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Five Rivers MetroParks Volunteer Newsletter - March 2025

Feature: Volunteering Once a Week Helps You Live Longer & Happier!

New research shows that just one weekly activity could help you live a longer, happier life: volunteering! A new study found that volunteering, even for just an hour a week, can lead to slower biological aging, especially among retirees.  Volunteering can help you live longer thanks to a combination of physical, social, and psychological benefits. Additionally, the more someone volunteers, the greater the positive impact on their health and wellbeing.

Volunteer Updates: Please Complete Our Annual Volunteer Survey by Feb. 28th!

Volunteers ages 14 and up are invited to tell us about their volunteer experience this year in our annual volunteer survey. This feedback is vital to providing data to our organization, grants, sponsors, and the broader community regarding volunteer involvement. If you are a registered volunteer with us ages 14 and up, please provide this helpful feedback by February 28th.

Conservation Tip: Stay Active this Winter

While our tendency is to slow down and stay inside during the cold months of winter, we want to encourage you to stay active and get outside this season! There are plenty of ways to get involved with Five Rivers MetroParks this winter - attend a MetroParks program, volunteer, go for a winter hike in the parks, ice skate at RiverScape MetroPark, or pick up a new hobby - anyone tried snowshoeing or cross-country skiing?!

Volunteer Spotlight: Steve McNew - Sharing the Old and Learning Something New on the Farm

Steve McNew joined MetroParks as a volunteer in November 2019. As a retired teacher, and primary caregiver for his daughter, he was looking for a way to get engaged in the community. Eager to give back and share his love for history, Steve found his volunteer home at the Historic Farm at Carriage Hill MetroPark.

February Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteering is a Wonderful Way to Warm Your Heart - Check out how you can make a difference this month in your MetroParks!

Get Connected Tech Tip: Update & Enhance your Profile, Qualifications, and More!

he beginning of the year is a great time to update your volunteer profile and renew or complete new volunteer qualifications for volunteer opportunities in 2025!

Staff Lead Highlight: Mary Andrick, Horticulture Technician at Aullwood Garden MetroPark

This month, we're thrilled to highlight Mary Andrick, one of our talented Horticulture Technicians at Aullwood Garden MetroPark. With nearly two years at MetroParks, Mary brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for plants, making a significant impact on our parks and the people who visit them.

Volunteer Appreciation: Volunteer Impact Report and Thank You Cards Coming Soon!

Five Rivers MetroParks Volunteer Newsletter - February 2025

Did you know there is a link between volunteering and biological aging? Don't let the cooler weather stop you from getting involved! Learn more in this month's FEATURE.

Feature: You Gave MORE than 30,000 hours in 2024 to your MetroParks!

Join us in celebrating you and your incredible service in 2024! Not only did we surpass our 2023 hours, but we even surpassed our goal of 30,000 hours for 2024. As we write this, we have received 30,850 hours of volunteer support this year - that is truly incredible!

Volunteer Updates: New Year Reminders