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biologist, Grace Dietsch. “This time of year, a very special group of plants called “spring ephemerals,” which bloom for only short periods of time, are popping up in natural areas. Spring ephemerals are typically showy, unique, colorful and fragile. They can be easy to identify, so it’s a great group of plants for beginner nature-lovers and kids.”
You can find spring ephemerals in every single MetroPark location along wooded trails. Dietsch’s favorite places for flowering beauties include Germantown, Aullwood Gardens, Englewood, Carriage Hill and Taylorsville MetroParks.
“You’ll also start to notice more birds singing in the trees,” Dietsch said. “Spring migration is another reason why this is my favorite time of the year. I look forward to the slow but steady arrival of more and more species of colorful birds as they migrate north to their breeding grounds.”
This is a reminder to treat yourself and your quarantine mates with kindness these next few weeks, maybe months. Getting outside to our parks that have always been there for us might just make this all a little easier.
“Indeed, during the challenges the Dayton area faced in 2019, MetroParks heard from many community members how much they appreciated having access to natural areas, how spending time outdoors helped them and their families cope and how access to nature’s healing benefits provided solace during stressful times,” said Amy Dingle, MetroParks director of outdoor connections.
Sarah Franks is a Dayton Daily News reporter who will be writing a daily column on what people can do during the coronavirus outbreak. Have an idea or know someone who is doing amazing activities, email her at sarah.franks@ coxinc.com or on Twitter @sarfranks.
Contact this reporter at 937-225-2207 or email Sarah.Franks@coxinc.com.