Gardening

Gardening Volunteers support our horticulture and education staff in caring for a variety of gardens throughout our parks. This work helps protect the region’s natural heritage and creates outdoor experiences that invite Miami Valley residents to get outside, explore, and build a personal connection with nature. Many of these gardens also provide fresh, local produce to those in need, making this opportunity meaningful both in the parks and beyond them. 

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, this opportunity offers ways to learn, build skills, and make a visible impact alongside MetroParks staff. 

Entry-level volunteers are welcome. Some skills may be developed over time and may require additional training or an annual check-off.  

About This Position

This opportunity may be a great fit if you enjoy hands-on outdoor work and want to support beautiful, welcoming park spaces. Gardening Volunteers include individuals, youth, and groups, depending on the specific opportunity. 

Gardening opportunities are offered on weekdays, some weekends, and through flexible options, depending on the park, season, and project needs. 

What to Know Before You Get Started

• Most gardening volunteer opportunities require a background check as part of the onboarding process. New to MetroParks volunteering? Click here to learn more about how to become a volunteer.
• Some opportunities may also include orientation, training, or a skills check-off, depending on the tasks involved. If an opportunity requires training, you will be prompted to start that training process when you respond to the opportunity. Training requirements can often be found in the Eligibility section of the opportunity.
• Need to complete a few hours for school or service? Our public gardening opportunities are a great way to easily jump in! 
• Tools, supplies, and instructions are typically provided, unless noted otherwise. 
• Gardening opportunities take place at a variety of parks, including Aullwood Garden, Carriage Hill, Cox Arboretum, Possum Creek, RiverScape, Wegerzyn Gardens, and other MetroParks locations.

Gardening Volunteers typically support and assist staff with: 

• Planting, watering, pruning, deadheading, mulching, and weeding 
• Seed collection, propagation, and plant labeling 
• Using common hand tools such as soil knives, spades, pruners, loppers, shovels, and rakes 
• Interacting with park visitors by answering questions and sharing information about the gardens   

Get Started

There are a few different ways to get involved as a Gardening Volunteer, depending on what you’re looking for: 

• Public Gardening Opportunities 
  Public volunteer days are great for first-time volunteers or those looking to participate occasionally. These opportunities are typically offered at our Public Service Days, including Adopt-A-Park, Service Saturdays, and Make a Difference Day. 
• Ongoing Gardening Opportunities
  For volunteers interested in building skills, volunteering regularly, or supporting specific gardens over time.
• Court-Appointed Service
  Court-appointed volunteers are welcome, and can view select eligible opportunities listed here.
• Group or Team Volunteering 
  Schools, teams, and organizations can submit a group request to explore gardening projects that align with their group size and goals.

Browse the available Gardening Volunteer opportunities below and click VIEW DETAILS to learn more. Ready to volunteer? Click RESPOND and complete any required qualifications.  

Want to Branch Out?

Want to explore other ways to get involved? There are many volunteer opportunities across MetroParks that offer similar experiences, skills, or ways to make an impact. 

• Gardening Ambassador training
• Park Maintenance and Conservation opportunities
• Nature-based Program Support opportunities

Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks!   

Have questions or need help finding the right fit? 

Reach out to the Volunteer Services team at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or 937-275-7275 and ask to speak with a Volunteer Coordinator. You can also join us at a Volunteer Open House, an in-person opportunity to learn more about volunteering with Five Rivers MetroParks.