Five Rivers MetroParks Volunteer Newsletter - August 2025

Jul 29, 2025

by Volunteer Services

Late summer brings the heat, but it also brings the peak of our prairies! Learn more about some of these lovely plants and pick a few to add to your garden for late season interest: Meet Our Prairie Plants.

In this edition of the Volunteer Newsletter:
FEATURE
2024 FRMP Annual Report - Getting a Jump on Pervasive Invasives
SUMMER SAFETY TIP
Be Tick Smart
TRY VOLUNTEERING WITH TATUM
CoverMapping!
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Ellen Eveland - Historic Interpreter, Textile Demonstrator, and Helper Extraordinaire!
AUGUST VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Beat the Heat with Indoor Opportunities this Month! Plus, Volunteers Needed for Events, Trail Workdays and More!
GET CONNECTED TECH TIP
Customize Your Volunteer Experience
STAFF LEAD HIGHLIGHT
Haily Hayslip, Education Specialist at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
Thank You, Mud Day Volunteers! Plus, Summer Care Campaign is ON, and Help Your Staff Lead Win BIG with Staff Lead Bingo!
PARKWAYS ONLINE FEATURES
(Available at the bottom of this newsletter.)

FEATURE: 2024 FRMP Annual Report - Getting a Jump on Pervasive Invasives

In 2024, Montgomery County residents approved a 1.0 mill, 10-year levy that allows Five Rivers MetroParks to maintain safe access to its parks and facilities by:

- Protecting and improving natural areas, wildlife habitats and water quality;

- Ensuring safe picnic areas, restrooms, play areas, programs, roads and bridges;

- Providing outdoor recreation, education, and festivals;

- and keeping knowledgeable, helpful staff.

As a conservation agency, protecting natural spaces is at the heart of MetroParks' mission. While all MetroParks staff have a hand in protecting the region's natural heritage, the agency's conservation team is responsible for studying, researching, planning, providing guidance, and often doing the hands-on work necessary to protect - and often restore - precious habitats.

For MetroParks' conservation team, the levy's passage was a heartening endorsement of the work they do every day. The team will now receive the funding needed to increase the resiliency and enhance the biodiversity of the agency's natural spaces.

"The levy funding puts the habitats within our parks and conservation areas on a whole new trajectory," said MetroParks Director of Conservation Grace Dietsch. "We anticipate a measurable response in wildlife from these habitat improvements."

The bulk of MetroParks' conservation efforts focus on removing invasive species due to their impervious nature and adverse effects to healthy, native plants, which best support wildlife and absorb excess carbon from the air. "Aside from habitat loss through development or land clearing, invasive species are the number one threat to biodiversity in our region," said Dietsch.

With MetroParks' nearly 16,000 acres of natural space, staying on top of invasive species removal is incredibly challenging, especially because the work needs to be dome over multiple consecutive seasons. Missing even on season of removal or spot treatment can lead to rapid regrowth.

"The additional funding allows us to hire teams of local contractors to help manage invasive plant species," Dietsch said. "These contractors specialize in the field of restoring natural areas and conducting conservation work. Some possess many of the same skills and qualifications as our staff, so hiring them is like increasing the capacity of our team to do conservation work in the parks and conservation areas."

Removing invasive species also creates opportunities to increase native pollinator plants, which are critical to healthy ecosystems. Insects, birds, and mammals rely on these plants, which also support agriculture by sustaining essential pollinators. With bees and butterflies in Ohio declining by a staggering 30% over the past two decades, cultivating thriving habitats for their survival is more important than ever. "We can restore these prairies in a way that makes them more resilient to future infestations of invasive plants by selecting native plants that are more likely to outcompete due to their growth habits," said Dietsch. "We're being very purposeful and diligent in not only being good stewards of the land, but also how we invest the funds to reduce maintenance costs over the long term."

While this work will take several years, the public can expect to see progress begin in fall of 2025. Dietsch also emphasized that it may take time for wildlife to respond to these conservation efforts. "These natural spaces might look worse before they look better due to some of the intense infestations we are dealing with, but we are extremely optimistic about the outcomes and the results the public will see over the next few years."

Volunteers can help by lending their hands to invasive species removal opportunities regularly offered on Service Saturdays, Make A Difference Day, and during Adopt-A-Park, as well as at other opportunities throughout the year including regular Trail Work Days which often include corridor clearing - invasive species removal along our trails.

Stay up to date on MetroParks conservation projects at metroparks.org/research and levy-related projects at metroparks.org/levy progress.

Summer Safety Tip: Be Tick Smart

It is tick season! Let's take a look at some prevention techniques to be tick smart through this summer season. The best way to prevent tickborne diseases like Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, is to prevent tick bites. In Ohio, tickborne illness are most often transmitted between early spring and late fall since ticks are most active during warmer months.

Take action to decrease your risk of infection:

Protect against tick bites.

Check for ticks.

Remove ticks as soon as you can.

Watch for symptoms.

Try Volunteering with Tatum:

Cover Mapping!

My third volunteering opportunity this summer was Cover Mapping at Twin Creek MetroPark! I really enjoy hiking and being immersed in nature, so this was right up my alley. I also learned a few things about invasive species and plants in the area. During this opportunity, we hiked off-trail and identified various invasive species, as well as the amount of space they occupy in specific areas.

Something about this experience that I thought was cool was that we ended up in place that I would never have discovered without participating in this opportunity, which provided a unique perspective on the park. I usually don't go this deep into nature, but this was a nice chance of pace and makes me want to spend more time in nature in the future.

They also gave me the chance to navigate the team using the map. If I'm being honest, I'm not very good at directions, but thankfully, they were all patient with me, and I started to get the hang of it towards the end! This was a fun experience that I would love to do again because now that I have some experience, I can be more helpful to my next team.

You can support conservation opportunities like this one too. Learn more about volunteering with Conservation here and then view training materials and get started here.

Next up, I will be trying out another gardening shift at Cox Arboretum. Follow me on my next volunteering adventure right here in the volunteer blog.

Tatum Buhiru is a student volunteer with Five Rivers MetroParks serving in partnership with Miami University's ULIP, Urban Leadership Institute Program. As part of their service, Tatum is trying out a variety of volunteer opportunities with us this summer and sharing those experiences here in our volunteer blog. Read more of Tatum's posts here.

Growing up in Illinois, Ellen Eveland's parents took her on family camping vacations from coast to coast, visiting historic sites along the way and sparking her interest in living history. She fondly remembers bringing her children to Carriage Hill MetroPark in the 1980's and 1990's for Christmas on the Farm, participating in scouting opportunities, hiking the trails, visiting farmers in the barn, and exploring the endless possibilities for fun and adventure on a historic farm. She knew then that she would someday become a volunteer. Fast forward to summer of 2022, when they visited the park to see the steam engine and ended up spending several hours chatting with the historic interpreters in the house - At that moment, Ellen knew it was time for her to join the team and help others enjoy the Carriage Hill farm experience.

Ellen began training to become a Historic Interpreter by completing the easy online training and then she began shadow experiences with qualified Historic Interpreter volunteers and staff where she could learn and practice the role of Historic Interpreter. "Becoming a Historic Interpreter has been such a rewarding experience. Sharing the lives of the Arnold Family with visitors helps bring the history of the farm to life." Ellen's favorite aspect of being an interpreter is welcoming the many school groups that visit the farm. Spring is especially busy with groups of all ages coming to learn about life at Carriage Hill Farm in the 1880's. She notes that students and teachers alike keep her on her toes with a variety of questions. Ellen appreciates the onboarding and training, knowing that the training materials and the diaries of Henry Arnold are readily available to help answer some of the trickier questions. She often gets asked if they live in the farmhouse. When people inquire if she enjoys being an interpreter, her response is always, "I get to dress in period clothes and talk to people. What's not to like?!"

Ellen, a long-time quilter, not only joined our group of Historic Interpreters, but soon joined our group of textile volunteers. She has helped construct an 1880's woman's dress alongside staff and other volunteers, sewn an extra-large man's shirt for a farm worker, and assisted in planning and presenting programs like beginning quilting and quilt-as-you-go tote bags. Ellen mentioned that she has learned a lot by observing the crocheters, weavers, knitters, and other members of the group. Together, they constantly brainstorm new projects and activities and are excited to welcome new members to the group.

Staff Lead and Education Specialist, Deb Spencer shared, "When I think of Ellen, I see passion, enthusiasm, a teacher, a leader, a student, and a helper extraordinaire! She can switch from historic interpreter to teacher to demonstrator to student, and to organizer at a moment's notice. Her delight at sharing her quilting expertise is infectious, leading to very successful quilting classes at Carriage Hill. Ellen is an amazing volunteer and an absolutely wonderful person!"

Ellen wasn't new to volunteering. After retiring as a high school secretary in 2017, she tried various volunteer opportunities, including teaching English to foreign-born adults for seven years with the ASPIRE program. She shared that volunteering with Carriage Hill MetroPark has been her favorite, saying, "I have been impressed with how Five Rivers MetroParks incorporates the knowledge and expertise of their volunteers to align with both the volunteers' interests and the programming of the parks and facilities."

Ellen has shared her passion for volunteerism with others, and recently, her husband Ed began his volunteer experience with MetroParks. They enjoy hiking and have participated in the MetroParks Trails Challenge. Both find it fun to discover new trails and explore what they have to offer. "There are so many amenities and programs available. We even had Ed's retirement and 70th birthday party at the Cedar Lake Shelter at Carriage Hill MetroPark!"

When she's not at the farm. Ellen enjoys quilting and making handbags at home. She is an avid reader and loves spending time gardening. Last year, Ellen and Ed expanded their gardening efforts with a plat at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark and are looking forward to a fruitful season. Her greatest joy is visiting her 4.5-year-old old grandson in Illinois. She says, "We can't wait to have him visit us here so we can take him to Carriage Hill Farm!"

Thank you, Ellen Eveland, for your outstanding commitment, dedication, and service to Five Rivers MetroParks!

Learn more about becoming a Historic Interpreter Volunteer on the historic farm at Carriage Hill MetroPark here. Interested in sharing your textile skills with our textile group? View our textile opportunities here.

Meet more AMAZING MetroParks' volunteers in our Volunteer Spotlights available on the Volunteer Blog.

Five Rivers MetroParks Volunteer Positions & Upcoming Opportunities

August may be called the Dog Days of Summer, but we're helping to keep our volunteers cool this month with a variety of indoor opportunities like 2nd Street Market Ambassador, Textile Workdays, and Beer Sales and Support.

Plenty of outdoor opportunities are still available and your support is needed in our gardens and on the trails, as well as at our special events. Cool down from the heat with a frozen fruit popsicle from our Summer Care Campaign.

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. Looking for opportunities where we need the most help right now?

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.

Volunteer Ralph O'Quinn helps visitors at the 2nd Street Market.

2nd Street Market Ambassadors:

If you love spending your weekend in the vibrant, bubbling atmosphere of the 2nd Street Market, talking with your neighbors, friends, and meeting new folks, we have the perfect opportunity for you! 2nd Street Market Ambassador volunteers are stationed near the entrance at the Welcome Wagon and they help enhance the visitor experience by greeting and welcoming Market visitors. These volunteers also provide needed services for the community by conducting sales of MetroParks merchandise, processing EBT and senior nutrition program sales, providing wayfinding assistance, and promoting the MetroParks by passing out literature. Get connected and give back at the 2nd Street Market!

View available opportunities and RESPOND to sign up by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below.

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.

Volunteers support general maintenance tasks at Hills and Dales MetroPark.

Hills & Dales Workdays:

Do you like getting your hands dirty, learning new skills, and supporting a variety of parks and conservation efforts? Hils & Dales volunteer workday engages volunteers in a variety of parks and conservation projects, from gardening to tree plantings, and from invasive species removal to mulching.

View available opportunities and RESPOND to sign up by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below.

Staff Lead and Trail Technician, Connor Perry, leads a team of volunteers in de-berming part of a trail during a Trail Work Day.

Trail Workdays: Calling All Trail Lovers

Do you love our trails? Here's your chance to give back to the paths that give us so much. Join our Trailblazers - our hands-on volunteer crew helping care for the trails at Twin Valley and Englewood MetroParks.
These weekday opportunities are perfect for anyone with a flexible schedule who enjoys fresh air, getting their hands dirty, and making a visible impact. Whether you're new to trail work or a seasoned volunteer, your time and energy help keep these scenic spaces safe, beautiful, and ready for adventure.
So, lace up your boots, grab a tool, and help us blaze the way!

View available opportunities and RESPOND to sign up 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.

School Field Trip Volunteers gather before each season to get ready for the kids, learn new activities, and share some best practices to make each field trip full of discoveries and adventure.

School Field Trip Volunteer Training:

You don't need a teaching degree - just a passion for inspiring children to explore the outdoors! As fall approaches, we're excited to invite both returning volunteers and newcomers who are eager to inspire the next generation of explorers and environmentalists. Your involvement is crucial in creating enriching experiences that ignite students' curiosity about nature. Join us for our annual training focused on Fall School Programs. In this 4 day training (August 27, 28, 29 and September 3), you'll receive field trip updates, learn best practices for engaging students, and discover unique features of MetroParks' while visiting Germantown and Wegerzyn Gardens MetroParks.
Take this opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Click the green RSVP button to secure your spot and help us create unforgettable outdoor learning experiences. Together, we can make a brighter future for these students! Not able to make all the dates, but still want to be involved? Contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to learn next steps.

Making memories catching that very first fish!

Fishing Program Support: Youth Group

Join us this month for our Community Fishing Day! This exciting introductory program is perfect for kids who want to explore the joyful world of fishing. It is designed to help beginners learn the basics and experience the thrill of casting their lines while enjoying the beauty of nature.

Our dedicated volunteers ensure that everyone feels welcome and safe while learning essential fishing skills. You don't need to be a fishing expert to make a difference - your enthusiasm can help others discover a rewarding hobby that lasts a lifetime. Don't miss this opportunity to create lasting memories and foster a love for fishing within our community!

View available opportunities and RESPOND to sign up by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below.

Skilled Trades

Five Rivers MetroParks takes pride in the variety of hands-on, skilled trades opportunities we offer, both in historical and modern-day settings. Our Skilled Trades volunteers help drive our mission forward by assisting with maintenance projects in fabrication, repair, and interpretation.

Volunteer Kathleen Lange enjoys sharing her talents, crocheting an addition to period apparel, in the new textile workspace at Carriage Hill MetroPark's Visitor Center.

Textile & Fiber Arts Volunteers:

Are you looking for a fun indoor activity during the warmer months? Join us to share your skills, learn new ones, and have a great time! If you're interested in helping behind the scenes or demonstrating your skills, we would love to have you on board.
Volunteers are needed to support Carriage Hill and other park program teams by using their talents to repair items, create historical apparel, and other essential items. Carriage Hill offers a Textile Workday where volunteers can assist staff with various textile projects while also learning new skills such as using a knitting machine or weaving. We are building a unique team and are inviting you to be a part of it. These opportunities are open to volunteers ages 16 and up. If you're unsure about your skills, but want to get involved, consider signing up for a Textile Program Support opportunity!

View available opportunities and RESPOND to sign up by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below.

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 service a critical role in ensuring each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from set up to tear down.

Small Farm & Food Fest

Happening this weekend at Carriage Hill MetroPark! More than 40 volunteers are still needed to support programming, sustainability, set up and more. Lend a hand and join us down on the farm this Saturday!

View available opportunities and RESPOND to sign up by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below.

The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience:

Mark your calendars, Save the Date, and Join us as a Volunteer! The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience is Five Rivers MetroParks largest event of the year, and we need many hands to make this action-packed and exciting event possible. This free family-friendly event is held at Eastwood MetroPark, Saturday and Sunday, October 4th and 5th. Designed to connect participants to nature by introducing visitors to the vibrant outdoor adventure lifestyle and culture present in the Miami Valley, event participants are invited to camp, connect, compete, and experience dozens of outdoor activities. Volunteers are needed to support of a variety of these activities, as well as event set up, exhibitor support, sustainability, hospitality, and more. With over 300 volunteers needed, we'd love to have your support!

View available opportunities and RESPOND to sign up by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below.

Volunteer Levy Moody serving smiles and drinks at RiverScape.

Beer and Wine Sales Support:

We would love to have your support at the RiverSape Cafe as a Beer and Wine Sales Support Volunteer! RiverScape offers exciting programs and events throughout the summer, and the cafe offers alcohol sales to support our mission. Volunteers, age 21 and over, are stationed inside the Rentals Office and assist staff by pouring and serving beer and wine to event participants. Staff members will be on site to check identification and approve or deny service. Join the fun this season at RiverScape while "serving" our mission as a Beer and Wine Sales Support Volunteer!

View available opportunities and RESPOND to sign up by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below.

Opportunities to Support Our Partners

Volunteer at the Wegerzyn Gardens Annual Garden Party!

The Wegerzyn Gardens Foundation is seeking friendly, dependable volunteers to help make our Annual Garden Party a blooming success!

Guest Greeters- Help welcome guests as they arrive and assist with nametags. Be the smiling face that starts their evening off right!

Silent Auction Assistants - Help wrap up the excitement by assisting with closing out bids and announcing winners.

Table Centerpiece Help - Lend a hand arranging and setting out floral centerpieces before the event.It's a fun and elegant evening in the gardens-and a wonderful way to support the Wegerzyn Gardens Foundation's mission.

If you love beautiful spaces, good company, and lending a helping hand, we'd love to have you!

Interested? Please email contact@WegerzynGardensFondation.org.

Get Connected Tech Tip: Customize Your Volunteer Experience

Volunteers like you think about community engagement in diverse ways and Get Connected empowers you to find the perfect fit for your skills and passions. Did you know that by adding your skills and interests and fanning volunteer positions, you'll receive tailored suggestions that align perfectly with what you care about?

Simply click "View Profile" from your User Menu (top right-hand corner with your profile picture or initials) to easily customize your volunteer experience. Click the "+ Manage" tiles to add your skills, interests, and fan your favorite volunteer positions. You can update these at any time. Each time you do, you'll be taking a step closer towards impactful volunteering customized for YOU!

Looking to make a difference close to home? Use our search tools in Opportunities to uncover volunteer opportunities at MetroParks locations closest to you! You can search by park location or provide your zip code and set a search radius of 5 miles or more from your location.

Have questions or need assistance? Contact our friendly Volunteer Services team at volunteer.services@metroparks.org and by phone at 937-275-7275. Or join us in-person at a Volunteer Open House.

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

Staff Lead Highlight: Haily Hayslip, Education Specialist at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark

Staff Lead 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 are pleased to highlight Haily Hayslip!

Haily began her journey with Five Rivers MetroParks in January of this year, working as an Education Specialist at Wegerzyn Gardens where she focuses on children's programming and field trips. She had explored several career paths before landing at MetroParks, initially aspiring to be a veterinarian and working at an animal shelter. Next, she transitioned to teaching in various high schools where she helped students explore careers and master life skills.

Now, she is applying her expertise to education in a garden setting. Haily holds a couple of biology degrees, and during her master's program, she concentrated on using outdoor experiences to support teen mental health, discovering the personal benefits of spending more time outside. Having previously worked with high school students, she now enjoys engaging with a younger age group, as many public programs are geared toward children aged 2-6. Another great component of her job is field trips, which effectively provide large groups of children with the opportunity to spend a day outdoors in a beautiful garden, significantly enhancing their health, development, and happiness.

Volunteers help Haily create memorable experiences for these children during programs, field trips, and routine visits to the parks. Haily recalled an instance when two volunteers rescued a field trip from a thunderstorm, enabling the kids to connect with seeds and plants despite the challenging conditions. She says volunteers have saved her countless hours of preparation by handling a variety of program support tasks allowing her to execute programs with meticulous details and enhancing the learning and enjoyment of the participants. "I couldn't have managed this busy season without the help of enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and optimistic people who make our programs possible," she shared. "Their contributions have made a tremendous difference!"

Haily emphasizes the importance of listening to and learning from volunteers, describing them as a wealth of knowledge on various topics. While she has plans outlined for programs, she wants to create room for individuals to contribute and allow volunteer passions to shine through. Haily does a wonderful job leading, supporting and working with volunteers. A volunteer recently shared, "Hailey provided all the materials for the children to create a cute craft and to plant seeds for a take home vegetable of their choice. She brought carpet squares for them to sit on for story time. Her preparation was excellent and made it easy for volunteers to engage with the children who were enthusiastic learners. Had a great time!"

In addition to her work with MetroParks, Haily volunteers periodically with Miami Valley Meals and the Foodbank. She is also participating in a Community Transformation Academy with Coop Dayton, where she is working on another passion project - creating a community meal prep space to facilitate access to hearty, home-cooked meals.

Thank you, Haily, for your outstanding service to MetroParks and our volunteers!

Want to support Haily? Consider joining our team of School Fieldtrip Volunteers! Click the green RSVP button to view upcoming trainings and to learn more.

Volunteer Appreciation

We recently celebrated International Mud Day at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, and each year more and more people attend with family, friends, or just by themselves to enjoy being outside and the fun of playing in the dirt. Our volunteers helped get people excited and creative, and even helped them get cleaned up after their muddy adventures. Thank you to these volunteers who helped make this annual event special:

Jerry Connally, Roy Dyer, Colleen Girard, Angela Greco, James Hymans, Jacob Jefferson, Judy Johnston, Teresa Klansek, Karen McCarty, Michael McCarty, Gigi Painter, Shanon Queen, Emilia Rose, Kathy VonderBrink, Nancy White, Ellis Willis, and Allie Zimmerman

Summer Care Campaign is ON! Cool off with frozen fruit popsicle after your next volunteer opportunity with us! Popsicles are available at all MetroParks locations with scheduled volunteer opportunities to help you stay cool while serving with us this summer.

Staff Lead Bingo is also happening NOW! This is a fun game for your staff leads to play to earn great prizes for YOU, their dedicated volunteers. Now through September, your Staff Leads are invited to complete a variety of simple volunteer engagement tasks like "take a picture with your volunteers" and "email your volunteers". When they complete 5 simple volunteer engagement tasks in a row, they get a BINGO and are entered into a monthly raffle for great prizes for you like a volunteer ice cream party, volunteer supplies, and more! Ask your staff lead if they are playing Staff Lead Bingo and see if you can help them complete some of these simple, fun tasks. Let's have some fun together this summer season!

Check out these great articles available at www.metroparks.org:
MetroParks Monthly: Programs and Events for August - Use your volunteer discount for these great programs coming up this month!
National Farmers Market Week: Special Community Events, Family Fun, and More!
Dayton African American Cultural Festival, Caribbean Carnival, Summer Fitness and More!