Blog | Five Rivers MetroParks

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.

Volunteer Spotlight: The Holbrooks - Giving Back as a Family

Jun 1, 2023 by Volunteer Services

The Holbrooks started their volunteer journey after participating in the Conservation Kids programs. Maya "graduated" after completing the series, and Tami said, "Volunteering was the logical next step."

Volunteer Spotlight: Bill Macek - Having Fun on the Farm as a Volunteer

May 2, 2023 by Volunteer Services

If you visit the Historic Farm at Carriage Hill MetroPark, chances are you'll meet volunteer Bill Macek. Bill Macek has become an integral part of the Historic Farm team supporting Carriage Hill Farm Chores and Historic Woodworker Demonstrations since beginning his volunteer journey with us in September of 2022.

Volunteer Spotlight: Neil Mackay-Getting Outside and Giving Back

Apr 1, 2023 by Volunteer Services

Neil Mackay just began volunteering with MetroParks last fall and already has become a dedicated volunteer in our multiple areas. You can find him at Riverscape on workdays, but he also shares his time at 2nd Street Market, with Conservation in their propagation opportunities, and any interesting workday that fits his schedule.

Volunteer Spotlight - Teriana Boddie - From Camper to Star Youth Volunteer

Feb 28, 2023 by Volunteer Services

"Just seeing the kids make my day and I enjoy connecting with them on different levels. We are always doing something fun and interesting such as building stick forts and taking walks to the Wesleyan playground."