JILL SNYDER
Visitor Engagement Manager
Metro Parks was recognized recently by Columbus City Schools for the continuous partnership work between the two agencies. Both organizations strive to educate the students of central Ohio and provide them with unique learning opportunities whenever possible.
Metro Parks established the SEED (Students Exploring Ecosystem Dynamics) program working with 5th grade classes to provide a life science curriculum, field trip and in-class visit. Since the program began in 2000, over 105,000 students have engaged with nature and Metro Parks. This year, 82 schools (205 classes) have registered from Columbus City Schools, Westerville and Groveport-Madison. We’ll have even more students join from South-Western City Schools in the spring!
Metro Parks also partners with Columbus City Schools through the CSI program. This summer internship program introduced over 250 students to careers in natural resources since it began in 2007. The youth in this program provide assistance with a wide range of projects in our parks and develop skills for the future. They have been part of many a staining project or summer trail pruning!
Columbus City Schools celebrated these, and many other collaborations with Metro Parks, with a resolution during their October 1, 2024 board meeting. And, of course, Metro Parks Executive Director Tim Moloney took a moment to thank them for their partnership and to remind them that his alma mater, Whetstone, was the best high school.
