Blog

Staff Lead Highlight: Erin Rowekamp, Education Specialist - Connecting People to Nature and Developing Tomorrow's Conservation Leaders

At MetroParks, we are fortunate to have incredible staff who work with the public and our volunteers! Each month, we introduce you to some of these amazing individuals. This month, we are highlighting a staff member many may not know, Erin Rowekamp.

Get Connected Tech Tip: Know BEFORE You Go!

Big volunteer events like The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience and Make A Difference Day are right around the corner! We want to make sure you feel prepared and confident heading into your shift. With just a few quick checks in your Get Connected account (and your inbox), you'll be set for success.

October Volunteer Opportunities: Fall is loading and so are our fall opportunities!

FEATURE: Doctor's Orders - Volunteer!

FEATURE: Doctor's Orders: Volunteer! Volunteering is good for your health, and now doctors are prescribing it. Decades of research has shown that adopting healthy habits like volunteering can boost your mood and your mental and physical health. Time in nature reduces stress, exercise eases depression and anxiety while boosting cardiovascular health, social connections help hold people accountable and giving back releases endorphins. Plus, having a sense of purpose can help you live longer. Doctors in over 200 countries have started prescribing a variety of social activities including volunteering due to their many benefits and effects on health. Doctors in the U.S. are also starting to prescribe healthy social activities as well. Read more in this article from NPR's Living Better Series and this one from the BBC.

Five Rivers MetroParks Volunteer Newsletter - September 2025

Safety Tip: Watch Out for Skin-Irritating Plants in Ohio!

Watch Out for Skin-Irritating Plants in Ohio! As you are out in the garden, on the trails, or enjoying the outdoors, it's important to stay safe not only from sunburn and ticks, but also from plants that can cause serious skin reactions. Here are a few common culprits in Ohio to be aware of.

September Volunteer Opportunities: We Need YOU at this year's Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience! Plus, Our last Service Saturday of the Season, Make A Difference Day and Barn Aide Training Coming Up!

We need YOU and all your friends to volunteer at this year's Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience! Learn more and sign up below. Plus, our last Service Saturday of the season, Make Difference Day opportunities are now available, and Barn Aide Training is coming up for new Riding Center volunteers.  Plenty of outdoor opportunities are still available and your support is needed in our gardens and on the trails, as well as at our special events. Cool down from the heat with a frozen fruit popsicle from our Summer Care Campaign.

Get Connected Tech Tip: Customize Your Communication Preferences - You're in Control!

Are you receiving too many or too few communications from us? Did you know you can customize your communication preferences in your Get Connected volunteer account? YOU are in control.

Staff Lead Highlight: Shelby Shaw, Events Specialist - Connecting People to Nature, One Experience at a Time

Since joining Five Rivers MetroParks in 2022, Shelby Shaw has worn many hats! She started as lead at RiverScape's concessions stand, moved into a part-time Recreation Specialist role, then worked as a full-time Visitor Services Representative, before finally landing in her current role as Events Specialist on the Outdoor Recreation team which she's held since October of last year. Her journey has been shaped by a passion for connecting people with the outdoors and fostering community through shared experiences.

Volunteer Appreciation: Thank You Small Farm & Food Fest Volunteers!

Thank you to all our incredible volunteers who helped make the Small Farm & Food Fest at Carriage Hill MetroPark a wonderful success! Each year this event gets bigger and better, and this year we saw 4,000 people come and enjoy this annual event.

Try Volunteering with Tatum: Hills & Dales Workday

Try Volunteering with Tatum: Program Support - Textile & Fiber Arts