MetroParks Volunteer Patrols (MVP)
We extend our warmest welcome to you as a member of the Five Rivers MetroParks volunteer family. MetroParks Volunteer Patrol (MVP) volunteers play an important part in achieving MetroParks’ mission to protect the region’s natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature. MVP volunteers enhance MetroParks’ ability to foster understanding and enjoyment of the natural and cultural heritage of our area and ensure that all of our visitors have a safe experience on our trails.
DO YOU QUALIFY? To be eligible to support this opportunity, volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, complete their volunteer onboarding qualifications, and receive an eligible background check. Click here to complete your volunteer onboarding qualifications.
GET STARTED!
Step 1: New MVP Patrollers Training and Handbook
Want to become an MVP? To start, please review the New MVP Patrollers Training:
- Watch the 20-minute New MVP Patrollers Training video (above)
- Review the MVP Handbook
- Submit the New MetroPark Volunteer Patrol (MVP) Interest Form:
Step 2: Review Patrol Area Specific Resources
Each Patrol Area has patrol-specific trainings and resources. Please review the training content listed under the patrol area you plan to support.
Hike
- Sustainable Trail Building 101
- Leave No Trace Training
- Community Outreach Training
- Pond Patrol: Pond Patrol Protocol
- Conservation Caretakers: Conservation Caretakers Training
- Attend an annual in-person Hike Training
Bike
- Bicycle Maintenance Resources for MVPs
- Bike ABC Check Training
- Community Outreach Training
- Attend an annual in-person Bike Training
Mountain Bike
- Bicycle Maintenance Resources for MVPs
- Community Outreach Training
- Attend an annual in-person Mountain Bike Training
Step 3: Shadow a Current MVP
Once you have watched the 20-minute New MVP Patrollers Training video, reviewed the submitted the MVP Handbook, submitted the New MetroPark Volunteer Patrol (MVP) Interest Form, and reviewed the patrol-specific training and resources content, the Volunteer Coordinator will coordinate a shadow experience for you. You will shadow a current MVP twice in your selected patrol area.
Once you've completed the above steps, you are qualified to begin patrolling as an official member of the MVP group. Welcome and Thank You for your volunteer support!
Additional Training Resources (not required)
- Miami Valley Trails: Safety & Trail Etiquette Tips
- 2022 Ranger Update
- FRMP Trails Master Plan 2021 Update
- American Sign Language (ASL) Training Videos
THANK YOU for taking the time to volunteer!
MVP Mission
The mission of the MetroParks Volunteer Patrols is to support Five Rivers MetroParks in the protection and stewardship of the Miami Valley’s natural and paved trail systems by patrolling on a regular basis. Patrol volunteers educate users with information on proper trail use and safety, communicate pertinent details about trail conditions to MetroParks staff, and foster positive public interactions along the trails and within the parks.
MVP Purpose
MetroParks Volunteer Patrol members aid both MetroParks Rangers and Park Services staff by providing trail visitors a service of safety and trail integrity through their presence on the trails. MVPs give information to users, offer maintenance, assist with basic first aid needs, alert staff to potential hazards or problems, and relay visitor comments and concerns to staff.
MVP Role
MVPs are the “eyes and the ears” of the trails and in our parks. They are NOT law enforcement officials. They should educate park users and share insight about the park or trail, but if there is confrontation, they should report rather than solve the problem. MVPs are encouraged to patrol on a regular basis to increase the presence of safe trails.
