Nature, Lifestyle, & Recreation
Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm
aullwood.org
Dayton • 937-890-7360
Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm, a treasured 200-acre sanctuary in southwest Ohio, is an Audubon Center for environmental education, conservation, and agriculture providing activities that increase understanding and preservation of the planet. Visitors to Aullwood explore a century-old bank barn and other farm buildings that house various livestock. Enjoy special events, festivals, weekend or evening activities, outreach programs, classes, and nature-themed art and textile exhibits.
Brukner Nature Center
bruknernaturecenter.com
Troy • 937-698-6493
Brukner Nature Center promotes the appreciation and understanding of wildlife conservation through preservation, education, and rehabilitation. The 165-acre preserve encompasses a variety of habitats—from prairie and woodland to pine forest and wetland. Hike over six miles of trails and explore a treetop bird vista, interactive exhibits, and more. Brukner Nature Center is home to more than 50 permanently injured representatives of native Ohio species, the stars of every educational program they offer.
Bull’s Run Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum
bullsrun.org
Middletown • naturalist@bullsrun.org
Bull’s Run Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum is a beautiful, 11-acre green space in the heart of Middletown. Open free to the public from dawn until dusk, enjoy hiking trails, a wildflower prairie, and wildlife watching! Also learn about the natural history of the area through various public programs, including wildflower walks, tree ID classes, and Nature TOTS.
Downtown Dayton Partnership
downtowndayton.org
Dayton • 937-224-1518
The Downtown Dayton Partnership is dedicated to making downtown Dayton a better place to live, work, and visit. The DDP sponsors First Friday each month and coordinates special events throughout the year, including The Square Is Where…, a free lunchtime entertainment program on Courthouse Square; Summer in the City, hundreds of special summer events happening in the downtown area; and the Dayton Holiday Festival, a series of special events and activities throughout December. Visit the DDP website to view the online calendar–a comprehensive list of events happening in downtown Dayton–or sign up to receive their newsletters.
Five Rivers MetroParks
metroparks.org
Dayton • 937-275-PARK (7275)
Celebrating over 50 years of preserving green space and natural areas, Five Rivers MetroParks is a nationally renowned park system composed of natural area parks, gardens, high-quality river corridors, urban parks, and a network of recreation trails. Fiver Rivers MetroParks protects the region’s natural heritage and provides outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature. Educational programs and recreational opportunities are offered year round for all ages.
Glen Helen Nature Preserve
glenhelen.org
Yellow Springs • 937-769-1902
Glen Helen Nature Preserve encompasses 1,000 acres, a 25-mile network of footpaths. Visitors can view wildflowers, 400-year-old trees, limestone cliffs with waterfalls and overhangs, and the beautiful yellow spring flower for which the town is named. The Raptor Center rescues and nurtures raptors that are injured or sick and houses 30 education raptors. Private tours, hikes, or ECO camp can be arranged by contacting the Outdoor Education Center at 937-767-7648.
Learning Tree Farm
learningtreefarm.org
Dayton • 937-866-8650
Amid an 85-acre working farm, Learning Tree Farm offers a tranquil setting to connect children of all ages to nature through hands-on learning experiences. Visitors can tour historic structures, hike on trails, interact with farm animals, and sample produce from 30 raised garden beds. The Farm offers staff-led field trips, the Saturday Family Fun series, community festivals, designated programs for preschoolers, and a Nature Preschool.
Mainstreet Piqua
mainstreetpiqua.com
Piqua • 937-773-9355
Mainstreet Piqua is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the revitalization, promotion, and economic development of downtown Piqua, Ohio. It hosts a variety of family-oriented community events, including Taste of the Arts, Piqua Community Farmers Market, and Christmas on the Green.
Tecumseh Land Trust
tecumsehlandtrust.org
Yellow Springs • 767-9490
The Tecumseh Land Trust of Greene and Clark Counties is a private, not-for-profit conservation organization. Its purpose is to preserve agricultural land, open space, and historic structures in voluntary cooperation with landowners and their heirs, and to educate the public about methods of private land conservation.
Troy Main Street
troymainstreet.org
Troy • 937-339-5455
Troy Main Street promotes the economic revitalization of downtown Troy through business recruitment and retention, improving visual image, and organizing community events, including Taste of Troy, Troy Streets Alive, and the Downtown Troy Farmers Market.