 Pictured: Wegerzyn Gardens MetroParkFive Rivers MetroParks facilities offer inspiration for every gardener and gardening style. Our wide array of gardening programs can teach you how to plan, plant, and take care of your garden using earth-friendly gardening methods. Using these methods in your garden supports local biodiversity connecting our mission to your backyard. Learn more here. In this edition of the Newsletter: FEATURE Five Rivers MetroParks Launches Protect + Connect Plan & Levy Progress Tracker TRY VOLUNTEERING WITH TATUM Join Tatum, a new MetroParks volunteer, as they try out and experience a variety of different volunteer opportunities with us this summer. VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Congratulations to Our SERVE Ohio Award Nominees - Jenny Andary & Neil MacKay! JUNE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Summer is Here and Volunteer Opportunities are Plentiful in Your MetroParks! Join Us in the Gardens, on the Trails, or at a Special Event! STAFF LEAD HIGHLIGHT Andrea Reed, Outdoor Recreation Coordinator GET CONNECTED TECH TIP Using Search and Filter to Easily Find Volunteer Opportunities for YOU! CONSERVATION & SUSTAINABILITY TIP Gardening for the Global Good VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION Thank you to our event volunteers! |
 FEATURE: Five Rivers MetroParks Launches New Protect + Connect Plan and Levy Progress TrackerFive Rivers MetroParks is developing a comprehensive master plan to guide its operations, vision and strategy for the next ten years. Community voices are key in shaping the plan, including yours as a MetroParks volunteer. Five Rivers MetroParks takes care of nearly 16,000 acres of land across Montgomery County, protecting natural places and giving people lots of ways to enjoy the outdoors. The Protect + Connect Plan is a long-range visioning and system-wide planning effort to guide how MetroParks takes care of its open spaces and parks, programs, and operations over the next decade. Since the last plan, MetroParks has helped define Dayton as the "Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Midwest" through iconic projects like the expansion of the trail network, investments in beloved places like RiverScape Park, and new paddle sports opportunities. These efforts reflect the growing potential for an interconnected system of parks and green spaces that help to protect the environment and bring people together in healthy, active communities. This plan is a chance to celebrate everything MetroParks' has done so far while planning for what's next. With support from the community-including a vote on the one-mill levy-MetroParks hopes to grow and improve so it can continue to protect nature, connect people to the outdoors, and offer great experiences for everyone. Learn more, get involved, and provide your input for the new Protect + Connect Plan here. Five Rivers MetroParks Repair and Replacement Levy Progress Tracker MetroParks has developed an interactive map for tracking the status of repair and replace projects. Click here to learn more about this new tool and to follow the progress of projects in your favorite parks. |
 Check out these and other great stories from Parkways Online, MetroParks blog available at www.metroparks.org: MetroParks Monthly - Programs and Events for June 7 Last Minute Ideas for an Outdoors Father's Day Adventure Challenge Accepted! Celebrate National Trails Day by Hiking the Twin Valley Trail |
 Each year SERVE Ohio - Ohio's Commision on Service and Volunteerism - honors exceptional individuals across the state whose service makes a meaningful impact in their communities. This year, Five Rivers MetroParks is proud to recognize two outstanding volunteers nominated for a SERVE Ohio Volunteer Award: Jenny Andary and Neil MacKay. These two individuals embody the very best of what it means to serve - dedicated time, energy, and heart to projects that benefit our parks, staff, and community. Jenny Andary: Reviving a Garden, Restoring a Legacy  Since 2008, Jenny Andary has ben a gardening volunteer at Cox Arboretum MetroParks, with a special passion for the Maimon Memorial Garden. In 2022, after a news article called attention to the garden's decline during the pandemic, Jenny took the lead in bringing it back to life. She developed a new design, helped select and plant a wide range of crops, and created training resources to support other volunteers, helping to develop the new Gardening Ambassador volunteer opportunity. Jenny credited the growth and success of the Maimon Memorial Garden to the shared efforts of her fellow Gardening Ambassador volunteers when she received the nomination. Regional Park Manager Joe Morrison shared, "If it weren't for Jenny's dedication, passion, and teamwork, the gardens would not have been such a success in 2023. She played a crucial role in making them alluring and appealing spaces that visitors keep coming back to see." Thanks to Jenny's leadership and heart, the garden has become not just a beautiful tribute to the family it honors, but a vibrant and educational destination once again. Neil MacKay: The Reliable Conservationist  Neil MacKay's impact spans multiple MetroParks, from RiverScape to our southern conservation areas. Whether supporting garden care at our Urban parks, removing invasive species, assisting with the Burn Team, or helping with propagation operation, Neil brings a tireless work ethic and a humble willingness to do whatever's needed. He's known for mentoring others and showing up with positivity, no matter the task. Horticulturalist Amy Kennedy noted, "Neil brings great ideas, communicates well, and is always willing to take a new volunteer under his wing. His presence helps create a positive environment for everyone." Nicole Freshour, South Conservation Coordinator, added, "Neil's leadership and care make a real difference. Projects run more smoothly and stress is reduced when Neil is involved. He's simply someone you can count on." A Well-Deserved Recognition Though they serve in different capacities, Jenny and Neil share a common thread: their unwavering commitment to MetroParks and the people it serves. While they were not selected as final award recipients this year, being nominated for the SERVE Ohio Volunteer Award is a remarkable recognition of their impact and dedication. Jenny and Neil, your efforts remind us of what's possible when volunteers step forward with heart, skill and a deep love for the land and community. You inspire us all. |
| Thank you, Neil and Jenny, for your outstanding commitment, dedication, and service to Five Rivers MetroParks! Interested in volunteering to support our gardening volunteer opportunities at Cox Arboretum or RiverScape MetroParks? Check out our Cox Arboretum Gardening opportunities here, and our RiverScape and Urban Garden Stewards opportunities here! Meet more AMAZING MetroParks volunteers here in our Get Connected Volunteer Blog! |
Five Rivers MetroParks Volunteer Positions & Upcoming OpportunitiesSummer is here and volunteer opportunities are plentiful in your MetroParks! Join us in the gardens, on the trails, or at a special event - We need YOUR help to make this season a success. Opportunities to join us to give back at a Service Saturday or at the upcoming TVT Challenge are available, plus we're launching a new Outreach Ambassador volunteer opportunity - If you LOVE talking to people about MetroParks - this opportunity is for YOU! 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? Don't forget to Become a FAN of the Volunteer Positions you love to support. When you FAN a volunteer position you will receive a weekly digest email for that position that including new volunteer opportunities. It also lets your Volunteer Services team know that you are interested in that position and its opportunities. |
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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.
 Grow Good Things: Join Our MetroParks Gardening Crew!Summer is here, and it's the perfect season to get outside, get involved, and grow something meaningful - both in our gardens and in your own community. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or just curious about how plants grow, we've got a spot ready for you! From the vibrant rows of vegetables at Carriage Hill Farm and Possum Creek, to the blooming beds at Adventure Central, Aullwood Garden, Cox Arboretum, RiverScape, and Wegerzyn Gardens MetroParks, our parks flourish because of volunteers like you. Gardening with us means more than pulling weeds or planting flowers - it's about learning new skills, connecting with nature, and becoming part of something bigger. We welcome all experience levels and provide everything you need to get started. Learn more and get started by clicking the blue "VOLUNTEER" button below.  |
Park MaintenanceFive 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.  Volunteer Matt McCurry makes sure all is spick and span and ready for the next day at the 2nd Street Market. Market Custodial Support: Love spending time at the 2nd Street Market? Want to give back to this awesome community hub? Well, do we have the perfect opportunity for you! We're on the lookout for some extra helping hands to tackle custodial tasks on weekend afternoons. Picture this: you'll be the superhero of cleanliness, keeping the market clean and tidy during operating hours, with some light sweeping, table tidying, and trash removal after closing. And the best part? You'll be doing it all indoors, so you can always depend on the weather to be consistent - unlike the weird, wacky weather we've been having this late spring! Learn more and get started by clicking the blue "VOLUNTEER" button below. |
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.  Volunteer Phil Bush shares tips and supplies for fishing success during one of the family fishing programs. Program Support Volunteers for Fishing Programs Needed! There's nothing quite like catching your first fish! Join us at our favorite MetroParks fishing holes for a variety of upcoming fishing programs and help our staff pass on the basic skills needed for many youth and adults to catch their first fish. No previous fishing experience is needed to lend a hand at these program support volunteer opportunities. For those with fishing skills - we need your help too! You'll help us model, reinforce, and build on fishing skills at these programs. Learn more and get started by clicking the blue "VOLUNTEER" button below.  Staff Lead & Education Specialist Betty Hoevel with Volunteers Diane Pieratt and Wendy DelRe preparing for a garden program at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Program Support Volunteers: In addition to fishing programs, MetroParks offers a variety of programs year-round that could benefit from your support. No previous knowledge, skills, or experience are needed to support these opportunities. You'll be able to jump in and lend a hand with program set up, tear down, participant check in and supplies right away! You'll also have fun, learn something new, and connect with nature while giving back. View upcoming program support opportunities, learn more and get started by clicking the blue "VOLUNTEER" button below.  Get creative with mud face painting at this year's Mud Day! A Mud Day Celebration!Did you ever make mud pies as a child? We're passing on this beloved summer tradition to today's families at this year's Mud Day - a celebration of the many ways kids can have fun playing in the mud! We'll need your help to ensure this event is a success. Join us for set up, tear down, or program support opportunities. Learn more and get started by clicking the blue "VOLUNTEER" button below.
Astronomy Assistant Volunteers: With a little training, you could join our Astronomy Assistant volunteer team and help our community discover the skies this summer season! If you're interested in Astronomy and enjoy working with youth and families, this could be the volunteer opportunity for you! Learn more and get started by clicking the blue "VOLUNTEER" button below and submit your Astronomy Interest and Assessment form. |
Skilled TradesFive 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 Melissa Luckoski spinning yarn for socks at Carriage Hill MetroPark. Textile & Fiber Arts Volunteers: Looking for fun indoor activity this summer? Share your skills, learn new skills, and join the fun at a Textile Work Day or Textile Program Support opportunity! You'll make a difference by supporting a variety of textile projects including making historic apparel, repairing items, and even demonstrating textile skills for visitors to the park. Learn more and get started by clicking the blue "VOLUNTEER" button below. |
Special EventsEvent volunteers ensure that a positive, high-energy, outdoor enthusiasm tone starts at the welcome, and the event appears seamless and effortless for all who participate.  RiverScape has many summer amenities including the RiverScape Cafe and beer and wine sales during events. Beer & Wine Sales and Support: Looking for a fun and social way to support your MetroParks? Sign up for a shift or two as a Beer & Wine Sales and Support volunteer at RiverScape MetroPark! Volunteers are needed to help pour beer and wine, assist staff with area setup, and keep things running smoothly during events. Most shifts support the popular Summer Music Series, so you'll enjoy live music, great energy, and a lively downtown atmosphere while you volunteer. This is a great opportunity to meet new people, support community events, and be part of the action at one of Dayton's favorite summer traditions. Learn more and get started by clicking the blue "VOLUNTEER" button below.  Volunteer Zachary Arnold gets his tongs ready as he helps to feed hungry hiders at the TVT Challenge. TVT Challenge:The Twin Valley Trail Challenge is back, and we need YOUR HELP! Hikers will test their limits to see how far they can go in one day - and volunteers make it all possible. We're looking for support with registration, aide stations, staff assistance and GRILLERS! Be part of an inspiring day on the trail - cheer on participants and enjoy the energy of this exciting outdoor event. Help us create some TRAIL MAGIC! Learn more and get started by clicking the blue "VOLUNTEER" button below.  Volunteers Marcia Jurcsisn and Martie Szelog take a breather from the garden clean-up project and pose for a quick photo. Service Saturdays:Join us for a fun and rewarding morning at the parks on the third Saturday of each month from 9am-Noon, May through September. It's a great opportunity to spend a few hours giving back to our community and making a positive impact on our beautiful parks. Whether you're removing invasive species and maintaining gardens, you'll leave with a sense of pride and a new glow, knowing you've contributed to something special. Plus, you'll still have plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your Saturday! Look for projects at Cox Arboretum and Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark this month! Learn more and get started by clicking the blue "VOLUNTEER" button below. |
 Staff Lead Highlight:Andrea Reed, Outdoor Recreation CoordinatorStaff Lead Highlights are a great way for volunteers to get to know our staff and for staff to share their work with volunteers. This month we are pleased to feature Andrea Reed, Outdoor Recreation Coordinator. Andrea joined Five Rivers MetroParks one year ago, bringing a background in outdoor recreation, programming, and environmental science. Her focus is backcountry programming, and with her certification as an American Canoe Association Level 1 Instructor, she is also part of the paddlesports team at Five Rivers MetroParks. Andrea developed a passion for the outdoors and the environment in high school when she participated in a 2 - year environmental science program through Sinclair Community College. She studied wildlife and habitat management, soil science, and forestry during this program and then went on to earn a bachelors degree from Wright State University while working for Centerville-Washington Township Park District as a program assistant. There she planned nature hikes, programming for all ages, and taught Leave No Trace principles. She also worked as a trip leader while at Wright State University leading backpacking and kayaking trips across the United States. In her new role with MetroParks, she is putting all of her learning and experience to good use and a good cause. "I love working for Five Rivers MetroParks because it perfectly blends my previous work experience and my hobbies. I enjoy programming and teaching others about the environment and ways they can spend time in nature. A lot of the backcountry programs are designed for beginners which is my favorite group to work with." Andrea loves sharing her knowledge and the ability to get to know participants on a deeper level during overnight trips. "It is rewarding to see people's confidence grow throughout the programs", she shared. As Andrea works to build the backcountry programming at Five Rivers MetroParks, working with others - coworkers, other departments, and volunteers has become her favorite part of the experience giving her great insight and direction for new and creative programs. As a Staff Lead of volunteers, Andrea said getting to know the backcountry volunteers - 30 showed up for her Backcountry Camping Volunteer Training - has been both fun and rewarding. Andrea credits knowing their skills and interests in helping her expand program and volunteer opportunities throughout the season. She is very appreciative of all their support. She shared, "Our volunteers are committed, knowledgeable, and always fund to spend time with at programs...without their help we simply would not be able to run programs safely." We're grateful for Andrea's thoughtful approach to volunteer engagement and appreciation for volunteer efforts. Her support creates welcoming and impactful experiences for all who lend a hand. Thank you, Andrea, for leading and supporting volunteers at Five Rivers MetroParks! Join Andrea and the Outdoor Recreation team in June for the TVT Challenge at Germantown MetroPark! Volunteers are needed for several opportunities at this fun event. Click the link to learn more and respond to sign up and lend a hand. |
Conservation & Sustainability Tip:Gardening for Global GoodGardening, especially organic gardening, can promote sustainability by reducing negative environmental |
Volunteer AppreciationA special thank you to our event volunteers - we couldn't do it without YOU!
VIP Item Request Form - Request your VIP items - milestone service pins, apparel and more! |
 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 Team (from left to right)Parks & Conservation # (937) 274-3176 Ambassador & Special Events, Interim Administration # (937) 277-4109 Outdoor Connections Programming # (937) 277-4147 Human Resources Manager of Volunteer Services Interim: Animal Care & Animal Programming and Court Appointed Volunteer Service # (937) 567-1413 |
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Jun 2, 2025
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by Volunteer Services
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impacts. Gardening can reduce chemical use, help conserve water and energy, improve soil health, and support biodiversity. Gardening can also help mitigate climate change by increasing carbon storage in soil and plants. Learn more about how gardening supports our global good below:
