 There is excitement brewing at RiverScape! Enjoy the cafe and beer and wine sales at a variety of exciting programs and events all happening downtown at Dayton's front porch - RiverScape MetroPark this season! See what's happening at RiverScape here. In this edition of the Volunteer Newsletter: FEATURE Adopt-A-Park was a Success! VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Carol Williamson, An "Ideal Ambassador" and Administrative Volunteer MAY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES RiverScape is the Place to be for Volunteers this Season! Plus, Service Saturdays Return! STAFF LEAD HIGHLIGHT Rachel Baney, RiverScape Program Coordinator - A Decade of Leadership and Volunteer Impact at RiverScape GET CONNECTED TECH TIP YOUR Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions, Answered! PARKWAYS ONLINE MetroParks Programs & Events for May, and more! CONSERVATION & SUSTAINABILITY TIP 9 Green Spring - Cleaning Tips VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION Have you received your MetroParks Volunteer Discount Card? Great! Here's How to Use it! |
FEATURE: Adopt-A-Park was a Success!This year's more than 300 volunteers joined us in the parks Saturday, April 26th to make an impact for Earth Day.
- Volunteers painted fence posts and gardened at the Carriage Hill Riding Center.
- Volunteers spread mulch to protect our lovely gardens across our MetroParks.
- Volunteers put in the heavy work clearing tree grates and removing leaf debris downtown at RiverScape MetroPark.
- Volunteers of all ages helped our staff maintain our gardens, removing weeds to prepare the beds for new growth.
- Volunteers picked up litter in our parks, along our riverways, and in their own neighborhoods with our Adopt-A-Park Service Kits! And Volunteers did so much more! Thank you for volunteering at this year's Adopt-A-Park! Let's celebrate our Adopt-A-Park sponsors: Montgomery County Environmental Service, Keep Montgomery County Beautiful, and QEI Engineers Inc.- THANK YOU! |
 There are many AMAZING volunteers at Five Rivers MetroParks, and each month we shine a spotlight on one. This month we are celebrating Carol Williamson, a dedicated volunteer who began volunteering with us in March 2008. If you've been to 2nd Street Market or our Outdoor Recreation events, you may have met her. After spending over 30 years in an office, Carol wanted to spend more time outdoors and connect with nature. With MetroParks, she found a way to give back to the community while enjoying our many parks and facilities. Carol says, "The opportunities MetroParks offers for volunteers make it easy to find an activity that interests me." When she began volunteering, Carol was a Master Naturalist and loved helping others explore the parks. Due to work limitations, she sought more opportunities and found a good match in MetroParks' Administration volunteer position, where she found many opportunities to employ her administrative skills indoors to help the parks including data entry for surveys and waivers, and filing for our Human Resources department. She also became a volunteer ambassador at the 2nd Street Market and RiverScape MetroPark, sharing her passion with visitors. She said, "It's fun to hear the different music and see the dancing! I like helping others, and I enjoy the ambassador roles." Lynda Suda, the 2nd Street Market Manager, said, "If you've visited the Market over the past few years, you've likely been greeted by Carol. Carol was essential in helping the Market staff when we had to pivot the Market outside during COVID-19 as well as helping us run our SNAP Exchange program. Carol is gracious, efficient, and welcoming to everyone; she's the ideal ambassador for FRMP and the Market." Shelby Shaw, Special Events Specialist, noted that Carol is eager to help newer volunteers learn the technology used for data entry at MetroParks. Her experience and careful work made sure the projects ran smoothly. Originally from Iowa, Carol now considers Dayton her home. She enjoys encouraging friends to explore the many opportunities at MetroParks. Carol loves activities at RiverScape, enjoys springtime at Aullwood, and is working on biking all the recreation trails. Since retiring, she appreciates the fun and fulfilling opportunities MetroParks offers. She particularly enjoys the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience and 2nd Street Market, which allow her to interact with others and make a difference. Chris Buck, Recreation Coordinator, said, "Carol has been an invaluable volunteer for years for the outdoor recreation department. She has donated her time and abilities to everything from greeting guests at the information booth at The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience to helping with the behind-the-scenes work, such as the always daunting waiver data entry after the event. Carol's efforts help us provide the level of programming the public expects and would not be possible without dedicated volunteers like her." In addition to her work with MetroParks, Carol volunteers with Dayton Live and at a local senior facility, helping with special programs and meals. She continues to seek new opportunities to give back.  Thank you, Carol, for your commitment and valuable service to Five Rivers MetroParks! Join Carol at some of her favorite MetroParks events this month: Bike to Work Day and Passport to MetroParks. Or stop by and say hello while visiting the 2nd Street Market and learn more about how you can get involved supporting this great downtown MetroParks facility. Meet more AMAZING MetroParks volunteers in our Volunteer Spotlights here. |
Volunteer Positions & Upcoming OpportunitiesWe're getting summer started early at RiverScape - join us for all the FUN at a variety of programs and events, and of course, volunteer opportunities downtown this season! Plus, Service Saturdays are back! Join us in the parks every third Saturday morning to make an impact! View our upcoming volunteer opportunities and trainings available this month below. 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? View our high-need, high-priority opportunities here. 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. |
Summer Music Series Ambassador
View all the opportunities available at RiverScape MetroPark here.
Volunteer Ralph O'Quinn prepares for visitors at the 2nd Street Market. 2nd Street Market AmbassadorDo you love spending your weekend in the vibrant, bubbly atmosphere of the 2nd Street Market where you always end up running into a familiar face? Spend your time at the Market while giving back as a 2nd Street Market Ambassador. These volunteers roll out the welcome for Market visitors, help with wayfinding, answer MetroParks and Market questions, assist with merchandise and EBT sales, and more! Opportunities are available to support on evenings and weekends. Training is required. Learn more and sign up by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below.
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ConservationProtecting 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.
Cover MappingAdventure with Impact: Cover Mapping Training on May 15th! |
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.
RiverScape staff and volunteers take a moment to appreciate their hard work in keeping our downtown MetroPark beautiful.
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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. 
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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.
Volunteer Anthony Starr with Staff Lead Betty Hoevel ready to welcome the public to a program in the Children's Discovery Garden at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Program SupportReady to have some fun, learn something new, and give back all while experiencing our beautiful parks?! Join us as a routine program support volunteer! MetroParks offers hundreds of high-quality public programs all year long, and there is a high need for volunteers who can pitch in with routine program tasks like set up, tear down, participant check-in, supply distribution and collection, and general participant assistance. No prior experience or training is required. This is a great way to experience our programs and our parks while making a difference. Learn more and sign up to lend a helping hand at a program or two by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below.
Volunteers Kathy Williams and Becky Goerling help participants get the hang of casting for fly fishing and have some fun before trying it in the water.
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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.
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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.
Volunteer Ginny Wood supports a nature-based activity booth at last year's Passport to MetroParks event, helping visitors find new ways to connect with nature.
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Staff Lead Highlight:Rachel Baney, RiverScape Program CoordinatorA Decade of Leadership and Volunteer Impact at RiverScapeIn November, volunteer staff lead, Rachel Baney will celebrate a milestone - 10 years as a RiverScape Program Coordinator with Five Rivers MetroParks. Through her job title hasn't changed, the path she's walked is rich with growth, creativity, and dedication to both her team and the community she serves. Rachel's event planning journey began as a college sophomore, where she co-hosted benefit concerts with local bands and interned at the Hara Arena. "I was fascinated by all the details that went into making an event happen, and loved sitting back when the dust settled to watch people enjoy what we put together," she said. With a degree in Organizational Leadership and 20 years of experience planning and supporting events across the country, Rachel eventually found her way back to Dayton. "Dayton is home," she shared. "I grew up in the area, and my mom was actually the first VSR at the Carriage Hill Visitor Center." This wasn't her only early connection to MetroParks, though. Rachel states, "I rode my first horse at the riding center and now have my own horse - an example of how the MetroParks programs can positively change a life," Rachel said. "MetroParks was always a place that I thought I'd like to work for 'one day'. I didn't even realize they had special event jobs, so when the RiverScape Program Coordinator role opened and I found myself looking for a new opportunity, it seemed like a perfect fit." In her role, Rachel helps coordinate RiverScape's dynamic festivals and community events. "With our festivals, we see people all over the world come to RiverScape and it's fun to be able to 'show off' our park system as a destination spot," she said. One of the events that Rachel plans at RiverScape is the "Passport to MetroParks" event, coming up on May 30th. This event, and many others throughout the year, utilize the support of dedicated volunteers. Rachel is quick to credit them for the success of every event. "Everything volunteers do supports our full team," she emphasized. "They help distribute posters downtown, work as ambassadors during our concerts, set up and tear down at Passport to MetroParks, assist with festival hospitality, and have even poured beer in the RiverScape Cafe." Rachel leads volunteers with intention, care, and a focus on clear communications. "I do my best to check in with volunteers ahead of the opportunity to make sure that they fully understand what the task is, where to park, and to answer any questions they might have," she said. "Once onsite, I'm either right there beside them in the work or checking in with them frequently." What inspires her most about MetroParks volunteers is their passion. "The ones I've observed are nothing short of enthusiastic about the parks. That's the best part! They all have a favorite park, a story, a 'must see' to share," she said. "Many of these volunteers know more than I do about the parks and amenities, so I love to see them open up and share what they're passionate about." Although Rachel is not currently volunteering herself, she's looking forward to volunteering with her son as he gets older. Whether coordinating large-scale festivals or working behind-the-scenes alongside volunteers, Rachel leads with purpose and passion, and makes RiverScape a more vibrant place for all who visit. Her dedication to her community and to leading volunteers with care has made her a stand-out employee and volunteer staff lead. Thank you for all your hard work, Rachel! Join Rachel at RiverScape this summer! Upcoming volunteer opportunities supporting her team include Passport to MetroParks, the Summer Music Series, and Beer and Wine Sales and Support. Click the links to learn more and sign up. |
 Check out these and other great stories in MetroParks blog, Parkways Online available at www.metroparks.org: MetroParks Monthly: Programs and Events in May Eco Talk: The American Kestrel: Our Smallest Falcon Ride Your Bike, Eat FREE Pancakes, and Celebrate Dayton's Cycling Culture During Bike to Work Day! Summer Starts Early with FREE Fitness, Festivals, and Special Events this May at RiverScape! |
Conservation & Sustainability Tip:9 Green Spring-Cleaning TipsIts officially spring-cleaning season, and many may be itching to get their spaces cleaned, organized, and purged of unnecessary items that have piled up during the winter. You can create tidy, healthy living spaces and reduce your impact on the environment with just a little extra effort. But, before you start pitching unwanted items, remember there are many things in your household that could harm the environment if not disposed of properly. Additionally, many household items can be recycled, which helps keep waste out of the landfill. Learn 9 green spring-cleaning tips here from Parkways Online to keep our environment top of mind while tackling your task list this season. |
Volunteer Appreciation:Have you received your MetroParks Volunteer Discount Card? Great! Here's How to Use it!Volunteers with 25 hours or more hours with us in 2024 are eligible for volunteer discounts for MetroParks programs and routine rentals all year long! Eligible volunteers received a thank you card with a personalized note from their staff lead AND their 2025 volunteer discount card in April. This discount card is good for 15%, 30%, or 50% off MetroParks programs and routine rentals all year long. Didn't get yours? Not sure if you qualified? Contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org or give us a call at #937-275-7275 and ask to speak with a Volunteer Coordinator. We'll be happy to help you! 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. Thank you for volunteering with us! |
 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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May 1, 2025
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by Volunteer Services
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