Lean more about local trees at one of these local parks
The end of April is almost here, but before it ends we have one more nature-themed holiday to celebrate—Arbor Day! A holiday that began in Nebraska in the late 1800s to encourage people to plants trees has become one that all 50 states celebrate, including Ohio. This year Arbor Day falls on April 29, and you can visit one of these local attractions to honor the day.
Five Rivers MetroParks
With 18 parks and three conservation areas in Montgomery County, there is no shortage of places to enjoy our region’s local trees. One place that may be of interest is Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, home to Big Macrocarpa, the largest tree in the park system. The bur oak has a circumference of 287 inches and is 102 feet high. Cox Arboretum MetroPark also has a large collection of different species, including the conifer collection, a crab apple alleé, and the 81-step Tree Tower gives you breathtaking views of all the trees from 65 feet off the ground.
John Bryan State Park
Located in Yellow Springs, this state park is home to more than 100 different types of trees and shrubs. While the main species are oaks and maples, you can also see sycamore and cottonwoods near the river.
Miami County Park District
The Miami County Park District oversees more than a dozen parks, preserves and trails in Miami County. To see conservation in action, make a visit to the Honey Creek Preserve. In 2008 and 2009, the park district, along with the Honey Creek Watershed Association, planted over 2 acres of native trees to help restore and stabilize the watershed.
The city of Hamilton will also be hosting an event to celebrate the day:
ArBeer Day
4-7 p.m. at Hamilton’s Urban Backyard (the HUB), 501 Main St., Hamilton
The Butler Soil & Water Conservation District and the HUB have teamed up for this unique celebration of Arbor Day. Attendees can take home a free sapling, pick up an ArBeer Day t-shirt and enjoy brews from local breweries at this event. Food truck and live music will also be on hand.
