Blog | Five Rivers MetroParks

Volunteer Spotlight: Sue Steinke - Volunteer Variety is the Spice of Retired Life

Jul 25, 2024 by Volunteer Services

Sue Steinke, lifelong Daytonian, said "You don't know what is out there until you get out and investigate. I have greatly enjoyed the parks and now that I am retired I feel I should show my appreciation by volunteering. I like working outside but I am also interested in reviving my textile arts skills, a lifelong interest for me."

Volunteer Spotlight: Volunteers Recognized by Governor's Office

Jun 30, 2024 by Volunteer Services

We're thrilled to share that both our dedicated volunteer, Ed Stevenson, and our Cox Arboretum Woodworking volunteer group were recently nominated for a prestigious ServeOhio Award. The ServeOhio Awards are designed to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of individuals, groups, and initiatives across Ohio that have made significant impacts on their communities through service and volunteerism.

Volunteer Spotlight: Frank Beitel - Exploring Our Trails and Our History

May 30, 2024 by Volunteer Services

Frank Beitel has enjoyed going to parks for much of his life and, now that he's retired, enjoys walking the parks with his grand dog. It was during one of these walks through Wesleyan MetroPark that Frank was inspired to give back to the parks that he and his grand dog love.

Volunteer Spotlight: Colleen Girard - Trail Enthusiast and Park Ambassador

Apr 30, 2024 by Volunteer Services

Colleen Girard, who started volunteering in 2023, has already given over 150 hours of service to Five Rivers MetroParks. She said she participated in the MetroParks Trails Challenge (now 4th year), and once she retired, she wanted to continue her outdoor activities and meet new people while giving back to the community.

Volunteer Spotlight: Ed Stevenson - A Heart for Service

Mar 31, 2024 by Volunteer Services

If you've helped at a Twin Valley Trail Workday, participated in the Twin Valley Trail Challenge, or joined us at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience, you've likely crossed paths with volunteer Ed Stevenson. Ed joined our volunteer team in March of 2016 after his wife and he moved to the area to be closer to their grandkids. "Five Rivers looked interesting, so I decided to give it a try. I'm so glad I did", said Ed. In Ed's 8 years of volunteer service, he has volunteered over 2,100 hours! Ed primarily volunteers to support opportunities in Conservation, Park Maintenance, and Special Events, opportunities like Prescribed Prairie Burns, Trail Maintenance, MVPs, and Tram Driving.

Volunteer Spotlight: Miamisburg High School Vocational Block Program - Learning about Nature and Getting a Sense of Accomplishment

Feb 29, 2024 by Volunteer Services

Meet the Vocational Block Program class of 2023-2024 at Miamisburg High School. This dedicated class volunteers in the gardens at Cox Arboretum MetroPark throughout the school year. These students may be volunteering in the gardens at Cox Arboretum MetroPark today, but they're also learning skills they can use in the future.

Volunteer Spotlight: Paul and Nanette Zanowick - Partners in life and in volunteer service

Feb 1, 2024 by Volunteer Services

Meet Paul and Nanette Zanowick - Partners in life and in volunteer service. Paul and Nanette started volunteering with Five Rivers MetroParks in 2005. In their nearly two decades of volunteer service with MetroParks, they have supported backpacking and conservation opportunities, primarily serving as volunteer Team Leaders in the Deer Management Program at Sugarcreek MetroPark.

Volunteer Spotlight: Richard White - Connecting Your Passions to Giving Back

Jan 1, 2024 by Volunteer Services

Richard White began volunteering with us in 2017 supporting the Outdoor Recreation team. He enjoyed working with the staff while supporting a variety of activities connected to his passions: cycling, paddling, and of course, great parks!

Volunteer Spotlight: Rebecca Schenking - Continuing a Family Tradition of Volunteering

Nov 30, 2023 by Volunteer Services

Rebecca Schenking comes from a family who not only valued volunteer service, but also made volunteering a family tradition. Whether it is a garden workday, supporting a program, participating in one of our events, or enjoying some R&R with family, you can be sure to spot Rebecca in one of the parks volunteering by herself, or continuing her family's tradition by volunteering with her family (mom and kids).

Volunteer Spotlight: Cox Woodworkers - Connecting Kids to Nature through NEW Nature Play

Oct 31, 2023 by Volunteer Services

For more than 20 years, woodworking volunteers at Cox Arboretum MetroPark have used their skills to support the work of MetroParks staff. Recently, this team of woodworkers - led by MetroParks park technician Uriah Langmeyer - completed their largest project to date: portions of the nature play at Cox Arboretum MetroPark.

Volunteer Spotlight: Ginny Wood - Exploring MetroParks through Volunteerism

Aug 1, 2023 by Volunteer Services

There are many reasons to volunteer, and in 2019 Ginny Wood decided she wanted to do new things with her life. Ginny wanted reasons to be outside and had been to some but not all of the MetroParks. She wanted to explore and learn more.

Volunteer Spotlight: Kevin Westbrook - Getting Outside & Giving Back

Jul 1, 2023 by Volunteer Services

Kevin started volunteering in 2022 with MetroParks and is a volunteer you can find everywhere! He has served as a Wegerzyn Gardening Angel, supported Carriage Hill Farm Chores, volunteered as a Barn Aide at the Carriage Hill Riding Center, helped maintain our trails at Trail Workdays, supported custodial tasks at the 2nd Street Market, and served in critical roles at a variety of large programs and special events.