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Five Rivers MetroParks Volunteer Newsletter: August 2026

August has a way of reminding us to slow down and savor the season. As summer begins to wind down, there's still plenty of time to get outside, explore somewhere new, and reconnect with the people and places that help us feel our best.

FEATURE: Together Outside this August

August has a way of reminding us to slow down and savor the season. As summer begins to wind down, there's still plenty of time to get outside, explore somewhere new, and reconnect with the people and places that help us feel our best.

Volunteer Appreciation: Summer Care Campaign

We're providing some cool treats for volunteers at scheduled opportunities through September to help keep you cool and say thank you for your support during the high heat and humidity of summer.

August Featured Volunteer Opportunities and Training: Stay Active All Summer Long with these Great Opportunities!

August Featured Volunteer Opportunities and Trainings View this month's featured volunteer opportunities and volunteer trainings below, including opportunities for The Wagner Subaru Experience coming up in October! Click the blue VOLUNTEER button to learn more about each featured opportunity and RESPOND to sign up, get outside and give back this month.

Get Connected Tech Tip: See Who Else Has Signed Up to Volunteer!

Coming soon! You'll be able to see who else has signed up to volunteer for a volunteer opportunity on Get Connected. Volunteers can choose to display their name so that other volunteers can see that they have signed up. You choose whether your name is visible to other volunteers. You'll be asked the next time you login, after this feature has been enabled, if you'd like your first name and last initial displayed to other volunteers.

Volunteer Spotlight: Making Friends and Giving Back - Friendship grows from a shared cause

Luke Spagnola and Jon Meyer have been volunteering at the annual Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience, a production of Five Rivers MetroParks, for over a decade. In the early 2010s, they were looking for a short-term, weekday volunteer opportunity to take advantage of paid volunteer time offered by their employers. Helping to set up MetroParks' outdoor adventure festival fit the bill perfectly, and they've made a dtradition of volunteering every year since.

Five Rivers MetroParks Volunteer Newsletter: July 2026

July Featured Volunteer Opportunities and Trainings

View this month's featured volunteer opportunities and volunteer training below, including a variety of Program Support opportunities, a few upcoming events: Mud Day and Small Farm and Food Fest, and a flexible, remote volunteer opportunity - Wildlife Photo Classification!

Safety Tip: Stay Safe & Cool While Volunteering This Summer

Summer is here, and so is the heat! While it's a great tie to get outside and enjoy the parks, hot weather can take a toll. Whether you're pulling weeds in a garden, monitoring bluebird boxes, maintaining trails, or helping at an event, a little preparation can help you stay safe and comfortable.

Volunteer Appreciation: Thank You to our Incredible TVT Challenge Volunteers

Behind every successful event is a team of dedicated volunteers who generously give their time, energy, and enthusiasm. As we reflect on the success of this year's Twin Valley trail Challenge, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to every volunteer who helped make the event such a memorable experience.

Volunteer Spotlight: Wild About Wildlife with our Wildlife Photo Classification Volunteers

Did you know that July is Wild About Wildlife Month? It's a time to celebrate the incredible diversity of wildlife around us while recognizing the importance of protecting the habitats that help these species thrive.

FEATURE: You are Able to Make A Difference with MetroParks

Five Rivers MetroParks is committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to build a personal connection with nature. This commitment is central to our new Protect + Connect Comprehensive Master Plan, a guide that will shape our work over the next decade as we strive to meet the needs of the diverse community we serve and those that serve with us.