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February Is for Love, in All Its Forms |
 It doesn't get much better than giving back with those you love. This is something volunteers Linda McGuire, Jo Seiter, and Bill Seiter know all too well. With these three, volunteering is truly a family affair with Linda encouraging her sister Jo to join her in service, and Jo encouraging her husband Bill to get involved as well. Together this trio has contributed over 1,500 hours of service. |
Families volunteering together strengthen community ties, foster empathy, and create lasting while giving back and making a difference. One important aspect of volunteering is the heartfelt commitment behind it and the lasting impact it can have, both inside and out. These three volunteers had supported Adopt-A-Park for many years, but it was Linda who officially signed up to regularly volunteer after her early retirement in 2008. She shared that her love of gardening and enjoyment of the outdoors, along with encouragement from a neighbor, first drew her to Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteering is a wonderful social outlet for her, allowing her to engage with the community in meaningful ways. "I really enjoy the opportunity to work in the  gardens and love the beautiful flowers and colors that bloom each season. By coming regularly, it has been a great learning experience, and I've gotten to know everyone involved. It truly feels like a family," Linda expressed. She dedicates her Tuesdays to Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, but also encouraged her sister Jo, who shares her passion for gardening, to volunteer alongside her. Jo was still working at the time, but thanks to evening and weekend opportunities, she was also able to join Linda in service. Jo, who has always loved spending time outdoors, found that volunteering at Wegerzyn Gardens was the perfect fit for her and her sister. When asked how Bill got involved, he mentioned that he likes to give back and was "dragged along" to the workdays. He and Jo have also participated in activities that align more with his interests, such as invasive species removal, tree planting, and even supporting the Garden to Go Kit distributions to diversity their vounteer experiences. Both Bill and Jo echoed Linda's sentiment of enjoying their time outside, giving back, and building connections with the staff and other volunteers over time. Jo regularly checks for new volunteer opportunities even though they consider Wegerzyn their home park, seeking activities that might interest each of them. With a little encouragement from Jo, Linda is also volunteering at Carriage Hill MetroPark lending her skills to the textile workdays. Whether they are volunteering or simply enjoying the parks together - Linda, Jo, and Bill promote the benefits that MetroParks offers and cherish the opportunities the parks have provided them. This month we celebrate this trio of family volunteers and thank them for sharing their hands and hearts with MetroParks and their community.
Thank you for all you do, Linda, Jo, and Bill! Join Linda, Jo, and Bill at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark! The new gardening season kicks off in March. Keep an eye out for gardening opportunities on Get Connected here. Or give the Textile Workdays a try at Carriage Hill MetroPark. Meet more AMAZING MetroParks volunteers in our Volunteer Spotlights on Get Connected. |
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Do you love being around horses and don't mind getting your hands a bit dirty? Or are you looking for a great way to All Riding Center volunteers begin as Barn Aides and, once qualified, can complete additional training to assist with lessons, camps, pony rides, and trail rides. For training, volunteers are asked to complete a virtual training at home and then attend an in-person Barn Aide training onsite at the Carriage Hill Riding Center followed by Shadow Experiences. Barn Aides are expected to serve at least 8 shifts per year. Learn more and GET STARTED by clicking the green RSVP button below.
Already a Barn Aide volunteer and looking to grow? Consider becoming an Equestrian Arena Assistant volunteer! These volunteers are the extra set of eyes, ears, and hands that ensure each participant has a safe and engaging experience during programs, lessons, and camps. Learn more about becoming an Equestrian Arena Assistant here. |
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 Volunteer AppreciationVolunteer Services is partnering with your Staff Leads to prepare special thank you cards for all of our wonderful volunteers who shared their heart and their helping hands with us in 2025. Look for these in your mailbox soon! For those with 25 hours or more in 2025, your thank you card will also include your new volunteer discount code card good for a 15%, 30%, or even 50% discount on MetroParks programs and routine rentals throughout 2026. This volunteer discount is part of our VIP program for volunteers, and it includes volunteer discounts, volunteer shirts, hats, milestone service pins, and (new in 2025) volunteer tributes. You can begin requesting these appreciation items when you reach 25 hours or more with Five Rivers MetroParks. How do you know how many hours you've actively served with us? Log in to Get Connected and you'll see your volunteer service impact hours right on your dashboard! You can filter these hours by dates to see how much you've served within a given year or other time frame. Request your VIP items easily online through our VIP Item Request Form, or by contact Volunteer Services. Need an official MetroParks volunteer name badge? You can request one directly through the VIP Item Request Form and we'll print it up for you and send it to your next volunteer location. Thank you to the 152 volunteers who completed our annual survey! We are excited to dig in to your feedback and use it to continue to improve the volunteer experience with MetroParks. The following volunteers are our raffle winners: Ron Reazin, Roger Westermeyer, Colleen Girard, Joyce Berchtold, and Georgette Hall. We will be reaching out to each of you with details on how to collect your MetroParks Money. Thank you for volunteering with us! |
 Enjoy these features from MetroParks blog, Parkways Online: MetroParks Monthly - Programs and Events for February The 2026 Trails Challenge is Here with 28 New Trails to Explore Get Active and Beat Cabin Fever at the MetroParks Ice Rink New Year New Ways to be Happy and Healthy at the 2nd Street Market |
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.
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Feb 3, 2026
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by Volunteer Services
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celebrate than by sharing that love with your community? Whether your season includes Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day, or simply more intentional time with someone special, volunteering together offers a chance to connect in a way that makes a difference. 
feels limited, choosing to volunteer together is a gift. It creates space to show up for something bigger than ourselves while also showing up for one another. As author and activist bell hooks reminds us, "Love is an action, never simply a feeling."
central to efforts that strengthen communities and create change. Volunteering is one way we continue that legacy today. When we give our time and energy, we are choosing to invest in one another and in the places we share.
Spring Run Conservation Area is something truly special. It's Ohio's first wetland and stream mitigation bank owned, designed, and managed by a conservation agency, and it plays a critical role in protecting native wildlife and supporting regional conservation efforts. 
opportunity to jump in and support the Carriage Hill Riding Center that doesn't involve barn aide tasks? Join us in this fun new program support opportunity celebrating Valentine's with the Ponies at the Carriage Hill Riding Center!
become an integral part of an enriching experience for young minds as we launch our school field trip season with our Spring training. This is your chance to inspire and ignite curiosity in students about the wonders of nature!
Our volunteers have created a meaningful impact on everything MetroParks accomplishes. While numbers can be impressive, it's the positive experiences cultivated for our community and volunteers that truly resonate. What a remarkable year it has been!
