Five Rivers MetroParks Volunteer Newsletter - November 2025

Oct 30, 2025

by Volunteer Services

In this edition of the Five Rivers MetroParks Volunteer Newsletter:

FEATURE
Celebrating Our Amazing Volunteers!
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Ellen Evans - From Retirement to Riding Center Hero
NOVEMBER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Join us for a variety of indoor and outdoor volunteer opportunities this month. Plus, sign up to support our holiday events!
STAFF LEAD HIGHLIGHT
Megan Multunas, Equestrian Specialist
GET CONNECTED TECH TIP
Meet with a Volunteer Coordinator in Person!
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
Holiday Magic Returns to the 2nd Street Market!
PARKWAYS ONLINE
Featured Content from MetroParks Blog at the bottom of this newsletter.

**Celebrating our Amazing Volunteers!**

As we enter the season of gratitude, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to every volunteer who helped make this year and this event season unforgettable.

The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience kicked off October in grand outdoor adventure style with volunteers filling an incredible 325 volunteer slots and contributing over 1,000 hours of service. From set up and hospitality to program support and event tear down - you made it all happen!

Fall was full of fall celebration, thanks to you! Two signature events were a huge success:

Fall Family Adventure at Wegerzyn Gardens

Fall Harvest Fest at Adventure Central, marking 25 years of this special youth program.

Your energy and enthusiasm brought joy to families through demonstrations, crafts, games, and face painting.

Finally, for those who rolled up their sleeves and joined us at Make A Difference Day - thank you! Volunteers tackled 15 projects across 14 sites, removing invasive species and sprucing up our parks and trails for the coming winter season.

October was busy and you showed up ready to lend a hand and make a difference at every turn. We are truly grateful for your passion and dedication to your MetroParks.

Ready for November?

The season of giving continues with additional ways you can support your MetroParks. Join us for upcoming opportunities like:

✅Aullwood Winter Luminary Walk

✅Christmas on the Farm

✅Ice Rink Ambassador at RiverScape MetroPark

✅Barn Aide Volunteer Training at Carriage Hill Riding Center

Whether you love holiday cheer, hands-on animal care, or helping behind the scenes, there's a place for you with us this season.

Thank you for volunteering - and we can't wait to see you in the parks volunteering with us again soon!

Check out this month's Volunteer Appreciation for an extra special opportunity for us to say thank you coming up!

Volunteer Spotlight: Ellen Evans - From Retirement to Riding Center Hero

We are fortunate to have many amazing volunteers at Five Rivers MetroParks, and each month we take time to honor one. This month, we are recognizing Ellen Evans, a dedicated Riding Center volunteer since 2018.

It's not unusual for someone to seek out opportunities to stay active and connected after retirement, but it's volunteers like Ellen who truly stand out at the Carriage Hill Riding Center. "The horses are, of course, a big part of what keeps me coming back", she shared. "But honestly, it's also the people. They're just awesome to work with."

After retiring in 2016 and relocating from Louisiana to Vandalia, Ellen felt something was missing. With a deep love of nature and horses, it didn't take long to discover the Carriage Hill Riding Center. That's where she met Katherine Berg, Riding Center Manager, who introduced her to the volunteer program. Inspired and ready for something new, Ellen signed up for the next available volunteer training and jumped right in.

Since then, Ellen has become a valued part of the Riding Center community. Whether working with horses or lending a hand around the stables, her enthusiasm and dedication make a meaningful impact. "If somebody asked me about volunteering at the Riding Center, I would say definitely do it", she said. "It doesn't matter if you haven't had any experience with horses or if you've had a lot - there is always a place for you."

Her staff lead, Megan Multunas, says "We are so lucky to have Ellen. Her willingness and dedication to helping the Riding Center and the horses does not go unnoticed!" In addition to her work at Carriage Hill, Ellen also volunteers with her local church, serving meals to community members in Dayton who need a helping hand. It's another example of how her giving spirit extends well beyond the barn.

When not volunteering, Ellen enjoys a variety of hobbies including biking, reading, walking, going to the gym, dining out with her husband, and of course, horseback riding. She's also a fan of exploring our parks. While she hasn't visited all of Five Rivers MetroParks just yet, Taylorsville MetroPark currently tops the list of favorites. "I love the trails through the woods on the East side of the river, as well as the bike/walking path. And I'm especially excited about the new trail that connects Vandalia directly to Taylorsville!"

Ellen's passion is an inspiration for our parks and the Riding Center. We are so thankful for her commitment and valuable service!

If you share Ellen's passion and are interested in supporting the Carriage Hill Riding Center, check out our upcoming in-person Barn Aide volunteer training. Volunteers interested in participating will need to complete the virtual barn aide training before signing up. Volunteers are welcome to join us at the upcoming Volunteer Open House on November 13 at Carriage Hill MetroPark to learn more about how you can get involved. Click here to RSVP for the Open House!

Meet more AMAZING MetroPark volunteers on Get Connected here.

November Volunteer Opportunities

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.

These opportunities and more are featured below with even more opportunities available for you on Get Connected. Browse all of our opportunities here.

View our high-need, high-priority opportunities here.

See something that interests you, but have questions? Contact a Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or call #937-275-7275.

Administration

Administrative volunteers work behind the scenes on a variety of short-term and long-term clerical projects to ensure that our frontline staff and volunteers have all they need to provide high-quality parks, programs, and services.

Volunteers Carol Williamson and Michael McCarty comfortably tackle waiver data entry indoors at our Main Office.

Outdoor Experience Surveys and Waivers Data Entry

Put your computer skills to work - volunteer for a short-term data entry project! Are you detail-oriented and comfortable working indoors with computers? We're looking for dedicated volunteers to assist with a short-term data entry project supporting Five Rivers MetroParks! Help us enter data from waivers collected during The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience and make a meaningful impact behind the scenes. Click the blue VOLUNTEER button below to learn more and sign up to make a difference.

Ambassador

Ambassador Volunteers share their enthusiasm for Five Rivers MetroParks with diverse audiences in our parks and at outreach booths, programs, and events throughout the Miami Valley. Ambassadors are of the first friendly faces a visitor sees welcoming them to the park and can be counted on to share helpful information and answer a variety of questions.

Ice Rink Ambassadors

Help support the region's largest outdoor ice rink at RiverScape MetroPark - no skating required! Set against the stunning backdrop of downtown Dayton and the Great Miami River, the rink offers a world-class winter experience. Be part of the magic this winter at RiverScape MetroPark!

Click the blue VOLUNTEER button below to view shifts and sign up to make a difference.

Animal Care

Animal Care Volunteers support staff in caring for farm animals and wildlife animal ambassadors at a variety of our parks. These animals support MetroParks' mission by connecting the public to nature and education on local history, conservation, and small site sustainability

Riding Center Barn Aide volunteer, Deric Nischwitz, doesn't mind getting a little dirty so the horses have clean stalls.

A Few Spots Left for Barn Aide Training!

Don't miss your chance to join our upcoming November Barn Aide volunteer trainings at the Carriage Hill Riding Center - perfect for anyone eager to gain hands-on experience in horse care and handling at the barn. Learn practical skills in a friendly, supportive environment and become an essential part of the Barn Aide team! Remember to complete the virtual barn aide training before signing up.

Use the green RSVP button below to see the training dates and reserve your spot before it's full!

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.

Our Lead Horticulture Technician and Staff Lead at Cox Arboretum, Jacob Cradic, works with volunteers to mulch the garden beds to close out the season.

Wrap Up the Gardening Season with Us!

As the gardening season winds down and the crisp air rolls in, our gardens still have stories to tell, and work to be done. November marks the final stretch of our growing year, and we're inviting you to join us for one last round of hands-on garden care before winter's rest.
Whether you're a longtime volunteer or looking to dig in for the first time, there's something especially rewarding about tending the gardens this time of year. The pace is calm, the colors are cozy, and the work - light cleanup, mulching, or prepping beds for spring - is a wonderful way to clear your head and recharge before the busy holiday season.
You can still find volunteer opportunities at Aullwood Garden, Cox Arboretum, and Wegerzyn Gardens. Come bundled up, breathe in that fresh autumn air, and help us close out another beautiful season of growth, community, and care. Because even as the season slows, there's always something blooming in the heart of a volunteer.
Click the blue VOLUNTEER button to learn more and sign up to make a difference.

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.

Staff Lead and Trail Technician, Connor Perry, leads a team of volunteers in deberming part of a trail during a trail workday.

Trail Workdays: Fall & Winter at Twin Valley

Love hiking the trails at Twin Valley? Here's your chance to give back to the trails that give us so much, even after the leaves have fallen. Join our Trailblazers, our hands-on volunteer crew helping care for the trails through the colder months.

These weekday opportunities are perfect for anyone with a flexible schedule who doesn't mind a little chill in the air, enjoys the quiet beauty of the woods, and wants to make a visible impact. Whether you're new to trail work or a seasoned volunteer, your time helps keep these trails safe, scenic, and ready for all-season adventure. So, bundle up, lace your boots, and lend a hand keeping Twin Valley's trails in top shape for winter hikers.

Click the blue VOLUNTEER button to learn more and sign up to make a difference.

Volunteer Paul Westhafer helps keep 2nd Street Market clean and tidy for all guests.

Market Custodial Support

Love spending time at the 2nd Street Market? Want to give back to this awesome community hub? We've got the perfect opportunity for you this fall! As we get into the chillier November weather here in Ohio, we're looking for extra hands to help with custodial tasks on weekend afternoons. Imagine this: you'll be the cleanliness hero, keeping the market cozy and welcoming during operating hours. Responsibilities include light sweeping, tidying up tables, and handling trash removal after closing. Plus, since it's all indoors, you'll stay warm and comfortable while making a difference in our community.

View the shifts available and sign up to support by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below.

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 - Events, Hiking, Classes, and More!

Are you interested in events, hiking, fishing, crafts, herbs, cooking, or textiles? If you're uncertain about committing to volunteer training or regular service, but want to learn more about MetroParks while giving back, consider becoming a Program Support volunteer! This is a fantastic opportunity to lend a hand while exploring a variety of MetroParks programs. Click the blue VOLUNTEER button below to explore upcoming Program Support opportunities and RESPOND to give Program Support a try!

Teen volunteer, Faith Manley, helps out in the Adventure Central kitchen with clean up.

Adventure Central Program Assistant

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of kids? Join us at our award-winning afterschool program and immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience! This nature-based program is dedicated to fostering positive youth development, education, and leadership skills, and serves youth from first grade through twelfth in a gorgeous park setting.

As a Program Assistant, you'll play a vital role in helping these youth shape their future, assisting in the homework room, the kitchen during mealtime, or engaging the kids in outdoor play where adventure awaits! From splashing in the creek to jumping rope and playing gaga ball, you'll find yourself swept up in the fun and excitement of their world.

Don't miss out on this rewarding opportunity to engage with an incredible community. Click the blue VOLUNTEER button to learn more and get started!

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.

Our new textile workspace is ready, and volunteer Ellen Eveland is working on organizing for the sock-making project.

Textile Workdays

Share your skills and join the fun at our Textile Workdays! Are you aware that talents like sewing, crocheting, knitting, and weaving are incredibly sought after and in demand? There are opportunities behind the scenes repairing cherished items and creating historical apparel, as well as in front of the public, supporting demonstrations and classes. If you're eager to lend a helping hand, showcase your skills, and make a difference, we invite you to join us in preserving history and building connections through the textile arts at Carriage Hill MetroPark. Click the blue VOLUNTEER button to learn more and get started!

Special Events

Five Rivers MetroParks provides an array of outdoor events and large programs throughout the year for residents of the Miami Valley to get connected to recreation, music, history, family, and most of all nature. Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from set-up to tear down.

Holiday Events with MetroParks

Volunteer this Holiday Season! Get ready for two beloved traditions: the Aullwood Winter Luminary Walk and Christmas on the Farm! We're looking for volunteers to help bring these events to life - from greeting guests to serving cocoa, lighting luminaries, and sharing holiday cheer. There's something for everyone - Click the blue VOLUNTEER button to view all the holiday volunteer opportunities available, sign up, and make a difference this holiday season.

Staff Lead Highlight:

Megan Multunas, Equestrian Specialist

Staff Lead Highlights serve as an opportunity for volunteers to learn more about our team and for staff to showcase their work. We are fortunate to have dedicated staff members who genuinely bring our mission to life, connect individuals with nature, and support our community efforts. This month we would like to introduce you to Megan, Multunas, Equestrian Specialist at the Carriage Hill Riding Center.

For the past two years, Megan has been a dedicated Equestrian Specialist with Five Rivers MetroParks at the Carriage Hill Riding Center. From the moment she started, Megan brought a lifelong passion for horses and a deep well of experience, making her an integral part of the operation. Megan's journey into the horse world began at just 10 years old, when she started taking riding lessons. That interest quickly grew into a hands-on education - working at the barn to pay for her own lessons, eventually teaching others, and even stepping into a management role by the end of high school. Her passion carried her to The Ohio State University, where she earned both an associate and a bachelor's degree in animal sciences, specializing in equine and animal industries.

What keeps Megan inspired at MetroParks is the meaningful mission behind her work. She finds joy in caring for the horses and introducing the public to them, especially in a region where equine opportunities are not always easily accessible. Creating a positive first experience with horses - whether through a lesson, a tour, or simply a chance to interact - is something she finds incredibly rewarding.

As a staff lead for volunteers at the Riding Center, Megan places a strong emphasis on communication. With so many moving parts and frequent changes, she ensures volunteers are well-informed and supported. Whether it's helping them navigate volunteer tools like Get Connected or teaching them how to groom a horse, Megan is always ready to lend a hand. Volunteers, she says, are "absolutely essential" to making things run smoothly - from filling water buckets to tackling big jobs that would be overwhelming for staff alone. One memorable moment? A herd of horses managed to escape their pasture just as a volunteer group was preparing to groom - thanks to those extra hands, the herd was rounded up quickly and safely.

Megan values the hard work and dedication volunteers bring to the Riding Center but also sees them as a reflection of MetroParks' positive impact on our community. "When visitors see volunteers actively engaged," Megan says, "it sends a powerful message". With a strong foundation in both equine science and community engagement, Megan continues to be a passionate advocate for horses, education, and the MetroParks mission!

Thank you, Megan, for your dedication and commitment to enhancing our parks. Through your efforts, our volunteers recognize their impact and feel appreciated!

Ready to get involved as a volunteer at the Carriage Hill Riding Center? Fall Barn Aide trainings for new volunteers are available now on Get Connected. Learn more and sign up to lend a hand with Megan and the team here.

Get Connected Tech Tip: Meet with a Volunteer Coordinator in Person!

Discover, learn, and grow as a Five Rivers MetroParks volunteer! There are lots of ways you can support our mission this season and next. Join us at a Volunteer Open House to learn how you can get involved and make a difference. You can tell us more about yourself, your skills, interests, and availability and we'll share opportunities that best suit you with no pressure to sign up or make a commitment.

Our last Volunteer Open House for 2025 is coming up on November 13 from 10am-2pm at Carriage Hill MetroPark - don't miss out on this opportunity to get involved! Click here to learn more and RSVP.

Want to meet with a Volunteer Coordinator, but need a different date and/or time? Give us a call at 937-275-7275 or email us at volunteer.services@metroparks.org. We'll schedule an individual meeting with you!

View more helpful Get Connected Tech Tips on our blog here.

Volunteer Appreciation: Holiday Magic Returns to the 2nd Street Market!

As an extra special thank you to our volunteers who supported us in 2025, we're inviting you to join us at the 2nd Street Market for Holiday Magic - a night of food, shopping, fun, and thanks from Five Rivers MetroParks.

This year's event will be held on December 11th from 3-8pm at the 2nd Street Market.

While everyone is invited to this free, public event at the Market, we are asking those who have 25 hours or more of volunteer service with us in 2025 to RSVP so that we can prepare your VIP items and MetroParks Money. Qualifying volunteers will receive $25 in MetroParks Money to spend at the 2nd Street Market.

RSVP by clicking the green RSVP button below.

Not sure if you qualify? You can view your volunteer hours on your Get Connected volunteer dashboard. Simply filter for the current year. Or contact us in Volunteer Services - we'll be happy to help you!

Visit the www.metroparks.org for these featured stories and more:
Green Trail Glow Up
Pumpkin Drop Off at Carriage Hill MetroPark
Cook Earth-Friendly this Holiday Season and Beyond

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!

Volunteer Services