Blog

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!

Get Connected Tech Tip: Spring Volunteer Training

NOW is a great time to start your volunteer training in preparation for Spring and Summer volunteer opportunities!  Visit our Volunteer Training Library to view convenient online volunteer trainings available to you NOW. Then, visit our Training and Events page to find in-person volunteer training options and season openers.

Staff Lead Highlight: Nicole Freshour, Conservation Coordinator

This month, we're excited to feature Nicole Freshour, a Conservation Coordinator and SE Zone Steward with Five Rivers MetroParks. Since joining MetroParks in October 2019 as a Conservation Technician, Nicole has been dedicated to restoring and maintaining natural areas, fostering biodiversity, and inspiring others to connect with the outdoors.

Parkways Online Features: MetroParks Monthly - Programs & Events for March, Be Aware of Red Flags when Sourcing Seed this Spring, and more!

Volunteer Appreciation: Volunteer Appreciation GROWS with new Tribute Plan to Honor Volunteers!

NEW! Tributes Recognizing Volunteer Service - We are growing our Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP) to show our growing appreciation for our dedicated volunteers. Beginning this year, volunteers with 2,000 or more volunteer hours can be recognized for their service to Five Rivers MetroParks with a variety of thoughtful tributes.