In addition to the famous garden, this park boasts a high quality mature forest containing outstanding examples of native trees, plants and forest wildlife.  A small, planted prairie gives a glimpse of native grassland habitat.

The natural areas of Carriage Hill MetroPark consist mainly of former farmland and woodlots.  Large, open grasslands, diverse successional areas, created ponds and wetlands, a 14-acre lake, and two forest tracts make for a very diverse experience.

Cox Arboretum contains significant natural areas including two high quality mature woodlots, dense cedar glades, especially beautiful succession areas (containing an abundance of dogwood and redbud trees), planted tall-grass prairie, and created wetlands.

Deeds MetroPark lies at the junction of the Mad River and the Great Miami River and has wonderful views of the City of Dayton.  A variety of migratory and resident birds can be seen there.

Eastwood MetroPark contains beautiful shady picnic areas, a winding shaded lagoon, a 185-acre recreational lake, forest habitat along the Mad River, thickets, and a few grasslands.  These grassland openings are former prairies that retain the rich prairie soil and lend themselves to prairie restoration. In addition to its recreational uses, Eastwood Lake is well known for its migratory bird populations, including waterfowl, osprey, shorebirds, and gulls.

Englewood MetroPark is a large and heavily utilized MetroPark. The natural areas of the park contain floodplain forests, large areas of former farmland in natural succession, second growth upland hardwood forest, significant remnants of mature and old growth forest, a large shallow lake/wetland, several managed grasslands, and the scenic Stillwater River.  The park also contains a series of rehabilitated gravel quarries along Old Springfield Rd (North Park

Germantown MetroPark is the most diverse and significant natural area managed by MetroParks.  The size, quality, and age of the woodlands are exceptional.  Steep topography and varied moisture gradients make for a variety of forest types and microhabitats. Many species of plants and animals here are found nowhere else in Montgomery County. The park also contains large open grasslands, cedar glades, dry hillside prairies, all stages of natural succession, several ponds, and an exceptionally high quality stream, Twin Creek. The park also benefits from the fact that it still surrounded largely by agricultural land and the wooded Twin Creek corridor.

Hills and Dales MetroPark is located in Oakwood and Kettering but owned by the City of Dayton.  This historic park contains hills and ravines covered in mature and young hardwood forest. Other habitats include an area of spring seeps and associated small wetlands.

Huffman is managed for natural diversity, from the wooded meadows to the river bottom lands to some old growth forest located in the MoMBA section of the park. The habitats draw many migrating birds including many species of ducks, gulls, herons, song birds, woodpeckers, and birds of prey.

Island MetroPark contains outstanding specimen trees of floodplain forests such as sycamore, cottonwood, burr, oak, American Elm and many others.  Many migratory birds and animals such as Beavers and softshell turtles are commonly seen here.

Possum Creek MetroPark consists largely of former farmland that is going through the process of natural succession.  Significant natural features include bottomland hardwood forests along Possum Creek, two mature beech woodlots, and numerous created ponds and wetlands.  Over 100 acres of degraded farmland and dumps have been cleared and planted into native Ohio prairie. The prairie took years to establish, but now thrives on the poor ground.  It is currently one of the largest and most diverse planted prairies in Ohio.
Although the land that is now Possum Creek MetroPark has been dramatically changed by past land use, it stands today as a splendid example of what can be achieved with proper stewardship and restoration, and is a delightful place for the naturalist, hiker, or family.

Located along the Great Miami River in Downtown Dayton, this urban park can be an excellent place to watch migratory and resident birds such as Great Blue Herons, waterfowl, and gulls and even animals such as beaver and snapping turtles.

Sugarcreek MetroPark is a very diverse area with all stages of succession, mature forests, a trio of 500-year old white oaks, varied topography, a planted prairie, meadows, and scenic Sugar Creek. The planted prairie provides a diverse mix of native prairie and old-field species but requires yearly burning or mowing due to the abundance of brambles and small trees. A large meadow is located east of the riding center as well as two pastures.

Located at the juncture of Wolf Creek and the Great Miami River in Dayton, this small park is an excellent place to watch a surprising parade of wildlife including waterfowl, night herons, gulls, and sometimes bald eagles and ospreys.

Taylorsville MetroPark contains exceptional examples of mature upland forest with many spring wildflowers, second growth woodlands, natural succession areas, a few aging pine stands, a few managed grasslands, and extensive floodplain forests along the Great Miami River Corridor.

This outstanding natural area contains steep, wooded ravines containing mature forest with a diverse understory plant life, extensive areas of second growth forest, floodplain forest, several large managed grasslands, a large scenic pond, and the beautiful Twin Creek.  In addition, the MetroPark contains a winding prehistoric Indian mound and a scenic hilltop vista. The MetroPark is linked by the wooded Twin Creek Corridor that connects it to Germantown MetroPark to the north.

In addition to the developed horticultural facilities Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark contains an outstanding example of a swamp forest, mature woodlands along the Stillwater River, the rich aquatic life of the Stillwater River, a meadow, and two planted prairies. The Marie Aull Nature Trail is adorned by a stunning variety of trees and wildflowers, and provides many opportunities for spotting native birds and wildlife.

This inner city natural area contains mature floodplain forest, young upland forest, and high quality aquatic habitat in Wolf Creek.