Blog

Winter Volunteer Tips: Beat the Winter Blues, Dress for the Weather, and Check your Email/MetroParks Website

As daylight is shorter, the weather is colder, many start to feel the effects. Its important to be prepared.

Feature: Volunteerism at MetroParks - 2023 Impact!

What a year! 2023 was truly an incredible year for volunteer engagement and we've done our best to capture it in the data, stories, and photos in this year's Volunteer Impact Report. Volunteer Services has created a report to help share the impact volunteers like YOU make in support of our parks, programs, and events every year. 

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

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 Positions & Opportunities: Show your love for MetroParks by volunteering with us at these great opportunities in February!

Show your LOVE for MetroParks by volunteering with us at these great opportunities - gardening at Aullwood Garden MetroPark, Trail Workdays at MoMBA, The Adventure Summit, and volunteer trainings available!

Staff Lead Highlight: Lisa Zoromski, Biologist

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". 

Get Connected Tech Tip: Training & Event RSVPs

Winter is a great time for volunteer training! We have both in-person, scheduled volunteer trainings coming up and online trainings available in our Volunteer Training Library. Here's some more helpful information on Volunteer Training in Get Connected.

Five Rivers MetroParks Volunteer Newsletter: January 2024

Nature is always open!  Research shows spending just 20 minutes in nature - or simply going outside - improves your wellbeing. Click here to learn more about MetroParks programs and activities to help you get active outside this January, and don't forget to check out this month's volunteer opportunities below. In this edition of the Volunteer Newsletter:   - Feature: Living & Serving More Sustainably in the New Year  - Volunteer Updates: User Groups, Impact Assessments, and New Nametags  - Volunteer Spotlight: Richard White - Connecting Your Passions to Giving Back  - Volunteer Positions & Opportunities:   Trail Maintenance, Gardening at Aullwood, The Adventure Summit and More   - Get Connected Tech Tip:  Do you have a User Group?  - Staff Lead Highlight:  Dan Kuebler, Park Manager Hills and Dales MetroPark  - Volunteer Appreciation:  Annual Volunteer Survey Raffle Winners!

Feature:  Living & Serving More Sustainably in the New Year

Did you know Five Rivers MetroParks was recently honored for its outstanding environmental commitment to becoming a carbon-negative agency? Local cities and organizations including Five Rivers MetroParks were celebrated for their environmental achievements this year at the recent Bring Your Green Luncheon. A combined effort of businesses, organizations and individuals, the Bring Your Green initiative focuses on sustainability and environmental impact through education, technology/tracking tools, challenges, and certifications.

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

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 Opportunities: Kick Start your New Year with these Great Volunteer Opportunities: Trail Maintenance, Gardening at Aullwood, The Adventure Summit and More!

Get Connected Tech Tip: Do You Have a User Group?

As a volunteer, you may belong to one or more user groups. User groups are a way for volunteers to track combined efforts, or allow you to access easily specific or private opportunities.  A few examples of current user groups include Wildlife Ambassadors, MetroParks Volunteer Patrol, Carriage Hill Riding Center, Carriage Hill Historic Interpreters, or Conservation Leaders. 

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

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