The preservation and interpretation of the Miami Valley's natural heritage is at the core of our mission. But telling the story of these special places wouldn’t be complete without weaving in the cultural history that helped shape them—from Native Americans to pioneer settlements and from agricultural development to the growth of cities and suburbs. When we protect our lands, we also protect important remnants of our journey. Your MetroParks contain a rich diversity of historical assets as unique as our parks themselves. When planning a trip to a MetroPark, add some educational aspects to your hike or bike ride by touring these historical features.