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Four Free, Self-Guided Mindfulness Walks in FiveRivers MetroParks

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To recognize Mental Health Awareness Month and make it easier for the community to de-stress outdoors, Five Rivers MetroParks has established four Mindfulness Walks. Visitors will find signage along these short, easy walks inviting them to stop and engage in a variety of simple breathing and meditation activities. The mindfulness activities — developed with input from Dayton Children’s and Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services — can be done not only in the designated MetroParks but in any outdoor space.

“Spending time outdoors is a great way to stay active and improve your physical health, but time in nature improves mental wellbeing, too,” said Amy Dingle, MetroParks’ director of outdoor connections. “Connecting to your five senses, practicing mindful breathing and listing the things that bring you gratitude are tools that help build resiliency and wellbeing. The new Mindfulness Walks are a self-guided opportunity to help people learn how to use these tools and spend time in nature to reduce stress.”

Research shows that just 20 minutes a day immersed in nature significantly lowers stress hormone levels. Indeed, the mental health benefits of spending time in nature have been well documented and include:

  • Better sleep
  • Enhanced mood and feelings of relaxation
  • Lower depression and anxiety
  • Enhanced cognitive abilities, such as memory, creativity and problem solving
  • Improved self-esteem and relationships
  • Strengthened immunity and a reduction in chronic illnesses, such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes

“Mindfulness means putting all of your attention on one thing. It means taking the time to really notice what you are doing in that moment. You are focused in a very relaxed way,” said John Duby, a physician with Dayton Children’s and professor and chair of Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine department of pediatrics. “Spending time in nature gives us a great chance to be mindful of all our senses, to focus on our surroundings, and respond to what we see, hear, touch and smell. Practicing mindfulness can help us learn to pay better attention in all of our daily lives. For me, Dogwood Pond at Hills & Dales MetroPark is a great place to relax.”

The new Mindfulness Walks are:

  • Eastwood MetroPark: 1385 Harshman Rd. (park entrance) or 4349 Springfield St.
    • Walk on the natural surface trail along the perimeter of the lagoon.
    • Near the Springfield Street entrance, take the stone bridges to the islands in the lagoon.
    • While you’re at the park, you can also walk the brown trail through the prairie and the blue trail along the Mad River — which is a portion of the Buckeye Trail and North Country National Scenic Trail — as well as the paved Mad River Trail.

  • Huffman MetroPark, 4439 Lower Valley Pike
    • Park near the overlook shelter and take the short natural surface trail toward Huffman Dam.
    • Continue across the dam for scenic views and a connection with the paved Mad River Trail.
    • If Huffman Lake isn’t flooded, you can hike natural surface trails along the lake and Mad River.

  • Possum Creek MetroPark, 4790 Frytown Rd.
    • Park in the Argonne Forest lot, the first right-hand turn after you enter Possum Creek.
    • Hike the 1.5-mile pink trail and/or the 1-mile blue trail, both of which can be accessed from the parking lot.
    • Possum Creek is home to a robust network of natural surface trails, fishing ponds, horseback riding trails, a small farm and other amenities that allow you to explore the outdoors.
    • Note: The blue trail Mindfulness Walk is also available as an outing in MetroParks’ mobile app, powered by OuterSpatial. Visit metroparks.org/mobile for more.

  • Sunrise MetroPark, 50 N. Edwin C. Moses Blvd.
    • This linear park, located along the west bank of the Great Miami River, offers great views of the downtown skyline.
    • Look for the Mindfulness Walk signage near the park benches and along the steps leading down to the river.
    • Continue your walk along the paved Great Miami River and Wolf Creek trails.

Five Rivers MetroParks visitors should always follow the CDC’s recommendations, particularly for social distancing and wearing face coverings, while spending time outdoors. Current recommendations call for wearing a face covering outdoors if and when social distancing cannot be maintained. For the most current information on MetroParks’ COVID-19 response, visitwww.metroparks.org/covid and follow Five Rivers MetroParks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

Celebrate Virtual Bike Month!

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Five Rivers MetroParks invites the public to celebrate Bike Month virtually this May with a variety of independent activities that celebrate human-powered transportation. Virtual Bike Month, will explore the region’s paved trails and many resources for cyclists.

Weekly rides, tips, games and more will be posted on metroparks.org/bikemonth and shared in the Virtual Bike Month Facebook group. MetroParks is working with other organizations, such as Bike Miami Valley and Mike’s Bike Park and Linkon the activities.

“This year during Virtual Bike Month, we’re really excited to showcase all the region has to offer for cyclists of all experience levels,” said special events coordinator Angela York. “Dayton is the center of the nation’s largest paved trail network and there’s so much to offer — especially for those looking to incorporate cycling as a means of transportation into their routine.”

Each week in May, a variety of activities will be posted, such as:

  • HISTORIC SITES — Learn how you can visit historic sites along the Dayton region’s vast paved trail network.
  • TRAIL OF THE WEEK — Explore cycling trails throughout the Miami Valley.
  • TECHNIQUE OF THE WEEK — Learn techniques for smart road cycling and mountain biking maneuvers.
  • MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS — Discover mountain bike trails and parks in the region so you can get started or expand your skills.
  • CLUBS AND CHARITY RIDES — Connect with local cycling clubs and learn about charity rides throughout the year.
  • FIELD TRIPS — Explore the outer regions of the trails and other biking opportunities in the region.

 

Additionally, there will be family biking tips and a weekly Bicycle Bingo Challenge that will encourage participants to complete rides, explore the outdoors and use new skills they’ve learned throughout the month. Participants will have 10 days to create a Bingo and will use a weekly hashtag to enter for a chance to win prizes.

 

A conservation agency, MetroParks also encourages people to participate in Bike Month as a way to lessen their carbon footprint, as cycling has less impact on the environment than vehicles that contribute to carbon emissions. As such, MetroParks will host a weekly photo contest asking people to submit photos of them using their bikes as a means of transportation. Winners will receive fun swag from MVRPC.

On Friday, May 21 —  National Bike to Work Day — MetroParks will encourage people to take solo rides to their place of employment, school or to a daily activity to experience what their commute would be like on a bicycle.

 

Before Bike Month officially begins, MetroParks invites participants to check their gear and prepare for the month by visitingmetroparks.org/bikemonth for instructional safety videos made by MetroParks’ outdoor recreation professionals.

 

“Cycling is something you can feel good about in so many ways,” said York. “It gets your body moving, is a good choice for the environment and helps people decompress by being outdoors — all of which are beneficial, especially right now.”

 

The League of American Bicyclists has designated Dayton a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community, and Dayton is home the nation’s largest paved trail network where you can experience 340 miles of connected trails. Five Rivers MetroParks is a silver-level Bicycle Friendly Businesses.

Always follow the CDC’s recommendations, particularly for social distancing, when spending time outdoors. For more information and to learn how you can help keep MetroParks open, visit metroparks.org/COVID-19. Stay up-to-date on alerts, closures and ways to get outside by following MetroParks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

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.

 

MetroParks Expands Heart Healthy Trails Initiative

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Five Rivers MetroParks has expanded its Heart Healthy Trails initiative by designating two new trails — one at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark and one at Englewood MetroPark — as part of the initiative.

MetroParks’ new Heart Healthy Trails are:

  • Wegeryn Gardens MetroPark’s Marie Aull Trail (1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave): This natural surface trail is an easy hike on flat ground. This trail is a one-mile loop and allows walkers to discover a variety of native trees and many opportunities to spot wildlife.
  • Englewood MetroPark red trail loop (4361 W. National Rd.): This 1-mile trail loop is a natural surface trail that’s easy to traverse. This trail takes you along the lake and through beautiful wooded areas. Make your hike a little longer and visit such points of interest as Oaks and Patty falls.

The Heart Healthy Trails initiative is designed to help people improve their physical and mental health outdoors. It was launched in fall 2020, when three existing trails were designated as Heart Healthy Trails.

According to the American Heart Association, just 30 to 40 minutes of exercise a few times a week will improve heart health. Additionally, exercising outdoors provides benefits traditional gym workouts do not, including a reduction of depression and stress, an increase in vitamin D, and more.

Heart Healthy Trails make it easier for people to exercise outdoors because they’re:

  • Easy to moderate
  • 1 to 2.5 miles long
  • Walkable at a brisk pace
  • Marked every quarter mile to help users track their pace

“These are easy, entry-level trails on paved or flat surfaces without a lot of elevation change,” said Angie Sheldon, MetroParks outdoor recreation coordinator. “Signage on the trails also helps people start walking outdoors as part of a heart-healthy lifestyle. Each trail is a little different, depending on the location and length, so people can try them all or pick a favorite.”

The American Heart Association recommends walking at a brisk pace, working toward walking at least 2.5 miles per hour or 24 minutes per mile.

MetroParks’ other Heart Healthy Trails are:

  • Wolf Creek Trail (start at Olde Town Depot, intersection of Wolf Creek Pike/Main Street and Broadway, Trotwood): This paved recreation trail is marked every quarter mile, so users know when to turn around to get the distance they desire. The trail is marked for a 2-mile walk (1 mile out and 1 mile walking back). Those who wish to continue along the trail can visit Sycamore State Park.
  • Island MetroPark (101 E. Helena St., Dayton): This trail is a paved 0.65-mile loop around the perimeter of the park. Trail users will enjoy landscaped beds, views of the Stillwater River and “Ashzilla,” one of the biggest trees in MetroParks. Located near the parking lot, “Ashzilla” is a large white ash tree. Walk the loop two or three times to get the recommended 30 minutes of exercise.
  • Germantown MetroPark (6206 Boomershine Rd., Germantown): Users will trek/walk new natural surface trails at the park. The Heart Healthy Trail includes portions of the purple, brown and orange trail loops, totaling 1.7 miles. Trail users can connect to Germantown MetroPark’s extensive trail system via the orange trial.

 

The Heart Healthy Trails are featured in MetroParks’ mobile app, powered by OuterSpatial, allowing trailgoers to easily navigate the trails, locate amenities and more. Download the app at www.metroparks.org/mobile.

Learn more about MetroParks’ Heart Healthy Trails by visiting www.metroparks.org/heart-healthy.

 

Are You Up For The MetroParks Trails Challenge?

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Five Rivers MetroParks’ locations are home to 160 miles of natural surface trails for hiking, cycling, mountain biking and horseback riding. The greater Dayton region is home to more than 340 miles of paved trails — the nation’s largest paved trail network — and 270 miles of river corridor.

The new MetroParks Trails Challenge includes 25 trails that range in mileage and difficulty, providing a variety that allows everyone to participate — including kids. Join the challenge by completing just one trail or complete all 25, in addition to pop up challenges that will be announced throughout the season.

 

“Because participants explore the trails on their own time and in their own way, it’s easy to practice safe social distancing while participating in the challenge,” said Randy Ryberg, MetroParks outdoor recreation coordinator. “The new MetroParks Trails Challenge is a convenient way to improve your physical and mental health while connecting with nature and enjoying an active lifestyle.”

How to Participate:

  • Download the trails log and fill out the entry form at metroparks.org/trailschallenge.
  • Complete the trails in any order and at any time, tracking progress on the trails log.
  • Submit the trails log no later than Oct. 4 to be eligible to receive a prize.
  • Optional: To receive emails about pop up challenges and the chance to win additional prizes, register online or sign up for Five Rivers MetroParks’ monthly outdoor recreation email.

 

How to Win Prizes:

  • Everyone who completes just one trail in the challenge will be entered to win a $100 gift card to a local outdoor gear or bike shop of their choosing. Participants will receive one entry for each trail they complete. Complete all 25 trails and get 25 chances to win.
  • Everyone who completes at least 18 trails will receive a MetroParks Trails Challenge sticker. Also, 100 people completing at least 18 trails will be selected at random to receive a MetroParks Trails Challenge T-shirt.
  • Winners will be notified by e-mail or phone and prizes will be distributed after Oct. 4.

 

How to Plan Ahead:

  • Some of the trails in the challenge are segments of larger trails, so participants may have to hike, bike or shuttle back to their starting point. Other trails included are loops, starting and ending at the same point.
  • Some of the trails require special gear, such as a mountain bike or kayak, but participants can walk, hike, run or jog 19 of the 25 trails.

 

“Whether you’ve never been on a trail or have hiked every MetroPark, there’s something for everyone to experience,” Ryberg said. “The trails included in the MetroParks Trails Challenge were selected to give people the opportunity to build their trails experience over time.”

 

Participants and Five Rivers MetroParks visitors should always follow the CDC’s recommendations, particularly for social distancing and wearing face coverings, while spending time outdoors. For the most current information on MetroParks’ COVID-19 response and related closures, visit metroparks.org/covid-19 and follow Five Rivers MetroParks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MetroParks To Sink Hundreds Of Trees In Eastwood Lake

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Five Rivers MetroParks’ conservation team and volunteers from various fishing clubs and organizations across the region will sink hundreds of donated holiday trees donated by the community into Eastwood Lake on Jan. 16, starting at 10 am.

“By sinking these trees, we’re adding a natural resource that will bolster the food chain starting at the lake’s lowest levels of life,” said MetroParks biologist Grace Dietsch. “It’s a belated holiday present to the inhabitants of Eastwood Lake and gave the public a way to recycle their used holiday trees for the benefit of all wildlife that visit Eastwood MetroPark.”

 

MetroParks’ holiday tree sinking will make up for the lack of a forest surrounding Eastwood Lake. The donated trees will act as a catalyst, creating much needed habitat for fish, as well as food for microscopic organisms.

 

The idea to sink used trees in the lake came after the Ohio Department of Natural Resources conducted its biennial fish survey. The findings revealed that the larger fish were not getting enough to eat, indicating baitfish populations weren’t abundant enough.

 

“The trees will allow fish a place to lay their eggs, which will create more baitfish that are food for predator fish, and a chance for smaller predator fish to get bigger,” said MetroParks outdoor recreation program specialist Kelly Kingery. “It’s a win-win, and it won’t take long before anglers see the difference the trees can make when they’re fishing at the lake.”

 

The trees will be bundled into groups of two or three, tied to cinder blocks — which Snyder Concrete donated — and submerged into the water. The bundles of trees will be sunk all around the lake, including closer to the shore. While this won’t affect boating activities, it will provide those who fish with more active fishing opportunities closer to shore.

 

Dietsch expects to see more action around the tree structures as soon as this spring, with activity peaking during the next few years.

 

When: Wednesday, Jan. 16, starting at 10 am

Where: Eastwood Lake, Eastwood MetroPark Lakeside Entrance, 1401 Harshman Rd.

Questions: Contact MetroParks community engagement coordinator, Lauren Lemons, at 937-275-PARK or lauren.lemons@metroparks.org.

 

 

Veggiepalooza Is This Saturday

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13920172_10209049695666979_5380646274325719432_oDid you plant your own vegetable garden this year?  Do you get pick them up in the produce section at your favorite grocery store, or at a local farmers market?  Do you have a CSA that delivers you a basket full of vegetables each month?  Do you ever wonder what to do with some of those veggies?

 

Have no fear, MetroParks and United Way’s Volunteer Connections have partnered to bring you Veggiepalooza on Saturday, August 13 from 1- 4pm.  Being held at Grace United Methodist Church located at 1001 Harvard Blvd, (enter at Salem and Dartmouth),this FREE event will teach you how to  make the most of summer’s bounty.

There will be cooking and preservation demos, info on storing fresh local produce, plus tips on how to get kids to eat their veggies. (Hint: Pizza. The answer is pizza.) Liz Valenti of  Wheat Penny Oven and Bar will be manning a make-your-own pizza station for kids!

 


Creating Youth Leaders through Growing, Sharing, and Selling Food

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logo_citybeetsTeens and their families can learn about growing their own food by participating in our community gardening program, attending a gardening class, and visiting a garden park and Possum Creek MetroPark, where they can grow vegetables in the demonstration gardens. Dedicated City Beets volunteers are invited to stop by the farm at Possum Creek to talk with staff about the new gardens, help build beds and find out what other volunteer opportunities are available this summer.

In this summer program, youth ages 12-15 years old:

  • Grow vegetables in the demonstration garden at Possum Creek MetroPark Farm
  • Learn leadership & job skills
  • Sell food at the Saturday 2nd Street Market
  • Take local volunteer field trips
  • Learn about where food comes from and food systems
  • Prepare & eat snacks from harvested food
  • Make new friends

When does City Beets happen?
Youth Managers will attend pre-summer training sessions through May. During the summer, all City Beets youth meet for eight weeks. Youth are expected to attend all sessions.

Summer sessions are typically as follows:

  • Optional: Monday evening Family Garden Time
  • Wednesdays: 9:00am-12:30pm
  • Fridays: 9:00am-12:30 pm
  • Saturdays: Several shifts at the 2nd Street Market are required. Times may vary.

Who should apply for City Beets?citybeets1
Youth ages 12-15 years old who:

  • Enjoy being outside
  • Have an interest in gardening or business
  • Can commit to attend all sessions
  • Want a unique summer experience!

What are the benefits?
Youth will learn valuable skills in business, communication, leadership, problem-solving, nutrition, and cooperation. City Beets participants also receive gift cards totaling $100 for satisfactory participation. Youth Managers will recieve $200 in gift cards.

Adults, get involved!
Would you like to get involved with City Beets? We are always seeking City Beets Mentors. Mentors work in the garden, help with nutrition and cooking classes, attend field trips, or a mixture of all three! Please contact Kevin Kepler at (937) 275-7275 or Kevin.kepler@metroparks.org.

RiverScape Rentals opens this weekend!

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rental_crop2Looking for a way to get the whole family outside this summer? Come to RiverScape Rentals and they”ll help you get out onto the over 330 miles of connected bikeway your region has to offer.

From hybrids to road bikes, a tandem and child attachments (including trail-a-bikes, trailers and weehoos, they have everything you and your family needs to hit the trails. Prices start at $8 per hour for bicycles and $5 per hour for attachments like children’s bike seats and trailers. Check out the rental rates and equipment and start planning your next adventure!

And if you need help planning your ride, take a look at the bikeway map, ask about the Hub Trex at RiverScape Rentals, or use the Miami Valley Trails website to help make your next trip a reality. There is a lot of construction going on these days, so be sure to check out the alerts and closures listing before starting out.

RiverScape Rentals is open Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. from May 24 through August 31.

Mad River Run Grand Opening Monday

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grandopening2 A grand opening event will be held for the Mad  River Run at Eastwood MetroPark at 12:30 p.m. Monday, May 5. Enter at 1385 Harshman Road.

 

Part conservation, part recreation, the Mad River Run includes a kayak and canoe whitewater feature in the Mad River, river access points, and an area for observing paddlers or just enjoying the river. Construction was funded in part by a $100,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Dayton. Members will celebrate and commemorate the Mad River Run during the grand opening.

 

“The Rotary Club of Dayton is excited to support this new destination for free, active outdoor recreation and place where everyone can connect with the Mad River,” said Greg Birkemeyer, president of the Rotary Club of Dayton. “Enhancing our river assets is critical to making the Miami Valley an even better place to live, work and play.

 

“Recovery work after Dayton’s great flood of 1913 was the first relief project for Rotary International, so this was the perfect project for the Rotary Club of Dayton to support to commemorate our 100 years of service to the local community,” Birkemeyer added.

 

The Mad River Run also improved the aquatic habitat and safety characteristics of the river while providing a 4-mile paddling experience from Eastwood to RiverScape MetroParks.

mad_river_run

“The Mad River Run is part of a renewed focus on rivers in our community, and this project accentuates a key river corridor that leads right into downtown,” MetroParks Executive Director Becky Benná said. “Improving outdoor recreation opportunities is a key component in attracting and retaining the workforce that will power our regional economy, as well as in strengthening Dayton’s vibrancy.

 

“We thank the Rotary Club of Dayton for its generous donation that has helped Five Rivers MetroParks’ fulfill its mission to protect the region’s natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature,” Benná added.

 

In addition to the new play areas for paddlers at Mad River Run, spectators can view the action from the riverbank. The river feature serves as a swiftwater rescue training classroom, and additional programs are planned for advanced paddling and maneuvering training in moving water.

 

“The features on the Mad River have helped meet the needs of the paddling community — not only for current paddlers and the new ones we gain daily, but for future generations,” said local paddling expert and enthusiast Lamar Jackson. “As a father of two, a paddler and instructor, I see the big picture of something like this and can assure you my children and I will be taking full advantage of what the current feature and planned features have to offer. The ease of access and location makes this a great place for instructional clinics for paddling or swift water rescue, and the location of the Mad River Run couldn’t be at a better spot for the public to see.”

 

In addition, those interested in fishing will benefit from deep water holes formed by the water flow around the River Run rock structures, where fish tend to concentrate to stay out of the river current.

 

“The Mad River Run is a great addition to the Miami Valley,” said Pete Ziehler of the National Association of Professional River Anglers. “It’s a place for anglers to seek fish pooled above and below the run. This also enables fly anglers to hone their skills with the calmness of the waters. This gem is really a keystone in the continued development of the waterways in the MetroParks system.”

 

Music. Dance. Hiking Boots?

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"Translations: an exploration in birdsong, sound and movement" BLUE SKY PROJECTTranslations:

an exploration in birdsong, sound and movement

Blue Sky Project

When first perusing this press release, I was not really certain into which section of DaytonMostMetro.com to place this article.  When I first spoke with fellow onStageDayton contributor Rodney Veal about this, my assumption was that this project he was so excited about would be featured in the “oSD” section.  Maybe, however, it belongs in the “Dayton Music” section as the project prominently features a very accomplished violinist, Shaw Pong Lui from Boston, participating through a residency here in the Gem City with the Blue Sky Project.

BIRDSONGAs I uncovered more details about the project it seemed that maybe it should be in the “Arts & Entertainment” section since it seems to equally features the creative choreography of Rodney Veal, alongside Liu’s musicality.  The further I read, the more difficult this classification task became.  Here is a collaboration between a dancer, a musician AND nature.  The performance takes place along the trails of Aullwood Garden MetroPark with the dancers and musicians mimicking the sounds and sights of the trails.  Perhaps we need to put this in “Active Living.” The audience has to build up a bit of a sweat during this particular concert, as they will have to traverse the trails.  They even warn you to wear hiking shoes!

iBird Explorer AppThen you throw in the iPod aspect.  Holy Cow!  Do we even have a “Technology & Arts” section?  Audience members can participate in the performance through the use of a special birdsong app! ? !  This is pretty cool.

Alright.  Looking at this, pondering the various aspects…the birds, the trees, the dance, the music…I am making an executive decision here: “Life.”

(fully expecting our illustrious publisher to override this decision and choose the perfect classification for this article)

Official Blue Sky Project Press Release:

Dayton, Ohio — Musicians, dancers and birders will come together for an unusual open-air art event in one of the Miami Valley’s most distinctive woodland parks.

The Blue Sky ProjectThe Blue Sky Project, in collaboration with the University of Dayton and Five Rivers MetroParks, will present “Translations: an exploration in birdsong, sound and movement” 6 p.m. Saturday, July 9, and 3 p.m. Sunday, July 10, at the Aullwood Garden MetroPark, 955 Aullwood Road, Englewood, Ohio. It’s free and open to the public.

Violinist Shaw Pong Liu and choreographer Rodney Veal created the work, which invites audience members to walk along trails throughout the garden, encountering violinists mimicking birdsongs, dancers improvising on the shapes of trees and birders with iPods contributing the real songs of birds.

“The point of the piece is to get people to slow down and pay attention to the environment,” Liu said. “We lead such busy lives, it is rare to take time to attune to the environment, and truly listen. Through this creative exploration of a hidden gem in the Dayton community, we hope to inspire others to listen and see their environments more deeply.”

Liu said the piece is very much in the spirit of the garden’s founder, the late Marie Aull, who opened and donated the garden to the public, and placed inspirational quotes throughout, encouraging visitors to enjoy nature and meditate on its beauty.

Participants include professional musicians from the area, dancers from the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and the Dayton Ballet, and birders familiar with the region’s birds.

Liu said the some paths go over rugged terrain and recommended appropriate footwear. iPhone users may also participate by downloading iBird Explorer Lite, a free app, before the performance.

Liu’s role as community artist/investigator for Blue Sky is new for the organization, a juried international summer artist residency now in its seventh year and its third based in Dayton, that brings internationally recognized artists to the area to work with young people on public, contemporary art.

The new position was prompted by Liu’s work in 2010 with Blue Sky and the community connections she made, according to Peter Benkendorf, founder and co-creator.

“Collaboration and community are central to both Blue Sky Project and the University of Dayton. It’s exciting to see Blue Sky expand through an artist who is taking the Blue Sky model beyond collaboration of program participants, and out to the larger community,” said Benkendorf.

It’s a good fit for the University, according to Paul Benson, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, because it combines the University’s commitment to community and its interest in infusing the creative process into education.

Blue Sky also makes good use of ArtStreet, an innovative living and arts community on campus, where the artists both live and make art in the facility’s studios, Benson said.

“We are pleased to support Blue Sky as well the new community artist/investigator position as part of our ongoing commitment to expand the arts on campus and in the community,” he said.

“Translations” is the second major collaboration for Liu and Veal. Their 2010 production “Of a River” transformed the Schuster Center Wintergarden with dancers, musicians and 600 yards of silk.

Shaw Pong LiuLiu is a Boston-based, classically trained violinist who performs internationally and creates innovative shows involving improvised music, narration and audience interaction. Her ongoing project, “A Bird a Day,” explores birds, sunrises and music at www.abirdaday.org.

Rodney VealDayton native Rodney Veal is a choreographer and interdisciplinary artist whose work has been featured at the Ohio Dance Festival, among others. Veal teaches at Stivers School for the Arts in Dayton and Sinclair Community College. A solo show of his work, “Reveal: Five Zones on Beauty,” opens July 23 at the Springfield Museum of Art.”

For information on Blue Sky and the “Transitions” performance, including an alternative venue in case of rain, visit http://www.blueskydayton.org

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Cardinal (actual):

Cardinal (violin):

SANCTUARY composed by Shaw Pong Liu (4/28/2011)

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