Every autumn, we grab our rakes and bags, heading outdoors to clear away what many see as a seasonal mess. For generations, raking leaves has been part of the fall routine, a tidy ending before winter sets in. But what if that ritual is doing more harm than good? This fall, we’re asking residents to…

If you’re anything like me, pesky invasive trees and plants can drive you crazy! But you don’t have to wait until spring to tackle invasive species removal projects. Here are some effective tips that MetroParks’ Senior Natural Resources and Conservation Manager, Joe Dumyahn, shared with me that homeowners can use to clear their yards or gardens of…

In a world fueled by overconsumption, managing and reducing your municipal solid waste (MSW) can be an overwhelming topic. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average American produces approximately 4.9 lbs. of municipal solid waste per person per day. MSW is made up of items that people may dispose of in the trash- think…

On September 21st, MetroParks of Butler County and the Butler Soil and Water Conservation District will host the annual Clean Sweep of the Great Miami River in Butler County. At this annual event volunteers of all ages and backgrounds help clean the full length of the Great Miami River stretching from Indian Lake to the…

This summer we’ve experienced significant heat and humidity, and everyone looks for ways to cool off. Swimming pools, splash pads, and sprinklers get a lot of use this time of year. Perhaps you’ve joined us for one of the Creeking in the Parks programs. Creeking is one of my favorite things to do. I love…

Maybe you’ve heard the term “invasive” attached to a plant or animal species and you’ve thought to yourself, “what makes something invasive?” In short, an invasive species is a living organism that has been brought by humans (on purpose or by accident) to live in an area where it does not naturally occur. Once introduced,…