Blog

Conservation Tip: Think Gardening, Community Gardening

Gardening is an easy way to live more sustainably, and a community garden is a great way to grow your own food even when you don't have the green space for a garden where you live.

Volunteer Spotlight: Deb Kozar - Sharing Outdoor Experiences; Plus, Celebrating Eagle Scout Projects!

There are many amazing volunteers at Five Rivers MetroParks, and each month we take time to honor one. This month we're spotlighting Deb Kozar who has been volunteering with us since 2018. Plus, we're proud to recognize two outstanding Scouts who recently completed Eagle Scout projects that will make a lasting impact in our parks.

April Volunteer Opportunities: Spring has SPRUNG and We Need YOUR HELP!

Volunteer opportunities and training sessions abound in the springtime at MetroParks. Take a look to see how you can continue to support your Five Rivers MetroParks this season.  See something that interests you, but have questions? Contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org or call #937-275-7275 and as to speak with a Volunteer Coordinator.

Get Connected Tech Tip: View YOUR Volunteer Impact, plus April Volunteer Open Houses!

Our Volunteer Impact Report is available now showcasing the dedicated service of our many volunteers across the agency and across our volunteer positions in 2024. This report features volunteer data, stories, and the names of those volunteers who contributed to our mission and made a difference in 2024. Look for yours inside this year's report! You also can also view your individual volunteer impact and your volunteer group impact through your volunteer resumes on Get Connected.

Staff Lead Highlight: Dan Spaugy, Park Manager at Wesleyan MetroPark

Staff Lead Highlights are a great way for volunteers to get to know our staff and for staff to share their work with volunteers. This month we are pleased to feature Dan Spaugy, Park Manager at Wesleyan MetroPark.

Parkways Online: Don't Miss these Great April Features in MetroParks Blog!

Five Rivers MetroParks Volunteer Newsletter - April 2025

Inside this edition of the Volunteer Newsletter:- FEATURE: Volunteer Appreciation - It's Global Volunteer Month and we're Celebrating YOU! - CONSERVATION TIP: Think Gardening, Community Gardening - VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Deb Kozar, Sharing Outdoor Experiences - April Volunteer Opportunities: Spring has SPRUNG and We Need YOUR HELP at these great opportunities: Adopt-A-Park, Passport to MetroParks, Bike to Work Day; plus, Bat Box Monitor, School Programs, and Garden Tour Guide Training, and more! - GET CONNECTED TECH TIP: View YOUR Volunteer Impact! Plus, Volunteer Open Houses available to help you complete or RENEW qualifications! - STAFF LEAD HIGHLIGHT: Dan Spaugy, Park Manager at Wesleyan MetroPark - PARKWAYS ONLINE: Don't miss these great features on the MetroParks blog!

Feature: The 2024 Volunteer Impact Report Now Available!

2024 was another incredible year for volunteer service thanks to our generous volunteers, the dedicated staff who lead and supervise them, and the Volunteer Services team that works mostly behind the scenes to support both volunteers and staff leads in successful volunteer engagement throughout our MetroParks.

Volunteer Updates: Reminder - Please Complete Our Annual Volunteer Survey!

We want your feedback on your volunteer experience with us in 2024. Please take a few minutes to complete this year's survey so we can ensure we are still meeting the needs of our volunteers and providing high-quality, meaningful volunteer opportunities. Click here to submit your survey.

Conservation Tip: It Takes a Village to Maintain Habitats!

Have you heard either of these sayings "many hands make light work", or "teamwork makes the dream work"? They're both true - the many helping hands of groups coming together to help us protect and maintain important park habitats make a big difference for local and regional conservation efforts!

Volunteer Spotlight: Norma Dycus - Finding Your Fit with MetroParks

Although many people have a fondness for horses and express interest in opportunities at the Carriage Hill Riding Center, it is those volunteers like Norma Dycus that truly shine. "Norma is a great volunteer who is always willing to step in and make sure all our daily chores get done efficiently. She is friendly and wonderful to have at the barn. I really appreciate her kindness as she works with our horses during trail rides, pony rides, or just moving them to and from their stalls and pastures", says Christina Northrup, Equestrian Specialist.

March Volunteer Positions & Opportunities: Adopt-A-Park is back, plus Spring Volunteer Training has begun!