New Barn Aide Volunteer Training - Spring training dates have posted!
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 give back while getting in a good physical workout? The Barn Aide volunteer opportunity may be a perfect fit for you! Barn Aide volunteers provide essential support to the horses and ponies at the Carriage Hill Riding Center cleaning stalls, turning horses out to pasture, and providing them with fresh food and water. 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.
 Help Restore a One-of-a-Kind WetlandSpanning 360 acres of restored wetlands and prairie, the Great Miami Wetland Mitigation Bank at 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.
As trees mature and restoration evolves, some of the tools used to get them established, like tree tubes, are no longer needed. That's where volunteers come in.
We're looking for helping hands to assist staff with reforestation area maintenance, specifically by removing discarded piles of used tree tubes within the mitigation bank. It's hands-on, meaningful work that directly supports the long-term health of this incredible landscape.
What you'll do: - Locate and remove debris and piles of used tree tubes from interior reforestation areas.
- Support ongoing habitat and wetland restoration efforts.
- Spend time immersed in a landscape that's doing big conservation work behind the scenes.
If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and be part of something that truly makes a difference, we'd love to have you out there! View the available opportunities and sign up by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below. 
 Growing Together: Gardening Season is Almost Here
As we look ahead to March, we're getting ready to welcome volunteers back into our gardens across the park district. From the carefully tended beds at Wegerzyn Gardens and Carriage Hill to the welcoming green spaces at RiverScape, and the beautiful landscapes at Aullwood Garden, Cox Arboretum, and Possum Creek, our horticulture teams rely on volunteers to help these spaces thrive.
Gardening with MetroParks is about more than plants. It's about connection - to the land, to the people beside you, and to the shared care that keeps our parks vibrant and welcoming for everyone. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just curious to learn there's a place for you. No experience is needed. We'll teach you what you need to know.
Consider this your early heads-up: gardening opportunities will begin popping up on Get Connected in March. Keep an eye out, invite a friend or family member to join you, and come grow something meaningful together this spring. View the available volunteer opportunities and sign up by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below.
 Program Support Volunteers Needed for a New Season of Great Programming!
Discover more about MetroParks while giving back as a Program Support volunteer! If you have a passion for events, hiking, fishing, crafts, herbs, cooking, textiles or animals, we invite you to join our team and help bring these exciting activities to life for participants of all ages. No previous experience or training required. You'll gain valuable knowledge and skills while playing an essential role in providing generalized support to our staff enriching the experiences of countless participants. Choose an area that inspires you and let your unique talents shine as you help enhance our diverse offerings. Join us and be part of something truly impactful! View all the program support opportunities available and sign up by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below.
Program Support Opportunity: Valentines Day with the Ponies at the Carriage Hill Riding Center!Do you love being around horses? Are you looking for an 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! No training required. You'll provide general program support welcoming participants, distributing and collecting program supplies, assisting youth with their crafts as needed, and assisting with refreshments. Learn more and sign up to lend a hand and your heart by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below.
Spring School Field Trip Volunteer TrainingAre you ready to make a real difference this Spring? Join our dynamic team of volunteers and 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!
Imagine guiding enthusiastic youth on thrilling educational adventures, helping them connect classroom lessons to the beauty of the natural world. You don't need a teaching degree to make a significant impact; all you need is a passion for exploration and a desire to share that with others.
Our field trips are thoughtfully designed to complement a multidisciplinary curriculum and align with Ohio Academic Content Standards. By volunteering, you will play a vital role in shaping memorable experiences that resonate with students long after their visit.
Throughout our 4-day training, you will gain valuable insights into the activities planned for each field trip while enjoying immersive experiences at Cox Arboretum, Sugarcreek, Wegerzyn Gardens, and Carriage Hill MetroParks. This is not just training; it's an opportunity to discover the incredible possibilities that our diverse MetroParks have to offer. Learn more and sign up for the training, by clicking the green RSVP button below.
View more ways to give back and make a difference on Get Connected, MetroParks' volunteer site.
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