Conservation

Conservation Volunteers support MetroParks staff in protecting and caring for natural areas across the region. 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 efforts directly support habitat restoration, wildlife conservation, and long-term land stewardship across nearly 16,000 acres of protected MetroParks land.

Whether you’re experienced or just starting out, this opportunity offers ways to learn, build skills, and make a meaningful 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 outdoor work, hiking, data collection, habitat restoration, or learning about wildlife and natural systems. Volunteers may include individuals, families, youth, and groups, depending on the specific opportunity.

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

What to Know Before You Get Started

• Most 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 volunteer opportunities are a great way to easily jump in.
• Tools, supplies, and instructions are typically provided, unless noted otherwise.
• Opportunities may take place at a variety of parks and natural areas across the MetroParks system.

Conservation Volunteers typically support and assist staff with:

• Collecting, recording, and entering field data
• Habitat restoration and natural area management projects
• Using small tools and equipment while working in outdoor environments

Get Started

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

• Public 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 Opportunities
  For volunteers interested in building skills, volunteering regularly, or supporting conservation work over time. These opportunities may include Bat Box Monitoring, Bluebird Monitoring, Cover Mapping, and Propagation Operation.
• Group or Team Volunteering
  Schools, teams, and organizations can submit a group request to explore opportunities that align with their group size and goals.

Browse the available 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? Many volunteer opportunities across MetroParks offer similar experiences, skills, or ways to make an impact.

• Gardening Volunteer opportunities
• Trail Maintenance 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.