Five Rivers MetroParks Volunteer Newsletter July 2026
Inside this edition of the Volunteer Newsletter: FEATURE You are Able to Make A Difference with MetroParks VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Wild about Wildlife with our Wildlife Photo Classification Volunteers JULY FEATURED VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES & TRAINING Program Support, Mud Day, Small Farm and Food Fest, plus Wildlife Photo Classification! VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION Thank You to our Incredible TVT Challenge Volunteers Parkways Online Featured Articles
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 FEATURE: You are Able to Make A Difference with MetroParks
Five Rivers MetroParks is committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to build a personal connection with nature. This commitment is central to our new Protect + Connect Comprehensive Master Plan, a guide that will shape our work over the next decade as we strive to meet the needs of the diverse community we serve and those that serve with us. Volunteers are a big part of helping us make sure that we meet our goal to maintain high-quality places and experiences that promote belonging, learning and community health for everyone.
July is Disability Pride Month
With more than 1 in 4 U.S. adults identifying as having a disability, MetroParks recognizes the importance of continually expanding and improving our ADA-approved accessibility for both participants and volunteers. Accessibility isn't an add-on; it's a core part of how we serve our community.
Throughout the summer, MetroParks offers free programs and events designed to help all residents build connections and enjoy the outdoors. The Summer Music Series, offered at RiverScape MetroPark which features:
- paved walkways
- full wheelchair accessibility
- ADA-compliant restrooms
- accessible parking
- level access to the region's expansive paved trail network
These features make the event ideal not only for spectators but also for volunteer opportunities that welcome individuals with a wide range of abilities.
You may already know that Five Rivers MetroParks offers numerous ADA-accessible trails, facilities and events; but did you know we also provide volunteer opportunities that welcome and support volunteers with disabilities? MetroParks is committed to ensuring that everyone has the chance to connect, contribute, and make a difference in their community.
Volunteer Opportunities for Every Ability
Many people think volunteering with MetroParks is mostly gardening or physical labor, but the truth is, our opportunities span a wide range of interests, skills, and abilities. From one-time event roles like Festival Hospitality to seasonal opportunities like Beer and Wine Sales to ongoing, long-term roles focused on sharing park information with visitors as a Visitor Center Ambassador, or supporting flexible, remote volunteer opportunities like historical research and wildlife photo classification, MetroParks truly offers a place for you to give back.
Explore Hundreds of Ways to Make A Difference
If you haven't had a chance yet, take some time to browse our Volunteer Positions on Get Connected. You'll find nine distinct categories, each filled with opportunities that match different interests, abilities, and schedules. Whether you're looking for something social, educational, hands-on, or behind-the-scenes, you'll discover plenty of ways to get involved and find the perfect fit for you.
 What to Expect from a Volunteer Opportunity
Every volunteer opportunity on Get Connected includes:
- a description that explains the role
- a list of tasks that you'll perform during service
- details about physical demands and the environmental conditions you can expect
- information on requesting accommodations so you can participate comfortably and safely These details help you understand the experience before you sign up, and ensure you feel confident stepping into your role.
How to Request an Accommodation
If you need an accommodation to volunteer, simply contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org at least one week before your service date. Volunteer Services will make every effort to provide the support you need.
Not Sure if an Opportunity Fits You?
No worries - you're not expected to figure it out alone. You can:
- Visit us during an upcoming Volunteer Open House and talk with a Volunteer Coordinator in-person about your needs, interests, and available accommodations.
- Give us a call if the open house schedule doesn't work for you. We're happy to learn about your unique skills and abilities when it is more convenient for you.
Our goal is to understand how we can provide the support you need so you can serve your community with confidence and joy.
Your unique talents, skills, abilities, and passions are what make all the difference.
A willing attitude and a desire to serve are the most important qualities you can bring. We would love to help you discover where you belong as a volunteer with us.
MetroParks is a place for volunteering. MetroParks is a place for you.
(And for your friend, loved one, co-worker, partner, neighbor, grandchild...) Whether you come alone or bring someone along, you're welcome. There's a place here for everyone who want to make a positive impact. Simply sign up.
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Wild About Wildlife with our Wildlife Photo Classification Volunteers
Did you know that July is Wild About Wildlife Month? It's a time to celebrate the incredible diversity of wildlife around us while recognizing the importance of protecting the habitats that help these species thrive.
At Five Rivers MetroParks, that work happens every day. One of the ways our Conservation team monitors wildlife is through camera arrays installed at Spring Run Conservation Area. Originally established to better understand the success of wetland restoration efforts and monitor amphibians and reptiles, these cameras have captured tens of thousands of images of the animals that call Spring Run home, from leopard frogs and eastern cottontails to chipmunks, long-tailed weasels, and so much more.
Of course, collecting the photos is only half the story. Someone has to sort through them all. That's where our Camera Trap Photo Classification volunteers come in.
In 2025, eight dedicated volunteers, alongside members of our Conservation Leaders programs, classified nearly 60,000 photos. The year before, volunteers classified almost 72,000 images, providing valuable data that helps our biologists better understand wildlife populations and the impact of habitat restoration efforts.
Some volunteers have gone above and beyond. Volunteer Norah Tempus has personally classified an astonishing 98,278 photos, while Donna Hangen has contributed more than 11,500 classifications. Their dedication has played an important role in the success of this project, and we're incredibly grateful for the time and care they've invested.
As we look ahead, we're excited to expand the project even further by adding a third camera array at Spring Run, allowing us to monitor an additional area and continue learning about the wildlife that lives there.
If spending time with wildlife photos while contributing to meaningful conservation work sounds like your kind of volunteer opportunity, we'd love to have you join us! New volunteers are invited to attend the in-person Camera Trap Photo Classification Training on July 28th from 5pm-6:30pm, to learn more about the project, how to identify wildlife in photos, and how their efforts support conservation at Five Rivers MetroParks. After training, volunteers can classify photos remotely from home, making this a flexible ways to make a lasting impact.
This Wild About Wildlife Month, celebrate the amazing animals that share our parks, and consider becoming one of the volunteers helping us better understand and protect them. 
Meet more AMAZING volunteers in our Volunteer Spotlights, available on the Volunteer Blog on Get Connected here.
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July Featured Volunteer Opportunities and Trainings
View this month's featured volunteer opportunities and volunteer training below, including a variety of Program Support opportunities, a few upcoming events: Mud Day and Small Farm and Food Fest, and a flexible, remote volunteer opportunity - Wildlife Photo Classification! Click the blue VOLUNTEER button to learn more about each featured opportunity and RESPOND to sign up, get outside and give back this month. You can always view all of our volunteer opportunities on Get Connected.  This symbol designates our high-priority volunteer needs.
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Wildlife Photo Classification Training:
Do you love wildlife? Are you searching for a flexible volunteer opportunity that fits seamlessly into your busy schedule? Become a Wildlife Photo Classification Volunteer and help us uncover the hidden wonders of Spring Run Conservation Area!
Our trail cameras capture thousands of wildlife photos, and we're looking for dedicated remote volunteers to help identify species and classify images. By reviewing photos through the Wildlife Insights platform, you'll contribute valuable information that helps us better understand and protect local wildlife. This flexible, virtual opportunity requires just two hours per month and is a great fit for individuals with keen attention to detail, patience, basic computer skills, and an interest in wildlife.
Interested volunteers are invited to attend this in-person training on Tuesday, July 28, from 5:00pm to 6:30pm at the Possum Creek Education Building. During the training, MetroParks Biologist Lisa Hill will review common wildlife species found in our parks, share tips for identifying animals in trail camera images, and provide hands-on instruction using the Wildlife Insights platform.
Interested? Click the green RSVP button below and take the first step toward becoming a Wildlife Photo Classification Volunteer!
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Program Support: Discover More about MetroParks as a Program Support Volunteer! Become a Program Support volunteer and make a significant difference in our community! If you have a passion for events, hiking, fishing, crafts, herbs, cooking, or textiles, we invite you to join our team and help bring these activities to life. If you're hesitant about making a commitment to ongoing service, this is your chance to explore a variety of programs without making a commitment to recurring regular service or volunteer training. You'll gain valuable knowledge and grow your skills while giving back, ensuring that program participants have a safe, fun, and engaging program experience in our parks. Choose an area that inspires you and let your unique talents shine!
View available program support volunteer opportunities by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below, then RESPOND to start signing up.
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Small Farm and Food Fest: Small Farm and Food Fest is a free, all-ages event, promoting healthy eating and sustainable living with dozens of hands-on activities, a pop-up farmers market, demonstrations, and speakers with educational sessions. This Carriage Hill MetroPark event is a mix of modern-day and historical farming, gardening, homesteading, and food preparation information.
Volunteers are needed for setup, teardown, program support, and more. Click the blue VOLUNTEER button below to view available volunteer opportunities and RESPOND to sign up and lend a hand.
Rescheduled! Mud Day 2026 Coming in July!
In response to an anticipated weather event, our original June date for the annual Mud Day celebration was canceled. But due to popular demand and all the fun that participants and volunteers alike derive from this one-of-a-kind, family-friendly event, a new date has been chosen. Join us in celebrating International Mud Day at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark on Saturday, July 25th, where you can relive that fun and let your creativity flow in the mud!
We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help with event setup, assist with a variety of engaging family-friendly mud day activities, and help with cleanup afterward.
If you were signed up before and were disappointed to miss out; there are plenty of exciting opportunities available right now! If you were unfulfilled because the original date didn't work for you, here is a second opportunity to get in on the action!
View the available volunteer opportunities by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below and click RESPOND to sign up and lend a hand.
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From Our Partners at the Wegerzyn Gardens Foundation
Wegerzyn Gift and Garden
Shop at the 2nd Street Market:
Foundation volunteers
are needed to support theWegerzynGardens Foundation's Gift and Garden Shop, located at the 2nd Street
Market, on Saturdays and Sundays. Proceeds from the gift shop support special
projects and programs at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Additional opportunities
to support MayFair, Garden Party and more are offered during the year. For more
information or to get started as a Wegerzyn Gardens Foundation volunteer,
please contact the foundation at contact@wegerzyngardensfoundation.org.
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Safety Tip: Stay Safe & Cool While Volunteering This Summer
Summer is here, and so is the heat! While it's a great tie to get outside and enjoy the parks, hot weather can take a toll. Whether you're pulling weeds in a garden, monitoring bluebird boxes, maintaining trails, or helping at an event, a little preparation can help you stay safe and comfortable.
Stay Hydrated
Bring a water bottle with you and drink often, even if you don't feel thirsty. If your volunteer site doesn't have easy access to water, plan ahead and bring plenty. Take breaks in the shade whenever you need to cool down.
Dress for the Weather
Lightweight, light-colored clothing made from breathable fabrics can make a big difference. We also recommend wearing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher). Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before heading outside and reapply as needed.
Fuel Up
Fresh fruit, vegetables, and other water-rich foods can help keep you hydrated during the day, especially before or after an outdoor shift.
Know the Warning Signs
Heat-related illnesses can come on quickly. If you or another volunteer begins feeling dizzy, nauseous, confused, or unusually weak, let a staff member know right away. It's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke before your shift. Click here for CDC Heat Safety Tips.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
When temperatures climb, staff may adjust volunteer shifts by starting earlier, shortening the shift, or, in some cases, canceling all together. If that happens, we'll let you know as soon as possible, so be sure to check your email before heading to your volunteer shift.
Need to Cool Off?
After your shift, reward yourself with a visit to one of our splash-worthy destinations! From water play areas to shady trails and cool creekside walks, there are plenty of ways to beat the heat at Five Rivers MetroParks. Check out some safe ways to cool down in your MetroParks here.
Thank you for everything you do to support our parks and community. We hope you have a fun, safe, and enjoyable summer of volunteering!
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Volunteer Appreciation: Thank You to our Incredible Twin Valley trail Challenge Volunteers
Behind every successful event is a team of dedicated volunteers who generously give their time, energy, and enthusiasm. As we reflect on the success of this year's Twin Valley Trail Challenge, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to every volunteer who helped make the event such a memorable experience.
From early morning set up and registration to the final clean up, our volunteers played an essential role in ensuring participants had a safe, fun, and rewarding day on the trails. Whether you were welcoming guests, helping with registration, guiding hikers, supporting aid stations, cheering on participants, or lending a hand on the grill or with the waste stations, your dedication did not go unnoticed.
The TVT Challenge encouraged participants to explore our parks, challenge themselves, and connect with the outdoors in meaningful ways. That experience was made possible because of the time, energy, and enthusiasm you brought to the event. Your willingness to jump in wherever needed, solve problems, encourage participants, and represent Five Rivers MetroParks with kindness and professionalism helped create a welcoming atmosphere from start to finish.
Volunteers are the heart of events like the TVT Challenge, and we are incredibly grateful for your support. The impact of your service reaches far beyond a single day. By helping create positive outdoor experiences, you're inspiring people to explore our parks, stay active, and build lasting connections with nature and with their community.
With sincere appreciation, thank you for your hard work,  generosity, and dedication. We are truly grateful for all that you do and look forward to seeing you at future volunteer opportunities.
Have you hit a volunteer milestone with us? Don't forget to request your volunteer milestone service pins for 25 hours and up and volunteer apparel through our VIP Item Request Form or by contacting volunteer.services@metroparks.org. You can also use this simple request form to request an official volunteer name badge for short-term and long-term, ongoing volunteers.
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Check out these great features from Parkways Online, MetroParks blog:
- MetroParks Month: Programs & Events for July (Use your volunteer discount for these great programs!)
- No Swimming in MetroParks, but Plenty of Other Ways to Stay Cool - MetroParks Rangers to Participate in National Boating Safety Campaign - On the 250th Anniversary of America, the Bald Eagle has Something to Celebrate
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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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