Blog | Five Rivers MetroParks

Staff Lead Highlight: Pam Lyons Gromen, Education Coordinator & Staff Lead

Aug 30, 2024 by Volunteer Services

We are fortunate to have dedicated staff who truly bring our mission to life, help connect individuals to nature and support our efforts in our community. Pam Lyons Gromen joined the Outdoor Education team last fall and is the staff working with the schools and teachers to have a more engaging outdoor classroom at MetroParks.

Staff Lead Highlight: Jennifer Davit, Horticulturalist & Staff Lead at Cox Arboretum MetroPark

Jul 25, 2024 by Volunteer Services

At Five Rivers MetroParks, we're lucky to have dedicated staff who truly bring our mission to life. One standout is Jennifer Davit, our talented Horticulturist at Cox Arboretum MetroPark. Jennifer joined us in April 2023, starting with the Urban Zone before moving to Cox Arboretum in October. At Cox, she's inspired by the Pollinator Habitat, the Barbara Cox Center for Sustainable Horticulture, and the Maimon Memorial Garden, which focuses on edible landscaping.

Feature: Volunteer Updates - Kiosks coming to Carriage Hill, New Staff Lead Bingo, and more!

May 30, 2024 by Volunteer Services

NEW Get Connected Kiosks coming to Carriage Hill MetroPark! The first kiosk was installed and is already in use at the Carriage Hill Riding Center. The second will be installed by the Visitor Services desk inside the Carriage Hill MetroPark Visitor Center by June 1st.

Staff Lead Highlight: Meet our Dedicated Trail Team - Stewards of Nature and Volunteer Engagement

May 30, 2024 by Volunteer Services

Behind the scenes of every well-kept trail lies a dedicated team of individuals committed to preserving our natural landscapes and providing high-quality trail experiences for everyone. At Five Rivers MetroParks, we're proud to introduce you to our stellar trail team, whose passion for maintaining excellent trails and engaging volunteers in meaningful service shines through with every trail they hike.

Staff Lead Highlight: Elisabeth Bacon, Horticulture Technician at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark

Apr 30, 2024 by Volunteer Services

Elisabeth Bacon has been working with Five Rivers MetroParks for three years as a Horticulture Technician at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark Her primary responsibility is to maintain visually appealing displays, gardens, and landscapes within the park

Staff Lead Highlight: Elizabeth Langford, Horticulturalist at Aullwood Garden MetroPark

Mar 31, 2024 by Volunteer Services

Elizabeth Langford has been long acquainted with the outdoors and gardening which in part led her to an Apprenticeship position with Five Rivers MetroParks at Aullwood Garden in 2014. In 2022, Beth became the horticultural technician, then in early 2023, she became the Site Leader at Aullwood Garden and in the fall of 2023, she became the Horticulturalist.

Staff Lead Highlight: Franz Kirchner, Lead Horticulture Technician

Feb 29, 2024 by Volunteer Services

Franz Kirchner has been employed at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark for nearly five years. He started in a Seasonal position, then moved on to a Part-time position, followed by a Full-time role, and is now the Lead Horticulture Technician. Talk about growth! In his current position, Franz enjoys connecting visitors and volunteers with nature. He believes that gardens and nature are excellent places to unwind and recharge, and he is enthusiastic about creating and providing these spaces for others to enjoy.

Staff Lead Highlight: Lisa Zoromski, Biologist

Feb 1, 2024 by Volunteer Services

Lisa Zoromski has been working at Five Rivers MetroParks for 2.5 years as the Biologist. In her role, Lisa supports a wide range of environmental projects and enjoys collaborating with local universities and organizations to implement conservation efforts and research projects. Lisa notes, "I enjoy learning from the researchers on how to better manage conservation".

Staff Lead Highlight: Dan Kuebler, Hills and Dales Park Manager

Jan 1, 2024 by Volunteer Services

Dan Kuebler has been passionately managing 63 acres of creeks, rolling hills, dense woods, wildflowers, and wetlands at Hills & Dales MetroPark since 2019.

Staff Lead Highlight: 2nd Street Market Staff - Lynda, Sally, and Sandra

Nov 30, 2023 by Volunteer Services

If you've volunteered for a shift at the 2nd street Market, you've had the pleasure of working with Lynda, Sally or Sandy, the dynamic dream team that keeps the rhythm of the Market flowing. Volunteer shifts at the Market currently include the Market Ambassador, Market Program Support, Market Custodial Support, as well as a Wegerzyn Gift & Garden Shop opportunity offered through our partner organization, the Wegerzyn Gardens Foundation.