Staff Lead Highlight:

Andrea Reed, Outdoor Recreation Coordinator

Staff 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. 
 

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)

Allie 

Parks & Conservation # (937) 274-3176

Amanda

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

Yvonne

Outdoor Connections Programming # (937) 277-4147

Jenny

Human Resources Manager of Volunteer Services

Interim: Animal Care & Animal Programming and Court Appointed Volunteer Service # (937) 567-1413