Planting park pride

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Walk around any Five Rivers Metropark and you'll be able to see a little extra light peaking through leaves. That's because beetles and other insects are killing trees. 

Forest conservation may not be at the top of our minds but there's one easy way you can help. All it takes is some water and a little T-L-C to grow the forest back to it's original state

Outside Cox Arboretum on a windy day the trees sway back and forth -
but inside volunteers are picking out seeds so the future forest stays full.

Meredith Cobb, Park Technician says "All the trees we are growing are to replace trees we are losing in our forest due to emerald ash border." 

Due to invasive species about 10 percent of the canopy has been lost.
So last year Five Rivers Metroparks started a reforestation project.
Step one is to start with seeds.

"Some of the seeds are having problems propagating on their own in the woods so we are trying to lend a helping hand," says Cobb. 

Once the seeds germinate they are transferred into pots like these and given to foster families.  These adoptive parents monitor the trees growth, water them and once big enough are planted into area parks.  Nora Kepes has always enjoyed the metroparks and decided to volunteer for the project.

Nora Kepes, Volunteer, says "I really like the conservation efforts and I think it's really important I'm not doing much but it makes mee feel like i'm doing something important."

About 10 thousand trees are expected back by the end of the month.
Which once planted and allowed to grow will whip in the wind like the ones here today.

If you are interested in becoming a forest foster family member you can sign up on the five rivers meteroparks website by clicking here .