Five Rivers MetroParks Volunteer Positions & Upcoming Opportunities 

Summer is here and it is getting hot! Support our gardens this month and ensure they are getting the extra care in the heat they need. A variety of gardening opportunities are available weekday mornings and on Saturday at this month's Service Saturday! Plus, way to support our parks on the water as a Safety Boater AND Small Farm & Food Fest opportunities have posted!

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?  

Did you know that there are many volunteer opportunities that can be adapted to accommodate volunteers with different abilities? Request an accommodation by contacting our team. Or join us at a Volunteer Open House where we can discuss your needs, interests, and accommodations needed to help find the right volunteer opportunities for you with MetroParks!

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.    

Volunteer Chris Skomrock helps to weed the Demonstration Garden at Possum Creek MetroPark. 

Gardening Across our MetroParks:

With the sun high and temperatures climbing, it's more important than ever to care for our community's green spaces and gardens. To help us stay safe and comfortable while making a difference, all shifts for our gardening opportunities are scheduled in the morning, so we can beat the heat and get the job done during the coolest part of the day.

Join us for gardening activities at various location including:

• Aullwood Garden
• Carriage Hill 
• Cox Arboretum
• Possum Creek
• RiverScape and Urban Parks
• Wegerzyn Gardens

Click the blue VOLUNTEER button to view all of our gardening opportunities across MetroParks and RESPOND to sign up.  

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.  

For volunteers on the Historic Farm, sharing and learning is part of the experience during a typical weekend shift.

Volunteer Historic Interpreters:

Historic Interpreter Volunteers embody the spirit of the 1880's during this opportunity, immersing visitors in a captivating journey through time. They create a vibrant connection to the rich history of Carriage Hill, allowing guests to experience the daily rhythms and challenges of life on a bustling 1880's working farm. With their period attire and authentic activities, these dedicated individuals bring the past to life, inviting everyone to engage with the traditions, stories, and the charm of a bygone era. 

Does this sound like the perfect spot for you? Join us as a Historic Interpreter Volunteer! No previous experience is required - We'll train you! 

Click the blue VOLUNTEER button below to learn more and RESPOND to start training today. Or head over to our Volunteer Training Library to learn more about the training required for this opportunity and get started.  

Volunteers Georgette Hall and Cherie Kuhn help bring the Story Time program to life at Carriage Hill with a hands-on butter making activity for the kids. 

Program Support Volunteers:

Are you passionate about helping others learn and grow? If so, we invite you to become a vital part of the MetroParks community as a Program Support Volunteer! This is an exciting opportunity for you to contribute to a variety of enriching programs that inspire curiosity and creativity, including "try it" activities, beginner textile classes, workdays, and personalized youth and family support. 

As a volunteer, you play an essential role in making our programs accessible and welcoming to everyone. Your efforts help create a safe and comfortable environment where first-time learners can thrive and develop new skills. Further, you'll have the chance to connect individuals with the wonders of nature by ensuring they have enjoyable outdoor experiences. 

We're searching for enthusiastic individuals just like YOU to provide generalized program support at a variety of programs this season. View the variety of program support opportunities and RESPOND to sign up by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below. 

Volunteer Safety Boater, Amy Anslinger, gets in the water on one of the cooler days for paddling support. 

Safety Boater Volunteer Training:

Join us in making a meaningful difference as a Safety Boater volunteer! Your involvement is crucial to delivering high-quality and engaging programming on the water to the public. As a volunteer supporting Paddlesport classes and activities, you'll assist with the essential tasks of monitoring participants in the water and keeping them safe, all while contributing to memorable experiences for our community.  By successfully completing the training, you will be a confident Safety Boater, ready to facilitate rescues for capsized participants and provide guidance to those struggling with their paddling technique. Significant paddling experience is required to qualify. Learn more and RSVP to the upcoming training by clicking the green RSVP button below. RSVP is required to attend. 

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 service a critical role in ensuring each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from set up to tear down.

Small Farm & Food Fest:

Small Farm & Food Fest is a free all-ages event promoting healthy eating and sustainable living with dozens of hands-on activities, a pop-up farmers market, demonstrations, and speakers with educational sessions. This Carriage Hill MetroPark event is a mix of modern-day and historical farming, gardening, homesteading, and food preparation information. 

Volunteers are needed for setup, teardown, program support, and more! View available opportunities and RESPOND to sign up by clicking the blue VOLUNTEER button below. We'd love to have your support!

Happy 4th of July from YOUR Volunteer Services Team!

Pictured Left to Right: Tatum (summer student partnership volunteer), Jenny, Allie, Amanda, Yvonne, and introducing our newest volunteer coordinator Samantha Lowe! 

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 

Allie 

Parks & Conservation # (937) 274 - 3176

Amanda

Ambassador & Special Events, Interim Administration # (937) 277- 4109

Yvonne

Outdoor Connections Programming # (937) 277- 4147

Sam

Animal Care and animal Programming # (937) 274 - 4502

Jenny

Human Resources Manager of Volunteer Services

# (937) 567-1413

Return to the Volunteer Blog here.