Fireflies Are Disappearing - You Can Help Save Them

Jul 2, 2026, 13:18 PM by Katie Ely-Wood

Fireflies are a harbinger of summer – a sign that the season has finally arrived. Many of us in southwest Ohio have treasured childhood memories of catching lightning bugs during humid summer nights, their glow illuminating our yards and porches. Unfortunately, the magic of fireflies is fading as their populations decline across the world. The good news is that we can support fireflies and help boost their numbers right from our own homes! Read more to learn about these special insects, and the part you can play in ensuring their survival.

Read our latest blog post to learn more!

Portions of GMRT Closed

Aug 20, 2026, 10:04 AM

Due to flooding, portions of the GMRT are currently closed. The following GMRT trailheads are closed until water recedes: Flyer lot/trailhead down to the Trenton lot/trailhead terminus to the south; Great Miami lot/trailhead is also closed.
Portion of Cascades Trail Closed

Aug 18, 2026, 10:11 AM

A portion of the Cascades Trail at Rentschler Forest MetroPark is closed due to fallen limbs.
Timberhill MetroPark Camp Trails Closure

Aug 13, 2026, 13:37 PM

The Camp Trails at Timberhill MetroPark are closed due to downed limbs.
Sebald MetroPark Playground Closure

Jul 10, 2026, 11:40 AM

Sebald MetroPark's small playground between Shelter 2 and Shelter 3 is temporarily closed due to nesting insects.
Sycamore Grove Trail

Apr 24, 2026, 09:57 AM

The Sycamore Grove Trail at Governor Bebb MetroParks has reopened to the public. The trail is non-ADA accessible until gravel replacement work can be completed.
MetroParks Cashless Beginning 1/1/26

Nov 26, 2025, 10:44 AM

MetroParks is keeping it cashless beginning 1/1/26. Credit and debit cards are welcome at MetroParks' Administrative Office and Voice of America MetroPark Welcome Center. Cash will still be accepted for on-site program registration.
Sebald MetroPark Closures

May 12, 2025, 09:52 AM

The Ridge Trail at Sebald MetroParks is closed due to trail rerouting work.
Voice of America MetroPark Cross Country Trail Closures

Nov 12, 2024, 11:08 AM

Portions of the Voice of America MetroPark Cross Country Trails will be closed for trail rerouting work. Trail closures will be marked with signs and barricades.

Metropark Alerts

Portions of GMRT Closed

Due to flooding, portions of the GMRT are currently closed. The following GMRT trailheads are closed until water recedes: Flyer lot/trailhead down to the Trenton lot/trailhead terminus to the south; Great Miami lot/trailhead is also closed.

Portion of Cascades Trail Closed

A portion of the Cascades Trail at Rentschler Forest MetroPark is closed due to fallen limbs.

Timberhill MetroPark Camp Trails Closure

The Camp Trails at Timberhill MetroPark are closed due to downed limbs.

Sebald MetroPark Playground Closure

Sebald MetroPark's small playground between Shelter 2 and Shelter 3 is temporarily closed due to nesting insects.

Sycamore Grove Trail

The Sycamore Grove Trail at Governor Bebb MetroParks has reopened to the public. The trail is non-ADA accessible until gravel replacement work can be completed.

MetroParks Cashless Beginning 1/1/26

MetroParks is keeping it cashless beginning 1/1/26. Credit and debit cards are welcome at MetroParks' Administrative Office and Voice of America MetroPark Welcome Center. Cash will still be accepted for on-site program registration.

Sebald MetroPark Closures

The Ridge Trail at Sebald MetroParks is closed due to trail rerouting work.

Voice of America MetroPark Cross Country Trail Closures

Portions of the Voice of America MetroPark Cross Country Trails will be closed for trail rerouting work. Trail closures will be marked with signs and barricades.

News & Alerts