Blog
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Volunteer Spotlight - Special Events at RiverScape MetroPark
Apr 28, 2026 by Volunteer Services"Volunteers are the breath of fresh air. In the event world at RiverScape MetroPark, by the time we get to the event itself, I can feel overwhelmed with managing logistics, materials, performers, promotion, etc. And then...the volunteer arrives. Suddenly, there's new energy. A smiling face that's eager to help, and the load feels lighter. Sometimes the load is quite literally lighter! Their supportive presence is always such a positive boost that helps us keep going when we are in the thick of it; that helps us produce a great event or program for our community.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Cox Woodworkers Shine in 2025
Mar 30, 2026 by Volunteer ServicesOur Cox Woodworking volunteers continued to shine in 2025. This group of 14 dedicated long-term volunteers served over 1,331 hours in 2025 contributing to a number of high impact projects. This team of volunteers is featured multiple times in this year's Volunteer Impact Report with projects that supported a variety of parks including restoring and installing garden gates at Aullwood Garden MetroPark, crafting and installing new barn doors at the Carriage Hill Riding Center, and partnering with Conservation to create bat condos. Learn more below and view more stories of volunteer impact in this year's Volunteer Impact Report.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Linda McGuire, Jo Seiter, and Bill Seiter - Giving Back Together
Feb 1, 2026 by Volunteer ServicesIt doesn't get much better than giving back with those you love. This is something volunteers Linda McGuire, Jo Seiter, and Bill Seiter know all too well. With these three, volunteering is truly a family affair with Linda encouraging her sister Jo to join her in service, and Jo encouraging her husband Bill to get involved as well. Together this trio has contributed over 1,500 hours of service.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Cherie Kuhn - Sharing Yesterday with Farm Visitors Today
Dec 1, 2025 by Volunteer ServicesOur volunteers make such a huge impact in our parks and on our community. This month we are spotlighting Cherie Kuhn, a regular volunteer at Carriage Hill MetroPark. Cherie began volunteering in August 2022 after a friend introduced her to the many volunteer opportunities available at MetroParks. Cherie jumped in to support a couple of events right away including The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience and Fall Family Adventure and she was hooked! "I learned there was more than just trail work or needing to know the names of all the trees", she remarked. She liked the ability to choose volunteer activities based on her schedule and interests.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Ellen Evans - From Retirement to Riding Center Hero
Oct 29, 2025 by Volunteer ServicesWe are fortunate to have many amazing volunteers at Five Rivers MetroParks, and each month we take time to honor one. This month, we are recognizing Ellen Evans, a dedicated Riding Center volunteer since 2018.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Ellen Eveland - Historic Interpreter, Textile Demonstrator, and Helper Extraordinaire!
Jul 28, 2025 by Volunteer ServicesGrowing up in Illinois, Ellen Eveland's parents took her on family camping vacations from coast to coast, visiting historic sites along the way and sparking her interest in living history. She fondly remembers bringing her children to Carriage Hill MetroPark in the 1980's and 1990's for Christmas on the Farm, participating in scouting opportunities, hiking the trails, visiting farmers in the barn, and exploring the endless possibilities for fun and adventure on a historic farm. She knew then that she would someday become a volunteer. Fast forward to summer of 2022, when they visited the park to see the steam engine and ended up spending several hours chatting with the historic interpreters in the house - At that momen
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Volunteer Spotlight: James Pugh - Even Small Acts of Service Can Contribute to Something Larger
Jul 1, 2025 by Volunteer ServicesThis month, we are shining our spotlight on James Pugh, a regular volunteer at family-friendly events and our summer music series. James is one of the first warm and friendly faces to greet you.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Congratulations to Our SERVE Ohio Nominees -Jenny Andary & Neil MacKay!
Jun 2, 2025 by Volunteer ServicesEach year SERVE Ohio - Ohio's Commision on Service and Volunteerism - honors exceptional individuals across the state whose service makes a meaningful impact in their communities. This year, Five Rivers MetroParks is proud to recognize two outstanding volutneers nominated for a SERVE Ohio Volunteer Award: Jenny Andary and Neil MacKay.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Carol Williamson - "An Ideal Ambassador" and Administrative Volunteer
May 7, 2025 by Volunteer ServicesThere are many AMAZING volunteers at Five Rivers MetroParks, and each month we shine a spotlight on one. This month we are celebrating Carol Williamson, a dedicated volunteer who began volunteering with us in March 2008.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Deb Kozar - Sharing Outdoor Experiences; Plus, Celebrating Eagle Scout Projects!
Mar 31, 2025 by Volunteer ServicesThere 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.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Norma Dycus - Finding Your Fit with MetroParks
Mar 3, 2025 by Volunteer ServicesAlthough 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.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Steve McNew - Sharing the Old and Learning Something New on the Farm
Jan 31, 2025 by Volunteer ServicesSteve 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.
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