Volunteer Opportunity Update
Five Rivers Metroparks' mission is to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature. Programs and events encourage people of all ages to get out and live by promoting a healthier lifestyle and incorporating fun. With restrictions newly lifted, Five Rivers MetroParks' Outdoor Connections team is working to bring back a variety of programs to get people outside this summer.
You can help by signing up as a program support volunteer! Programming volunteers help connect individuals and families to nature by assisting staff at a variety of programs throughout the year. Currently, program support volunteer opportunities are available for Demonstrations at Carriage Hill Historic Farm, Family Fishing, Dayton Public Schools Summer Camp, and our Camping package support team.
One of our high-priority needs for program support is with our fishing programs. These programs help those new to fishing enjoy this fun family activity as another way to get outside and connect with nature. The Outdoor Connections team is developing training videos to help prepare volunteers for program support opportunities. However, for many program support opportunities including Fishing, no previous experience is required to lend a hand. Volunteers will welcome participants, facilitate participant check-in, pass out and collect supplies, and provide support and encouragement as participants learn new skills and grow in confidence.
Volunteers are needed at RiverScape MetroPark, Carriage Hill MetroPark, and Possum Creek MetroPark supporting high-priority gardening needs. Trail teams are still looking for support, and there are even evening spots available. Please consider signing up for one of these opportunities.
Look for more opportunities opening soon! Need help signing up for an opportunity? Have questions about an opportunity? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-PARK.
Volunteer Spotlight
Each year the Environmental Education Council of Ohio looks for an outstanding volunteer who has made a significant or outstanding contribution to environmental education in Ohio, and Five Rivers MetroParks is honored to have several recipients in the past. In 2015, Jerry Lamb, in 2016, Gary Courts, in 2017, Sherry Rupert, in 2019, Joe Oswald …and we are honored to say Berman Layer was selected in 2020. Congratulations!
Berman and his wife, Vi, had been connecting kids to nature before Cox Arboretum was officially a park or even part of Five Rivers MetroParks. He has been a nature programming volunteer, instilling a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world amongst youth and adults since 1975. Thank you, Berman, and we look forward to celebrating your 99th birthday this year!
Warm Weather Safety
As things start heating up here in Ohio, it is important to remember to prepare for the increased heat and humidity. Please remember to:
- bring a pre-filled water bottle to your volunteer shift
- protect yourself from the sun with proper SPF such as sunscreen and a hat
- wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing
- work at a pace that is comfortable for you and take breaks in the shade as needed
Volunteer Services
Volunteer Services is available if you have questions or need assistance in signing up. Contact us at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or (937) 275-7275. For the most recent COVID-19 related agency updates, visit www.metroparks.org/covid.
Allie Zimmerman - Parks & Conservation (937) 274-3176
Candy Holloway - Horticulture & Sustainability (937) 275-5006
Janelle Leonard - Business Operations & Visitor Services (937) 277-5445
Yvonne Dunphe - Outdoor Connections Programming (937) 277-4147
Jenny Hymans - Human Resources Manager of Volunteer Services (937) 567-1413