Claire Merrick, Marketing and Public Relations Manager Summit Metro Parks is proud to announce its participation in a Miami University study focused on understanding the genetic variation of green snake populations in Ohio. The study will allow researchers to estimate population size, heterozygosity (the condition where an individual has different…

Erosion control, wildlife habitat improvements and barrier removal bring new life to Sand Run Metro Park — Claire Merrick, Marketing & Public Relations Manager Summit Metro Parks released a series of posts detailing these significant grant-funded improvements to protect the roads, trails and wildlife of a well-loved park. Read Part I, Part II, Part III and Part IV. Nestled in the heart of Summit County, Sand Run…

Becca Zak, Interpretive Naturalist When it comes to fall cleanup, less is more in your Wild Back Yard! Before you grab your rake, leaf blower and yard waste bags, consider “cleaning up” with wildlife in mind: Leave your leaves: Leaves fall from trees to return much-needed nutrients to the soil…

Christy Counterman, Marketing Assistant If you’ve seen the phrase, “Is attaching the hiking spree shield more challenging than actually hiking the eight trails?” in any of our publications, you’ll be glad one of our dedicated volunteers started a tradition that has lasted for more than 20 years.

Katelyn Freil, Marketing Specialist For the past two years, a new partnership has brought opportunities to explore creativity and build community right here in the Metro Parks. …

Joe Malmisur, Interpretive Naturalist When most people hear the word “moth,” they immediately think of holes in sweaters, the smell of moth balls or meal moths flying out of their baking flour. They are often shocked to discover that many moths are incredibly beautiful, some with intricate patterns that allow…

Christy Counterman, Marketing Assistant and Katelyn Freil, Marketing Specialist Inaugurated in 1964, the first Fall Hiking Spree marked the beginning of a beloved tradition, inviting residents to hike seven different trails in two months. A total of 1,530 hiking staffs were awarded in the first year to those who completed…

Janean Kazimir, Interpretive Naturalist Wildflowers are in full swing this time of year. Yellow, white, lavender and more — as one species fades, nature has another ready to bloom in its place. Replicate this slow-motion fireworks show of blossoms in your own yard to provide never-ending beauty and constant food…

Becca Zak, Interpretive Naturalist Camping is an age-old way to connect with the outdoors and each other. Since 2021, park staff have transformed well-loved park areas into weekend-long, temporary campgrounds to provide a variety of overnight tent camping programs. …