Written with the help of AI from a news release from Five Rivers MetroParks.
Five Rivers MetroParks said its outdoor education team interacted with nearly 5,000 students during the 2025-2026 school year. According to the agency, that came through classroom visits, 191 programs and events, 70 self-guided field trips and 50 guided field trips.
The agency cited population estimates showing that roughly 22% of Montgomery County residents, more than 118,000 people, are 18 or younger.
MetroParks said it worked with Dayton Public Schools on assembly presentations for sixth graders at multiple schools. Students were introduced to the agency’s themes of conservation, education and recreation, and learned about careers in parks and recreation. Eragon, a red-tailed hawk and MetroParks wildlife ambassador, joined the visits.
"Sixth grade is a great time because the students start thinking about their futures," said MetroParks Education Coordinator Doug Horvath.
Horvath also took third graders from Madison Park Elementary into Wolf Creek, according to MetroParks.
The agency also pointed to its OUTstanding Teacher awards, led by Education Coordinator Pam Lyons Gromen and supported by the Virginia W. Kettering Foundation. The awards go to local educators who use the outdoors in their curriculum. Prizes include professional development scholarships and Green Schoolyard kits. Transportation is also provided for students to take a field trip to Cox Arboretum MetroPark.
MetroParks said 94% of Montgomery County residents live within a 10-minute drive or bike ride of one of its facilities, and that the parks are free to enter year-round.
Read the full release from Five Rivers MetroParks.
By the numbers: Montgomery County had an estimated 539,598 residents in 2025 (Census Bureau). Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program (through FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis). See the data.
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