 This month, we are shining our spotlight on James Pugh, a regular volunteer at family-friendly events and our Summer Music Series. James is usually one of the first warm and friendly faces to greet you. James Pugh works for the Airforce Security Assistance Center (AFSAC) at Wright-Patterson Airforce Base where a sense of civic duty is ingrained in staff. AFSAC, known for its commitment to community engagement, organizes an annual volunteer workday at MetroParks. "It's important for us to contribute to the community where we live and work", James shared. It was during one of these AFSAC volunteer days that a spark was ignited for James. After the safety briefing and introduction to MetroParks, the project for the day, and available volunteer opportunities, a brochure caught his eye. He signed up to volunteer at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience and has been volunteering with MetroParks ever since. James said the experience opened his eyes to the diverse ways he could contribute to the park system. "From removing invasive species to supporting outdoor events, the opportunities are plentiful and rewarding." Last year, the AFSAC volunteered at Carriage Hill MetroPark for a group workday and their efforts contributed to the ongoing battle against invasive species, helping to maintain the park's ecological balance. James says his story serves as a reminder that service comes in many forms. Whether it's through military service, community involvement, or a simple act of volunteering, everyone has the potential to make a positive difference. And for this Air Force employee, the journey began with a lesson learned in church and continues with a passion for preserving the natural beauty in his community. James says it's now the ongoing satisfaction of contributing to something so valuable for the community, the dedication of our MetroPark staff and fellow volunteers, and the fun that keeps him coming back. After that initial AFSAC workday, he started exploring other opportunities with MetroParks and found plenty that caught his interest. He jumped in on Make A Difference Day, got wonderfully muddy at Mud Day, helped people explore the parks with Passport to MetroParks, and even joined in the fall fun at Fall Family Adventure. "Each opportunity is the chance to experience the parks in different ways and connect with different people. Each event has its own unique charm and allows me to contribute my skills in different capacities. Mud Day is just pure fun, while Passport to MetroParks allows me to share my enthusiasm for the parks with others." James has also served as an ambassador for the RiverScape Summer Music Series which he says, "is a fantastic way to enjoy the music while helping others do the same." He also always tries to make time for workdays because "there's something satisfying about getting your hands dirty and contributing the park's upkeep." April DeBrosse, RiverScape Program Coordinator, shared, "James always arrives at RiverScape with a smile! He seems to genuinely want to be in the park with us and stays very active throughout the evening, going above and beyond what is laid out in the request. When he works with newer volunteers, he is very kind and helpful to make sure they feel comfortable, too. Our team really enjoys having James volunteer at RiverScape, he has become a recognizable member of the Summer Music Series staff and we are very thankful to have him with us!" It's not surprising that when pressed, James says serving as the RiverScape Summer Music Series Ambassador is probably his favorite volunteer opportunity. "Being an ambassador allows me to combine all three loves - music, outdoors, and connecting with people! It's so rewarding to help people navigate the event, answer their questions, and ensure they have a great time. Plus, I get to enjoy the music too! There's a real sense of community at those concerts, and I feel privileged to be a part of it. It's a reminder that even small acts of service can contribute to something larger and more meaningful." RiverScape Program Coordinator, Rachel Baney, says "Anytime I see James' name on the list, I know we are in good hands for the evening. He has the Summer Music Series down to a "T". As soon as he arrives onsite, he starts pulling out chairs and checking off other tasks - not just the ones that we've directly promoted as part of the volunteer opportunity, but ones that he has observed us do and knows he can help with. He always sticks around to help our team tear down chairs and assist wherever else we might need it at the end of the night, helping us all get home at a decent hour. His willingness to not only walk around and interact with our guests during the event, but to also assist our team readily, is greatly appreciated. Whether we are setting up, tearing down, talking about the MetroParks, or trading travel stories, he's just all around really great to have onsite at our events!" James still manages to volunteer in the community beyond MetroParks. Living in Springboro, he is heavily involved with Ohio Veterans Outdoors. He shared, "It's an organization that's very close to my heart, as we provide outdoor experiences and education to combat-wounded, ill, and injured veterans. Our mission is to promote veteran wellness through outdoor activities, and it's incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact these experiences have on their lives."  Thank you, James, for your outstanding commitment, dedication, and service to Five Rivers MetroParks and your Miami Valley community! If you share an interest in special events like James, check out volunteer opportunities at Small Farm & Food Fest and opportunities at RiverScape MetroPark this season. Meet more AMAZING MetroParks volunteers here in our Get Connected Volunteer Blog! |
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 Sam 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 TeamParks & Conservation # (937) 274 - 3176 Ambassador & Special Events, Interim Administration # (937) 277- 4109 Outdoor Connections Programming # (937) 277- 4147 Animal Care and animal Programming # (937) 274 - 4502 Human Resources Manager of Volunteer Services # (937) 567-1413 Return to the Volunteer Blog here. |
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Jul 1, 2025
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by Volunteer Services
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