Volunteer Spotlight: Ken Evanchuck
A lifelong outdoorsman and lover of nature, Ken Evanchuck first joined the MetroParks volunteer team as part of our controlled bowhunting program. Once he learned that bowhunters who give 25 volunteer hours annually are guaranteed a spot in the program and can then bypass the lottery drawing, Ken began looking for additional volunteer opportunities.
With his friendly demeanor and gift of gab, Ken was a natural fit for an Ambassador role. He accompanied Volunteer Services staff to several volunteer fairs and community events around the Miami Valley, assisting with the MetroParks booth, answering questions and handing out literature. Ken then settled into a weekly Visitor Center Ambassador role at Cox Arboretum, where he is able to point out all his favorite park features to visitors (Don't miss the tulip display in the Edible Landscape Garden! Be sure to check out the tree tower!)
Since starting with the MetroParks in 2019, Ken has expanded his volunteer experiences based on his personal interests. He completed equipment training to operate the zero turn riding lawn mower and learned to drive the 8-passanger tram, which allows us to provide driving tours of the Arboretum to those who have physical challenges. He's assisted at fishing programs helping youth reel in their first catch, as well as participated in controlled prairie burns to rejuvenate our native prairies.
You may run into Ken volunteering as a Visitor Center Ambassador at Cox Arboretum this summer. Our resident "hot n' spicy" expert, be sure to ask him about his hot pepper garden and his special Death Dust seasoning!
See a video of Ken speaking about his experiences as a MetroParks volunteer here.
Thank you, Ken for your generous support of Five Rivers MetroParks!
Meet More Amazing Five Rivers MetroParks Volunteers in our Volunteer Spotlights
