Submit YOUR Favorite MetroParks Photo

We're looking to choose a volunteer photo or two for this year's volunteer thank you card. Send your favorite pics from your favorite MetroParks to volunteer.services@metroparks.org by December 31st to be considered for this year's volunteer thank you card. Please include your name with your submission and, a title for your photograph including the location and date, and tell us briefly what that image and our parks mean to you - what makes it special?

Pictures can include any of our parks, trails, conservation areas, programs, events, or volunteer opportunities. We'll be looking for photos that capture the benefit and beauty of our parks, the impact of our mission, and our incredible volunteer spirit! We want to see our parks through your eyes!

The selected photo will be featured in the volunteer card mailed out to hundreds of volunteers during the first quarter of 2026!

     Review Your Volunteer Hours & Update Your Info

It's time to review your 2025 hours and ensure that all have been logged into Get Connected so we  can roll up our annual volunteer impact to share with the community. Please review your volunteer hours and update your volunteer information. We have included a Get Connected Tech Tip in this month's newsletter to show you how. Check it out!

     Recognize Your Staff Lead

Have an AMAZING Staff Lead you'd like to recognize? Tell us who and why. We'll share you note of appreciation with your staff lead. Submit a Token of Appreciation here. Your staff lead may just get recognized in front of the whole agency!

RSVP for Holiday Magic - Volunteer Appreciation!

If you have 25 or more hours in 2025, don't forget to RSVP for Holiday Magic at the 2nd Street Market! On December 11th from 3pm-8pm we'll be hosting a volunteer appreciation during this public program to thank our volunteers for their dedicated service. You won't want to miss it! Learn more and RSVP here.

December Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are still needed for two incredible holiday events coming up early in December - The Aullwood Winter Luminary Walk (Dec. 6) and Christmas on the Farm (Dec. 13)  - Look for these opportunities available NOW on Get Connected. Plus, coming up, don't miss out on this year's best indoor outdoor adventure opportunity -The Adventure Summit coming to Wright State University in February! Plus, Ice Rink Ambassador volunteers needed at RiverScape, Market Custodial Support at the 2nd Street Market, and Twin Valley Trail Workdays continue.

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.

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.

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.

Winter Trail Workdays in the Twin Valley

Have you felt the magic of Twin Valley, with its wilderness charm, majestic forests embraced by stunning ravines, and trails that meander through prairies, meadows, and wetlands? Now is your chance to give back to the beautiful trails that enrich our lives, no matter the season. 

Join our Trailblazers - an eager, hands-on volunteer crew committed to preserving these trails throughout the winter months. These weekday opportunities are perfect for those with flexible schedules who thrive in the crisp air and appreciate the serene beauty of the forest. Whether you're a newcomer to trail work or a seasoned pro, your efforts will have a profound impact, ensuring the trails remain safe, scenic, and ready for adventure all year long.
 
So, gear up, lace your boots, and come help us maintain the stunning trails of Twin Valley for winter hikers. Your time and effort can make a lasting difference! View the opportunities available and sign up for support by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below.

Market Custodial Support

The holiday season is in full swing at the 2nd Street Market, and it's the place to be if you love the hustle and bustle of an indoor community of local vendors and shoppers. Do you want to make a meaningful contribution to this vibrant community hub? Here's your chance to shine! Help keep the Market clean and inviting this winter season by tidying up tables, sweeping, and assisting with trash removal. You'll work indoors so you can stay warm and cozy while you give back. View the opportunities available and sign up for 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 Volunteers Needed!

Join us as a Program Support Volunteer and make a meaningful impact in our community! If you are passionate about events, hiking, fishing, crafts, herbs, cooking, or textiles, or just want to learn more, we invite you to be a part of our team and help bring these activities to life. 

Don't worry if you're unsure about committing to training just yet; this is your chance to explore the vibrant world of MetroParks while contributing to our public offerings. By getting involved in Program Support, you'll not only gain valuable insights but also play a pivotal role in enhancing the experience for countless participants. Choose an area that speaks to you and use your unique talents to enrich our diverse programs. 

Even as the temperatures drop, exciting opportunities await! You can be part of larger events like Christmas on the Farm, or contribute to skill-building workshops, including beginner textile classes and workdays. Your support can make a real difference in youth and family activities and adult classes, ensuring everyone feels welcome and safe while learning. 

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to give back while learning and making lasting memories. Click on the blue VOLUNTEER button to learn more and start your Program Support Volunteer journey today. 

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.

Volunteer and Experience Christmas on the Farm!

Join us for an enchanting celebration of a Victorian Christmas at the historic Carriage Hill MetroPark! On Saturday, December 13th, immerse yourself in the charm of the 1880's and be a part of a magical holiday experience that the entire family will treasure.

Stroll through the farm and witness the festivities that bring the spirit of the season to life. This is not just an event but a chance to create unforgettable memories together! We invite you to lend a hand in various exciting activities - helping children craft their letters to Santa, prepare beautiful evergreen bundles, create delicious gingerbread treats, and share the rich stories of our farm.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to contribute to this beloved tradition! Click the blue VOLUNTEER button to explore all the ways you can get involved and help make this historic holiday event truly special. Join us and be part of the magic!

Aullwood Winter Luminary Walk

There are a few spots still available for volunteers to jump in and support this year's Aullwood Winter Luminary Walk! Join us Saturday, December 6th for this cherished community event, or afterward to help us clean it all up - Volunteers are still needed to lend a hand after the luminaries are blown out. View the volunteer opportunities still available by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below and sign up to make a difference. 

Coming Soon! The Adventure Summit!

Support the region's premiere Outdoor Adventure Exposition at Wright State University on Saturday, February 21st! Volunteers will be needed for set up, tear down, exhibitor support, classroom ambassadors, and more. Lend a hand before or after enjoying the event! Opportunities will be posting soon! 

 

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.

Get Connected Tech Tip: 

Time to Update your Volunteer Information

As we close out this year, we want to share a few important tips to help you stay engaged, prepare for next season, and grow more comfortable with Get Connected.

Qualification Expirations- If you've noticed you're no longer qualified to sign up for your favorite opportunities, it may be that one or more of your qualifications have expired.  It may be time to complete your annual check off for opportunities that require it. Or, if you've been with us for 3 years, it may be time to update your volunteer handbook signature and background check.

You can review your current Qualification by clicking "Qualifications" from the User Menu after you log in. You'll find your User Menu in the top right had corner next to your initials or your photo.

When you go to RESPOND to the volunteer opportunity, it should lead you through the steps required to update these qualifications. If you need help, just reach out to us in Volunteer Services - we're here to help you!

Update your Volunteer Profile - This is a really good time to review the information in your Get Connected account and update your personal information.

To review and update your volunteer information, simply click "Edit Profile" from your User Menu in the top right had corner by your initials or picture.
Here are some key updates you might want to make:
Address & Phone Number - Are these current?
Emergency Contact - Is this still accurate?
User Role - What service type are you interested in this year - long-term, short-term, single day, etc?
When are you available?
Are your interests and skills still the same?

Review your Volunteer Hours - We are preparing for our end of the year reporting. Accurate reporting of volunteer service is critical in helping us budget resources for the upcoming year and apply for a variety of grants to support our mission.  Please review your 2024 volunteer hours in your account and reach out to Volunteer Services to make any adjustments or corrections.

To review your hours simply click Volunteer Hours on your dashboard after you login and filter by Jan 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. You can also click the link to print your Volunteer Resume to review your hours in a paper form.

Volunteer Services is available to help you! If you need assistance with updating any of this information or renewing your qualifications, please contact us at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or by phone at #937-275-7275. 

 
View even more great Get Connected Tech Tips on our Volunteer Blog here.

Volunteer Appreciation: Last Call to RSVP for Holiday Magic!

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 Dec. 3rd 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!

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.

Your Volunteer Services Team

Allie 

Parks & Conservation

# 937-274-3176

Yvonne

Outdoor Connections Programming

#937-277-4147

Jenny

Human Resources Manager of Volunteer Services;

*Interim: Administration, Ambassador, Animal Care & Special Events

#937-567-1413