Citizen Science

The park district's Citizen Science program is one of the largest and most active in Northeast Ohio. Each year, hundreds of volunteers dedicate thousands of hours to the collection of biological data. Participation gives volunteers the opportunity to learn, gain a stronger appreciation for the natural world and give back to the parks they enjoy.

2012 Research Grant
Conservation foundation Wild4Ever and Metro Parks, Serving Summit County are accepting applications for a collaborative 2012 research grants program. DOWNLOAD APP

A total of $1,500 is available for those studying conservation issues relevant to the park district. Research topics may include, but are not limited to, habitat management, species monitoring, water-quality studies and archaeological investigations.

Results from the 2010 surveys:
Amphibians | Bats | Bird Houses | Salamanders | Snakes | Streams

Results from the 2008 surveys:
Amphibians | Bio Blitz | Bird Houses | Coyotes | Creel Survey | Insects | Owls | Salamanders | Snakes | Streams

Results from the 2007 surveys:
Amphibians | Bats | Bio Blitz | Bird Houses | Coyotes | Hawks | Insects | Owls | Salamanders | Snakes | Streams

Results from the 2006 surveys:
Amphibians | Bio Blitz | Bird Houses | Coyotes | Hawks | Owls | Snakes | Streams

Important Bird Areas
Several areas managed by Metro Parks have been named Important Bird Areas by Audubon Ohio, including Deep Lock Quarry and Liberty Park.

Surprising Salamanders
Salamanders are amphibians, which usually lay eggs in bodies of water. But one of our most common species, the red-backed salamander, is completely terrestrial. It lays its eggs on land.