Volunteer Spotlight: Wendy DelRe - Connecting Kids with Nature

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Aug 30, 2024
by Volunteer Services

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Meet Wendy DelRe, a retired Montessori teacher who has continued to give back to youth and families as a MetroParks volunteer since 2016. Wendy shared she truly loves being around kids which is why she is passionate about connecting young kids with nature by supporting school field trips - "The kids have good insight!" she says.

Wendy also likes learning and being around the other volunteers. Pam Lyons Gromen, Outdoor Education Coordinator and Staff Lead said "I am always so happy to see Wendy on the field trip volunteer roster. She is one of the first to sign up for opportunities. Her long-time experience with the program reassures our newer volunteers, and her insights have been invaluable as we continually work to deliver field trip experiences that exceed expectations. " Volunteers have shared that Wendy makes them feel welcomed and helps them build confidence in their new role as volunteers.

Wendy has volunteered close to 500 hours supporting school field trips and special events like The Adventure Summit, Small Farm & Food Fest, Fall Family Adventure, Passport to MetroParks, and the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience. Wendy also supports the 2nd Street Market as a Market Ambassador and garden tours at Cox Arboretum and Wegerzyn Gardens MetroParks as a Garden Tour Guide.

She said she enjoys volunteering with MetroParks because she can explore different volunteer opportunities, choose the ones she likes most, and she knows that she is helping to connect others with the wonders and benefits of being nature through her volunteer service.

Five Rivers MetroParks holds a special place in Wendy's heart as not only is it the place where she chooses to give back and make a difference as a volunteer, but it's also the place where she got married and where her children grew up and played (Cox Arboretum MetroPark), and the place where she can escape and enjoy her free time today (Sugarcreek MetroPark).

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Thank you, Wendy, for your outstanding commitment, dedication, and service to Five Rivers MetroParks!

 If you share an interest in working with youth and are interested in joining Wendy as a School Program Volunteer, view the upcoming training for School Programs.


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 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 (PARK). 

Join us at an upcoming Volunteer Open House! 

Your Volunteer Services Team

Yvonne Dunphe - Outdoor Connections Programming #(937) 277-4147 

Allie Zimmerman - Parks & Conservation #(937) 274-3176 

Janelle Leonard - Administration & Animal Care #(937) 277-5445 

Amanda Wheatley Ambassador & Special Events #(937) 277-4109 

Jenny Hymans - Human Resources Manager of Volunteer Services #(937) 567-1413 

 

Return to the Volunteer Blog here.