Love hiking? Have an eye for plants? Come try Cover Mapping!
Are you an adventurer who enjoys hitting the trails and geeking out over tree and plant ID? Do you want to build your skills while helping to protect natural areas? Cover Mapping might be just the volunteer opportunity for you!
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).
We’re especially looking for volunteers who already have some tree and plant identification experience — or who are eager to learn more. This year’s protocol focuses on identifying and mapping 13 invasive plant species, and your knowledge could make a big difference. 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.
THE HISTORY: From 1999 to 2023, the Cover Mapping protocol focused on collecting detailed forestry data — a process that was thorough but time-intensive. In 2024, the protocol was updated to streamline data collection, making it faster and more efficient while still delivering high-impact results. These updates allow us to focus on mapping invasive species and using the data to develop targeted action plans across Five Rivers MetroParks. Plus, volunteers and staff can now view results in real time using an iPad in the field — bringing science to life right at your fingertips!
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
