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April 1, 2025
Contact: Dominique Shank, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, 614-512-0049
Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Offers Exciting Opportunities to Give Back and Celebrate Earth Month
COLUMBUS - April is Earth Month in Columbus, and there are many ways to give back, help with conservation efforts and spend time in nature.
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Conservation Stewardship Program – Are you passionate about protecting nature and making a lasting impact on the environment? Join our Conservation Stewardship Program, and help restore and maintain Columbus’ natural spaces. Led by our expert Conservation team, this program is perfect for dedicated volunteers looking to get hands-on experience throughout the season. This year’s focus: pollinator habitats!
The first step is to complete a one-day indoor training session where you'll learn how to become a conservation steward, how to identify common plants and how to document your conservation efforts. Complete the interest form, and then register for your training slot.
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Spring Rainbow Trout Fish Stockings – Spring is the perfect time to grab your fishing pole and head to Columbus park ponds for some exciting trout fishing! Several of the department’s ponds will be stocked with thousands of rainbow trout as part of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) rainbow trout stocking program. Anglers of all ages can enjoy the thrill of catching these vibrant fish. But don’t wait too long—rainbow trout can’t survive in warmer temperatures so now’s your chance to reel them in. Bring your fishing pole and some bait. Anglers ages 17+ will need an ODNR fishing license. Be one of the first to fish the pond and attend the stocking events:
- Monday, April 14 – Franklin, Linden and Westgate parks
- Friday, April 18 – Antrim Park
- Wednesday, April 23 – Goodale, Krumm and Schiller parks
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Meet the Goats Event on Friday, April 18 – Invasive plants are bad for the environment because they can hurt native plants and compete with them for resources. We are taking a unique approach to invasive plant removal and trying something new by hosting goats to naturally remove the invasive plants by eating them. You can learn more and meet a few of our newest environmental stewards from Goats on the Go on Friday, April 18, at Antrim Park by the lake from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. An ODNR rainbow trout fish stocking will also be held at the park that day.
The Meet the Goats event is the only opportunity to see and pet a few of the goats who will be located at the park. When the goats return to the park later this spring, they will be behind protective fences.
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National Volunteer Week, April 20-26 – Last year, 17,147 residents volunteered with us and invested back in the community through efforts such as litter clean-ups and park beautification projects. During National Volunteer Week, April 20-26, we celebrate the volunteers who give of their time to advance the department’s conservation efforts. Other volunteer options include coaching and officiating sports, volunteering at golf courses or working with the Therapeutic Recreation program. Learn more about volunteering with the department.
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Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration on Friday, April 25 – Join us on Friday, April 25, from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Woodward Park, 5147 Karl Road, 43229, for the Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration. Volunteers will help with planting native trees and pollinator promoting plants, as well as vegetables in the community garden. Volunteers can also help with invasive plant removal, playground mulching, and a litter and creek cleanup. Register for your spot today.
To learn more about Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, visit ColumbusRecParks.com.
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