In this edition of the Volunteer Newsletter:
-Feature: Get Outside & Give Back Safely this Summer
-Volunteer Spotlight: Kevin Westbrook-Getting Outside & Giving Back
-Get Outside & Give Back: Fishing Volunteers, Paddling Volunteers, Historic Blacksmiths, and Special Event Volunteers Needed!
-Get Connected Tech Tip: Edit Your Volunteer Profile
-Staff Highlight: Angela Moore, Event Specialist
-Volunteer Appreciation: FREE Ice Cream for Volunteers through August! Details inside!
Get Outside & Give Back Safely this Summer
Air Quality, Summer Heat, & Insects
The Miami Valley has been experiencing significant air pollution including particle pollution due to Canadian wildfires. Particle pollution comes from many different sources. Fine particles (2.5 micrometers in diameter and smaller) come from power plants, industrial processes, vehicle tailpipes, woodstoves, and wildfires. Coarse particles (between 2.5 and 10 micrometers) come from crushing and grinding operations, road dust, and some agricultural operations.
Why is particle pollution a problem?
Particle pollution causes a number of serious health problems, including coughing, wheezing, reduced lung function, asthma attacks, heart attacks and strokes. It also is linked to early death in people with heart or lung disease.
Do I need to be concerned?
It's always smart to pay attention to your air quality, but it's especially true for people who may be at greater risk. They include:
-People with heart disease.
-People with lung disease, including asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
-Older adults.
-Children and teenagers because their lungs are still developing, and they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults.
-Pregnant people.
-Minority populations.
-Outdoor workers
How can I protect myself?
Use AQI forecasts, available on AirNow.gov to plan outdoor activities. On days when the AQI is forecast to be unhealthy, check AirNow for your current air quality and take simple steps to reduce your exposure, including:
-Choose a less intense activity.
-Shorten your outdoor activities.
-Reschedule activities.
-Exercise away from busy roads
View the Air Quality Guide and learn more about air particle pollution here.
Note: During times of poor air quality, volunteer shifts may be shortened or cancelled to protect our volunteers and staff.
Summer Safety Reminders:
-Keep hydrated!
-Work with your Staff Lead to lighten the workloads and pace yourself.
-Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
-Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
-Take breaks, and rest indoors when possible.
-Monitor for signs of heat-related illness--Anyone showing symptoms of a heat-related illness should be moved to a cool space immediately and contact 911. Learn more about heat related illness and how to exercise caution while working and recreating in the heat here.
-Wear bug spray and regularly check for ticks.
-Monitor for allergic reactions--In the case of a severe allergic reaction, call 911.
Note: During times of high heat, volunteer shifts may be shortened or cancelled to protect our volunteers and staff.
In the case that a volunteer shift is cancelled, delayed, or the location has changed, you will be contacted by the designated Staff Lead and/or Volunteer Services. Remember to check your email for important communications like these. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or call #937-275-7275.
Volunteer Services is helping you beat the heat this summer with FREE ice cream for volunteers in July and August. Learn more in Volunteer Appreciation below!
Kevin Westbrook: Getting Outside & Giving Back
Kevin started volunteering in 2022 with MetroParks and is a volunteer you can find everywhere! He has served as a Wegerzyn Gardening Angel, supported Carriage Hill Farm Chores, volunteered as a Barn Aide at the Carriage Hill Riding Center, helped maintain our trails at Trail Work Days, supported custodial tasks at the 2nd Street Market, and served in critical roles at a variety of large programs and special events.
During the pandemic, Kevin spent a lot of time in the parks with his children and his dog. He decided to volunteer because giving back is of value to him, and when his children are old enough, he plans to instill the importance of volunteerism in them. When asked what he likes about volunteering, Kevin said, "I like good-energy people! When I volunteer, I am around positive people. The energy is addictive!" Volunteering needs to fit in between his job, children, and his dog. He has tried many opportunities and enjoys the variety, but the opportunities in which he feels he makes the most impact are those that provide activities for kids.
Volunteer Coordinator, Yvonne Dunphe, recently snapped a photo of Kevin at Mud Day, a program designed to give kids and families the opportunity to learn about, explore, and play in the mud at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. She shared the following about Kevin: " I see Kevin everywhere! He is a joy to be around, is always smiling and happy, and is excited to be doing things to help the park!"
Thank you, Kevin, for your outstanding commitment, dedication, and service to Five Rivers MetroParks!
Volunteer Positions & Upcoming Opportunities
Get Outside & Give Back this Summer with Five Rivers MetroParks! We're highlighting some new and exciting volunteer opportunities available this summer season below but remember to check your email for the Get Connected Weekly Digest for those volunteer opportunities that pop up throughout the month.
Not getting a weekly digest email or seeing something that interests you, but have questions?
Contact a Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or call #937-275-7275 and ask to speak with a volunteer coordinator.
Want to help wherever we need the help most right now?
Ambassador
Ambassadors are often the first friendly face a visitor sees welcoming them to the park and can be counted on to share helpful information and answer a variety of questions. Are you a people person? Here is a great opportunity to share your enthusiasm for Five Rivers MetroParks, 2nd Street Market, and shopping local!
Volunteer Carol Williamson serves as an Ambassador sharing MetroParks information with visitors to the 2nd Street Market.
"Everyone at the Market is, as always, welcoming, and Linda is the BEST!"
-2nd Street Market Ambassador Volunteer
NEW! Outreach Ambassador - Downtown Dayton Businesses:
Do you enjoy walking? Help promote the MetroParks while getting your daily exercise! Volunteers will be assigned a walking route of approved Downtown Dayton Businesses to deliver RiverScape events posters and promotional materials. Volunteers must schedule a time to pick up materials from the MetroParks main office, but the deliveries can take place any time during the dates of July 10 through July 21. Click here to learn more and sign up:
NEW! Survey Assistant: 2nd Street Market
Looking for a fun way to support the 2nd Street Market without an ongoing commitment? The Ohio Farmer's Market Network (OFMN) will be conducting a survey of customer experiences at the 2nd Street Market on Saturday, July 15th and volunteers are needed to interact with market visitors, hand out, and collect surveys. Learn more and sign up to support this opportunity here:
Conservation
Protecting open space and natural areas is a priority for Five Rivers MetroParks, which protects nearly 16,000 acres of land - 90 percent of it in its natural state. Conservation volunteers are a part of our regional conservation story by assisting in implementing a variety of natural area management plans.
"This was a great event. I appreciated the demeanor of the staff. We couldn't have had better weather! While it was work, the conversation and camaraderie (with those we knew and those we didn't) was great. We relished the opportunity to get out with a group of co-workers and do something productive."
-Englewood Volunteer
NEW! Invasive Species Removal at Englewood:
Hey, nature lovers! Looking for a way to get outside and get active while making a positive impact on the environment? Join us in removing encroaching invasive species from the beautiful trails at Englewood MetroPark! Not only will you be helping to preserve the natural beauty of the park, but you'll also be making new friends and getting some exercise in the process. So put on your work gloves and join us for a fun and rewarding day out in nature! View available opportunities and sign up to volunteer here:
Bring out a group or volunteer team to support our parks! See opportunities available for groups or request a volunteer project for your group here: Group Volunteer Request Form.
Gardening
Gardening volunteers support our horticulture and education staff in caring for a variety of gardens throughout our parks. These gardens not only provide beautiful spaces for Miami Valley residents to get outside, explore, and connect to nature, but many also provide fresh local produce to those in need in our community.
Wright State University students volunteer in the garden at Possum Creek MetroPark.
"Working in the stone wall garden was fun. I feel like I made a difference and it's always fun interacting with visitors at the Arb."
-Cox Gardening Volunteer
Gardening Opportunities:
Looking for a way to grow your skills and make new buds this summer? Look no further than MetroParks' gardening volunteer opportunities! Not only will you be cultivating your green thumb, but you'll also be planting the seeds of new friendships. Plus, spending time in the great outdoors is the PERFECT way to keep your spirits and health in bloom. View the opportunities available below, sign up to support, and let's get growing together!
NEW! Carriage Hill Farm Heirloom Garden Opportunity
Possum Creek Garden Maintenance
RiverScape and Urban Parks Garden Stewards
Service Saturday Gardening Projects
Bring out a group or volunteer team to support our gardens! See opportunities available for groups or request a volunteer project for your group here: Group Volunteer Request Form.
Park Maintenance
Five Rivers MetroParks provides clean, safe parks and conservation areas for the public to enjoy year-round. Our Park Maintenance volunteers help to manage and sustain 18 beautiful parks, 11 conservation areas, and 160 miles of hike, bike, mountain bike, and horseback-riding trails for park visitors to safely enjoy.
Volunteers maintaining our amazing park trails! Join them!
"Joe was great, good instructions, good hand tools and was right in the thick of it with us!"
-Taylorsville Trail Maintenance Volunteer
Service Saturdays:
Looking for an easy way to get outside and give back on the weekend? Service Saturdays are an easy and convenient way for community members like you to support our mission and make a difference on the weekends! Services Saturdays are scheduled for the third Saturday of each month from 9 am-Noon, kicking off in May and concluding in September. We have opportunities for ALL AGES! Teams and groups are welcome! No experience is required. View available opportunities and sign up to volunteer here:
Bring out a group or volunteer team to support our gardens! See opportunities available for groups or request a volunteer project for your group here: Group Volunteer Request Form.
Programming
Five Rivers MetroParks provides a wide variety of high-quality programs to help the public get outside and get connected to nature. Programming volunteers work alongside staff to provide support at programs year-round that help participants master new skills, learn about the natural world, and appreciate the value of open spaces.
Program Support Volunteers, Rebecca Goerling and Kathy Williams, know the importance of individual attention when learning a new skill like casting a fishing line.
"It was really great, I loved it, I like teaching kids how to, had a lovely time."
-Fishing Program Support Volunteer
Program Support: Fishing
Know someone who likes to fish, maybe even likes to fly fish? We're looking for volunteers to support a variety of upcoming fishing programs! Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs for all interested in learning. Although you don't need to be an expert to provide fishing program support, there are helpful videos you can review in the Volunteer Training Library here. Ready to get involved? View available volunteer opportunities and sign up here:
Boat assistance is an important part of helping the public feel comfortable on the water, and just one of the opportunities volunteers can support without needing to be expert paddlers themselves.
Program Support: Try Paddling
Volunteers are needed to support a variety of fantastic paddling programs coming up this season! These introductory programs are designed to get participants comfortable on the water and teach basic paddling skills. Volunteers support the programs by assisting with participant registration, program set up and tear down, life jacket fitting, and assist participants in and out of boats. View our paddling program volunteer opportunities here and sign up to support:
Skilled Trades
Five Rivers MetroParks takes pride in the variety of hands-on, skilled trades opportunities we offer, both in historical and modern-day settings. Our Skilled Trades volunteers help drive our mission forward by assisting with maintenance projects in fabrication, repair, and interpretation.
Volunteer Jim Lewis is learning the skills to work in the historic blacksmith shop at Carriage Hill.
Historic Blacksmith Demonstrator:
Do you have skills in blacksmithing you are willing to share, or are you willing to learn? We are looking for volunteers to share the history of the historic farm at Carriage Hil MetroPark with visitors through the demonstration of this historic craft in the blacksmith shop. Volunteers should be Interested in history, learning how items needed were made in the 1800's, and enjoy talking to people. Volunteers should also be willing to commit to a regular ongoing volunteer shift on the farm. Learn more and begin your volunteer training here*:
*Interested volunteers should start their training with the Historic Interpreter training, afterward they can begin their Historic skilled trade training. To view the Historic Interpreter training, click here. You can find the training pages in our Volunteer Training Library, and to review the details for Historic Blacksmith. If you have additional questions, please email yvonne.dunphe@metroparks.org.
Special Events
Volunteers from a variety of volunteer positions support our special events including Park Maintenance, Conservation, Programming, and Ambassadors. In addition to these long-term volunteers, single-day or public volunteers are also recruited to ensure we have enough eyes, ears, and helping hands to make each event safe and friendly for our many visitors.
Beer Sales & Support:
Enjoy a fun, festive atmosphere? Considering joining our Special Events team with Beer Sales & Support! Volunteers ages 21 and over are needed to assist staff by pouring and serving beer at a variety of events including the Summer Music Series at RiverScape MetroPark. Staff members will be onsite to check identification and approve or deny service. Proceeds from beer sales will further our mission of protecting the region's natural heritage and providing outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature. Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older to qualify. Click here to learn more and sign up:
Small Farm & Food Fest:
Special events and large programs require a great deal of volunteer support to make happen. We're looking for volunteers for Small Farm & Food Fest Saturday, August 5th. This fun farm event is dedicated to eating healthy, small farms, hobby farming, and homesteading skills! A variety of opportunities to support are available including Master Recycler Volunteers, Ambassadors, Program Support, and Historic Interpreters. View available opportunities and sign up here:
The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience:
Save the date for this year's Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience Saturday, October 7th and Sunday, October 8th at Eastwood MetroPark! The excitement has already started for Five Rivers MetroParks' biggest event. Volunteers will be needed for setup, tear down, event sustainability, action sports, paddlesports, and more! View available opportunities and sign up by clicking the blue Volunteer button, and don't forget to check back as more opportunities will post as we get closer to the event.
Master Recyclers:
Become a Master Recycler! The 2023 Master Recycling program will be held Wednesdays, July 26 through August 16 at the Montgomery County Solid Waste District's Environmental Learning Center at the Sandridge Dr. campus. Presented in partnership with Montgomery County Environmental Services (MCES), learn how to reduce, reuse and recycle and advocate for waste reduction. Help support Five Rivers MetroParks and MCES advocate for better regional waste-management practices and learn how to organize or help facilitate zero-waste events. Participants must attend all 4 classes and commit to 20 hours of volunteer service hours to become a certified Master Recycling Volunteer.
These volunteers are critical in supporting The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience and in sharing our sustainability message throughout the community. Learn more and register for the program here.
India Clarke, Wegerzyn Gift and Garden Shop volunteer, helps pick out the perfect gift.
Volunteer Opportunities Available to Support Our Partners!
*Wegerzyn Gardens Foundation:
Foundation volunteers are needed to support the Gift and Garden Shop, located at the 2nd Street Market. Proceeds from the gift shop support special projects and programs at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. For more information or to become a Wegerzyn Gardens Foundation volunteer, please email contact@wegerzyngardensfoundation.org.
*Note: Foundation volunteer service is separate from Five Rivers MetroParks volunteer service.
Get Connected Tech Tip: Edit Your Volunteer Profile
There are many ways to get information on the many volunteer opportunities available on Get Connected. Learning about opportunities that may interest you is as simple as completing your volunteer profile! This is a required qualification for short-term and long-term volunteer service with us and its easy to do!
Simply select "Edit Profile" and add the following required fields: 
-Full Name, first and last
-Phone Number and Mobile Number if available
-Physical Mailing Address
-Date of Birth (month, day and year)
Once you've done this, you can submit your Volunteer Profile Qualification under Qualifications, and this will be reviewed and approved by Volunteer Services. You can also contact us for assistance or to let us know you have completed your Volunteer Profile and it is ready for review at volunteer.services@metroparks.org.
Additionally, you can select specific skills and interests, and FAN volunteer positions to be matched with upcoming volunteer opportunities. Consider adding your availability in your Volunteer Profile to let Volunteer Services know when you are available to volunteer. You can edit this anytime as your availability changes.
Your Volunteer Profile is also where you can control your communication settings. Be sure to opt into communications to ensure you receive E-Blasts, Notifications, Reminders to Check-In to your Volunteer Shift, and more from Get Connected and Volunteer Services!
Staff Lead Highlight: Angela Moore
The Outdoor Recreation team is known for creating positive, high-energy, outdoor enthusiasm at every program and special event. Key to this is a solid team approach and a commitment from each staff member to excellence. Angela Moore, Event Specialist, is no exception.
Angela understands the importance of communication, planning and organization, and the value volunteers bring to programs and special events. She also knows that building a consistent volunteer team for programs and special events can lighten the load and broaden the possibilities of what MetroParks can offer the community. She says, "our volunteers bring a positive energy, love of the parks, a want to give back, and are a great support!"
Angela is intentional and thoughtful in working with and leading volunteers to support the team's efforts. As someone who volunteers and had been a MetroParks volunteer before beginning employment with us in 2022, Angela knows that "it is important to reach out ahead of time, arrive early to get organized for the volunteers, and make sure you let them know how they can help and why it is important", she shared.
Volunteer feedback from recent program support volunteer opportunities reflects the effort Angela puts toward supporting volunteers at MetroParks: "The program was well planned with clear instructions of duties and expectations. It was very enjoyable for participants and volunteers."
Come out and support Angela and the Outdoor Recreation team at upcoming volunteer opportunities including Try Paddlesports, and The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience!
Thank you, Angela, for being a true supporter of volunteers and volunteerism at MetroParks!
Volunteer Appreciation: Free Ice Cream through August!
We want to thank you for volunteering with us, especially in the warmest months of the season, so each time you volunteer with us in July and August you'll receive a coupon for a FREE ice cream cone or cup at the Fountain Snack Bar at RiverScape MetroPark. Coupons can be redeemed anytime the snack bar is open until Labor Day. Volunteers must submit a coupon to qualify. Enjoy!
Special thank you to this year's Mud Day and TVT Challenge volunteers! What fun events! Each was possible thanks to YOU!
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| Mud Day Volunteers: Terri Bond, Mica Campbell, Nancy Dyer, Roy Dyer, Tamilee Holbrook, Maya Holbrook, Henry Holbrook, James Hymans, Amelie Hymans, Michael McCarty, Karen McCarty, Anthony Starr, Kathy Vonderbrink, Kevin Westbrook, Allie Zimmerman, and Richard Wilson |
| TVT Challenge Volunteers: Eugene Alcorn, Brad Bachman, Ken Evanchuck, Abel Hernandez, Jimmy Phelps, Diane Pieratt, Jon Reed, Dan Richardson, Rebecca Schenking, Josiah Shoemaker, Ed Stevenson, Thomas Walter, and Richard White |
Thank you for volunteering!
Have you met us yet?
Allie, Jenny, Janelle, and Yvonne are all excited to see you at an upcoming Volunteer Open House or at one of our special events!
Volunteer Services
Volunteer Services is available if you have questions or need assistance. Contact us at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275.
Join us at an upcoming Volunteer Open House! RSVP here.
Your Volunteer Services Team:
Yvonne Dunphe - Outdoor Connections Programming #(937) 277-4147
Allie Zimmerman - Parks & Conservation #(937) 274-3176
Janelle Leonard - Business Operations & Visitor Services #(937) 277-5445
Jenny Hymans - Human Resources Manager of Volunteer Services #(937) 567-1413
Help us spread the word about volunteering with MetroParks! Print and post a volunteer flyer on the community boards at work, school, or your favorite community spot. Download and print the volunteer flyer here.
