Blog

Staff Lead Highlight: Rachel Baney, RiverScape Program Coordinator  A Decade of Leadership and Volunteer Impact at RiverScape

In November, volunteer staff lead, Rachel Baney will celebrate a milestone - 10 years as a RiverScape Program Coordinator with Five Rivers MetroParks. Though her job title hasn't changed, the path she's walked is rich with growth, creativity, and dedication to both her team and the community she serves.

Staff Lead Highlight: Dan Spaugy, Park Manager at Wesleyan MetroPark

Staff Lead Highlights are a great way for volunteers to get to know our staff and for staff to share their work with volunteers. This month we are pleased to feature Dan Spaugy, Park Manager at Wesleyan MetroPark.

Staff Lead Highlight: Nicole Freshour, Conservation Coordinator

This month, we're excited to feature Nicole Freshour, a Conservation Coordinator and SE Zone Steward with Five Rivers MetroParks. Since joining MetroParks in October 2019 as a Conservation Technician, Nicole has been dedicated to restoring and maintaining natural areas, fostering biodiversity, and inspiring others to connect with the outdoors.

Staff Lead Highlight: Mary Andrick, Horticulture Technician at Aullwood Garden MetroPark

This month, we're thrilled to highlight Mary Andrick, one of our talented Horticulture Technicians at Aullwood Garden MetroPark. With nearly two years at MetroParks, Mary brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for plants, making a significant impact on our parks and the people who visit them.

Staff Lead Highlight: Jacob Cradic, Lead Horticulture Technician at Cox Arboretum MetroPark

Staff Lead Highlight: Kelly Bohrer, New Sustainability Manager  

Staff Lead Highlights are a great way for volunteers to get to know our staff and for staff to share their work with volunteers.  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. This month we are highlighting one of our newer staff leads, Kelly Bohrer, Sustainability Manager.

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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.