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Five Rivers MetroParks Volunteer Newsletter - December 2025

Volunteer Spotlight: Cherie Kuhn - Sharing Yesterday with Farm Visitors Today

Our volunteers make such a huge impact in our parks and on our community. This month we are spotlighting Cherie Kuhn, a regular volunteer at Carriage Hill MetroPark. Cherie began volunteering in August 2022 after a friend introduced her to the many volunteer opportunities available at MetroParks. Cherie jumped in to support a couple of events right away including The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience and Fall Family Adventure and she was hooked! "I learned there was more than just trail work or needing to know the names of all the trees", she remarked. She liked the ability to choose volunteer activities based on her schedule and interests.

FEATURE: Volunteer News - Submit Your FAV MetroParks Photo, Recognize Your FAV Staff Lead, and More!

December Volunteer Opportunities: Get Outside (or inside) and Give Back at these Great Volunteer Opportunities!

Volunteers are still needed for two incredible holiday events coming up early in December - The Aullwood Winter Luminary Walk (Dec. 6) and Christmas on the Farm (Dec. 13)  - Look for these opportunities available NOW on Get Connected. Plus, coming up, don't miss out on this year's best indoor outdoor adventure opportunity -The Adventure Summit coming to Wright State University in February! Plus, Ice Rink Ambassador volunteers needed at RiverScape, Market Custodial Support at the 2nd Street Market, and Twin Valley Trail Workdays continue.

Get Connected Tech Tip: Time to Update Your Volunteer Information

As we close out this year, we want to share a few important tips to help you stay engaged, prepare for next season, and grow more comfortable with Get Connected.

Staff Lead Highlight: Kevin Reichling - MetroParks' Conservation Hero

Staff highlights are a great way for volunteers to get to know our staff and for our staff to share their work with volunteers. This month, we're excited to shine a light on Kevin Reichling, a dedicated Conservation Technician whose passion, knowledge, and leadership have made a lasting impact across Five Rivers MetroParks.

Five Rivers MetroParks Volunteer Newsletter - November 2025

As the weather cools, there's still plenty to do and explore in your MetroParks. Did you know MetroParks has a Mobile App that can be your field guide to our parks and trails? Learn more about our OuterSpatial app here and get out and explore your parks this season! Get in the holiday spirit while giving back with Five Rivers MetroParks this season! Volunteer opportunities for the Aullwood Winter Luminary Walk and Christmas on the Farm are now available on Get Connected. Indoor and outdoor volunteer opportunities are still available - join us indoors at the 2nd Street Market or outdoors in the gardens, on the trails, or in the barn at the Carriage Hill Riding Center. This is a beautiful time of year to support your parks.

FEATURE: Celebrating our Amazing Volunteers!

As we enter the season of gratitude, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to every volunteer who helped make this year and this event season unforgettable.

Volunteer Appreciation: Holiday Magic Returns to the 2nd Street Market!

As an extra special thank you to our volunteers who supported us in 2025, we're inviting you to join us at the 2nd Street Market for Holiday Magic - a night of food, shopping, fun, and thanks from Five Rivers MetroParks.

Volunteer Spotlight: Ellen Evans - From Retirement to Riding Center Hero

We are fortunate to have many amazing volunteers at Five Rivers MetroParks, and each month we take time to honor one. This month, we are recognizing Ellen Evans, a dedicated Riding Center volunteer since 2018.

November Volunteer Opportunities: Join us for a variety of indoor and outdoor volunteer opportunities this month. Plus, sign up to support our holiday events!

Get Connected Tech Tip: Meet with a Volunteer Coordinator in Person!