Metroparks Toledo is celebrating National Poetry Month by spotlighting five poets who have written poems in honor of five Toledo Metroparks.
A collaborative initiative designed to amplify efforts in eco-awareness and conservation, each poet will read their work as part of the April 5 ceremony at Glass City Metropark, Glass City Pavilion.
Opening at 6:30 p.m., the event will showcase poems, a slideshow of photographs from each of the Metroparks, and original letterpress prints of the poets’ work. A signing and brief reception will follow.
Hosted by Georgia Author of the Year Poetry Finalist, Atlanta poet, and Toledo native, Julie E. Bloemeke, the #5poets5parks celebration will feature the work of award-winning Toledo poets:

1. Ryan Bunch
2. Tim Geiger
3. Lucas County Poet Laureate Jonie McIntire
4. Dustin Pearson
5. Kerry Trautman

The poems will highlight: Glass City, Side Cut, Farnsworth, Oak Openings Preserve and Wildwood Preserve.

Sven Olaf Nelson, founder of Pineapple Press and Design, will create original letterpress postcards of the poems expressly for the event, and the work of Doug Hinebaugh, renowned Toledo photographer, will be featured as a slideshow during the readings and presentation.