 Pictured: Prairie at Carriage Hill MetroPark. Protecting nearly 16,000 acres of land, Five Rivers MetroParks is home to an array of diverse habitats that are crucial to the local environment. One such habitat - prairies - are complex ecosystems that contain specific interdependent plant and animal communities. Want to learn more or visit some prairies in your MetroParks? Check out this link: MetroParks' Prairies. In this edition of the Volunteer Newsletter: FEATURE Summer Volunteer Care Campaign & Staff Lead Bingo Return! SUMMER SAFETY TIPS Stay Safe & Cool While Volunteering This Summer VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT James Pugh - Even Small Acts of Service Can Contribute to Something Larger TRY VOLUNTEERING WITH TATUM Program Support - Garden Time with Kids JULY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Give our Garden Some Love this Month, Plus Service Saturdays, Safety Boater, and Small Farm & Food Fest! GET CONNECTED TECH TIP The Causer App - Making Volunteering Even Easier! STAFF LEAD HIGHLIGHT April DeBrosse, RiverScape Program Coordinator - Energizing RiverScape MetroPark VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION Use Your Volunteer Discount with MetroParks AND Thank You to Our TVT Challenge Volunteers! PARKWAYS ONLINE Enjoy these features on MetroParks Blog: July MetroParks Monthly, Summer at 2nd Street Market, Dayton Celtic Fest, Music and Fun at RiverScape MetroPark. (Available at the bottom of this newsletter.) Plus, Meet Samantha Lowe (Sam) our newest Volunteer Coordinator! | |
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Stay Safe & Cool While Volunteering This Summer
Thank you for all you do, and don't forget to take care of yourself out there, and each other. Here's to a fun and safe summer of service! | |
 This month, we are shining our spotlight on James Pugh, a regular volunteer at family-friendly events and our Summer Music Series. James is usually one of the first warm and friendly faces to greet you. James Pugh works for the Airforce Security Assistance Center (AFSAC) at Wright-Patterson Airforce Base where a sense of civic duty is ingrained in staff." AFSAC, known for its commitment to community engagement, organizes an annual volunteer workday at MetroParks. "It's important for us to contribute to the community where we live and work", James shared. It was during one of these AFSAC volunteer days that a spark was ignited for James. After the safety briefing and introduction to MetroParks, the project for the day, and available volunteer opportunities, a brochure caught his eye. He signed up to volunteer at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience and has been volunteering with MetroParks ever since. James said the experience opened his eyes to the diverse ways he could contribute to the park system. "From removing invasive species to supporting outdoor events, the opportunities are plentiful and rewarding." Last year, the AFSAC volunteered at Carriage Hill MetroPark for a group workday and their efforts contributed to the ongoing battle against invasive species, helping to maintain the park's ecological balance. James says his story serves as a reminder that service comes in many forms. Whether it's through military service, community involvement, or a simple act of volunteering, everyone has the potential to make a positive difference. And for this Air Force employee, the journey began with a lesson learned in church and continues with a passion for preserving the natural beauty in his community. James says it's now the ongoing satisfaction of contributing to something so valuable for the community, the dedication of our MetroPark staff and fellow volunteers, and the fun that keeps him coming back. After that initial AFSAC workday, he started exploring other opportunities with MetroParks and found plenty that caught his interest. He jumped in on Make A Difference Day, got wonderfully muddy at Mud Day, helped people explore the parks with Passport to MetroParks, and even joined in the fall fun at Fall Family Adventure. "Each opportunity is the chance to experience the parks in different ways and connect with different people. Each event has its own unique charm and allows me to contribute my skills in different capacities. Mud Day is just pure fun, while Passport to MetroParks allows me to share my enthusiasm for the parks with others." James has also served as an ambassador for the RiverScape Summer Music Series which he says, "is a fantastic way to enjoy the music while helping others do the same." He also always tries to make time for workdays because "there's something satisfying about getting your hands dirty and contributing the park's upkeep." April DeBrosse, RiverScape Program Coordinator, shared, "James always arrives at RiverScape with a smile! He seems to genuinely want to be in the park with us and stays very active throughout the evening, going above and beyond what is laid out in the request. When he works with newer volunteers, he is very kind and helpful to make sure they feel comfortable, too. Our team really enjoys having James volunteer at RiverScape, he has become a recognizable member of the Summer Music Series staff and we are very thankful to have him with us!" It's not surprising that when pressed, James says serving as the RiverScape Summer Music Series Ambassador is probably his favorite volunteer opportunity. "Being an ambassador allows me to combine all three loves - music, outdoors, and connecting with people! It's so rewarding to help people navigate the event, answer their questions, and ensure they have a great time. Plus, I get to enjoy the music too! There's a real sense of community at those concerts, and I feel privileged to be a part of it. It's a reminder that even small acts of service can contribute to something larger and more meaningful." RiverScape Program Coordinator, Rachel Baney, says "Anytime I see James' name on the list, I know we are in good hands for the evening. He has the Summer Music Series down to a "T". As soon as he arrives onsite, he starts pulling out chairs and checking off other tasks - not just the ones that we've directly promoted as part of the volunteer opportunity, but ones that he has observed us do and knows he can help with. He always sticks around to help our team tear down chairs and assist wherever else we might need it at the end of the night, helping us all get home at a decent hour. His willingness to not only walk around and interact with our guests during the event, but to also assist our team readily, is greatly appreciated. Whether we are setting up, tearing down, talking about the MetroParks, or trading travel stories, he's just all around really great to have onsite at our events!" James still manages to volunteer in the community beyond MetroParks. Living in Springboro, he is heavily involved with Ohio Veterans Outdoors. He shared, "It's an organization that's very close to my heart, as we provide outdoor experiences and education to combat-wounded, ill, and injured veterans. Our mission is to promote veteran wellness through outdoor activities, and it's incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact these experiences have on their lives."  Thank you, James, for your outstanding commitment, dedication, and service to Five Rivers MetroParks and your Miami Valley community! If you share an interest in special events like James, check out volunteer opportunities at Small Farm & Food Fest and opportunities at RiverScape MetroPark this season. Meet more AMAZING MetroParks volunteers here in our Get Connected Volunteer Blog! | |
Try Volunteering with TatumProgram Support: Garden Time for KidsMy second volunteering opportunity this summer was providing program support for 'Garden Time for Kids' at Wegerzyn. This opportunity was very different from my first because the kids were doing most of the work while I was mainly supervising them. We began by giving them a tour of the garden, led by two of the park's workers. The workers were great, and they really know their stuff about plants; even I learned a few things throughout the day. After the tour, the kids helped us pull weeds from a few of the beds, which they seemed to like, and they got to throw them into the compost bin and learn a little about composting. They did a great job, and they got the chance to plant some sunflowers and water them. After that, we cleaned up and gave the kids some coloring pages to take home. I liked this experience because it was really cool to see such young people have an interest in plants and gardening. Also, the park as a whole is gorgeous; I would love to spend more time walking around those gardens. This opportunity gets me excited to explore the other parks that this organization has to offer. You can volunteer in the gardens at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark too! Learn more about opportunities at this park and sign up to lend a hand here. Or explore other opportunities with MetroParks here. Next up, I will be trying out Cover Mapping with Conservation. 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. | |
Five Rivers MetroParks Volunteer Positions & Upcoming OpportunitiesSummer is here and it is getting hot! Support our gardens this month and ensure they are getting the extra care in the heat they need. A variety of gardening opportunities are available weekday mornings and on Saturday at this month's Service Saturday! Plus, way to support our parks on the water as a Safety Boater AND Small Farm & Food Fest opportunities have posted! 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? Did you know that there are many volunteer opportunities that can be adapted to accommodate volunteers with different abilities? Request an accommodation by contacting our team. Or join us at a Volunteer Open House where we can discuss your needs, interests, and accommodations needed to help find the right volunteer opportunities for you with MetroParks!  | |
GardeningGardening 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.  Volunteer Chris Skomrock helps to weed the Demonstration Garden at Possum Creek MetroPark.
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ProgrammingFive 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.
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Special EventsFive 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:Small Farm & 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! View available opportunities and RESPOND to sign up by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below. We'd love to have your support!
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Get Connected Tech Tip: The Causer App - Making Volunteering Even Easier! Finding volunteer opportunities, signing up, and checking in to your volunteer shifts is even easier with the FREE Causer App for Get Connected. With this App you can:
Learn more about the FREE Causer App here and download from your app store. We'd be happy to show you more of this app and how it can help make volunteering even easier for you! Bring your cell phone to an upcoming Volunteer Open House and ask us about the free Causer App for Get Connected. View our Volunteer Open House schedule here and RSVP to let us know you'll be coming. View more Get Connected Tech Tips on our Volunteer Blog here. | |
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Use Your Volunteer Discount this Summer with MetroParks! Five Rivers MetroParks appreciates your dedicated service to our parks. That's why we're offering volunteer discounts as an annual benefit for ongoing volunteers. If you volunteered 25 or more hours with us in 2024, you qualify for volunteer discounts all year long on fantastic MetroParks' programs and routine rentals! Here's how to use your MetroParks volunteer discount:
For assistance with program or rentals registration, contact our Visitor Services team at #937-275-7275. To reset your username or password for www.metroparks.org, click the 'Forgot Username' or 'Forgot Password' links available.
We want to give a huge SHOUTOUT to all the incredible volunteers who made the TVT Challenge a success! Whether you were helping with registration, staff support, out at an aid station cheering on hikers, or grilling up some tasty treats, your energy and dedication helped create a fun, safe, and memorable experience for everyone who participated. Your support kept the event running smoothly and made a real impact on the many hikers who took on this year's challenge. We are so grateful you chose to spend your time giving back with us, bringing this adventure to life - thank you! Oakley Anslinger, Greg Behrens, Doreen Berkhimer, Ernest Carter, Daryl Clark, Zachary Falck, Molly Fassig, Colleen Girard, Angela Greco, Ella Himes, Andrea Kannedy, Neil MacKay, Jay Madden, Gary Mount, Shanon Queen, Nicole Reading, Curtis Reidel, Kathleen Shanahan-Aughe, Jodi Stitt, Martie Szelog, Andrew Thompson, Hannah Tuttle, Jessica Urton, Tom Walter, Ellis Willis, Ginny Wood, and Becky Zimmerman. Thank you for volunteering with us! | |
 Check out these great articles available at www.metroparks.org: MetroParks Monthly for July Fresh, Local, and In-Season - It's Summer at the 2nd Street Market! Dayton Celtic Festival, Free Music, Fitness, and Fun this July at RiverScape MetroPark | |
Happy 4th of July from YOUR Volunteer Services Team! Pictured Left to Right: Tatum (summer student partnership volunteer), Jenny, Allie, Amanda, Yvonne, and introducing our newest volunteer coordinator Samantha Lowe! 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. Your Volunteer Services TeamParks & Conservation # (937) 274 - 3176 Ambassador & Special Events, Interim Administration # (937) 277- 4109 Outdoor Connections Programming # (937) 277- 4147 Animal Care and animal Programming # (937) 274 - 4502 Human Resources Manager of Volunteer Services # (937) 567-1413 Return to the Volunteer Blog here. |
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Jul 2, 2025
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by Volunteer Services
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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 this month and see if you can help them complete some of these simple, fun tasks. Let's have some fun together this summer season!
throughout your shift. If you're volunteering in a location without easy access to water, bring a bottle or jug with you and take plenty of breaks in shady spots to rest and cool down. 
