Five Rivers MetroParks

It’s World Ranger Day, a day to recognize the amount of work and dedication it takes to be on the frontlines of protecting both nature and the people who use natural spaces. You may think of rangers like naturalists, as they are popularly at our National Parks; however, MetroParks’ rangers are law enforcement officials charged with protecting both park visitors and our greenspaces. MetroParks rangers are also called upon in mutual aid situations to help support other law enforcement agencies in the field.

A huge **thank you** to our rangers who protect all creatures great and small and our region’s natural heritage, and keep us smiling!

We’re signing off on summer fun with a free, all ages picnic party at Island MetroPark. Join us for our final A Place For You Open House & Family Picnic at Island MetroPark for food trucks, water play, Paint-A-Park, slacklining, disc-golf, all-levels family fitness activities, seed yoga and much more. No registration is required - simply show up get ready for some fun!

We’re teaching you how to be kinder to yourself and the planet during Small Farm & Food Fest. Whether you want to learn how to mend textiles or can kitchen staples, there will be ongoing opportunities and demonstrations throughout the day. Check out the comments for the full list of ongoing demonstrations and mark your calendar for this Saturday, Aug. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Carriage Hill MetroPark!

We're ushering in August with a packed week of fun at RiverScape MetroPark. Catch Motown Sounds of Touch on Friday, from 7 to 9 p.m. under the pavilion. Plus, Taiter's Kayaks will be on site for kayak rentals. On Saturday, check out a free Sculpt session with our friends at Speakeasy and then stick around to enjoy Art In the City activities.

The Summer Music Series is presented by AES Ohio with additional support from the Jack W. and Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation, Enterprise Roofing & Sheet Metal and Bonbright Distributors.

Fitness in the Park is presented by Kettering Health with additional sponsorship from McGohan Brabender Inc .

Vibing, unbothered, taking a nap at 10 a.m. 💅 It was Ruby’s first time away from Carriage Hill MetroPark today and she fell asleep not once, but twice on live television promoting Small Farm & Food Fest. Typically, folks are a little nervous in front of a camera, but not this absolute diva. Be sure to visit Ruby and all our other farm animals at Small Farm & Food Fest this Saturday Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We have an entire list of (human) presenters covering a variety of topics, from soil health to harvesting honey! ⬇️ Link to watch Ruby’s debut in our comments/bio!

2026 Speaker Schedule (Daniel Arnold Barn at the Historic Farm)
10 to 10:30 a.m.: Unusual Varieties for the Kitchen Garden, Rick Musselman, Education Coordinator, Five Rivers MetroParks
11 to 11:30 a.m.: Edible Landscaping, Lauren Craig, Humble Hive Consulting
12 to 12:30 p.m.: Creating a Sustainable Wardrobe: Repurposing Old Clothing, Caitlin Wilson, Seeds and Scraps
1 to 1:30 p.m.: Harvesting Honey, Andrea Hancock, Happy Wife Acres
2 to 2:30 p.m.: Plants Every Homesteader Should Know and Grow, Todd Strong, Horticulturist, Five Rivers MetroParks
3 to 3:30 p.m.: The Basics of Pruning Fruit Trees in Your Yard, Gary Gao, Professor and Extension Specialist, Small Fruit, The Ohio State University Extension
4 to 4:30 p.m.: Good Soil Health, Linsey McFadden, Exec. Dir. B-W Greenway Community Land Trust

Let's talk pop up farmers market at Small Farm & Food Fest this Saturday! From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. we'll be hosting more than 25 vendors along the walkway between Carriage Hill MetroPark's visitor center and the historical farm. Peep the comments for a list of vendors to shop from and be sure to visit all the food trucks, as well! We'll see you for Small Farm & Food Fest at Carriage Hill MetroParks this Saturday, Aug. 1 - no admission or fee for parking. Learn more at metroparks.org/farmfest.

Small Farm & Food Fest is supported by media sponsor Edible Ohio Valley and Apple Farm Services.

It's a big week in your Five Rivers MetroParks! Small Farm & Food Fest is this Saturday, Aug. 1 at Carriage Hill MetroPark, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Plus, we have a few spots left in fishing, kayaking and hiking programs. This week is Motown during the Summer Music Series at RiverScape and free fitness is planned throughout the week! Learn more and see you in the parks: https://zurl.co/aLp7k

Discover how to be kinder to yourself and the planet this Saturday, Aug. 1 during Small Farm & Food Fest! From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. we'll be celebrating the growing season with a full day of demonstrations, presenters, a pop up farmers market, games, farm animals and the ever-popular tractor-pulled wagon rides. Admission and parking are free. Learn more at https://zurl.co/yWouh

Small Farm & Food Fest is sponsored by Edible Ohio Valley and Apple Farm Services.

The final A Place For You Park Open House and Family Picnic is on Aug. 6, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Island MetroPark! Pack a picnic and clothes to splash in so you can explore the park and play with us in the water play area and playground. We'll also have hands-on activities, hike the Heart Healthy trail and more. This event is free for all ages.

Say it isn't so, Joe! 😭 Today many familiar faces met at Wesleyan MetroPark to celebrate the retirement of Joe Mitchell. Joe, who has served the community at Five Rivers MetroParks for more than 30 years, is officially retiring next week so we gathered to share memories and laughs with Joe today. If you've been to Island MetroPark over the years, you've likely seen Joe working on the park's beautiful amenities.

While it's bittersweet to say farewell to Joe, we know we'll see him on the trails and visiting Island MetroPark often. If you see Joe during his last week of work, be sure to congratulate him on his retirement! 💚💙