 Our parks have a rich history, and many were important to Dayton residents years before they became MetroParks. One of the first MetroParks was Carriage Hill! You can find many fun things to see and do, like the Riding Center, the Historic Farm, Trails to enjoy nature and discover many of the birds in the re-established habitats, the fishing ponds and Dry Lick creek. Learn more about the history of our parks before they became part of Five Rivers MetroPark here. In this edition of the Volunteer Newsletter: FEATURE The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience Needs YOU this Weekend! CONSERVATION TIP VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Carl Henderson - Saving the World One Volunteer Opportunity at a Time OCTOBER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES GET CONNECTED TECH TIP New Get Connected Site Training for Volunteers Available NOW! STAFF LEAD HIGHLIGHT Kelly Bohrer, New Sustainability Manager VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION PARKWAYS ONLINE |
The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience Needs YOU!Be a part of the magic...as an event volunteer!Your favorite event, The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience, is returning to Eastwood MetroParks in just a few days - October 5th and 6th and we want to invite you to be a part of the magic that makes this event so special. As you know, volunteers make events like this one possible and we still need 100 volunteers this weekend to make this year's event a success. Can you help? Consider signing up for one or more of these fun volunteer opportunities and make a difference with us this weekend!
Most volunteer opportunities are open to volunteers ages 14 and up. View all of the available event volunteer opportunities here. New this year! Volunteers who sign up and support 2 or more shifts at this event will receive a FREE event-branded stainless steel pint as a thank you for dedicated service. Plus, event volunteers have access to a variety of volunteer perks including volunteer parking and event hospitality! We hope you'll join us at this year's Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience as part of the amazing team that makes this event not only possible, but the Midwest's Premier Outdoor Adventure Festival! If you've already signed up to volunteer at this year's event - thank you! Your support is what makes our parks, programs, and indeed our community great! Please help us spread the work by sharing with your community of friends, family, coworkers, etc. and encouraging them to sign up and join you as a volunteer at the event! After the event, you can keep the fun rolling all season long by joining us as a volunteer at these other great MetroPark events: Fall Family Adventure and Make A Difference Day! Learn more below under this month's volunteer opportunities. Thank you for volunteering! |
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Autumn brings all the beautiful colors of the trees, and then the abundance of those fallen leaves! Reducing waste, conserving energy, and making eco-conscious choices, all add up to a healthier community. Here are some ways to make autumn a more sustainable season: #1 tip - It is all about the leaves! Leave the leaves - they are important for healthy soils and sustainable landscapes. As the leaves fall, you can use an old-fashioned rake to clean up your yard. While a leaf blower may get the job done faster, it uses energy that can harm the environment. Reuse the leaves by turning them into mulch for your plants or compost them to enrich your soil. #2 tip - Bring plants inside! Consider bringing some plants indoors! For some, it is an easy way to overwinter them and some can clean the air inside and brighten your home. Houseplants can help to improve your indoor air quality and can have multiple benefits such as boosting productivity, increasing levels of calmness and optimism, reducing stress, and lowering blood pressure. * #3 tip - Think reusable mugs! Instead of single-use cups that end up in landfills, use reusable mugs or travel tumblers. Did you know 16 million disposable coffee cups are used each year? Do the earth a favor and take your mug to your favorite coffee shop! You'll get a free resusable stainless-steel pint as a thank you for volunteering for 2 or more shifts at this year's Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience! #4 tip - Shop small businesses and shop local. Autumn starts the shopping season, so implement simple
sustainable measures. Most are aware of bringing your own bags or purchasing
items with less packaging but consider buying local and with small businesses
to help support your community. #5 tip - Be informed. Five Rivers MetroParks has a 10 year, 1.0 mill levy on the ballot this November. The levy would cost under $3/month per $100,000 of appraised property value. Learn more about what this levy would support and how it will affect our parks and our community moving forward here. Learn more with these additional links:
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If you've been to a special event at Five Rivers MetroParks, there's a good chance you've seen the smiling face of Master Recycler volunteer, Carl Henderson. With his amazingly positive attitude, willingness to step in when and where needed, and overall energy and enthusiasm for Five Rivers MetroParks, Carl shines as a volunteer! Carl, a native Daytonian, spent some time other cities in Ohio before returning to Dayton in 2018, when he began volunteering as a 2nd Street Market Ambassador volunteer. Of the Market, Carl said "2nd St. Market is a gem to our community." He noted that the Market is "giving people an outlet and resource to get groceries." He explained the importance of such a resource in Dayton, an area considered a food desert. Carl was originally drawn to volunteering with MetroParks because of our sustainability mission and was told about volunteering by a previous MetroParks employee. In 2020, Carl started the Master Recycler class, held periodically in partnership with Montgomery County Solid Waste District. After Covid closures, he returned to serving as a Master Recycler with Five Rivers MetroParks and Montgomery County Solid Waste District. Carl is always quick to sign up for these opportunities and it's clear through speaking with him that he truly has a passion for spreading awareness of sustainable practices and protecting our environment. When asked why he likes volunteering for sustainability opportunities he said, "Because we're working to save the environment. We're working to make this planet better for everyone. The relationships that I've built through sustainability (opportunities) have been life changing and I've made friends for life." When not serving as a Master Recycler or 2nd Street Market Ambassador, Carl likes visiting Eastwood and Englewood MetroParks most. He spoke enthusiastically of Eastwood saying, "I enjoy going to Outdoor X and volunteering there. Eastwood is an all-you-can-eat buffet!" He noted that Eastwood is a great place to sit by the water, enjoy the breathtaking trees, picnic, or even camp! Five Rivers MetroParks is not the only place where Carl is staying involved and helping his community. He also serves as a Deacon at his church and volunteers for the Central and Southern Ohio Chapters of the National Kidney Foundation. He started volunteering with the Foundation in 2016 and helps as a volunteer with their kidney walk, fundraising, and their gala. Carl is drawn to this cause through a personal connection, as he has family and a close friend with kidney-related illnesses. When asked about the benefits of volunteering, Carl said, "You serve your community. I believe that we're called as Christians to be stewards. By serving the community you help others. The MetroParks have helped so many people. Whether that's giving them their first job or other resources. It gives them the opportunity to have that luxury where they can have that retreat where they can enjoy nature and feel safe without a care in the world." He encourages others to volunteer with these words, "Your community depends on you to volunteer for MetroParks because MetroParks is a valuable resource for those struggling economically, for education on nature and how it works, and to explore. It is one of the most self-rewarding things you will ever do." Kelly Bohrer, staff lead and Sustainability Manager, enjoys having Carl as part of her team and shared "Carl has been an invaluable volunteer for our sustainability and zero waste efforts at Five Rivers MetroParks. His commitment, energy, and accountability shine through in every task, no matter what the task is. His deep knowledge of recycling, coupled with his organization and willingness to tackle even the 'dirtiest' jobs with enthusiasm, makes him a key part of our team. Carl's passion for sustainability and his ability to inspire others have helped us move closer to our zero waste goals." Carl, an employee at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, will be starting a Master's degree program in September. His goal is to work in a sustainability role with his supply chain experience. Carl says of MetroParks, "You guys helped me find my passion and calling for the environment." If you see Carl in the parks, ask him for some tips on how to live more sustainably and wish him well in his studies. You can also support Carl's passion by joining him at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience at one of the Sustainability Team Opportunities! Thank you for your dedication, outstanding attitude, and support of Five Rivers MetroParks, Carl! Meet more amazing Metroparks' volunteers in our monthly Volunteer Spotlights here.
Five Rivers MetroParks recently lost a dedicated long-term volunteer, Ed Stevenson. Learn more about Ed's service and the impact of his generous support here. If you'd like to share a story about Ed, we'd like to encourage you to share with his community of family and friends here. Thank you, Ed for your heart for service. You will be missed. |
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Volunteer Positions & Upcoming OpportunitiesEvent Volunteers Needed!Come on out and support your MetroParks this month at a variety of fun, family-friendly events! 100 Volunteers are needed to support The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience coming up October 5th and 6th, as well as Fall Family Adventure and Make A Difference Day - all happening this month in your MetroParks ! Learn more and sign up to lend your helping hands below. See something that interests you but have questions? Contact a volunteer coordinator at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or by phone at #937-275-7275.
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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.  Volunteers help keep our trails in shape and safe, and they even have time for a quick photo break during a trail workday!
TRAIL SUPPORT! If you love the outdoors and want to help keep trails in good condition, join us at our trail maintenance volunteer opportunities! We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help keep our trails in tip-top shape for all visitors to enjoy. No experience necessary, just a willingness to get your hands a little dirty and a love for the great outdoors. Plus, you'll get to meet some like-minded folks and maybe even spot some wildlife along the way. - NEW! Englewood Trail Maintenance - HIGH NEED! Sugarcreek Trail Maintenance - Twin Valley Trail Maintenance
View all the available opportunities and sign up to make a difference by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below.
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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.
The annual Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience is rapidly approaching and volunteer opportunities are still available! Our High Need is Program Support and we need YOU! Learn more about these exciting opportunities and sign up by clicking the blue highlighted opportunities. - Try Paddlesports (Boat Assistants, Life Jacket Assistants, Line & Safety Assistants) - Bike Opportunities (Pump Track, Try Cycling, Try Mountain Biking and Tot Track)
View all the available opportunities and sign up to make a difference by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below.
Fall Family Adventure: Help us celebrate the beauty and joy of the Fall season at this year's Fall Family Adventure at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, Saturday, October 19th from 3:30-7:30pm! Volunteers make it all possible by supporting various family-friendly programming activities. Find the programming opportunity that most resonates with you - your skills, interests, and where you think you would have the most FUN! Learn more and sign up below. - Face Painting Artisans - Do artistic, creative, and cheerful describe you? Face painting is an amazing colorful opportunity that creates memorable experiences for children and adults. - Program Support - Crafters - Have that creative spirit? Love working with crayons, construction paper and glue? Help create the Fall magic and memories! - Program Support - Family Games - Ready to have some fun? The game areas are where fun and laughter can be heard all through the park. Volunteers will enjoy these activities just as much as the families. - Program Support - Nature Knowledge - Enjoy talking, sharing, and engaging visitors with nature? Volunteers are an essential part of MetroParks helping individuals and families make a stronger connection to nature. - Program Support - Themed Character - Do you enjoy dressing up for Halloween and getting into the character? Our Themed Character volunteers change a program and enhance the visitor experience and engagement. View all the available opportunities and sign up to make a difference by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below.
NEW! Diversity 101 Training Series: |
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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.
Volunteers, 16 and older, can learn and share skills
will helping support projects for MetroParks at the Textile workdays! Textile and Fiber Arts Volunteers: Textile Workday - Share your skills and join the fun! Did you know skills like sewing, crocheting, knitting, and weaving are highly valued and in need? Are you interested in supporting behidn the scenes or maybe demonstrating these skills for visitors? Volunteers are supporting Carriage Hill MetroPark 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 available for youth ages 16 and up and adults. View all the available opportunities and sign up to make a difference by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below.  Interested in interpreting life on a 19th century farm? Learn more about becoming a Historic Interpreter with us! No previous experience is required - we'll train you. |
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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 serve a critical role in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from set-up to tear down. 
The annual Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience is rapidly approaching and volunteer opportunities are still available! Don't miss the chance to be a part of this exciting community event filled with demonstrations, try-it activities, live music, food trucks, info booths, and more! This year we are adding an extra incentive for those who volunteer multiple shifts because it is YOU that makes a difference at this event! View all the available opportunities and sign up to make a difference by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below.
Join us Saturday, Oct. 26 from 9 AM to noon for
Make a Difference Day at Five Rivers MetroParks! Community members of all ages will work at
various sites throughout Five Rivers MetroParks to help us clean up our parks
and prepare for the winter season. Make a Difference Day is a great way to get
outside and give back this October. Register your family, friends, or your work
group and get everyone outside to make a difference! View all the available opportunities and sign up to make a difference by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below. |
Support Our Partners
Foundation volunteers make a huge impact at 2nd Street Market in the Wegerzyn Gift & Garden Shop. Wegerzyn Gardens Foundation: Gift and Garden Shop Foundation volunteers are needed to support the Gift and Garden Shop, located at the 2nd Street Market. Proceeds from the gift shop support special projects and programs at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. For more information or to get started as a Wegerzyn Gardens Foundation volunteer, please contact the foundation at contact@wegerzyngardensfoundation.org. |
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Volunteer Appreciation: Calling MetroParks Fans and Photogs! We want YOUR favorite photos of your MetroParks!
Plus, New VIP Item Coming in December! Here's a hint - its perfect for volunteering in the colder months of the year! Can you guess what it is?!You can view VIP items currently available and request your VIP apparel items through our VIP Item Request Form available in the main navigation menu on Get Connected. |
 Stay up to date on the latest Five Rivers MetroParks news! Here's the latest featured stories: MetroParks Monthly - Programs and Events for October MetroParks to Place Levy Request on November Ballot Know before you go: Tips to shrink the line, essentials to bring and more for this weekend's Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience Hundreds of volunteers needed to support Fall projects in MetroParks |
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Oct 1, 2024
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by Volunteer Services
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View our high-need, high-priority volunteer opportunities here
