Paddling the lagoon at Eastwood MetroPark--Support our staff at this season's Try Paddlesports programs! Learn more in this edition of the volunteer newsletter.
In this edition of the Volunteer Newsletter:
- Feature: Youth Are Making An Impact
- Conservation Tip: Steward our Natural Heritage: You make a difference in our parks!
- Volunteer Spotlight: The Holbrooks
- Upcoming Opportunities: Mud Day, Heirloom Gardeners Needed, Try Paddlesports, Fishing, and Service Saturdays are Back!
- Get Connected Tech Tip: Volunteer Open Houses
- Staff Highlight: Adam Dietsch, Park Manager
- Volunteer Thank You: A Great Start to the Season - Bike to Work & Passport to MetroParks
- Volunteer Appreciation: Discount Tickets to Kings Island
Youth Volunteers are Making a Big Impact on Our Regional Conservation Story!
Volunteer and local Girl Scout Shaylynn Weeber worked with our conservation team to plan a native planting project. Shaylynn and 27 volunteers planted 500 white turtlehead plugs at Spring Run Conservation Area. The plants will also help restore the wetland environment at Spring Run! Shaylynn completed this conservation project to earn her Girl Scout Gold Award.
Volunteers and local Boy Scouts Nick Weed and Christian Hartman worked with our Biologist to identify a need, and use their craftsman skills to build Turtle Nest Protectors to be used throughout MetroParks. These nest protectors will be placed over turtle nests to protect the eggs from predators and hopefully increase the populations of our native turtles. Both Weed and Hartman completed these projects to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.
There are many opportunities for Scouts to earn the rank of Eagle Scout or achieve the Girl Scouts Gold Award in your MetroParks. Click here to learn more!
Teens, what are you doing this summer?! Make your summer count with MetroParks!
Volunteer opportunities are available for youth ages 14 and up.
C
Conservation Tip: Steward our Natural Heritage
You can make a difference in the parks! Visitors and volunteers can do more than they think they can to help preserve and protect your MetroParks.
One of the missions of Five Rivers MetroParks is to provide opportunities for visitor enjoyment and use of the parks. Uses of parks vary widely and include activities such as sightseeing, photography, hiking, camping, bird watching, natural and human history study and picnicking. The experiences are almost as varied as the people themselves. All of us are stewards of the natural heritage of our MetroParks. We want to enlist your help in protecting that heritage, and the enjoyment of other visitors.
- Love your MetroParks
- Leave No Trace
- Don't feed the animals
- Stay on trails and boardwalks
- Pack out your trash and recycle
- Don't bring in firewood
- And, encourage volunteerism!
Did you know MetroParks has a blog? Nature is Open provides articles of interest and can lead to new discoveries. While there is no swimming in your Five Rivers MetroParks, there are still opportunities for you to splash on hot days. Learn where and how to cool down now through Labor Day!
The Holbrooks - Giving Back as a Family! 
The Holbrooks started their volunteer journey after participating in the Conservation Kids programs. Maya "graduated" after completing the series, and Tami said, "Volunteering was the logical next step." Tami wanted her children to be comfortable talking in front of a group and enjoyed that they would continue to learn as they volunteered. It was such a good experience, Henry joined Tami and Maya in volunteering a few years later. The Holbrooks have been volunteering since the end of 2016, and in the summer of 2022 got their dad, Jeremy, involved. In their first three years, the family volunteered almost 500 hours. There weren't many opportunities to support programming until 2021, but the minute opportunities were available, the Holbrooks returned. They not only help the Conservation Kids programs, but they are also involved with Bat monitoring and bluebird monitoring, and participate in all of our large events such as Passport to MetroParks, Mud Celebration, Small Farm Food Fest, Fall Family Adventure, and the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience.
Tami appreciates that her kids have been able to "meet other kids who appreciate nature and enjoy the outdoors as much as they do." She shared that both Maya and Henry enjoy programs where they can help other kids (and many adults) overcome their fear of "scary" animals like spiders. They continue to explore MetroParks and look for opportunities to learn, grow, and give back.
Erin Rowekamp, staff lead for Conservation Leaders, shared "When I think of the Holbrooks, I immediately think involved, reliable, passionate, and engaged. The Holbrooks began volunteering with Five Rivers MetroParks through the Conservation Kids program and have always gone above and beyond when it comes to assisting at programs. Additionally, they are continually engaging with staff to ensure that they have the support they need and are always willing to fill in when necessary. The entire Holbrook family incorporates the mission of the agency in their everyday lives as they act as stewards and advocates for biodiversity and conservation. Working side by side with them throughout the years, it has been amazing to see Maya and Henry grow, not just taller, but as strong, independent, and confident individuals and advocates for nature. I am truly blessed to get to spend my time with such amazing and inspiring individuals!"
The Holdbrooks' support of MetroParks makes a significant impact in helping others connect with nature with more positive experiences. Learn more about family-friendly volunteer opportunities with Five Rivers MetroParks by contacting Volunteer Services and view current available family-friendly volunteer opportunities here. For youth volunteer opportunities, ages 14-17, click here.
Thank you, Tamilee, Jeremy, Maya, and Henry Holbrook for your outstanding commitment, dedication, and service to Five Rivers MetroParks!
Volunteer Positions & Upcoming Opportunities
We're highlighting some new and upcoming volunteer opportunities below, but remember to check your email for the Get Connected Weekly Digest for those volunteer opportunities that Spring up throughout the month. Not getting a weekly digest email or seeing something that interests you, but have questions?
Contact a Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or call #937-275-7275 and ask to speak with a volunteer coordinator.
Want to help wherever we need the help most right now?
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 Anthony Starr supporting events at RiverScape MetroPark. Thank you, Anthony!
RiverScape First Friday Concert Ambassador:
The free First Friday Concerts feature a wide variety of regional acts performing live on the main stage under the pavilion at RiverScape MetroPark. Volunteers help enhance the visitor experience by greeting and welcoming park patrons, answering questions, and handing out literature as they stroll around the pavilion. Once the show starts, volunteers are welcome to take a break and enjoy the show. The shift will conclude by collecting and stacking the folding chairs at the end of the evening. View available volunteer opportunities and sign up to volunteer here:
Volunteer Ambassadors, Joe Utener and Rebecca Schenking, ready to greet visitors at 2nd Street Market--Thank you!
NEW! Sunday shifts now available! 2nd Street Market Ambassador:
Join us in the vibrant, bubbling atmosphere of the 2nd Street Market, where you'll always run into a familiar face! Market Ambassador volunteers will be stationed near the entrance and will greet visitors, conduct sales of MetroParks merchandise, provide wayfinding assistance, and promote the MetroParks by passing out literature. Click the blue Volunteer button below to learn more and sign up.
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.
Staff lead, Hannah Weist, is watering the young seedlings and getting ready for volunteers to join her in the heirloom garden.
NEW! Heirloom Garden Opportunity:
Are you a "seed-sational" gardener looking for a weekday volunteer opportunity? Do you enjoy working outside while learning about our local history? Look no further! Come join our team Carriage Hill MetroPark Historic Farm and help us grow our heirloom garden. We're looking for volunteers who can "dig" it and are willing to get their hands dirty. Don't "beet" around the bush, sign up today and let's make our garden "bloom" with success! Click the blue Volunteer button below to learn more and sign up.
Staff and volunteers gardening at Possum Creek MetroPark. Join us at Possum Creek MetroPark, Cox Arboretum MetroPark or Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark for Service Saturdays!
Service Saturdays:
High Priority gardening opportunities are available during this month's Service Saturday--Dig in and sign up to help! Service Saturdays are scheduled for the third Saturday of each month from 9 am-Noon, kicking off in May and concluding in September. These public volunteer service days are an easy and convenient way for community members to support our mission and make a difference at Five Rivers MetroParks! Join us for a Service Saturday project and help us with some of our high-priority gardening needs at key garden parks. Click the blue Volunteer button below to view available opportunities and sign up to volunteer.
"We love working with Austin! He's personable, knowledgeable and gives great guidance. This week we also got to work with Justin and that too, was a great experience!"-Cox Gardening Volunteer
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.
NEW! Invasive Species Removal at Englewood MetroPark:
Are you searching for an enjoyable and fulfilling way to spend your weekdays? Come and lend a hand in removing invasive species at Englewood MetroPark! Meet great people and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while making a difference. Register now to help preserve the beauty and health of our parks. Youth and Family-Friendly! Click the blue volunteer button below to learn more and sign up!
"Adam and staff were easy to work for. They were patient, respectful, informative, and appreciative of our effort."-Park Maintenance Volunteer
Market Custodial Support:
Calling all "neat freaks"! Our 2nd Street Market is looking for WEEKEND custodial support - Not only will you get to flex your cleaning muscles, but you'll get to meet and interact with some amazing people from your community. The 2nd Street Market supports small, local entrepreneurs with a strong emphasis on food, agriculture, gardening, and home decor in an atmosphere that provides a comfortable and inviting gathering place for the diverse population of the greater Dayton area.
So if you're ready to have some fun and donate a couple of hours to support in keeping this wonderful community space sparkling clean for the public to connect and gather, click the blue Volunteer button below to learn more and sign up.
"Very rewarding, easy position."-Market Custodial Support Volunteer
Volunteers during Service Saturday at MoMBA are doing some trail maintenance.
Service Saturdays:
Support trail maintenance projects at Service Saturdays! Service Saturdays are scheduled for the third Saturday of each month from 9 am-Noon, kicking off in May and concluding in September. These public volunteer service days are an easy and convenient way for community members to support our mission and make a difference at Five Rivers MetroParks! Join us for a Service Saturday project and help us with some of our high-priority park needs. Click the blue Volunteer button below to view available opportunities and sign up to volunteer.
"The experience was great. The task was something you can see improvement now and in the future. Joseph was a fine leader."-Taylorsville Trail Maintenance Volunteer
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.
Volunteer April Davis supports face painting at Mud Day 2022--thank you! Mud Day volunteers provide program support for variety of fun, family-friendly, activities that get kids playing in the mud!
Mud Day Program Support:
Did you ever make mud pies as a child? We are celebrating International Mud Day at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark on Saturday, June 24th to give everyone a chance to play in the mud! Volunteers are needed to support a variety of family-friendly mud-based activities like Mud Kitchen, Mud Giant, Mud Murals, Mud Face Painting, and more! Learn more and sign up to support these fun activities by clicking the blue Volunteer button below.
Volunteers for program support help welcome participants, distribute materials, and help create a supportive learning environment at our public classes.
Paint A Park Program Support:
Program Support opportunities for Paint A Park Classes available at various locations within MetroParks! Enjoy the outdoors and help others discover the beauty all around. Program participants will capture the moments through art. Program support volunteers will be assisting participants in getting set up, making sure each participant gets the individualized attention needed, and assisting the staff lead in creating a relaxing opportunity for art discovery. Each month the class will be at a different MetroPark site, and the full listing can be found by clicking the blue Volunteer button:
Historic Interpreter volunteer, Maddie Mobarry, works on hand grinding some ingredients for cookies--Thank you!
Historic Interpreters:
Do you like local history? Are you a bit theatric or maybe an educator at heart? Carriage Hill MetroPark's Historic Farm may be the perfect fit for you! The Historic Farm is open for the season and we are recruiting Historic Interpreter Volunteers to help us bring it to life! Historic Interpreters share information about life on the farm bringing excitement and perspective into the farm's daily activities. Learn more about becoming a Historic Interpreter volunteer and start training by clicking this link.
"Just a joy working hard to ready the summer kitchen. A friendly team approach is so appreciated. Rick's stories and dedication to the experience is just phenomenal!"-Historic Interpreter Volunteer
Jim Lewis, program support volunteer, helps show kids how to use the paddles.
Try Paddlesports Program Support:
June says it is time to get on the water! Ready to support our Paddlesport programs? Paddling a kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or other paddle craft is a great way to explore nature and enjoy the region's various water features. Program support volunteers are critical in ensuring we can provide high-quality, engaging programming like these to the public. Click the blue Volunteer button to see all the paddlesport opportunities and respond to ones that fit your interest.
Staff Lead & Outdoor Recreation Specialist Kelly Kingery and volunteer Phil Bush work on getting a large catfish off the line.
Fishing Program Support:
Know someone who likes to fish, maybe even likes to fly fish? We're looking for fishing volunteers and fly fishing volunteers to support a variety of upcoming fishing programs! Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs for all interested in learning. Although you don't need to be an expert to provide fishing program support, there are helpful video you can review in the training library. View the fishing videos for some skill reviews here. Ready to get involved? View the opportunities currently scheduled and sign up to support here:
"Very enjoyable, Kelly is awesome."-Fishing Program Support Volunteer
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 Woodworker, Bill Macek, demonstrates how to make a drop spindle on the Treadle Plane. Thank you, Bill!
Historic Woodworkers:
Are you interested in helping us interpret life on the Daniel Arnold Historic Farm? Interested in learning to demonstrate historic woodworking? Volunteers in the historic woodshop at Carriage Hill focus support the farm by interpreting this craft for the public through demonstration. Learn more and get started here with the Historic Interpreter Training and then progress to the Historic Woodworker Volunteer Training. Have questions or need help getting started? Contact yvonne.dunphe@metroparks.org or call #937-275-7275.
New textile volunteer, Zoe Brunner, is excited to learn how to weave a simple pattern.
Textile Support:
Did you know skills like sewing, crocheting, knitting, and weaving are highly valued and in need? Are you interested in helping behind the scenes or maybe demonstrating these skills? Volunteers are supporting Carriage Hill and other park program teams using these skills to repair items, make historic apparel, and build a unique team. Carriage Hill offers a Textile workday where volunteers assist staff with various textile projects, as well as, learn new skills like using a knitting machine or weaving. These opportunities are also available for youth ages 16 and up. View all the textile and fiber arts opportunities on Get Connected by clicking here:
"I am learning so much by doing this volunteer work! Deb Spencer is a great teacher and is so appreciative of whatever you do to help. I feel like the projects I have completed will really help the good folks at Carriage Hill." -Textile Support Volunteer
Volunteer Sue White working on the Treadle Sewing Machine.
Training Opportunities using the Treadle Sewing Machines are now being offered monthly at Carriage Hill MetroParks. Volunteers who are interested in supporting the textile programs and building their skill sets on the sewing machine can register for the upcoming sessions. View the schedule and respond to the sessions that fit here:
Special Events
Volunteers from a variety of volunteer positions support our special events including Park Maintenance, Conservation, Programming, and Ambassadors. In addition to these long-term volunteers, single-day or public volunteers are also recruited to ensure we have enough eyes, ears, and helping hands to make each event safe and friendly for our many visitors.
Mud Day Set Up & Tear Down:
Did you ever make mud pies as a child? We are celebrating International Mud Day at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark on Saturday, June 24th to give everyone a chance to play in the mud! Volunteers are needed to set up the event, support a variety of family-friendly, mud day activities, and help tear down at the end of the event.
Join us! Volunteers like YOU make events like these possible! Click the blue Volunteer button to learn more about ths year's event volunteer opportuniteis and sign up to have some child-like fun while making a difference.
Get Connected Tech Tip - Volunteer Open Houses
Looking for an In Person way to get better connected?
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. From outreach to gardening, teaching to trail maintenance, as well as a variety of fun events throughout the year, there's many ways to Get Out & Volunteer. Need help with your Get Connected account? Get one-on-one assistance so you can find the right opportunity for you and start volunteering today!
We recommend bringing your laptop or tablet (and power cord). If you don't have a laptop/tablet, no problem, we'll have some on hand you can use. Bring your questions and learn how YOU can make a difference in your MetroParks!
Need help with your RSVP? Call #937-275-7275 or email us at volunteer.services@metroparks.org for assistance.
Staff Lead Highlight: Adam Dietsch, Park Manager
Adam Dietsch started at MetroParks in 2017 at Englewood as a part-time park technician. He says, "Ever since I was a young boy, I have been using the parks for recreation, education, and great memories." Through many of his experiences, he says he realized the importance of conservation and being outside. He says " Metroparks seemed to check a lot of the boxes that were on my list and I thought that I could help give back by working here." In his short time with Five Rivers MetroParks, Adam has moved into positions at several of our parks and is now the Park Manager of Englewood MetroPark.
Adam enjoys working with volunteers, and it shows! At any given workday, you can find him in conversations with the volunteers as they work on a project. Smiles and laughter fill the air. Adam grew up in the Englewood area, and he says "There have been multiple occasions where some of the volunteers are acquaintances, or maybe we knew or know some of the same folks. This always makes for interesting conversation." Adam is a big believer, and doer, in giving back to the community. "Volunteers are dedicating time to assist our agency with a focus on our mission, and that means a whole lot to me. Paying it forward gives you a certain feeling that one can only recreate by doing, and that feeling is awesome."
From invasive removal in the Englewood Research plot, tree planting at North Park, and our MVPs, volunteers have had a measurable impact on all of Englewood. "My staff enjoys working with volunteers. It gives them opportunities to lead projects and converse with new folks that are dedicated to the parks as well", Adam shared. As part of the prescribed burn team, he says one of the biggest impacts on him is working with the prescribed burn team volunteers. This team of highly dedicated volunteers and staff have embraced the objectives of prescribed burning, continue to go through training, and gain newer information to be learned and practiced. Adam says through building these relationships with the volunteers, they are part of his team, and that gives him a great sense of pride.
Volunteers enjoy working with Adam and his team as well:
"Adam and staff were easy to work for. They were patient, respectful, informative, and appreciative of our effort."
"Adam explained everything thoroughly. Why they were doing the clearing and the benefits of doing it. He was very appreciative of the volunteers and answered any questions that we had. All of the employees were nice to work with too."
Learn more about Englewood MetroPark from Adam and colleague Taylor Williams, Outdoor Recreation Specialist on Good Day Dayton here.
Check out opportunities to volunteer with Adam and his team here.
Thank you, Adam, for being a true supporter of volunteers and volunteerism at MetroParks!
A Great Start to the Season - Thank You, Volunteers!
The month of May always kicks off our outdoor season with two public events, our Bike to Work Pancake Breakfast (above) and Passport to MetroParks (below). Our fun, free, public events like these are possible thanks to the many volunteers that come early (Bike to Work started at 6 am) and stay late (Passport to MetroParks cleaned up by 10 pm)! It is Special Event volunteers like these that ensure that positive, high-energy, outdoor enthusiasm tone starts at the welcome, and the event appears seamless and effortless for all who participate. Thank you to all the volunteers who supported these events! We hope you'll join us next for Mud Day at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark in June and Small Farm & Food Fest at Carriage Hill MetroPark in August! We also have a few volunteer opportunities still available for this weekend's TVT Challenge at Germantown MetroPark--We hope you can join us!
Volunteer Appreciation: Discounted Kings Island Tickets
Five Rivers MetroParks volunteers are eligible to purchase discounted tickets to Kings Island for select dates through August 20th. Tickets are discounted as much as 50% for the following select dates: June 10, 21, 30, July 4, 16, 22, August 5, 10 OR 20th. Check your email titled Five Rivers MetroParks Volunteer Newsletter - June 2023 for purchase instructions. Enjoy as a thank you for volunteering with Five Rivers MetroParks!
Thank you for volunteering!
Volunteer Services
It is with mixed emotions that we announce the resignation of Volunteer Coordinator Candy Holloway. Candy has been an integral part of the Volunteer Services team for the last 9 years supporting the horticulture and sustainability areas within MetroParks. Candy has been a dedicated professional in her work here at Five Rivers MetroParks and an advocate for the larger field of volunteer management. Candy will be greatly missed by our team. We are confident that wherever the wind carries her next, she will make her mark and make a difference.
Volunteer Services is available if you have questions or need assistance. Contact us at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275.
Your Volunteer Services Team
Yvonne Dunphe - Outdoor Connections Programming #(937) 277-4147
Allie Zimmerman - Parks & Conservation #(937) 274-3176
Janelle Leonard - Business Operations & Visitor Services #(937) 277-5445
Jenny Hymans - Human Resources Manager of Volunteer Services #(937) 567-1413
Help us spread the word about volunteering with MetroParks! Print and post a volunteer flyer on the community boards at work, school, or your favorite community spot. Download and print the volunteer flyer here.
