No matter the season, there are always great things to discover in nature. Bundle up and have some fun while you explore nature in winter. Here is a link for 10 fun family activities to get you started: Explore Nature in the Winter
In this edition of the Volunteer Newsletter:
- Feature: Volunteerism at MetroParks - 2023 Impact!
- Volunteer Spotlight: Paul & Nanette Zanowick - Partners in life and volunteer service
- Winter Volunteer Tips: Beat the Winter Blues, Dress for the Weather, and Check your Email/MetroParks Website
- Volunteer Positions & Opportunities: Show your LOVE for MetroParks by volunteering with us at these great opportunities - gardening at Aullwood Garden MetroPark, Trail Workdays at MoMBA, The Adventure Summit, and volunteer trainings available!
- Get Connected Tech Tip: Training and Event RSVPs
- Staff Lead Highlight: Lisa Zoromski, Biologist
Volunteerism at MetroParks - 2023 Impact!
What a year! 2023 was truly an incredible year for volunteer engagement and we've done our best to capture it in the data, stories, and
photos in this year's Volunteer Impact Report. Volunteer Services has created a report to help share the impact volunteers like YOU make in support of our parks, programs, and events every year.
View this year's report online here. Interact by hovering over the bottom of the screen where you can select emojis for your favorite content, adjust the magnification of the view by clicking the magnifying glass, and, at the top right of the screen, you can click "Share" to share this report with your family and friends on social media or through your email! As you view the online version of this report, you'll be able to view even more data by hovering over the various graphs and click links to more volunteer opportunity information.
Or, you can download your own copy of this year's Volunteer Impact Report here.
Quick takeaways from this year's report:
-1,314 brand-new volunteers
-3,649 total volunteers
-1,381 active volunteers serving 1 or more hours this year
-573 volunteer opportunities available (many with recurring shifts)
-8,766 volunteer opportunity responses (sign-ups)
-Adopt-A-Park: 241 volunteers, 617 volunteer hours
-Make A Difference Day: 164 volunteers, 490.56 volunteer hours
-Service Saturdays: 99 volunteers, 302.56 volunteer hours
-Total Volunteer Hours: 25,624.35
-Total Value of Service: $693,651.15
Keep an eye out for an email regarding your individual volunteer impact assessment to learn more about how YOU made a difference in your MetroParks this past year.
Thank you for volunteering with us in 2023!
Paul and Nanette Zanowick - Partners in life and in volunteer service
Meet Paul and Nanette Zanowick - Partners in life and in volunteer service. Paul and Nanette started volunteering with Five Rivers MetroParks in 2005. In their nearly two decades of volunteer service with MetroParks, they have supported backpacking and conservation opportunities, primarily serving as volunteer Team Leaders in the Deer Management Program at Sugarcreek MetroPark. Biologist and Deer Management Program facilitator, Lisa Zoromski, expressed her gratitude for the dedicated service of Paul and Nanette, sharing: "Paul and Nanette Zanowick are exceptional volunteers. They exhibit great enthusiasm, care, and gratitude towards others within the deer management program, as well as any staff they interact with. They go above and beyond to ensure the safety of others, answer their questions, and communicate any concerns."
Paul and Nanette have been actively involved in volunteering with various organizations over the years, in addition to Five Rivers MetroParks. They have dedicated their time to serving with the Boy Scouts of America for 15 years. They also volunteer with the Warrior Weekend To Remember - an incredible event for military Purple Heart recipients and Gold Star Families, which they have been a part of for the past 10 years. Additionally, in memory of their son, Marine Paul Zanowick II (also known as Rocky) who was Killed in Action in Afghanistan on June 3, 2011, they have also been organizing an annual event called Rocky's Run For Freedom since 2013. Paul and Nanette shared, "We enjoy helping other people!". Their unwavering commitment to helping others is a source of inspiration for everyone around them, and we are thankful for the positive impact they've made in Five Rivers MetroParks and the wider community.
Thank you, Paul and Nanette, for your outstanding commitment, dedication, and service to Five Rivers MetroParks!
Interested in volunteering to support our Conservation volunteer opportunities? Check out our Conservation volunteer opportunities here!
Meet more amazing Metroparks' volunteers in our monthly Volunteer Spotlights here.
Winter Volunteer Tips
Beat the Winter Blues: As daylight is shorter, the weather is colder, many start to feel the effects. "Research really highlights the fact that
nature, just by its design, promotes wellbeing in physical, mental, emotional and social health," Scott Hall, University of Dayton professor and clinical mental health counseling program coordinator, says. "Lot of things are happening in nature we're not even aware of that encourage our wellbeing." he added. Hall teaches a class on ecotherapy, which he said has become "a real hot topic" and, in his private counseling practice, advises clients to spend time in a space they identify as nature. The healing effects of nature include:
-Reduces Stress
-Enhances Creativity
-Cultivates Gratitude
-Eases Fears
-Increases Productivity
-Improves Mood
"You can experience a curative effect by just 20 minutes in nature," Hall said, adding that filling your life with more nature can be as simple as getting a houseplant - or being aware of nearby parks. A handful of the many other ways nature makes humans healthier, with some of the scientific support, can be found in the full article here. Perfect way to beat the winter blues is by getting out and getting involved!
Dress for the Weather: Cold weather is here and you want to be prepared. Whether you are enjoying time with family or coming out to volunteer at one of the MetroParks, you will want to "dress for the weather". A simple tip to dress for the cold is to wear layers! Our recreation team tells us to start with insulating fabrics and use a final layer of protective fabrics. A definite tip is to avoid cotton! Learn more here.
Check Your Email and the Website: Don't forget to check your email for potential volunteer opportunity cancellations and delays. You can also check the metroparks.org website for the latest information on park closures and delays: Alerts, Closures, & Construction | Five Rivers MetroParks.
We look forward to seeing you this winter in the parks!
Volunteer Positions & Upcoming Opportunities
Show your love for MetroParks by volunteering with us this month!
Volunteer opportunities are sometimes lighter during the winter season, but new volunteer opportunities and volunteer training are being scheduled. Take a look to see how you can continue to support your Five Rivers MetroParks this season. Don't forget to FAN the Volunteer Positions you support. When you FAN a volunteer position you receive a weekly digest email for that position that includes new volunteer opportunities. It also lets your Volunteer Services team know that you are interested in that position and its opportunities.
See something that interests you, but have questions? Contact a Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or call #937-275-7275.
View our high-need, high-priority opportunities here.
Ambassador
Ambassadors are often the first friendly face a visitor sees welcoming them to the park and can be counted on to share helpful information and answer a variety of questions. Are you a people person? Here is a great opportunity to share your enthusiasm for Five Rivers MetroParks, 2nd Street Market, and shopping local!
Ambassador volunteers are needed to support our Marketing and Programming teams at a variety of programs, special events, and outreach opportunities throughout the year.
The Adventure Summit: Marketing Booth Support:
Share your love and enthusiasm for Five Rivers MetroParks with event visitors! Help enhance the visitor experience by greeting, welcoming, and interacting with a diverse audience of outdoor enthusiasts, and recommending all the best things to see and do when visiting a MetroParks near them. Marketing Booth Support volunteers work alongside staff at the Marketing Booth to share information about Five Rivers MetroParks and help promote the organization and its offerings. Click the blue VOLUNTEER button below to view more details and sign up to support!
Visitor Center Ambassador Don Porter enjoys Cox Arboretum and sharing the exciting things to see at the park.
Visitor Center Ambassador:
If you love Cox Arboretum MetroPark, talking with new people, and sharing your passion for the park, become a Visitor Center Ambassador! Share your love and enthusiasm for the Arboretum with park patrons! Help enhance the visitor experience by greeting, welcoming, interacting with diverse audiences, and recommending all the best things to see and do while visiting. Weekday and weekend shifts will be available soon on Get Connected. Trainings for new Visitor Center Ambassadors are coming up soon, so RSVP on the training and events webpage on Get Connected to secure your spot!
Market Ambassador volunteer Rebecca Schenking shows visitors all the exciting things available at MetroParks and the 2nd Street Market.
2nd Street Market Ambassador:
Do you love spending your weekends in the vibrant, bubbling atmosphere of 2nd Street Market, where you always end up running into a familiar face? The Market is looking for more dedicated volunteers to join their welcoming ranks! 2nd Street Market Ambassador volunteers are stationed inside the Market entrance at the Welcome Wagon and enhance the visitor experience by greeting and welcoming visitors. Volunteers help Market staff by conducting sales of MetroParks merchandise, providing wayfinding assistance to visitors, and promoting the MetroParks by passing out literature. Click the blue VOLUNTEER button below to learn more, see shifts available, and sign up. February is already full, but there's plenty of open spaces in March!
Animal Care
Animal Care volunteers support staff in caring for farm animals and wildlife animal ambassadors at a variety of our parks. These animals support MetroParks' mission by connecting the public to nature and education on local history, conservation, and small site sustainability.
Volunteer Helen Schmenk spends time as a barn aide doing clean up inside and outside at the Riding Center.
Carriage Hill Riding Center Barn Aide:
Do you love being around horses? Don't mind getting your hands a bit dirty? Consider joining our team of Carriage Hill Riding Center Volunteers! Barn Aide Volunteers assist with essential daily tasks of our equestrian facility such as cleaning stalls, turning horses out to pasture, and providing them with fresh food and water. All new Riding Center volunteers begin as Barn Aide, and then can complete additional training to assist with Pony Rides, Lessons, Camps, and Trail Rides. Click the blue VOLUNTEER button to learn more.
Note: This opportunity is open to volunteers ages 14 or older.
All new volunteers at the Carriage Hill Riding Center begin as Barn Aides. Visit the Carriage Hill Riding Center Volunteer Training Page to get started!
Conservation
Protecting open space and natural areas is a priority for Five Rivers MetroParks, which protects nearly 16,000 acres of land - 90 percent of it in its natural state. Conservation volunteers are a part of our regional conservation story by assisting in implementing a variety of natural area management plans.
Cox Arboretum MetroPark: Staff Lead and Conservation Technician, Kevin Reichling, leads volunteers Doug Batty and Steve Schwenker in propagating seedlings.
Prop Ops (Propagation Volunteers):
NEW! Ready to play, learn, and connect with others while you support our reforestation efforts? Join our Propagation Operation team at Cox Arboretum MetroPark! In addition to trees and shrubs, the group will be growing herbaceous plants and propagating native plants to be used for restoration and conservation projects throughout the district. Learn more and sign up to support this opportunity by clicking the blue volunteer button below.
Conservation Coordinator and Staff Lead, Nicole Freshour, demonstrating how to safely check a nest box.
Bluebird Box Monitors:
Are you looking for an opportunity for you and your family to make a difference in YOUR MetroParks? Volunteers are needed to monitor eastern bluebird boxes throughout the bird's nesting season (March-August). Monitoring eastern bluebird nest boxes help us track local population trends, understand how bluebird populations are reacting to environmental changes, increase the number of bluebird nesting sites, and provide us with a great activity to connect with our parks and learn more about wildlife. Click here to review the Bluebird Monitoring Training and learn how you can volunteer to support this important project.
Conservation projects can be at various parks and allow volunteers to participate in a wide variety of activities.
NEW! Conservation Season Opener:
What are the key components of conservation? How do the land stewardship plans of Five Rivers MetroParks safeguard our native habitats? What can individuals do to help? Join us to find answers to these questions and more. Gain insights into our accomplishments in 2023 and our plans for 2024. Meet some of our staff and volunteers, and learn how you can contribute to leaving a lasting legacy for the future. We warmly welcome new and interested volunteers to participate and discover how their contributions can make a difference. Click here to learn more and to RSVP to this public conservation event.
Gardening
Gardening volunteers support our horticulture and education staff in caring for a variety of gardens throughout our parks. These gardens not only provide beautiful spaces for Miami Valley residents to get outside, explore, and connect to nature, but many also provide fresh local produce to those in need in our community.
Winter is the perfect time to get some annual tasks, like pruning, done.
Gardening at MetroParks:
Gardening volunteers are needed to support horticulture staff at Aullwood Garden MetroPark this February! Gardening volunteer opportunities at Wegerzyn Gardens and Cox Arboretum MetroParks will return this March - Sign up now to secure your spot! If you are interested in helping, and learning about with seasonal garden tasks, then grab your winter hat, and warm garden gloves, and click the blue VOLUNTEER button below to learn more and sign up.
Note: Please remember, these opportunities are WEATHER DEPENDENT. If you have responded to a gardening shift, keep an eye out in your email inbox for potential cancellations.
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.
Trail Maintenance volunteers work year-round, as long as the weather cooperates, to ensure our trails are safe and sustainable.
Trail Workdays:
Come learn, grow, and give back to the trails you love with this exciting trail maintenance volunteer opportunity in the Twin Valley and at our MetroParks Mountain Biking Area (MoMBA). Led by our staff Trail Technician, these trail maintenance opportunities will focus on revitalizing the trail systems in the Twin Valley. Learn alongside like-minded individuals about the why's and how's in building and maintaining a sustainable trail system on these hands-on workdays. View the opportunities available and sign up to support 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.
Teens join the Adventure Central staff and camp counselors for a fun evening around the campfire.
Teen Opportunity! Adventure Central Overnight Camp Counselors:
Do you have an interest in science, nature, and being outdoors as well as a strong desire to work with youth? Become one of our teen Camp Counselor volunteers and help plan and lead the 3 day overnight camp for Adventure Central Summer Camp participants. The camp will take place on July 30 - August 1, 2024, at a local 4-H camp facility, but the team of Overnight Camp Counselors will meet one Wednesday a month at Adventure Central beginning in March, to plan and prepare a variety of fun outdoor activities to lead during the camp dates. We are looking for youth who meet the following criteria:
-Must be 14 -17 years old.
-Must be able to get transportation to meetings and events as needed.
-Must be able to complete a minimum of 12 hours of training.
-Must provide two references.
Contact Crystal Sheppard at crystal.sheppard@metroparks.org or call her at 937-278-2601 to apply for a Overnight Camp Counselor volunteer position.
Program Support volunteer Kathy Williams works with staff lead Kelly Kingery to prepare for the classroom fishing program.
Program Support Volunteers:
Do you enjoy learning new things and helping others? Consider joining our program support volunteer team! Program Support volunteers are an integral part of our Outdoor Connections programming team helping us provide high-quality, engaging programming like "try its", skill-building programs, and programs for youth and families. Generally, no skill or prerequisite knowledge is required. You will help with set up, tear down, registration and supplies. You will have the opportunity to learn alongside the participants and grow your knowledge and skills according to the program content provided. Click the blue VOLUNTEER button to learn more about these opportunities and sign up.
NEW! Astronomy Program Assistants:
We're exploring the skies in new Astronomy programs and need your help! This is the year of the big event, the eclipse in April, but programs and activities will continue beyond the eclipse. Volunteers who have an interest, experience, and/or training are needed to support our staff as we develop these programs and present them at a variety of scheduled programs, school field trips, and outreach to schools across our community. To get started, please submit the Astronomy Assistant Interest and Assessment here.
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.
Historic Woodworkers, Frank Beitel and Steve McNew, prepare for crafting replacement pieces for one of the farm equipment.
Historic Demonstrators: Blacksmiths & Woodworkers:
Did you know that the historic demonstrators, blacksmiths and woodworkers, are part of the Historic Interpretation team at Carriage Hill MetroPark's historic farm? We are gearing up for the Spring, and interested volunteers should start their training now so they will be available to support these unique opportunities in the coming season. Click the blue VOLUNTEER button below to learn more and sign up for an available shift.
New Historic Blacksmith and Historic Woodworkers must complete the Historic Interpreter training before beginning their Historic skilled trade training. To view the Historic Interpreter training, click here. You can find the training pages in our Volunteer Training Library, and to review the details for Historic Blacksmith or Historic Woodworker.
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 serve a critical role in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from set-up to tear down.
The Adventure Summit:
Be part of one of the region's most exciting indoor recreation events! With more than 60 inspirational and educational programs, workshops, clinics, competitions, an exposition area, and featured speakers, the event team needs your help! Five Rivers MetroParks and Wright State University are seeking dedicated and enthusiastic individuals, to help at The Adventure Summit on Friday, February 9th for event set up and Saturday, February 10th to help with various event opportunities. Volunteer opportunities are available for everyone-the only prerequisite is that you are willing to have a great time and help others have a great time while being immersed in outdoor culture.
Check out this year's event volunteer opportunities below and click the blue "VOLUNTEER" button on opportunities you would like to sign up to support.
Need help signing up? Contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 with any questions or for assistance signing up.
To learn more about this year's event, including the main schedule, presentations, and more, please visit the event website.
Get Connected Tech Tip: Training and Event RSVPs
Winter is a great time for volunteer training! We have both in-person, scheduled volunteer trainings coming up and online
trainings available in our Volunteer Training Library. Here's some more helpful information on Volunteer Training in Get Connected.
If you have submitted an RSVP for a Training & Event in Get Connected, you'll know that keeping track of the training you signed up for can be a little tricky. The site will send you email confirmations but it does not track your RSVPs on your Volunteer Schedule. You can; however, view all of your RSVPs for Training & Events from your Volunteer Dashboard. (This is your landing page when you log in to Get Connected.)
If you navigate to your Dashboard you'll see your Total Volunteer Service Hours, Impact Value of Service, Opportunity Responses, and Training & Events:
If you click on Training & Events, you'll be able to view all the Training & Events you have RSVP'd for. From here, you can change your RSVP if needed and even share the Training & Event on social media or copy the link to send to a friend who may be interested! Just click the little arrow to see your options.
Don't forget to check our online Volunteer Training Library! Many of our volunteer trainings begin conveniently online. Check out what's available and get started training for a new volunteer opportunity today. Here are some of the featured trainings:
-Carriage Hill Riding Center Barn Aide
Want to learn more about Get Connected or about volunteering with us? Join us at an upcoming Volunteer Open House where you can meet members of your Volunteer Services Team and ask questions about the many ways you can make a difference in YOUR MetroParks and receive one-on-one assistance with Get Connected so you can find the right opportunity for you and start volunteering. View our upcoming Volunteer Open Houses here and submit your RSVP to let us know you'll be dropping by.
Need help with your RSVP? Call #937-275-7275 or email us at volunteer.services@metroparks.org for assistance.
View more Get Connected Tech Tips on our Volunteer Blog here.
Staff Highlight: Lisa Zoromski, Biologist
Staff Highlights are a great way for volunteers to get to know our staff and for staff to share their work with volunteers.
Lisa Zoromski has been working at Five Rivers MetroParks for 2.5 years as the Biologist. In her role, Lisa supports a wide range of environmental projects and enjoys collaborating with local universities and organizations to implement conservation efforts and research projects. Lisa notes, "I enjoy learning from the researchers on how to better manage conservation".
Lisa's passion for learning has always driven her forward. After earning her Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Ecology from UW-Stevens Point, she went on to receive a Master's Degree in Wildlife Science from Texas A&M University - Kingsville. Lisa has worked with various organizations, including tribal, state, federal, and non-profit. Her research interests lie in applied science, specifically in the areas of wildlife behavior, diseases, and the impact of human activities on wildlife. We're so thankful to have someone so passionate and knowledgeable on our team!
As the Biologist, Lisa supports and oversees a variety of projects that engage the support of dedicated volunteers. Lisa shares, "Volunteers have helped me with many conservation efforts and monitoring projects from bluebird monitoring, deer management, butterfly surveys, invasive species removal, plant surveys, to large-scale mapping projects. I enjoy working with our volunteers and their support is critical for implementing so many conservation projects".
Join Lisa at one of our conservation opportunities! View Conservation volunteer opportunities here. Or join us for our next Volunteer Open House, where you can meet one-on-one, in person, with a Volunteer Coordinator and learn how you can support this opportunity! Click here to RSVP to an upcoming Open House.
Thank you, Lisa, for supporting volunteerism at MetroParks!
We HEART our Volunteers!
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 (PARK).
Join us at an upcoming Volunteer Open House!
Your Volunteer Services Team
Yvonne Dunphe - Outdoor Connections Programming #(937) 277-4147
Allie Zimmerman - Parks & Conservation #(937) 274-3176
Janelle Leonard - Administration & Animal Care #(937) 277-5445
Amanda Wheatley - Ambassador & Special Events #(937) 277-4109
Jenny Hymans - Human Resources Manager of Volunteer Services #(937) 567-1413
