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Five Rivers MetroParks Volunteer Newsletter - January 2026

As the new year begins, many of us set intentions to live healthier, more meaningful lives. We focus on exercise routines, better nutrition, and improved work-life balance - but there's another powerful wellness habit that often gets overlooked: volunteering.  Giving your time and talents to others doesn't just strengthen communities; it also delivers measurable benefits to your own physical, mental, and emotional health. As you step into the year ahead, committing to volunteer service could be one of the most rewarding resolutions you make.

FEATURE: Give Back, Feel Better: Volunteering Can Boost Your Health and Happiness in the New Year

As the new year begins, many of us set intentions to live healthier, more meaningful lives. We focus on exercise routines, better nutrition, and improved work-life balance - but there's another powerful wellness habit that often gets overlooked: volunteering.

Volunteer Appreciation: Did We Spot You at Holiday Magic? Plus, a NEW VIP Item!

If we saw you at Holiday Magic - Volunteer Appreciation, then you already know that we are rolling out a brand-new VIP item for 2026 - a Naturalist Style Hat! This hat is sure to keep you cool and comfortable while you volunteer with us this year. It is available along with our other two hats - the baseball style hat and the winter knit hat for those volunteers who have served 50 or more volunteer hours with us. If you did not get one at Holiday Magic, request yours today! The hat has been added to our VIP Item Request Form on Get Connected.

Get Connected Volunteer Tech Tip: Expired Qualifications? Here's what to do...

Qualification Expirations- If you've noticed you're no longer able to sign up for your favorite opportunities, it may be that one or more of your qualifications have expired.  It may be time to complete your annual check off for opportunities that require it. Or, if you've been with us for 3 years, it may be time to update your volunteer handbook signature and background check.

Featured Volunteer Opportunities and Trainings: Kick off your New Year with a Commitment to Service!

Kick off your New Year with a commitment to service! We have some great opportunities for you to get involved this season. Check out our featured volunteer opportunities below, and view all of our volunteer opportunities on Get Connected. Want to learn more? Meet with a volunteer coordinator during a Volunteer Open House or join us for an informative volunteer info session. View upcoming opportunities and RSVP today so that you ensure giving back is part of your New Year plans.

Five Rivers MetroParks Volunteer Newsletter - December 2025

Volunteer Spotlight: Cherie Kuhn - Sharing Yesterday with Farm Visitors Today

Our volunteers make such a huge impact in our parks and on our community. This month we are spotlighting Cherie Kuhn, a regular volunteer at Carriage Hill MetroPark. Cherie began volunteering in August 2022 after a friend introduced her to the many volunteer opportunities available at MetroParks. Cherie jumped in to support a couple of events right away including The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience and Fall Family Adventure and she was hooked! "I learned there was more than just trail work or needing to know the names of all the trees", she remarked. She liked the ability to choose volunteer activities based on her schedule and interests.

FEATURE: Volunteer News - Submit Your FAV MetroParks Photo, Recognize Your FAV Staff Lead, and More!

December Volunteer Opportunities: Get Outside (or inside) and Give Back at these Great Volunteer Opportunities!

Volunteers are still needed for two incredible holiday events coming up early in December - The Aullwood Winter Luminary Walk (Dec. 6) and Christmas on the Farm (Dec. 13)  - Look for these opportunities available NOW on Get Connected. Plus, coming up, don't miss out on this year's best indoor outdoor adventure opportunity -The Adventure Summit coming to Wright State University in February! Plus, Ice Rink Ambassador volunteers needed at RiverScape, Market Custodial Support at the 2nd Street Market, and Twin Valley Trail Workdays continue.

Get Connected Tech Tip: Time to Update Your Volunteer Information

As we close out this year, we want to share a few important tips to help you stay engaged, prepare for next season, and grow more comfortable with Get Connected.

Staff Lead Highlight: Kevin Reichling - MetroParks' Conservation Hero

Staff highlights are a great way for volunteers to get to know our staff and for our staff to share their work with volunteers. This month, we're excited to shine a light on Kevin Reichling, a dedicated Conservation Technician whose passion, knowledge, and leadership have made a lasting impact across Five Rivers MetroParks.

Five Rivers MetroParks Volunteer Newsletter - November 2025

As the weather cools, there's still plenty to do and explore in your MetroParks. Did you know MetroParks has a Mobile App that can be your field guide to our parks and trails? Learn more about our OuterSpatial app here and get out and explore your parks this season! Get in the holiday spirit while giving back with Five Rivers MetroParks this season! Volunteer opportunities for the Aullwood Winter Luminary Walk and Christmas on the Farm are now available on Get Connected. Indoor and outdoor volunteer opportunities are still available - join us indoors at the 2nd Street Market or outdoors in the gardens, on the trails, or in the barn at the Carriage Hill Riding Center. This is a beautiful time of year to support your parks.