Summit Metro Parks is bringing nature indoors at the Akron Home & Garden Show with a special interactive exhibit in the Maidenburg Concourse. Visitors are invited to explore the parks’ Grow a Wild Backyard initiative, a community-focused program that encourages planting native species to support pollinators, wildlife, and healthier outdoor spaces.
Representatives from the park system, along with local, native-plant-friendly vendors, will be on hand to share seeds, seedlings, and expert advice on how to bring native plants into your own backyard, no matter the size.
Designed for all ages, the exhibit offers hands-on activities and inspiration for the whole family.
- Guests can plan their own Wild Backyard using the park district’s garden planning grid and native plant wish list.
- Children can enjoy a storybook trail based on The Garden Next Door by Collin Pine, explore touch-friendly animal pelts, discover bird calls with a plush-bird tree, and play with wooden toys.
- Visitors can also connect with sustainable partners, including the City of Cuyahoga Falls, Summit Soil & Water Conservation District, Meadow City Native Nursery & Paradise Natives, West Creek Conservancy, and the Akron Parks Collaborative.
- Maple Leaf Gifts, the park district’s gift shop, will offer Wild Backyards merchandise and more, and attendees can learn how to earn rewards through the Wild Backyards program
- . Plus, enjoy giveaways while supplies last, including native plants, seed packets, Wild Backyards stickers, and yard signs.
Visit Summit Metro Parks at: https://www.summitmetroparks.org/