the spring. Help card wool and watch HOME & HOBBIES for a great gardening year. Today’s class is as fabric is dyed using traditional methods. how to plant anything from seeds to trees. Come hear about the spinning process and CANNING CLUB Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. factory production of wool. Watch spinners Learn how to preserve fruits and Contact (937) 277-6545 for details. Age: All and weavers process the wool into yarn. No vegetables in an inexpensive and efficient ages Fee: $10 8 registration required. Contact (937) 278- way in our summer kitchen. Canning your 2609 for details. Age: All ages own produce teaches self-sufficiency and helps keep our planet green. Participants GREEN LIVING BUS TRIP: ENGLEWOOD DAM will learn how to preserve six varieties AND THE 1913 FLOOD of fruits and vegetables, using seasonal ENVIRONMENTAL FILM Thu. Apr 25, 8:00 am-5:00 pm E79 produce and 19th-century methods. SERIES WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, Auditorium, 1301 East Siebenthaler Ave. ASPARAGUS Films are shown on the first Wednesday Tour the Englewood Dam area to learn Sat. May 4, 10:00 am-2:00 pm E133 of the month, January, March, May and about the 1913 flood and the flood CARRIAGE HILL METROPARK, Carriage Hill July. Enjoy free popcorn and refreshments prevention system which is now in place. Historical Farm, 7850 E. Shull Rd. during the film and stay afterward to share We will drive past the dam work camp Participants will take home recipes and your insight and observations with others and hear tales from someone whose a jar of the month’s harvest. Contact during open discussion.

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(937) 278-2609 or e-mail deborah.toy@ Being a naturalist is a state of mind. (FREE) SEEDLING SATURDAYS metroparks.org for details. Registration Becoming a naturalist is a journey— Sat. Mar 9, 9:00 am-12:00 pm E94 required. Age: 18Y and up Fee: $15 8 artistic creativity and scientific discipline CARRIAGE HILL METROPARK, Redbud intertwined. As a volunteer naturalist, you Campsite, 8775 Bellefontaine Rd. will teach and learn, providing opportunities Sat. Mar 16, 9:00 am-12:00 pm E109 to share your knowledge, interests and CARRIAGE HILL METROPARK, Visitors Center, MOUNTAIN BIKING talents with others in a classroom without 7800 E. Shull Rd. (FREE) TRY MOUNTAIN BIKING boundaries. Schedule an interview to Sat. Mar 23, 9:00 am-12:00 pm E110 Wed. May 1, 4:00-7:00 pm E141 begin the journey. Registration required. CARRIAGE HILL METROPARK, Visitors Center, 7800 E. Shull Rd. HUFFMAN METROPARK, MoMBA Trailhead Contact (937) 277-4147 or yvonne.dunphe@ Sat. APR 13, 9:00 am-12:00 pm E111 Parking Lot, 4485 Union Rd. metroparks.org for details. Age: 21Y and up Is not owning a mountain bike keeping you MEDLAR CONSERVATION AREA, Rice Farm Fee: $50 8 House, 4528 Medlar Rd. from trying mountain biking? If so, then Join our reforestation efforts and help us come out to MetroParks Mountain Bike plant tree seedlings! Five Rivers MetroParks Area and borrow one of our bikes to ride BACKPACKING BABIES and our volunteers grew these seedlings for a lap or two. Bikes are available on a Backpacking Babies programs are just for in 2011, and they are ready to find their first-come, first-served basis. Youth under parents and their babies. Share stories, places in our forest. Your help is needed! 18 must be accompanied by a parent or enjoy fresh air and learn about nature. We will be planting over 12,000 new tree guardian. Helmets are mandatory and Babies are exposed to new sights, sounds, seedlings this March in locations throughout provided with bikes. Registration requested, textures, and smells on each journey. A MetroParks. Registration required. walk-ins welcome. Contact (937) 277-4374 for baby backpack or Snugli is required as Contact (937) 275-7275 for details or visit details. Age: All ages 8 R trails are not stroller-friendly. metroparks.org/forests. Age: All ages 8 R (FREE) VOLUNTEER: MOMBA (FREE) SOUNDS OF NATURE Thu. Mar 7, 10:00-11:00 am E40 CHILDREN’S TOUR GUIDE TRAIL WORK DAYS SUGARCREEK METROPARK, Trailhead Sat. May 11, 12:00-4:00 pm E142 Parking Lot, 4178 Conference Rd. WORKSHOP SERIES HUFFMAN METROPARK, MoMBA Trailhead Enjoy a hike through the various Discover the joy of sharing nature with Parking Lot, 4485 Union Rd. habitats of Sugarcreek MetroPark children as a volunteer children’s tour Learn about sustainable trail building while while serenading your baby with nature guide. No experience is necessary; helping maintain the mountain bike trails sounds. In addition to the natural sounds however, potential guides should be 16 at MoMBA! No experience is necessary; heard, naturalists will also play owl, years or older and able to walk/hike trails tools are provided. Volunteers should bring coyote, and frog sounds to get your at various MetroParks. Children’s tour work gloves and water. Youth 14-17 must baby actively listening to nature. No guides make our natural areas come alive be accompanied by an adult. Registration registration required. Contact for the students that visit each season. requested, walk-ins welcome. Contact (937) (937) 277-4178 for details. Age: 0Y-2Y 277-4374 or [email protected] for (FREE) WARM-UP FOR SPRING details. Age: 18Y and up 8 R (FREE) MAGNIFICENT TREES Mon. Mar 11, 9:30-11:30 am E60 Thu. Apr 4, 10:00-11:00 am E42 COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Mead SUGARCREEK METROPARK, Trailhead Westvaco Theatre, 6733 Springboro Pk. NATURE Parking Lot , 4178 Conference Rd. Make an impact working with students Enjoy a healthy walk and allow your baby who visit MetroParks as part of our (FREE) FAMILY NATURE WALK Children’s Tour Guide program. We E57 to explore the beautiful sights, puzzling Sat. Mar 2, 10:00-11:30 am invite returning tour guides and TAYLORSVILLE METROPARK, Shelter: CCC/ sounds, and fresh air of the forest. No East Park Parking Lot, 2101 U.S. 40 registration required. Contact (937) 277- interested adults to this workshop to Venture out into a young forest to study 4178 for details. Age: 0Y-2Y learn more about leading tours and the winter’s last hold on nature. We will explore opportunities available at multiple parks. migrating birds, budding trees, search for (FREE) PLANT LIFE Please bring your calendar to sign up salamanders, and discover spring’s first Thu. May 2, 10:00-11:00 am E43 for scheduled tours. Light refreshments SUGARCREEK METROPARK, Trailhead wildflowers. No registration required. provided. Registration requested, walk- Parking Lot, 4178 Conference Rd. Contact (937) 277-4178 for details. Age: All ins welcome. Contact (937) 434-9005 for Explore trees, shrubs, and wildflowers as details. Age: 16Y and up 8 ages PTN we hike through the forest celebrating plant life. Babies will feel and smell a (FREE) POLLINATOR PARTNERS VOLUNTEER: METROPARK variety of aromas from leaves while Mon. Mar 18, 9:30-11:30 am E61 VOLUNTEER NATURALIST appreciating the vibrant colors and COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Mead Tue. Mar 5-Apr 23, 9:00 am-4:00 pm shapes of wildflowers. No registration Westvaco Theatre, 6733 Springboro Pk. D99 required. Contact (937) 277-4178 for Welcome to the world of pollinators! GERMANTOWN METROPARK, Nature Center details. Age: 0Y-2Y Today’s workshop will discuss both our Classroom, 6910 Boomershine Rd. animal and insect pollinators as we

8 = Online Registration Available R = Program is Weather-Dependent metroparks.org 27 GUIDE TO PROGR AMS BY TOPIC

discover them in the field, talk about long winter, and help us look for signs of (FREE) WOODLAND NESTS their needs and explore how they are a spring! There are lots of changes going Mon. Apr 29, 10:00-11:00 am E34 great hook to capture imaginations and on in the park this time of year, making TAYLORSVILLE METROPARK, Shelter: explain content during tours. Please this an excellent time for a hike. No CCC/East Park Parking Lot, 2101 U.S. 40 dress for the weather. Light refreshments registration required. Contact (937) 277- Many birds are building nests right now provided. Registration requested, walk- 4178 for details. Age: 3Y-5Y PTN to prepare for their babies. Let’s look at ins welcome. Contact (937) 434-9005 for the different materials birds use and the details. Age: 16Y and up 8 (FREE) HERE COME THE types of nests they build! No registration DUCKLINGS required. Contact (937) 277-4178 for (FREE) IN THE FIELD WITH FIELD Mon. Mar 25, 10:00-11:00 am E49 details. Age: 3Y-6Y PTN TRIPS EASTWOOD METROPARK, Last Parking Lot, Mon. Mar 25, 9:00 am-12:00 pm 1385 Harshman Rd. (FREE) FORESTS AT NIGHT E62 Let’s look for ducks and other waterfowl Fri. May 3, 8:30-9:30 pm E41 COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Parking in the lagoon! Some have been here all HILLS & DALES METROPARK, Shelter: Paw Lot, 6733 Springboro Pk. winter, while others are coming back Paw/Parking Lot, 100 Deep Hollow Rd. Join us as we hit the trail and practice from their winter homes. No registration Have you wondered what happens in the field techniques at Germantown required. Contact (937) 277-4178 for forest once the sun goes down? On a MetroPark. We will discuss tour content details. Age: 3Y-5Y PTN night hike just for preschoolers and their and uncover more about Ohio wildlife families, we will discuss the differences through hands-on time at the pond and (FREE) NOCTURNAL AMPHIBIAN between night and day, explore pelts in the woods. Please wear creek shoes. SEARCH of nocturnal animals, and hike to see Transportation for this session will be Fri. Apr 5, 8:00-9:00 pm E33 what nocturnal animals are out! No provided. Meet in the front parking lot at SUGARCREEK METROPARK, Trailhead registration required. Contact (937) 277- 9AM. Registration required. Contact (937) Parking Lot, 4178 Conference Rd. 4178 for details. Age: 3Y-6Y PTN 434-9005 for details. Age: 16Y and up 8 Join us on an evening search for spring peepers and spotted salamanders (FREE) LITTLE SPROUTS in Sugarcreek’s vernal pool, only 1/4 Thu. May 9, 10:00-11:00 am E47 mile away from the parking lot. No GERMANTOWN METROPARK, Nature TIKE HIKES Center, 6910 Boomershine Rd. registration required. Contact (937) 277- Take a hike in the woods with your little Come learn what a plant needs to grow 4178 for details. Age: 3Y-6Y PTN ones as we get up close and personal with and then we will search for baby plants nature! (FREE) EMERGING in the park! No registration required. POLLINATORS Contact (937) 277-4178 for details. Age: (FREE) COYOTES 3Y-5Y PTN E37 Tue. Mar 12, 10:00-11:00 am E51 Wed. Apr 10, 10:00-11:00 am GERMANTOWN METROPARK, Shelter: SUGARCREEK METROPARK, Trailhead Cottonwood, 6910 Boomershine Rd. Parking Lot , 4178 Conference Rd. PARENT AND PRESCHOOLER These animals are greatly Tue. May 14, 10:00-11:00 am E46 TAYLORSVILLE METROPARK, Shelter: Blue These programs will engage children misunderstood, so come out and explore Heron/Parking Lot, 2000 U.S. 40 ages 3-6 years old and their caregivers in their habitat, learn their habits, and Come out and meet our pollinators, nature discoveries. Participants will explore discover why they are in our area! No which are just emerging from hibernation! station-based activities with topics related registration required. Contact (937) 277- No registration required. Contact (937) to plants, science and the world around 4178 for details. Age: 3Y-5Y PTN 277-4178 for details. Age: 3Y-5Y PTN them. (FREE) WOODLAND (FREE) BUDS AND BUGS (FREE) JACK’S GIANT ADVENTURE Thu. Apr 18, 10:00-11:00 am E44 BEANSTALK Thu. Mar 14, 10:00-11:00 am E48 HILLS & DALES METROPARK, Shelter: Thu. Mar 14, 10:00-11:30 am E29 ENGLEWOOD METROPARK, Shelter: Patty/ White Oak 1/Nature Play/Parking Lot, 2606 COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Fifth East Park, 4361 National Rd. Hilton Dr. Third Conference Room, 6733 Springboro Pk. Treat your preschooler to dirty hands Mon. May 20, 10:00-11:00 am E45 How fast can beanstalks really grow? and fresh air as we hike through the ENGLEWOOD METROPARK, Shelter: Patty/ Discover the things that help plants East Park, 4361 National Rd. forest, turn over logs, and explore! No grow. We’ll experiment with the power Use face paint to transform your registration required. Contact (937) 277- of a seed and play some exciting bean preschooler into a bee, bug, or 4178 for details. Age: 3Y-5Y PTN games. There will be time for our own butterfly. We will pretend to be nature’s adaptation of the classic fairy tale. (FREE) SIGNS OF SPRING pollinators, exploring flowers and Registration required. Contact (937) 434- Fri. Mar 22, 10:00-11:00 am E50 discovering the relationships that flowers 9005 for details. Age: 3Y-6Y 8 HILLS & DALES METROPARK, Shelter: Paw have with bugs. No registration required. Paw/Parking Lot, 100 Deep Hollow Rd. Contact (937) 277-4178 for details. Age: (FREE) TOPS AND BOTTOMS Satisfy your itch to get outside after a 3Y-5Y PTN Thu. May 9, 10:00-11:30 am E30

8 = Online Registration Available 28 metroparks.org R = Program is Weather-Dependent GUIDE TO PROGR AMS BY TOPIC

COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Fifth right, MUD! Uncover who lives in the Third Conference Room, 6733 Springboro Pk. mud at the bottom of a pond, what PASSPORT TO NATURE Discover more about the strange ways animals often leave footprints in the mud plants grow. We will grow some plant and more during today’s lab. Remember tops and bottoms. Find out which part to dress to make a mess. Participants Visit MetroParks facilities, participate in of the plants is best to eat. Registration must be accompanied by an adult while designated passport programs, and get your required. Contact (937) 434-9005 for in the lab and can drop in between 1 and passport stamped. When eight of the details. Age: 3Y-6Y 8 2:30PM. Registration requested, walk-ins boxes are stamped, fill in the information welcome. Contact (937) 434-9005 for and mail your passport to Five Rivers details. Age: 6Y-12Y 8 (FREE) VOLUNTEER: MetroParks. Every child who completes a CONSERVATION VOLUNTEER passport will become an official Nature ORIENTATION (FREE) WOODCOCK WATCH Traveler and will receive a special traveler Thu. Mar 14, 6:30-8:00 pm E107 Sat. Mar 23, 8:00-9:00 pm E58 gift along with recognition in this publication. Tue. Apr 30, 9:00-10:30 am E108 CARRIAGE HILL METROPARK, Shelter: Redwing/Parking Lot, 7821 E. Shull Rd. Look for PTN in the program listing to see if Tue. MAY 7, 6:30-8:30 Pm E161 Watch this odd little bird as he performs his it qualifies as a Passport to Nature program! WED. MAY 29, 9:00-11:00 am E162 courtship dance full of circles, spirals, and There are also self-guided Park Trek Five Rivers MetroParks Main Office, 409 E. explorations that qualify to earn a stamp. Monument Ave., 3rd Floor dives at dusk. Bring binoculars if you have Five Rivers MetroParks protects over 15,000 them. No registration required. Contact For more information or directions to acres, and we could use your help. Discover (937) 277-4178 for details. Age: All ages PTN program sites, call (937) 275-PARK (7275) all the ways you can participate and join our or visit us at metroparks.org/passport. conservation team in reforestation efforts, TIKES TAKING ACTION First Passport habitat restoration, wildlife management, Looking for a step beyond Tike Hikes? and land stewardship. Attending the Tyler Pfahler Then bring your experienced, young orientation doesn’t commit you to anything, Camden Pfahler nature explorer out to help protect the so come see what we are doing. Registration Jacob Smith parks they are growing to love! requested, walk-ins welcome. Contact Julia Arbogast (937) 277-4147 or yvonne.dunphe@ (FREE) SEEDLINGS GALORE Abigail Jette metroparks.org for details. metroparks.org Wed. Mar 27, 10:00-11:30 am E74 Asher Jette /AboutUs/Conservation.aspx. Age: All ages GERMANTOWN METROPARK, Park Office, Sophia Fullenkamp 8 6675 Conservancy Rd. Leo Fullenkamp We will continue helping our forests Aeyla Lamb EUREKA LAB! by planting seedlings in our parks to Kiernan Lamb take the place of dying ash trees. No Brendan Lamb School may be out on Saturdays, but registration required. Contact (937) 277- it’s the perfect opportunity for children 4178 for details. Age: 3Y-6Y PTN Caroline Tempus and parents to discover together the Norah Tempus fun of science and reinforce work done (FREE) BLUEBIRD TRAILS Raegan Owsley in the classroom during the week. Cox Wed. Apr 24, 10:00-11:30 am E72 Leila Britton Arboretum MetroPark is a perfect place CARRIAGE HILL METROPARK, Shelter: Cecelia Britton for informal, hands-on learning that allows Cedar Lake/Parking Lot, 7891 E. Shull Rd. Isabella Thorpe children to experiment and explore. Come hike our bluebird trails, and learn Gianna Lengel Eureka Lab takes place on the third how to take care of them throughout the Saturday of the month, bi-monthly during year! No registration required. Contact Maria Lengel the school year. Discover science and (937) 277-4178 for details. Age: 3Y-6Y PTN SECOND PASSPORT nature together during our award winning Micah Arbogast Eureka Lab program. This program is (FREE) MILKWEED FOR MONARCHS Owen Smith based on the Ohio Academic Content Joseph Roesser Standards for Life Science. Participants Wed. May 15, 10:00-11:30 am E73 can drop-in anytime between 1 and GERMANTOWN METROPARK, Nature Luke Schumaker 2:30PM and must be accompanied by Center, 6910 Boomershine Rd. Jason Schumaker an adult. Milkweed is a monarch caterpillar’s Athena Rosengarten favorite food! Come plant milkweed Wyatt Rosengarten (FREE) MARVELOUS MUD for our monarchs and other plants for Sat. Mar 16, 1:00-3:00 pm E63 butterflies. No registration required. THIRD PASSPORT COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Kettering Contact (937) 277-4178 for details. Age: Ella Smith Learning Lab, 6733 Springboro Pk. 3Y-6Y PTN Luke Schumaker What do spring showers bring? That’s Jason Schumaker HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES AT THE 8PNC = O nline2ND R STegistrationREET MAAvailableRKET R = Program is Weather-Dependent metroparks.org 29 GUIDE TO PROGR AMS BY TOPIC CAFé SCI wildflowers while learning about their role in or ability. Registration closes April 6. To our forest ecology. Registration requested, register, visit the link below. Registration Join us for this month’s café and discover walk-ins welcome. Contact (937) 277-4178 for required. Contact (937) 275-7275 for details. science in a relaxed atmosphere with details. Age: All ages 8 R metroparks.org/adopt. Age: All ages friends and neighbors from the Miami Valley. Increase your science savvy and (FREE) VOLUNTEER: FOREST share your opinion in our open discussion STROLLER STRUTS following the topic introduction. FOSTER FAMILY Stroller Strut is a casual stroll on the Fri. Apr 26, 9:00 am-12:00 pm E112 arboretum grounds for caregivers and (FREE) CAFÉ SCI COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Parking Lot, children ages 0-3 years old. Each strut 6733 Springboro Pk. Thu. Mar 28, 7:00-9:00 pm E25 has a nature theme and encourages The Forest Foster Family program is a Thu. May 23, 7:00-9:00 pm E27 interaction between the caregiver and COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Fifth different kind of volunteer opportunity for Third Conference Room, 6733 Springboro Pk. child as they discover new plants and Five Rivers MetroParks, and is welcoming Final topic TBD. Open discussion their surroundings. the second year of “parents” this spring following the presentation. Light to our reforestation efforts. Volunteers (FREE) DAFFODILS refreshments served. Registration take home a flat of newly propagated tree Tue. Apr 16, 9:00-10:00 am E23 requested, walk-ins welcome. Contact seedlings to care for and monitor for the Tue. Apr 23, 11:00 am-12:00 pm E24 growing season. Registration required. (937) 275-5059 for details. Age: 14Y and COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Huffman Contact (937) 275-7275 for details. up 8 Gallery, 6733 Springboro Pk. Find bright and sunny signs of spring! metroparks.org/forest. Age: All ages 8 (FREE) WOODLAND Enjoy the fresh spring air as we stroll the arboretum grounds to see daffodils BEGINNING BIRDING WORKSHOP WILDFLOWERS in bloom. Little ones can make a special Sat. Apr 27, 8:00 am-12:00 pm E35 Sun. Apr 7, 2:00-4:00 pm E52 GERMANTOWN METROPARK, Nature Center daffodil to take home. Registration POSSUM CREEK METROPARK, Argonne Forest Classroom, 6910 Boomershine Rd. requested, walk-ins welcome. Contact Parking Lot, 4790 Frytown Rd. Want to learn more about birds? Come Sun. Apr 21, 2:00-3:30 pm E39 (937) 434-9005 for details. Age: 0Y-3Y 8 explore the world of ornithology and start Sugarcreek MetroPark, with the basics, including identification, 4178 Conference Rd. (FREE) VOLUNTEER: field guide and binocular use, bird song, Explore nature’s colorful carpet of CONSERVATION CARETAKER biology, and behavior. The two-hour indoor wildflowers while learning about their role in session will be followed by a field study our forest ecology. Registration requested, ORIENTATION in the prairie and forest. Participants are Thu. Apr 18, 6:30-8:30 pm E113 walk-ins welcome. Contact (937) 277-4178 for encouraged to attend the afternoon Bird details. Age: All ages 8 PTN Five Rivers MetroParks Main Office, 409 E. Monument Ave., 3rd Floor Song Study. Registration required. Contact Each of the conservation areas has groups (937) 277-4178 or [email protected] for (FREE) NECTAR: IT DOES A of volunteers who are more integrated in details. Age: 14Y and up Fee: $15 8 BUG GOOD! a specific site. These caretakers may be Tue. Apr 9, 6:00-8:00 pm E26 involved with boundary checks, greeting (FREE) BIRD SONG STUDY COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Mead episodic volunteers to workdays, act as Sat. Apr 27, 1:00-4:00 pm E36 Westvaco Theatre, 6733 Springboro Pk. invasive scouts and help in giving each of GERMANTOWN METROPARK, Nature Center Nectar and pollen drive a very complex Classroom, 6910 Boomershine Rd. the areas more TLC during the year. This relationship between plants and pollinators. Practice makes perfect! Study common birds opportunity can be done independently or Join Elisabeth Rothschild from the Miami and their vocalizations with this relaxed study in teams. Registration requested, walk-ins Valley Butterfly Association as she explores session. After studying, we will play games welcome. Contact (937) 277-4147 or yvonne the fascinating strategies plants and and tell stories to help us remember these [email protected] for details. insects use to get what they need from songs. Later we will hike through different metroparks.org/conservation. Age: 18Y each other. Find out more about what is habitats in search of birds and test our new and up 8 currently happening to our pollinators and skill. Each participant will receive an Ohio how that affects humans. Discover ways to Department of Natural Resources bird guide (FREE) attract pollinators to the home landscape. ADOPT-A-PARK and bird song CD. Registration required. Sat. Apr 20, 9:00 am-12:00 pm E159 Registration required. Contact (937) 434- Contact (937) 277-4178 or jyork@metroparks RIVERSCAPE METROPARK, RiverScape Pavil- 9005 for details. Age: 18Y and up 8 ion, 111 E. Monument Ave. .org for details. Age: 14Y and up 8 Come help Five Rivers MetroParks with (FREE) SECRET HILLS AND SPRING a variety of earth-friendly activities. (FREE) KNOWING OUR WILDFLOWERS WALK Participants will assist staff and volunteers WILDFLOWERS Sun. Apr 14, 2:00-3:30 pm E54 doing trail work, planting trees, and cleaning Sat. May 4, 8:30-11:30 am E55 GERMANTOWN METROPARK, Silver Trail our parks and waterways. This annual event GERMANTOWN METROPARK, Nature Center Parking Lot, 7501 Conservancy Rd. is open to all people, regardless of age Education Room, 6910 Boomershine Rd. Explore nature’s colorful carpet of Explore the many ways of knowing our

8 = Online Registration Available 30 metroparks.org R = Program is Weather-Dependent GUIDE TO PROGR AMS BY TOPIC wildflowers through art and science, then (FREE) GARDENING FOR BEE OUTDOOR SKILLS practice these skills in the heart of one AND OTHER POLLINATORS of our most scenic parks. Participants are Wed. May 22, 2:30-4:30 pm E31 AND SAFETY encouraged to bring digital cameras, journals COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Fifth and sketchbooks. Registration required. Third Conference Room, 6733 Springboro Pk. WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER Contact (937) 277-4178 or dhorvath@ Denise Ellsworth, Ohio State University Sun., Mon., Tue., Wed., Thu., Fri., Sat. metroparks.org for details. Age: 18Y and up 8 honey bee and native pollinator Mar 2-10, 8:00 am-6:00 pm E117 Possum Creek MetroPark, educator, will be on hand to share ways 4790 Frytown Rd. (FREE) SCREECH OWL SEARCH to improve our home gardens to become This class is “the ideal medical training Fri. May 10, 8:30-9:30 pm E70 havens for pollinators. There will be a for outdoor educators, guides, search- HILLS & DALES METROPARK, Shelter: Paw guided tour of the arboretum pollinator and-rescue team members, and others Paw/Parking Lot, 100 Deep Hollow Rd. garden. Registration requested, walk-ins who work or play in remote areas.” Upon Enjoy a night walk in search of the welcome. Contact (937) 434-9005 for successful completion, participants will screech owl, the smallest resident owl details. Age: 18Y and up 8 of MetroParks, while learning about its earn a wilderness first responder certificate interaction with our forests. We will use its good for 3 years. This 70-hour course song to lure it in for a good, close look. No (FREE) WALK THE FALLS covers patient assessment, body systems, registration required. Contact (937) 277-4178 Sat. May 18, 10:00 am-12:00 pm E53 environmental injuries and other conditions. ENGLEWOOD METROPARK, Shelter: Patty/ for details. Age: All ages PTN Registration required. Contact (937) 277- East Park, 4361 National Rd. 4374 or [email protected] for Come out and enjoy a leisurely walk through details. www.wildmed.com. Age: 18Y and up FOREST BIRDS FIELD TRIP Englewood MetroPark and discover its Sat. May 11, 6:00 am-8:00 pm E38 Fee: $700 8 many springtime treasures. No registration POSSUM CREEK METROPARK, Farm, 4790 Frytown Rd. required. Contact (937) 277-4178 for details. See extremely colorful birds like warblers, Age: All ages PTN PADDLING tanagers, and orioles from just a few feet (FREE) WILDFLOWERS THROUGH away at nationally recognized birding hot (FREE) TRY KAYAKING spot—Magee Marsh Wildlife Area. We will BUTTERFLY EYES Thu. May 9, 4:00-7:00 pm E147 EASTWOOD METROPARK, Blue Lake, 1401 learn how these world travelers play a Sun. May 19, 2:00-3:30 pm E59 GERMANTOWN METROPARK, Nature Center Harshman Rd. part in our forest ecology, and how we can Classroom, 6910 Boomershine Rd. Come try a kayak and see if it is something protect them. Bring binoculars if you have Butterflies and wildflowers go together in an you would like to learn more about in the them; a limited supply will be available. amazing cycle. Experience the science and future. An introduction to the boat and Registration required. Contact (937) 277-4178 fieldwork of volunteers who have monitored proper safety gear will be offered; you will or [email protected] for details. Age: All this cycle while sharing in the late spring be able to try different styles of kayaks. ages Fee: $40 8 burst of wildflowers and butterflies along This is a great way to learn about the sport the trails. Registration required. Contact in a controlled and safe environment. ADVANCED BUTTERFLY (937) 277-4178 or [email protected] All equipment is provided. Registration CLASS for details. Age: 18Y and up 8 requested, walk-ins welcome. Contact (937) 277-4374 for details. Age: All ages 8 R Participants will gain a better understanding of the life cycle and courtship of these OUTDOOR (FREE) VOLUNTEER: insects. Basic skills for identification of adult moths and butterflies will be discussed. ADVENTURE PADDLESPORT ASSISTANT GREAT DAYTON ADVENTURE TRAINING (FREE) Sun. May 19, 1:00-4:00 pm E148 BUTTERFLIES OF OHIO E155 Fri. May 10, 5:00-9:00 pm EASTWOOD METROPARK, Blue Lake, 1401 Thu. May 16, 6:00-8:00 pm E28 RIVERSCAPE METROPARK, RiverScape Harshman Rd. COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Mead Pavilion, 111 E. Monument Ave. Westvaco Theatre, 6733 Springboro Pk. Paddle-sport volunteers needed! Our This race is an urban scavenger hunt in Have you always wanted to expand training will get you on the water and help downtown Dayton, starting and ending at your butterfly knowledge beyond basic you become comfortable assisting others RiverScape MetroPark. Experience Dayton monarch identification? Join butterfly who are learning about paddle sports. There in a new way as you weave your way through expert Elisabeth Rothschild as she will be opportunities to use these skills as the excitement of Urban Nights with music explains the essential points in butterfly a volunteer throughout the season. Some and fun around every corner on a vibrant identification. Discover how butterflies are prior experience is preferred; equipment night downtown. Register solo or with a classified using scientific nomenclature, as is provid gistration required. Call (937) 277- team. Sign up at the provided website. well as tricks of the trade for individual ID. 4374 or [email protected] for See contact info to register. Contact (937) Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. 8 274-0126 or [email protected] details. Age: 18Y and up R Contact (937) 434-9005 for details. Age: for details. www.topopadventuresports.org. 18Y and up 8 Age: All ages Fee: $20

8 = Online Registration Available R = Program is Weather-Dependent metroparks.org 31 Guide to PROGR AMS BY TOPIC

ACA CANOE INSTRUCTOR (FREE) AULLWOOD IN BLOOM Saturday. Prerequisites: Must know how to CERTIFICATION Sun. Apr 14, 2:00-4:00 pm E81 swim and be comfortable around water. Thu., Fri., Sat. May 30-Jun 1, 8:00 am- Aullwood Garden MetroPark, Participants must be a student in the 5:00 pm E149 900 Aullwood Rd. greater Dayton area, grades 7-12 or ages EASTWOOD METROPARK, Blue Lake, 1401 Join Adam Alonzo for an informal 13-18. See contact info to register. Contact Harshman Rd. photography session in the garden, taking (513) 885-6251 or [email protected] American Canoe Association level 1 canoe pictures of flowers, insects, trees and for details. www.daytonjuniorrowing.org. certification is meant to give you a good creeks. This is an opportunity for hobbyist Age: 13Y-18Y Fee: $495 foundation in the skill and knowledge photographers to ask questions and try new needed to instruct paddling a canoe on techniques. Meet at the house. Registration LEARN TO ROW flat water. Certification requires ACA requested, walk-ins welcome. Contact (937) membership, CPR and First Aid. Course 277-6545 for details. Age: 18Y and up 8 R Were you inspired by the Olympics? will be a combination of classroom and on Then get on the water with the Greater the water skills including teaching topics. (FREE) PHOTOGRAPHY: JUST Dayton Rowing Association and Learn to Please call for more info. Prerequisites: THE BASICS Row! These four-week classes for adults ACA membership and SEIC membership. Sun. Apr 21, 10:00 am-12:00 pm E78 will cover everything required to row Registration required. Contact (937) 277- WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, a single sculling boat confidently and 4374 for details. Age: 18Y and up Fee: $125 Auditorium, 1301 East Siebenthaler Ave. independently. Rowing is a zero-impact A typical camera today has so many features activity that uses most of the body’s ACA KAYAK INSTRUCTOR and settings it can be confusing. Fortunately, muscle groups. It is a great exercise and a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors. Sign CERTIFICATION all a photographer needs to do is make a few simple adjustments based on environmental up early; classes fill quickly. Class meets Thu., Sat. May 30-Jun 1, conditions. This presentation will introduce weeknights at 6:00PM and weekends at E150 8:00 am-5:00 pm 2:00PM. Program graduation includes a EASTWOOD METROPARK, Blue Lake, 1401 these techniques and give participants Harshman Rd. an opportunity to practice. Registration year-round fitness program and access to American Canoe Association level 1 kayak requested, walk-ins welcome. Contact (937) GDRA equipment. Located at the Island certification is meant to give you a good 277-6545 for details. Age: All ages 8 MetroPark Boat House and then on the foundation in the skill and knowledge Great Miami River. (FREE) NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY needed to instruct paddling a kayak on ADULT LEARN TO ROW flat water. Course will be a combination of STEP-BY-STEP Mon. May 13, 6:00-8:00 pm E136 E82 classroom and on-the-water skills including Sat. May 18, 10:00-11:30 am Island MetroPark, 101 E. Helena St. WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK, teaching topics. Please call for more info. Sessions take place May 13-August Experience is preferred. Prerequisites: Auditorium, 1301 East Siebenthaler Ave. In this workshop, photographer Adam Alonzo 18. Classes are either 6PM Monday/ ACA membership, CPR and First Aid Wednesday, 6PM Tuesday/Thursday, required for certification. Registration will describe a series of important steps you should consider as you take nature photos. or 2PM Saturday/Sunday. These four- required. Contact (937) 277-4374 for details. week classes will cover everything Age: 18Y and up Fee: $125 This procedure addresses factors that impact the quality of your pictures, such as distance needed to row a single sculling boat from the subject, camera angle, and direction confidently and independently. Classes PHOTOGRAPHY of the light. Registration requested, walk-ins are held at the Island MetroPark Boat welcome. Contact (937) 277-6545 for details. House. No prior experience necessary. Prerequisites: Participants should (FREE) GETTING STARTED WITH Age: All ages 8 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY know how to swim and be comfortable Sat. Mar 16, 10:00-11:30 am E76 around water, have good balance and COX ARBORETUM METROPARK, Fifth Third ROWING overall physical mobility. Able to carry Conference Room, 6733 Springboro Pk. 25 lbs. over head and comfortable Before you can shoot breathtaking outdoor COMPETITIVE JUNIOR ROWING doing deep knee bends. See contact photos, you need to understand the basics Sun., Mon., Tue., Wed., Thu., Fri., Sat. info to register. Contact (937) 260-2630 of digital photography. This session explains Mar 18-Jun 9, 4:00-6:30 pm E135 or Jon Daugherty for details. www. concepts such as megapixels, magnification, Island MetroPark, 101 E. Helena St. daytonrowing.org. Age: 18Y and up Fee: memory cards, quality settings and aspect Join Greater Dayton Rowing for this 12- $275 ratio. Each topic will be clearly illustrated week program and compete in regatta with photos. Bring your camera and your events. Rowing is a low-impact, power- questions. Registration requested, walk- endurance sport using 90% of the body’s ins welcome. Contact (937) 434-9005 for muscles. Athletes gain confidence through details. Age: All ages 8 competition. Training plans will be specific to age groups. Financial aid available. Meet at Island MetroPark Boat House: 4-6:30PM Monday through Friday; 10AM-12:30PM

8 = Online Registration Available 32 metroparks.org R = Program is Weather-Dependent GUIDEGu TOid ePROGRAMS to E vent BYActivity TOPIC

TITLE SPONSOR OF

For many years NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE has been bringing the world of National Geographic to cities across North America. Co-presented with Five Rivers Metroparks, NAT GEO LIVE is bringing its unique mix of dynamic events, fascinating people, and captivating stories from the frontlines of exploration to Dayton and the Victoria Theatre.

Photo by Joel Sartore Photo by Linda Makarov Photo by Mark Thiessen JOEL SARTORE: ANNIE GRIFFITHS: PAUL SERENO: GRIZZLIES, PIRANHAS A CAMERA, TWO KIDS, AND A CAMEL THE DINOSAUR HUNTER AND MAN-EATING PIGS Photographer • Global Conservationist Paleontologist • Evolutionist Photographer • Wildlife Conservationist Monday, March 11, 7 p.m. Monday, April 22, 7 p.m. Monday, February 11, 7 p.m.

SEE ALL THREE FOR AS LITTLE AS (937)228-3630 MEDIA PARTNER $ GROUP RATES AVAIALABLE! CALL BETTY AT (937) 461-8295! Think TV www.victoriatheatre.com 57!

8 = Online Registration Available 8R = ProgramOnline R isegistration Weather-D ependentAvailable R = Program is Weather-Dependent metroparks.orgMETROPARKS.ORG 33 Guide to EPRventOGRAMS Activity B Y TOPIC

ADOPT-A-PARK Saturday, April 20 Five Rivers MetroParks invites families, neighbors, co-workers and all residents of Montgomery County to join in this annual volunteer event. Adopt-A- Park participants will beautify the region by removing litter, planting trees, and other projects suitable for all ages. All projects contribute to improving our region’s natural habitats and watershed systems! When you’re finished with your work site, head to RiverScape MetroPark for a complimentary lunch and green exhibits. To register, call (937) 275-PARK (7275) or visit metroparks.org/adopt.

REGISTER for your programs ONLINE

Registering for programs is simple! Maintain your account with ease, and add registered friends or family members for programs with you. For a demonstration of how to use this new system, visit metroparks.org/registration or call (937) 275-PARK (7275) for more information. Program registration may still be made in person or by calling the number listed in the program description.

34 metroparks.org Guide to PROGRAMS B Y TOPIC GUIDE TO PROGRAMS B Y DATE

No matter where you are in Montgomery County, you’re only 15 minutes away from a Five Rivers MetroPark.

metroparks.org 35 Five Rivers MetroParks PRSRT STD 409 E. Monument Ave. ECRWSS Third Floor US POSTAGE PAID Dayton, OH 45402-1260 DAYTON OH PERMIT 41

POSTMASTER: TIME-SENSITIVE MATERIAL. PLEASE DELIVER 02/04/13 - 02/08/13

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Summer 2010 ParkWaYs Go to metroparks.org/parkways to view this ParkWays publication online.

Photo by Kelly Beckman-Crabtree MagiC MoMenTs Create life-long memories with your family at the MetroParks. See full story on pages 20-23. GET YOUR FAMILY ACTIVE OUTDOORS VISIT OHIO’S NATIVE BUTTERFLIES SEE PAGES 16 - 19 SEE PAGES 14 - 15

friday, may 17 7:00am - 9:00am at RiverScape MetroPark Enjoy cycling-related exhibitors, live music and the team challenge. Call (937) 277-4374 or visit metroparks.org/biketowork for information.

ParkWays is mailed to every resident of Montgomery County. Due to delivery specifications, we are unable to remove individual recipients from our mailing list at this time. If you are not interested in this publication, please pass it along to a friend or recycle the booklet.