Vote for your Favorite MetroParks Photo!

Check out some of the beautiful photos submitted by volunteers for our photo contest! Vote for your favorites by giving them hearts (1-5 with 5 being the best) in this form and submit your response. The photo with the most hearts will be featured in our annual volunteer thank you card. 

Volunteer Colleen Girard shows off her creative pumpkin-painting skills at a recent Visitor Services Ambassador & Volunteer Courier gathering.

Sustainability Tip: Don't Chuck Your Pumpkins!

Orange is the color of Fall and there are pumpkins everywhere! Although it may be a little late for those of you who have already carved your pumpkins into Jack o' Lanterns, this is a reminder that those insides are good for a variety of recipes: roasted, added to salads, cooked up in pies or made into pumpkin bread. The seeds are great when dried and roasted for both you and the birds.

But what to do with the pumpkins and Jack O' Lanterns after the holiday? Did you know that more than 1 billion tons of pumpkin ends up in landfills every year?! Reduce waste by keeping your pumpkins out of the landfill. Instead consider feeding them to farm animals or wildlife or composting them 

You can drop off your clean, unwaxed, unpainted, pumpkins at Carriage Hill MetroPark in the designated bins beginning November 1st. The staff will give collected pumpkins to the farm animals as a holiday snack.

You can also leave your clean, unwaxed, unpainted, pumpkins out in your yard for wildlife to snack on. Leave them out whole or break them up to make it easier for smaller critters and birds to make a meal.

Learn more about what to do with your pumpkins here.

Since 2011, Jon Reed has been an invaluable part of the Five Rivers MetroParks volunteer community, a role he returned to in 2023. His contributions span numerous events and locations, including trail maintenance at Possum Creek and Twin Valley, the Twin Valley Trail Challenge, and the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience. Jon's passion for the outdoors and his dedication to making our parks better for everyone shine through in everything he does.

Possum Creek MetroPark holds a special place in Jon's heart, becoming a favorite over the years for the variety it offers. "There are so many different things to do," Jon says, describing his enjoyment of the park's unique blend of activities and natural beauty. Whether it's maintaining trails or assisting with events, Jon approaches each task with enthusiasm and dedication.

One of Jon's favorite aspects of volunteering with Five Rivers MetroParks is the sense of community and camaraderie he feels working alongside staff and fellow volunteers. "Definitely working with the staff and the other volunteers," he shares. "It's my chance to get out and socialize. Everyone is very interested in what they're doing, so it makes it a whole lot of fun." Beyond socializing, volunteering offers Jon a way to stay active and appreciate all that the parks provide.

Jon's passion for the outdoors extends far beyond his work with MetroParks. A former mountaineer, he once used the parks' trails to train for summiting peaks like Mount Rainier and Mount Washington. "It (volunteering) fits the lifestyle I used to have," Jon explains. "It satisfies my love for the outdoors - what the outdoors means to me." His work on trail maintenance aligns perfectly with his love of nature and outdoor activity, allowing him to stay connected to the lifestyle he values.

Regional Park Manager Michael Osborne speaks highly of Jon's longstanding dedication and positive energy, recalling Jon as one of his first volunteers when he started as a Trail Tech in 2008. "Jon is a great guy with loads of positive energy," says Osborne. "Over the years, he has volunteered all over MetroParks. He constantly asks, 'what do you need done, where can I help?' His continued support of our Mission all these years is unwavering, and we can't begin to express how much we appreciate all his help."

Outside of his MetroParks service, Jon stays active and engaged. From skiing to golfing, he enjoys outdoor pursuits that keep him connected to nature. He also gives back in other ways by donating blood regularly and volunteering at election polls.

Jon Reed embodies the true spirit of Five Rivers MetroParks volunteers -dedicated, passionate, and always ready to lend a hand. His unwavering commitment to our parks and the natural world inspires us all.

Thank you, Jon, for your outstanding commitment, dedication, and support of Five Rivers MetroParks!

Interested in volunteering to support our trail maintenance opportunities? View our Trail Maintenance opportunities here!

Meet more amazing MetroParks volunteers in our Volunteer Spotlights!

Volunteer Positions & Upcoming Opportunities

Holiday Opportunities have Posted!

Join us for our annual holiday events - The Aullwood Winter Luminary Walk and Christmas on the Farm at Carriage Hill MetroPark! Get in the holiday spirit while giving back with Five Rivers MetroParks this season.

See something that interests you, but have questions? Contact a volunteer coordinator at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or by phone at #937-275-7275.

View our high need, high priority volunteer opportunities whenever you see this symbol below: 

Don't forget to FAN the volunteer positions with the opportunities you are most interested in supporting!

Administration

Administrative volunteers work behind the scenes on a variety of clerical projects to ensure that our frontline staff and volunteers have all they need to provide high-quality parks, programs, and services.

Germantown MetroPark, 1936!  Preserving and documenting our history and stories are important to our organization and our community.

Historical Research Volunteers:

Are you interested in local history? Help document the historical significance of Five Rivers MetroParks to our region by conducting independent research and collecting historical information about our parks. We are creating detailed timelines of our park histories to learn what stories to tell and how best to preserve our historical places. This volunteer opportunity can be completed independently, with regular check-ins with FRMP staff.  Please complete our History Research Interest Form, and a staff person will contact you to discuss a research topic.

Ambassador 

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 Allen White uses a broom to help clean the outer parts of the stalls.

"I am a longtime volunteer. The staff is friendly, helpful and professional. Outstanding facility. Horses, humans and buildings are well cared for." - Riding Center Volunteer

Barn Aide Volunteers:

Do you love being around horses? Don't mind getting your hands a bit dirty? We are now onboarding new volunteers at the Carriage Hill Riding Center! 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. This is a great opportunity for youth 14 and up who can make a commitment to ongoing volunteer service.

Note: This opportunity is open to volunteers ages 14 or older. For training, volunteers are asked to complete a virtual training at home and then attend an in-person Barn Aide Training onsite at the Carriage Hill Riding Center. Please click on the link below to access the virtual training materials and to RSVP to attend an upcoming training session.

Learn more and sign up to support this opportunity by clicking the green RSVP button below.

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. 

Volunteer Paul Westhafer helps keep 2nd Street Market clean and tidy for all the guests.

"Very rewarding, easy position." - Market Custodial Support Volunteer

Market Custodial Support:

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. 

Volunteers Ke'Sha Anderson, Candace Ingram, and Leslie Adkins get hot beverages ready for everyone after enjoying games outside.

"Great school garden! Wonderful to know the kids get to take home the vegetables and share them with the family. I feel its key to share gardening and food education with the children." - Adventure Central Volunteer

Adventure Central Program Assistant:

Love kids? Spend your time hanging out with the most adventurous youth in Dayton! The after-school program at Adventure Central promotes positive youth development, education, and leadership skills using an environmental foundation in a welcoming, safe, fun, active setting. These kids are just bursting with energy and excitement! The Program Assistant spends time helping in the homework room, assisting in the kitchen during mealtimes, or outdoors monitoring play time and getting roped into all sorts of shenanigans from playing in the creek to jumping rope, to gaga ball! This is a fun, rewarding volunteer opportunity for youth volunteers ages 14 and up!

Learn more and sign up to support this opportunity by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below.

Christmas on the Farm engages program support volunteers at a variety of high quality MetroParks programs - volunteer Cherie Kuhn enjoys working with kids on letters to Santa during this seasonal program.

"This was a fun volunteer shift. Looking forward to doing it again!" - Program Support Volunteer

Program Support Volunteers:

Are you a lifelong learner? Enjoy MetroParks many great educational programs while giving back at the same time as a Program Support volunteer! Program Support volunteers are critical in providing the public with high-quality, engaging programming like "try it" activities, skill building in beginning textile classes and workdays, and more individualized attention in youth and family activities. Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs for all interested in learning.  No previous experience and technical skills required to help!

Learn more and sign up to support this opportunity by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below.

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. 

Volunteers Erin Rose and Nicole Reading work on new patterns for winter wear and share new techniques they are learning.

Textile & Fiber Arts Volunteers:

Looking for a fun indoor activity during the cooler months? Share your skills, learn some new skills, and join the fun!   Textile volunteers support the historic farm behind the scenes using their skills to repair items, make historic apparel, and build a unique team. You'll have the chance to support right away while building on your skills by working on a variety of textile projects. These opportunities are also available for youth ages 16 and up. 

Learn more and sign up to support this opportunity by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below.

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.

Volunteers Ti'Yah Parker and Cherie Kuhn ready refreshments for visitors at Aullwood's Luminary Walk.

 Aullwood Winter Luminary Walk:

Get in the holiday spirit by volunteering with this year's Aullwood Winter Luminary Walk! The event is scheduled for Saturday, December 7th but plenty of help is needed before and after the event as well as during it. Help us clean up around the Aull House by raking leaves and pruning vegetation, decorate the house and the gardens, prepare the luminaries, light the luminaries, support refreshments, welcome guests, and more! This is a great opportunity for youth volunteers ages 14 and up!

View all the available volunteer opportunities and get signed up to be a part of this magical winter event by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below.

Christmas on the Farm:

Help us celebrate a Victorian Christmas on the historic farm at Carriage Hill MetroPark! Join us on Sunday, December 15 during this seasonal event and help bring the holiday to life at Carriage Hill.  Visitors will stroll through the farm and experience what it was like during the holidaysin the 1880s. Create lasting holiday memories for guests of all ages at this family-friendly event by supporting an activity, helping children write their letters to Santa, prepping and sharing evergreen bundles, prepping gingerbread, interpreting the farm, and more!

View all the available volunteer opportunities and get signed up to be a part of this historic holiday event by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below.

Get Connected Tech Tip: 

Are you Receiving our Emails?

We send out a variety of emails to volunteers sharing new volunteer opportunities that might be of interest or a good fit for you, emails about high need volunteer opportunities, check-in emails for documenting your volunteer hours and more. 

Here are some simple ways to ensure you receive these important emails:

1) Ensure we are on your safe-senders list for your personal email. 

Adding an email address to your safe senders list, is a simple yet crucial step in email security best practices. It simply means telling your mail service to always let certain emails in. It works by adding an address to a special list so that its emails arrive in your inbox and never get marked as spam.

Click here to learn how to add all emails from metroparks.org and galaxydigital.com to your safe senders list.

2) Adjust your email preferences in your Get Connected Volunteer Account.

Log in and click "Edit Profile" from your User Menu. On the right side of your profile screen, you will find "Data and Communication Settings". Click on "Manage My Preferences" and select the emails you would like to receive from us.

3) Update your Interests, Skills, and Availability in your Get Connected Volunteer Account.

Log in and click "Edit Profile" in the User Menu. Then, update your interests, skills, and availability. This will help the site and your volunteer coordinators match you with volunteer opportunities you are most interested in supporting.

4) FAN the Volunteer Positions that interest you most.

When you FAN a volunteer position you receive a weekly digest email for opportunities listed under that volunteer position including brand new opportunities. It also lets your volunteer services team know that you are interested in those opportunities. 

Log in and select "Volunteer Positions" from the left main navigation menu. Click the blue "FAN" button to easily and quickly fan the volunteer positions you are interested in supporting.

5) Check your Get Connected volunteer inbox.

Even if some emails didn't make it to your personal email inbox, they should be available to you in your Get Connected volunteer inbox. 

Log in and find your User Menu. From here, select inbox to open your Get Connected volunteer inbox and view all of your site emails.

View more great Get Connected Tech Tips on our Volunteer Blog here.

Volunteer Open House Sessions end for this year in November. Learn more about how to get connected and find the opportunities that excite you.  Use this link to sign up for one of the Volunteer Open House sessions.

Staff Lead Highlight: Jacob Cradic, Lead Horticulture Technician

Staff Highlights are a great way for volunteers to get to know our staff and for staff to share their work with volunteers.

Jacob began his journey at MetroParks as a full-time Horticulture Technician and quickly stepped into his current role as Lead Horticulture Technician. His passion for horticulture began when he worked as a landscaper at his aunt's dentist's office, where he first developed the skills that sparked his interest in this field. Although he hasn't yet pursued a formal degree in horticulture, Jacob plans to return to school to deepen his knowledge and further his career.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Jacob's role is seeing the difference his work makes in the parks, especially when park visitors express their appreciation for his efforts. He loves spending his days outside, fully immersed in nature, and feels grateful to have a career that aligns with his passion for the outdoors. "It's definitely something I look forward to every day," Jacob shares, underscoring the pride he takes in his contributions to MetroParks.

When asked about his approach to leading volunteers, Jacob emphasizes the importance of trust and understanding each volunteer's strengths. For him, effective leadership is about appreciating the diverse skills volunteers bring to the table. This understanding fosters an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated. Jacob credits volunteers for significantly improving his team's efficiency, saying they help "make a huge time difference" and bring a positive, can-do attitude that adds "a positive light to the day."

Volunteers at Five Rivers MetroParks have also shared positive feedback about working with Jacob. One first-time volunteer commented, "Jacob did a great job leading this event, and I appreciate his help for this 'first-timer' at volunteering for FRMP." Jacob is grateful for the way volunteers contribute to the mission of MetroParks, helping protect our region's natural heritage and create meaningful outdoor experiences. He believes that volunteer support is essential to MetroParks's mission, and he values the role they play in fostering a community connected to nature.

Jacob's dedication to his role and commitment to volunteer engagement make him an exceptional leader of volunteers!

We're excited to see how he continues to grow and inspire both his team and our volunteers. Join Jacob and other Cox Arboretum staff at one of the upcoming Cox Arboretum Gardening shifts! View Cox Arboretum Gardening 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, Jacob, for being a true supporter of volunteers and volunteerism at MetroParks!

Volunteer Appreciation

We have a new VIP apparel item coming for 2025! Can you guess what it is? Here's a hint - It will keep you really warm at all of those winter volunteer opportunities!

Returning in December- Volunteer Appreciation at Sunset at the Market: Holiday Magic

We're inviting our volunteers to join us at the 2nd Street Market for this year's Sunset at the Market: Holiday Magic event for a night of food, shopping, and fun! While everyone is invited to this free, public event, we're asking volunteers with 25 hours or more to RSVP so we can prepare your VIP items and exclusive MetroParks Money. Learn more and RSVP by clicking the green RSVP button. 

As we close October, we want to take time to thank all the volunteers who participated in our many events:

·    The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience - 324 volunteer spots filled allowing us to provide one of the best events yet for the public. Families and friends were able to gather in our park and enjoy music, food, demos, and participate in a host of free outdoor activities that will hopefully inspire them to spend more time outside in our parks all year long.

·    Fall Family Adventure at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark and the AC Harvest Party at Adventure Central - 46 volunteers helped us engage families in nature-friendly programming that celebrated all the beauty, wonder, and fun of Fall.

·    Make A Difference Day - Over 150 volunteers supported high impact projects across our parks like tree planting and maintenance, invasive species removal, litter pick up, trail maintenance and more ensuring our parks are ready for the coming winter season

To say October was busy is an understatement, and our volunteers were amazing at each opportunity.  Many worked multiple shifts and multiple events, and we are truly grateful for everyone's support. 

Thank you for volunteering!

Your Volunteer Services Team: Janelle Leonard, Allie Zimmerman, Yvonne Dunphe, Jenny Hymans, and Amanda Wheatley are all excited to see you supporting Five Rivers MetroParks!

Announcement: Volunteer Coordinator Janelle Leonard (Left) will be leaving Five Rivers MetroParks in November after 22 years with our parks. Although we are sad to see her go, we wish her all the best in her new position with Sinclair Community College. Thanks for your many years of dedicated support of volunteers and volunteerism at Five Rivers MetroParks, Janelle! Best of luck in the new position!

Janelle's last day will be November 15th. Afterward, Amanda Wheatley will take on supporting Administration volunteers including the Volunteer Couriers and Jenny Hymans will take on supporting Animal Care & animal Programming volunteers (currently Wildlife Ambassador and Carriage Hill Riding Center volunteers), as well as Court-Appointed volunteers until a new volunteer coordinator is hired.

If you'd like to join our team of dedicated volunteer coordinators, or know someone who would, details and application can be found at www.metroparks.org/careers. We expect this position to post mid-November.

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.

You can find us in the field and at our monthly Volunteer Open House Sessions.  We are at Cox Arboretum on the 2nd Tuesday and Carriage Hill on the 4th Thursday.  Use this link to sign up for one of the Volunteer Open House sessions.

Your Volunteer Services Team

Allie Zimmerman - Parks & Conservation # (937) 274-3176

Amanda Wheatley - Ambassador & Special Events, Interim Administration# (937) 275-7275

Yvonne Dunphe - Programming # (937) 277-4147

Jenny Hymans - Human Resources Manager of Volunteer Services, Interim: Animal Care & Animal Programming and Court Appointed Volunteer Service # (937) 567-1413