Blog | Five Rivers MetroParks

Feature: Five Rivers MetroParks' Financial Health

Jun 30, 2024 by Volunteer Services

Five Rivers MetroParks supports our environment and our physical, mental, and emotional health. Our Five Rivers MetroParks are well used by residents & are a major attraction for visitors - which helps our local economy. Five Rivers MetroParks has made budget cuts to staff, programs, repairs, and maintenance to save money.Five Rivers MetroParks has made budget cuts to staff, programs, repairs, and maintenance to save money. Five Rivers MetroParks will be on the ballot for a levy this November.

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.

July Volunteer Opportunities: Summer Volunteers Needed to Maintain our Gardens, Trails, and support Programs and Events!

Jun 30, 2024 by Volunteer Services

Summer volunteers wanted - come on out and support your MetroParks in July! Volunteers are critical during the summer season to maintain our gardens, our trails and to care for our horses at the Carriage Hill Riding Center. Additionally, we offer many programs and events during the summer season for youth, families, and adults to get outside and connect with nature. Volunteer support is critical to ensuring these programs and events are successful.

Get Connected Tech Tip: Adding Volunteer Shifts to Your Calendar

Jun 30, 2024 by Volunteer Services

Volunteers have told us that in addition to the reminder emails, it would helpful to be able to add their scheduled volunteer shifts to their preferred electronic calendar. Are you using this feature? When you respond to a volunteer opportunity you will be given the option to create a calendar event for your Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, Office 365, or Apple Calendar. Try it out and keep your calendar up to date with all your important activities. Don't forget to share your opportunity on social media and invite others to get outside and give back this Spring with Five Rivers MetroParks!

Safety Tip: Summer Heat Safety

Jun 30, 2024 by Volunteer Services

It's getting hot out there! We want you to stay safe and have fun in our parks this summer. There are opportunities for you to splash on hot days. Learn where and how to cool down now through Labor Day! And remember to stay hydrated, stay cool, and take breaks as needed as you volunteer.

Sustainability Tip: Sustainability on the Go!

Jun 30, 2024 by Kelly Bohrer - Sustainability Manager

July is a great time to check out the many festivals and events at Riverscape and elsewhere in downtown Dayton. It is also a great time to have cookouts and picnics at home or in parks. Ready to go sustainable for these experiences? If you haven't started using reusable plates, cups, and silverware yet, now is a great time to do this.

Volunteer Appreciation: Summer Care Campaign, VIP Items, and Volunteer Discounts!

Jun 30, 2024 by Volunteer Services

Summer Care Campaign - Volunteer Services wants to help keep you cool while you service with us this summer. We'll be providing cold treats at scheduled volunteer shifts beginning July 15th through August.

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.

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.

June Volunteer Opportunities: Heirloom Gardening, Mud Day, and Service Saturday opportunities to support our gardens and our trails!

May 30, 2024 by Volunteer Services

There are so many ways for you to get outside and support your MetroParks in June including Heirloom Gardening, Mud Day, and Service Saturday opportunities to support our gardens and our trails! Check out our upcoming volunteer opportunities below and sign up to make a difference.

Sustainability Tip: Leave No Trace and join our volunteers in protecting nature!

May 30, 2024 by Volunteer Services

The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace provide an easily understood framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors. They can be applied ANYWHERE, are well-established and evaluated regularly.

Get Connected Tech Tip: Engage MORE with Volunteer Training!

May 30, 2024 by Volunteer Services

Summer is here, and more opportunities are becoming available! Some of our opportunities may include some training needs before you participate. There are two kinds of training (virtual and in-person) and two locations to find these trainings. The Volunteer Training library can give you additional information as you get more familiar with Get Connected.