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Adopt-A-Park

MetroParks Celebrates Earth Day With Safe Alternative to Adopt-a-Park

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Five Rivers MetroParks’ annual Earth Day celebration, Adopt-A-Park, will return this year — but in a different way. The public is invited to participate and help MetroParks protect the region’s natural heritage by registering for and picking up free Adopt-A-Park service kits.

Each Adopt-A-Park service kit includes enough materials for a family of four to participate. Materials are packed in a reusable MetroParks bag and include:

  • Gloves
  • Bags for trash and recycling
  • Face coverings
  • Litter pick-up tool
  • Tag made from wildflower seed paper (for an at-home gardening activity)
  • Step-by-step directions

Rather than hosting an in-person event, MetroParks chose to offer the Adopt-A-Park service kits as a safe alternative. This year’s event follows the national Earth Day theme, Restore Our Earth. Using the service kit materials, volunteers can mask up and clean up their favorite parks, trails and greenspaces.

While the kits are free, registration is required and available at metroparks.org/adopt. Registration runs through April 16. Kits will be available for pick up during the following dates/times at Cox Arboretum and Wegerzyn Gardens MetroParks:

  • Thursday, April 8: 11 am to 1 pm or 5 to 7 pm
  • Saturday, April 17: 11 am to 3 pm

After participants clean up outdoor spaces on their own time, they’re asked to report how much they collected so MetroParks can track the impact of the Adopt-A-Park service kits.

“While this year’s Adopt-a-Park celebration will be different, it’s important for MetroParks to offer volunteers safe, fun ways to be a part of MetroParks’ mission to protect the region’s natural heritage,” said Jenny Hymans, human resources and volunteer services manager. “I think the flexibility that the service kits provide will encourage people to beautify their favorite greenspaces and maybe find new places in the parks to explore.”

Five Rivers MetroParks is a conservation agency protecting more than 16,000 acres of land. The public’s participation in the Mask Up, Clean Up Challenge helps MetroParks meet its mission and improves our local environment.

Traditionally a one-day clean up event, MetroParks’ Adopt-a-Park is its largest annual day of service, attracting 2,000 volunteers who collect thousands of pounds of trash and recyclable materials. Due to the pandemic, MetroParks had to cancel Adopt-a-Park in 2020. For the safety of its staff, volunteers and the public, MetroParks has engaged its volunteers in a limited capacity during the past year.

“Our volunteers are a part of the MetroParks family,” Hymans said. “We look forward to welcoming returning and existing volunteers back to our parks and facilities when it’s safe to do so.”

For more information about becoming a MetroParks volunteer, visit metroparks.org/volunteer.

 

Celebrate Earth Day With Adopt-A-Park

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Five Rivers MetroparksGo green by protecting and cleaning green spaces in honor of Earth Day: Join Five Rivers MetroParks’ 27th annual Adopt-A-Park event from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 19. Register online by April 7 at www.metroparks.org/adopt.

A diverse crew of volunteers of all ages, accessibility levels and backgrounds join forces during this event to make our parks and river corridors healthier, more attractive and friendlier places to visit. Volunteers will participate in projects aimed at improving the environment at more than two dozen sites throughout the Dayton area.

Volunteers will receive a free T-shirt and lunch at RiverScape MetroPark, and project supplies will be provided. Groups are encouraged to register early to ensure space at available sites.

“With this year’s high water and snow, cleanup along our rivers and bikeways will be especially important,” said Kevin Kepler, volunteer services manager for Five Rivers MetroParks. “We’ve seen some incredible wildlife during past clean ups, including beavers, otters, red fox and numerous interesting birds. You never know what you’re going to come across.”

 In addition to cleanup, volunteers will plant trees, prepare garden beds, remove invasive species and paint. This year’s Adopt-A-Park volunteers also will help with conservation efforts to restore our forests by checking on tree seedlings that have been planted in past years, repairing protective tubes and making sure the seedlings are growing as planned.

“Environmental stewardship is a top of priority at Five Rivers MetroParks,” Kepler said. “We do this work year-round to help protect our environment, and the Adopt-A-Park volunteers help us create cleaner parks and natural spaces. Plus, it’s a great way to get back outside after winter, celebrate Earth Day and welcome spring.”

In 2013, more than 2,000 people volunteered at 37 sites located throughout Montgomery County to remove trash and invasive species, maintain trails, and prepare garden beds. Roughly 28,000 pounds of litter and 300 tires were removed; 13,500 pounds of recyclable materials were collected; and 6,000 trees were planted.

 

ABOUT FIVE RIVERS METROPARKS

Celebrating 50 years of preserving green space and natural areas, Five Rivers MetroParks is a nationally renowned park system composed of natural area parks, gardens, high-quality river corridors, urban parks and a network of recreation trails. Five Rivers MetroParks protects the region’s natural heritage and provides outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature. Educational programs and recreational opportunities are offered year-round for all ages. To learn more about Five Rivers MetroParks, log onto www.metroparks.org or call
937-275-PARK.