Staff Lead Highlight: Kevin Reichling, Conservation Technician - 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.
Kevin has been with MetroParks for nearly ten years, beginning as a part-time Park Technician at Carriage Hill before moving into the conservation department at Taylorsville MetroPark. He later became a full-time Conservation Technician at Germantown MetroPark and now serves as the Zone Steward for the southwest zone., overseeing Germantown, Twin Creek, Possum Creek, the Upper Twin Conservation Area, and Medlar Conservation Area. His role today reflects the ten years of growth, dedication, and a deep connection to the landscape he stewards. Kevin's love for trees and the natural world began when he was seven years old, walking to school and stopping to study the trees he passed along the way, often enough to make him late. His parents bought him a field guide, which he memorized within a year, and that early fascination eventually led him to pursue a degree in wildlife management and natural and historical interpretation. Conservation became his way of doing something meaningful for the world. As he puts it, "I like doing something about the world's problems instead of just talking about them. If money wasn't a thing, I'd still do this stuff for free." His passion for conservation was on full display at this year's Make A Difference Day, where he led volunteers through a meaningful tree-planting project involving hybrid American chestnuts. Before the work began, Kevin opened the event with a thoughtful and compelling talk about the history of the American chestnut - how the species was nearly wiped out by a devastating fungal blight, the ecological ripple effects of its loss, and the decades of volunteer-driven work to bring it back. His explanation of the chestnut's importance, from enriching wildlife populations to once being called the "sequoia of the East," gave volunteers a deeper understanding of just how significant the day's work truly was. For Kevin, being a Staff Lead is about far more than giving instructions. It is about offering volunteers direction, encouragement, and opportunities to grow. "Volunteers are here for more than just work," he shared. "They're here to learn, find something rewarding, and maybe build skills for a career path. I'm here to be a guide for that if I can." He carries that appreciation into every project he leads, recognizing the essential role volunteers play in invasive species removal, major tree plantings, and stewardship efforts across his zone. He says this work would not be possible with staff alone. His leadership style is rooted in clear instruction, respect for each person's contributions, and a genuine enthusiasm for helping others connect with conservation work. Beyond the practical help, Kevin views volunteerism as a meaningful form of civic engagement, with people choosing to strengthen their community through positive action. To him, that participation is vital. Kevin's impact is felt across the district. His commitment to ecological restoration helps protect our natural heritage, strengthen local habitats, and create meaningful opportunities for volunteers to connect with conservation work. His passion, paired with his belief in the power of volunteerism, makes him an exceptional leader and an invaluable part of the MetroParks team. Join Kevin and other Conservation staff at an upcoming Conservation volunteer opportunity! Or join us for our next Volunteer Open House, where you can meet one-on-one in person with a Volunteer Coordinator and learn how you can support Conservation opportunities! Click here to RSVP for an upcoming Volunteer Open House. Thank you, Kevin, for your dedication, your knowledge, and your unwavering support of volunteers. We're grateful for the important work you do and the way you inspire others to care for our natural world.
Meet more of our incredible Staff Leads in our Staff Lead Highlights on Get Connected here.
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