Conservation & Education

The future of MetroParks Natural Landscapes depends on educating and engaging all park customer/owners regarding the natural world. MetroParks conservation and preservation efforts involve the management of the natural resources across the park system. The purpose of the Conservation and Education is to increase the MetroParks’ customer/owner’s awareness and appreciation of the natural resources found within our parks and to foster a sense of stewardship to care for the parks. Whether you are an environmental enthusiast or learning to be one, there are many educational opportunities to moving you along the path toward appreciating and protecting our park assets.

Metropark Alerts

Elk Creek MetroPark -Meadow Ridge Area - Parking Lot Improvements Planned - October 17, 2019

Starting Thursday October 17, 2019 for about 1 week there will be sections of the parking lot closed for improvements, at the Meadow Ridge Area of Elk Creek MetroPark located at 5101 Circle Pkwy, Middletown, OH 45042. The parking area can be accessed throughout the project with the exception of one day. The main drive will be seal coated from the parking lot to the main gate which will require closure of the park for a 24 hour period. We are wMetroParkorking closely with the contractor and Mother Nature to minimize the impact. MetroParks will notify park customer/owners regarding the day closure once a definitive date has been selected by the contractor.

The City of Middletown Begins Repairs on the Great Miami River Trail Today - October 17, 2019 today

The City of Middletown will begin pavement repairs on sections of the Great Miami River Trail (GMRT) today. The repair work may cause intermittent closures of these sections over the next couple of weeks. As you plan your next walking, biking, or running trip on the GMRT , please look to MetroParks website to find daily updates regarding the specific areas that are closed.

Elk Creek MetroPark - Sebald Park Area and Meadow Ridge Area Will Have Daily Closures for MetroParks Controlled Bow Hunting Program

Before heading out to Elk Creek MetroPark for a visit to the Sebald Park Area or the Meadow Ridge Area, please note that the parks will be closed to the public between the hours of 8 am until noon each day during 2019-2020 hunting season. As a part of the park system’s Wildlife Management Program a controlled Bow Hunting program will be held during these hours to control the over population of white-tailed deer in these areas. After noon each day the park will be OPEN & READY for YOU! MetroParks appreciates your patience during this time. Hunting Season is from September 28, 2019 – February 2, 2020.

The Pumpkin Vine Trail of Rentschler Forest MetroPark Re-Opened -September 17, 2019

The Pumpkin Vine Trail of Rentschler Forest MetroPark, Reigart Road Area, which had been closed to park customer/owners and visitors due to sewer line work since late December has been re-opened effective immediately. MetroParks thanks you for your patience as the work was completed. Have Fun on the trail!

3/1/19 CLOSED - North Paddock of Wiggly Field Dog Park at Voice of America MetroPark

The North Paddock of Wiggly Field Dog Park at Voice of America MetroPark is temporarily closed due to construction, until re-opened by order of the Executive Director. Please, visit "NEWS" for more information on this closure.

2/26/19 CLOSED - Stander Preserve

Stander Preserve in Reily Township is closed and shall remain closed until further notice. Please, visit the "NEWS" section for more information regarding this closure.

2/6/19 CLOSED - Sycamore Bluffs Preserve

Entire parcel of real property now known as Sycamore Bluffs Preserve, including parking area adjacent to Four Mile Creek, is closed to the public effective February 6, 2019, and shall remain closed until further notice due to upcoming bridge construction work by Butler County. Please, visit our "news" section for more information regarding this closure.