Summit Metro Parks We're Your Back Yard
Wild Back Yards

Grow a Wild Back Yard

About the Grow a Wild Back Yard Program

Help wildlife and earn rewards from the comfort of your own home! We can help wildlife thrive with small actions in our own back yards or adopted gardens. Download a form below and track your progress with simple checklists and tips from SMP experts.

HOW To Participate

1. Sign up and download a checklist form below.

2. Explore the participation form: there are four levels from which to choose. Find which level is right for you.

3. Keep track of your progress throughout the year on your form.

4. When you’ve completed all required steps, return the form to receive your rewards (see below for details).

Group photo

Program Focus Areas

NATIVE PLANTING

INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT

HABITAT QUALITY

ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT

SPREAD THE WORD

Get Rewarded



Receive Your Rewards

Rewards are free for Summit County residents. Out-of-county residents pay $10 for their Wild Back Yards rewards. Please note, all reward levels are available on a one-per-household basis. 
 
Beginning July 5, turn in your form and receive your rewards at the park district's administrative offices (975 Treaty Line Rd., Akron 44313) during regular business hours.

Participants may also receive their rewards on any of the following Wild Back Yards reward dates. SMP naturalists and conservation staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about creating your Wild Back Yard.

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm 
September 1 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Summit Lake Nature Center
September 6  from  4 to 6 p.m. 

Liberty Park Nature Center
September 9 from 10 a.m. to noon 

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm
September 15  from 1 to 3 p.m.

Grow Wild 2022 badge logo
 
 


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