As part of Five Rivers MetroParks’ reforestation efforts, more than 60,000 seedlings have been planted during the past four years on land Five Rivers MetroParks manages. Now, volunteers are needed during upcoming Seedling Saturdays to ensure these seedlings can grow — and improve our local environment. These free events will be held from 9 a.m. to noon:
- Saturday, Apr. 25 — Carriage Hill MetroPark, 7800 E. Shull Rd. in Dayton
- Saturday, May 2 — Germantown MetroPark, 7101 Conservancy Rd. in Germantown
- Saturday, May 9 — Carriage Hill MetroPark, 7800 E. Shull Rd. in Dayton
- Saturday, May 16 — Sugarcreek MetroPark, 4178 Conference Rd. in Bellbrook
- Saturday, May 30 — Germantown MetroPark, 7101 Conservancy Rd. in Germantown
Participants will join Five Rivers MetroParks staff to check on seedlings and provide some TLC, such as mulching, straightening protective tubes and clearing competing vegetation. These family-friendly events are a great way for kids to explore the outdoors and learn about nature — all while protecting the region’s natural heritage by rebuilding forests stressed by the Emerald Ash Borer, invasive species, climate change and more.
“With more than 15,800 acres of land to protect, Five Rivers MetroParks staff rely on volunteers’ help to protect our environment,” said David Nolin, Five Rivers MetroParks director of conservation. “Human beings have manipulated the world around us so much, it needs some help. We’ve found in MetroParks, we can greatly increase forest diversity with a little bit of effort.
“We’re stewards of the land, not absentee landlords,” Nolin added. “It is up to us to protect our natural areas not only for future generations, but for the future of the wildlife within our region as well.”
Registration is requested, but not required. Register for Seedling Saturdays online or by calling 937-275-PARK (7275). For additional volunteer opportunities to help Five Rivers MetroParks protect native trees and forest ecosystems, contact volunteer coordinator Yvonne Dunphe at [email protected] or at 937-275-PARK (7275).
