Are you an adventurer who loves hiking and learning new skills? Do you also have a passion for nature and want to help preserve it? Try Cover Mapping! Cover Mapping is a scientific process that involves mapping different vegetation types. As a Cover Mapping volunteer, you'll collect vegetation data through sampling (volunteers) and display it in a map format (staff). Volunteers will learn how to identify and map 13 invasive species that are identified in this new protocol. Anyone Your contributions will help Five Rivers MetroParks make informed decisions for land management. Since 1998, Five Rivers MetroParks has been using Cover Mapping to help protect the region's natural heritage.
From 1999–2023 the protocol involved collecting forestry information, intensive with level of detail. In 2024, this process was modified to enhance time and efficiency of data collection and create results that can be applied to create invasive species action plans throughout Five Rivers MetroParks. Volunteers and staff can see the results from their data collection in real-time on an iPad.
After this brief review and introduction, you will then head off with a group of skilled volunteers to conduct Cover Mapping, putting training into practice. Cover Mapping is conducted weekly (weekdays and some weekends) in small teams at Twin Creek MetroPark.
DO YOU QUALIFY? This opportunity is reserved for long-term volunteers, ages 18 and older, who have completed their onboarding qualifications and have received an eligible background check. Learn more about our volunteer orientation and onboarding here.
Interested and available to attend the Cover Mapping Training? This training takes place outside, and requires hiking off-trail on uneven terrain. Please be aware of seasonal-specific allergies (i.e.. grass, pollen, bees, etc...). Please wear sturdy hiking boots, long pants, and bring a pre-filled water bottle to stay hydrated. It's also recommended to wear a hat, sunscreen, and bug spray. RSVP is required.
Additional Notes
-
Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Twin Creek MetroPark. Volunteers should park in the Camp Hook parking lot (8539 Morningstar Rd, Franklin, OH 45005), and meet staff in front of the lodge (red building). Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage.
-
Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call project staff lead, Shane Sheldon at (513) 519-6348.
Environment & Physical Demands: This project takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e. grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and can expect to participate in hiking long distances on potentially uneven terrain.
-
Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Have questions or need help RSVP-ing? Email Volunteer Coordinator Allie Zimmerman at Allison.Zimmerman@metroparks.org or call #937-274-3176.
