| |||||||||
| | |||||||||
Give Back, Feel Better: Volunteering Can Boost Your Health and Happiness in the New YearAs the new year begins, many of us set intentions to live healthier, more meaningful lives. We focus on exercise routines, better nutrition, and improved work-life balance - but there's another powerful wellness habit that often gets overlooked: volunteering. During these winter months, volunteering can also help chase away the winter blues by providing opportunities to get outside and connect with others when people are often more isolated indoors.
| |||||||||
| |||||||||
Volunteer Appreciation Did we spot you at Holiday Magic? Plus, a new VIP Item!If we saw you at Holiday Magic - Volunteer Appreciation, then you already know that we are rolling out a brand-new VIP item for 2026 - a Naturalist Style Hat! This hat is sure to keep you cool and comfortable while you volunteer with us this year. It is available along with our other two hats - the baseball style hat and the winter knit hat for those volunteers who have served 50 or more volunteer hours with us. If you did not get one at Holiday Magic, request yours today! The hat has been added to our VIP Item Request Form on Get Connected.
Thank you for volunteering with MetroParks!And a BIG THANK YOU to all those who came out to support Christmas on the Farm: Abigail Almanrode, Frank Beitel, Bobbi Beyer, Ed Eveland, Ellen Eveland, Sean Finnigan, Leslie Forsman, Lowell Randall Garber, Angela Greco, Tracy Hunter, Marcia Jurcsisn, Cherie Kuhn, Steve McNew, Madeline Mobarry, Roslyn Prigg, Nicole Reading, Dan Richardson, Heidi Riffle, Amber Scalf, Teri Schmidt, Molly Schoen, Joyce Skinner, Margaret Smith, Lillian Walton, and Charles Wiltrout.  | |||||||||
 View these great articles and more on Parkways Online at metroparks.org: MetroParks Monthly for January How to Sustainably Dispose of Your Trees this Season 5 Timeless Pantry Tips from MetroParks Gardeners and Historians RiverScape MetroParks Ice Rink Now Open Volunteer Perk: Visit the MetroParks Ice Rink this season and enjoy some fun out on the ice! MetroParks volunteers skate free when they present their official MetroParks volunteer namebadge. | |||||||||
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.
| |||||||||
|
Jan 6, 2026
|
by Volunteer Services
|
depression. Helping others shifts our focus outward, offering perspective and purpose during times when life can feel overwhelming. Acts of service trigger the release of "feel-good" hormones like dopamine and oxytocin, which promote happiness and emotional connection. Ongoing or recurring volunteers often report feeling calmer, more optimistic, and more resilient - benefits that can carry over into work, relationships, and daily life. 
volunteering is social connection. Service brings people together around shared goals and values, helping to build friendships and strengthen a sense of belonging.
confidence, and overall life satisfaction. That sense of purpose can be especially energizing at the start of a new year, helping you stay motivated and engaged well beyond January.
Not yet ready to sign up, but ready to learn more? 
opportunities! These ambassadors support our Marketing and Programming teams through the display and interpretation of a variety of touchable items including furs and bones that will spark interest and curiosity from a variety of guests, engage them in conversations, and help them connect with our mission. 
conservation efforts at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, helping care for natural areas year-round. Tasks may include removing invasive species, installing tree stakes and cages to protect young native trees, planting new trees and shrubs, and assisting with other conservation-related projects as needed. 
shape. This January volunteers are invited to join our trail staff for hands-on trail maintenance workdays. These opportunities focus on revitalizing trail systems while sharing the why and how behind building and maintaining sustainable trails, all alongside like-minded individuals who care about the places they love to explore. 
Recycler class presented with Montgomery County Environmental Services. You'll learn how to reduce, reuse, recycle, compost, and advocate for waste reduction in your community. Master Recycler volunteers support a variety of special events and outreach opportunities throughout the year helping to educate the community on sustainable living and reducing waste at events.
