Volunteers play an important role in achieving MetroParks’ mission to protect the region’s natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature. Garden Tour Guides connect visitors to the diverse plant landscapes and play a cr
ucial role in educating them about these plants. Nature is a respite for many, and Garden Tour Guides support our education team in providing this service to park visitors. You do not need to be a horticulturist to be a great garden guide! Excitement about the park, the plants, and a willingness to share your enthusiasm are the qualities we are looking for in a volunteer for this position.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE? This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up who have completed their volunteer onboarding qualifications (Volunteer Handbook Signature, Completed Volunteer Profile), and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check. New to MetroParks volunteering? Click here to learn more about how to become a volunteer! Training to be a Garden Guide requires volunteers to complete the 2-part online training series, as well as an in-person training. This training is reserved for returning Garden Guides and those volunteers who have completed the TRAM Check Off! You can complete the virtual TRAM training here, then schedule the in-person training and check off on April 29 (1 - 3 pm) or an evening session on May 4 (4 - 6 pm).
WHAT TO EXPECT & WHAT YOU'LL REVIEW
This training will include both classroom review and outdoor practice.
Garden Guides learn about the gardens, plants, some history of the site, and the unique features of the park. The online training is designed to prepare you for the in-person training & check-off and your role as a Garden Tour Guide. For most of the garden tours, guides utilize our extended golf carts or TRAMs, and this training will allow volunteers to practice those skills as they learn the garden guide information. Part 1: Garden Tour Guide online training
GET STARTED!
Have you completed the TRAM check off yet? Start your virtual training for the Electric Cart (Tram/Golf Cart) Driver. Begin the Garden Guide virtual training to learn more here. Then, RSVP to join us for this in-person training and practice session.
Need help with your RSVP? Call #937-275-7275 or email us at volunteer.services@metroparks.org for assistance.
