 There are many amazing volunteers at Five Rivers MetroParks, and each month we take time to honor one. This month we're spotlighting Deb Kozar who has been volunteering with us since 2018. Deb moved to Dayton in the Spring of 2016 after living in Germany for 28 years. She found a job as a substitute teacher with a daycare center and, while developing a summer camp program, she discovered the many wonderful parks in the Dayton area, their programs and resources, especially those geared for educators. She began attending programs on composting, Project Wild and No Child Left Inside curriculum training, and Teacher's Night Out programs. It was at these programs that Deb discovered volunteer opportunities with MetroParks' school programs. These combined Deb's love for the outdoors, her passion for teaching, and the joy of bringing both together for children in nature. Today, Deb continues to lead school programs throughout our MetroParks. Her Staff Lead Pam Lyons-Gromen says "Deb embodies our mission to connect students to nature through hands-on exploration. She has been called the "Swiss Army Knife" volunteer. Her backpack is always packed and ready with engaging props and activities. She is quick with fun facts and memorable rhymes: "Hairy vine, itchy friend of mine." I am so grateful for her contagious joy and energy!" She also helps mentor new volunteers and provides program support for a variety of high-quality MetroParks programs including Paint-a-Park and hiking programs. She has also volunteered as a judge for the local Outstanding Teacher Awards. Staff Lead Mary Beth Hobson shared, "Deb is a dedicated and kind person. She puts her whole heart into whatever task she is doing and it shows. She is creative and I can always depend on her to add great ideas and solutions to the program she volunteers for. I adore working with her." Deb's reason for volunteering? To encourage and show people all the opportunities that can be experienced outdoors. She shares, "Outdoors is more than watching out for poison ivy - one of my favorite plants by the way. I want to share how we all have a part in maintaining the sustainability of the world around us." Deb enjoys each of the MetroParks and likes that they each have their own distinct specialty. When she is not working or volunteering, she enjoys knitting, cooking, gardening, and "anything to get me outside." With so many great opportunities to experience the outdoors, Deb says she definitely needs more than 24 hours in a day to fit it all in! We're with you on that, Deb!  Thank you, Deb, for your outstanding commitment, dedication, and service to Five Rivers MetroParks! Explore opportunities to support our school programs, garden tour guides, program support volunteer opportunities, and more here. Meet more AMAZING MetroParks Volunteers in our Volunteer Spotlights on the Get Connected Volunteer Blog here. |
Celebrating our Newest Eagle Scout Projects
We're proud to recognize two outstanding Scouts who recently completed Eagle Scout projects that will make a lasting impact in our parks. Ethan Ehrhart partnered with the Carriage Hill Riding Lucas Hartley worked alongside our staff biologist to Thank you, Ethan and Lucas, for your initiative, dedication, and meaningful contributions to conservation and education in our MetroParks. Know a Scout looking for a meaningful project? We'd love to help! Visit our Scout Service Projects page in Get Connected to learn more. |
 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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Mar 31, 2025
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by Volunteer Services
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Center team to design and construct wooden display cases for the barn. These cases will help share program information, care instructions, photos, and policies - creating a welcoming, informative space for guests and volunteers alike. His thoughtful craftsmanship and collaboration with staff resulted in a project that will be appreciated for years to come. Carriage Hill Riding Center Equestrian Technician, Christina Northrup shared, "We are grateful for the wonderful cabinets that Ethan and his fellow Eagle Scouts built for inside and outside the Carriage Hill Riding Center. They are a beautiful addition to the space and give us a clean and protected place for Riding Center information."
support local wildlife by constructing 12 new bluebird boxes following specific conservation guidelines. These boxes will replace older units at Sugarcreek and Possum Creek MetroParks as part of our broader bluebird monitoring program. Our Biologist, Lisa Hill noted, "Lucas completed this project very quickly, turning in the boxes only a few weeks after initially reaching out. We're appreciative of his efforts to support our parks and wildlife monitoring."
