Restoring an Urban Prairie
By Betty Blockinger and Rosalie Hendon | Posted on August 26, 2020
The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department in Ohio received a $20,000 Parks for Pollinators grant through NRPA and The ScottsMiracle-Gro Foundation, which has funded the restoration of the Whetstone Prairie, as well as helped provide education on pollinators for local children and families.
Access to Reliable, Quality Meals Is More Essential Than Ever
By Maureen Neumann | Posted on August 26, 2020
As we move into the 2020-2021 school year, our professionals and partner organizations who have stepped up to serve meals during COVID-19, and our families that have benefited from these quick actions, are facing their next challenge.
Celebrating Three Years of Open Space Radio — Episode 072
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on August 25, 2020
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we’re celebrating our birthday! We started Open Space Radio a little over three years ago, and while many of you may have heard us talk about the early days of finding our podcasting groove, we like to invite you — our listeners — in every once in a while to reflect back on some of our favorite Open Space Radio moments.
NRPA Parks Snapshot: August 19-21 Survey Results
By Kevin Roth | Posted on August 21, 2020
In the latest NRPA Parks Snapshot, we learned that staff at four in five park and recreation agencies are leading park activation activities — like small group naturalist programs, virtual learning centers and drive-in movies — to promote park and open space usage.
How to Embrace Change and Lead During Challenging Times — September Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on August 20, 2020
On this bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re talking with Roslyn Johnson, director of Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks, about the challenges of starting a new role with a new department just before COVID-19, supporting her community during tough times and the ongoing need for true equity in parks.
Last Year’s BioBlitz Prize Being Put to Good Use in Garner, North Carolina
By Katie Lockhart, CPRP | Posted on August 12, 2020
Winning the 2019 Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz grand prize was a significant boost to the budget for Garner Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources, and having those funds earmarked for pollinator-specific projects was a game-changer.
How to Host a BioBlitz — Virtually!
By Michele White, CAE, IOM | Posted on August 11, 2020
A virtual BioBlitz is a great way to engage your community in an activity that is educational, fun and provides a community benefit!
How a BioBlitz Can Help Your Conservation Efforts — Episode 071
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on August 11, 2020
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're talking with the creator of the BioBlitz and Wildlife Biologist for Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Maryland, Sam Droege, as well as Brett Johnson, an Urban Biologist for the Dallas Park and Recreation Department, about how a BioBlitz event can help educate your community and inform staff who manage parks and public lands.
How to Onboard New Employees and Volunteers Amid COVID-19
By Background Investigation Bureau | Posted on August 10, 2020
With all the changes and uncertainty due to COVID-19, as well as necessary restrictions that limit you from meeting in person, here are some tips and solutions to help you safely onboard new employees and volunteers moving forward.
NRPA Parks Snapshot: August 5-7 Survey Results
By Kevin Roth | Posted on August 7, 2020
In the latest Parks Snapshot, we learn that three in five park and recreation agencies are making plans to support students this fall, whether through expanded childcare offerings or by offering resources to support education efforts.
Advancing Policies for Green Infrastructure in Parks
By Kyle Simpson | Posted on August 7, 2020
In order to better support the park and recreation profession to advocate for and receive necessary investments, NRPA has identified green infrastructure and how it can be supported and implemented in local parks as a top legislative priority.
Planning for the Next Normal in Out-of-School Time Programs
By Maureen Neumann | Posted on August 6, 2020
This new action guide from Kaiser Permanente provides guidance on the challenges faced during COVID-19, recommendations for addressing each challenge, and action items for moving ahead.
An Epidemic: How Parks and Recreation Can Play a Role in Addressing Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders
By Lauren Kiefert | Posted on August 6, 2020
Serving as providers of and connection points to public health services, parks and recreation plays a vital role in the ongoing opioid and substance use epidemic. We're proud to announce the release of Parks and Recreation: A Comprehensive Response to the Substance Use Crisis.
Parks as Community Nutrition Hubs: Expanding Access to Healthy Foods
By Maureen Neumann | Posted on August 4, 2020
With support from the Walmart Foundation, NRPA is working to support local park and recreation agencies in their efforts to serve as community nutrition hubs. But what is a community nutrition hub?
One Year Later, Pollinator BioBlitz at Heron Pond/Heller/Carpio-Sanguinette Park in Denver
By Gretchen Wilson, PLA, ASLA, LEED AP; Louise Bordelon; and Cinceré Eades | Posted on August 4, 2020
It has been one year since the City and County of Denver, Colorado, along with Dig Studio, Wilson & Company, Biohabitats and The Butterfly Pavilion hosted our Pollinator BioBlitz at the Heron Pond/Heller/Carpio-Sanguinette Park.