Opportunities From: Five Rivers MetroParks

Hills & Dales MetroPar offers a historical urban forest that has been a natural refuge for Daytonians since 1907. Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.  

Impact

Protecting open space and natural areas is a priority for Five Rivers MetroParks, which protects nearly 16,000 acres of land — 90 percent of it in its natural state. Conservation volunteers are a part of our regional conservation story by assisting in implementing a variety of natural area management plans.

Tasks  

Under the supervision of the assigned staff, volunteers will support and assist with the following:

Cutting and removing invasive honeysuckle removal off the trails near Old Barn Camp. Cutting will consist of hand saws and loppers.  Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Public Service, Youth, and/or Groups. Learn more about our types of service here. Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Hills & Dales MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Old Barn Camp (2800 Oak Knoll Rd., Kettering, OH 45409). Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call staff lead Matthew Milks at 937-546-4802. 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 bending, kneeling, pulling, lifting, cutting, hiking on potentially uneven muddy terrain, and sawing, lifting, and dragging objects 15lbs or more. Volunteers will be using folding saws and pruners. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes, and have your favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.  Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Conservation Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information. 

Cox Arboretum MetroPark invites visitors to connect with nature and discover and rest in the serenity and majesty of trees and shrubs thoughtfully arranged to capture the imagination. Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.  

Impact

Protecting open space and natural areas is a priority for Five Rivers MetroParks, which protects nearly 16,000 acres of land — 90 percent of it in its natural state. Conservation volunteers are a part of our regional conservation story by assisting in implementing a variety of natural area management plans.

Tasks  

Under the supervision of the assigned staff, volunteers will support and assist with the following:

removing invasive tree species, using loppers, from the trails at Cox Arboretum. Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Public Service, Adults, Youth, and Groups.  Learn more about our types of service here. Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Cox Arboretum. Volunteers should park in the main lot in front of the visitor center at 6733 N Springboro Pike. Follow the paved path to the left of the visitor center, leading you around to the front of the Greenhouse. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call staff lead Uriah Langmeyer, at 937-275-7275. 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.). Volunteers can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching, walking on potentially uneven terrain, and lifting/dragging objects of 15 lbs or more. Volunteers can also expect a 5 -10 minute hike to the worksite.  Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.  Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Conservation Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information. 

The city of Englewood serves as the western boundary for a large portion of Englewood MetroPark. This nature-filled park, one of the largest in the region, has been part of the Englewood community for more than 50 years. Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.

Impact

Protecting open space and natural areas is a priority for Five Rivers MetroParks, which protects nearly 16,000 acres of land — 90 percent of it in its natural state. Conservation volunteers are a part of our regional conservation story by assisting in implementing various natural area management plans. 

Tasks  

Under the supervision of the assigned staff, volunteers will support and assist with the following:

We will be removing willows from the edge of a wetland to restore viewsheds from the park road. Loppers and hand saw work and dragging the willows up to the road for removal will be the primary actions. Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Public Service, Youth (ages 14-17 - See specific age requirements below), and/or Groups.  Learn more about our types of service here. Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here.Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Englewood MetroPark. Volunteers should park at the Englewood MetroPark North Park entrance, located at 500 Old Springfield Rd., Vandalia, OH 45377. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage.Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead at Dan Spaugy at 937-271-1370.
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 routinely bending, kneeling, walking, reaching, dragging, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more.  table {mso-displayed-decimal-separator:"\."; mso-displayed-thousand-separator:"\,";} tr {mso-height-source:auto;} col {mso-width-source:auto;} td {padding-top:1px; padding-right:1px; padding-left:1px; mso-ignore:padding; color:black; font-size:11.0pt; font-weight:400; font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; font-family:Calibri, sans-serif; mso-font-charset:0; text-align:general; vertical-align:bottom; border:none; white-space:nowrap; mso-rotate:0;} .xl88 {font-family:"Neutraface Text Book", monospace; mso-font-charset:0; border:.5pt solid windowtext; background:#DDEBF7; mso-pattern:black none;}        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. ​We will be working in a prairie - Proper footwear will be necessary. Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Conservation Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.

 

Once farmland and woodlots, more than 50 years of natural succession have created rich areas of forests, thickets, meadows, and prairies to explore at Carriage Hill. Farm life in the 1880s comes alive at the historical farm, complete with period farm animals. There are also acres of peaceful beauty to enjoy on foot or horseback. The park has been a favorite place for families to spend quality time together for generations. Come and join us for a spell. Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.  

Impact

Protecting open space and natural areas is a priority for Five Rivers MetroParks, which protects nearly 16,000 acres of land — 90 percent of it in its natural state. Conservation volunteers are a part of our regional conservation story by assisting in implementing a variety of natural area management plans.

Tasks  

Under the supervision of the assigned staff, volunteers will support and assist with the following:

improving and maintaining a field replanted in native trees. These trees are still growing and need some assistance with tree tube removal and the introduction of capsaicin tablets to help prevent animal browsing. Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Public Service, Youth, and Groups. Learn more about our types of service here. Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers should park at the Visitor Center: 7800 E. Shull Rd., Dayton, OH 45424, and look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the project staff lead, Nick Wheeler, at (937) 508 9833. 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.). We will be working in recently mowed area but be prepared for tall grass work. Volunteers can expect to participate in routine bending, kneeling, pulling, lifting, and cutting. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.  Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Conservation Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information. 

More than 50 years ago, a group of citizens realized suburban development was flying at a fast clip, but the Dayton region had no process to preserve open space to protect water, provide habitat for wildlife, and support human health and recreation. They worked to create a park district that today is your Five Rivers MetroParks.  Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.  

Impact

Protecting open space and natural areas is a priority for Five Rivers MetroParks, which protects nearly 16,000 acres of land- 90 percent of it in its natural state. Conservation volunteers are a part of our regional conservation story by assisting in implementing a variety of natural area management plans. Under the supervision of the assigned staff, volunteers will support and assist with the following:

Taskshelp conservation staff protect newly planted oaks and hickory trees by building and installing tree cages in a reforestation area.Eligibility
This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Public Service, Youth, and/or Groups. Learn more about our types of service here. Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions:  Volunteers should park 146 Heathcliff Rd, Dayton, OH 45415. Please park around the loop driveway. 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, Megan Rude at 937-207-1527.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.). Volunteers can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching, walking on potentially uneven or muddy terrain, and lifting/dragging objects 10 lbs or more. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.  Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Conservation Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information. 

Although much of Sugarcreek's 618 acres were once farmland, MetroParks' land management practices and natural processes have resulted in a variety of habitats. These habitats support diverse wildlife that can be discovered as you hike, horseback ride, run the trails, exercise you pets, or enjoy a leisurely picnic. Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature. 

Impact

Protecting open space and natural areas is a priority for Five Rivers MetroParks, which protects nearly 16,000 acres of land — 90 percent of it in its natural state. Conservation volunteers are a part of our regional conservation story by assisting in implementing a variety of natural area management plans.

Tasks

Under the supervision of the assigned staff, volunteers will support and assist with the following:

Assist staff with dragging cut honeysuckle to the wood chipper for staff to process. Volunteers may also assist staff with trimming and clearing designated areas with hand tools. Note: Volunteers will not operate chainsaws! EligibilityThis opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Public Service, Youth (ages 14-17 - See specific age requirements below), and/or Groups.  Learn more about our types of service here.
Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Sugarcreek MetroPark. Volunteers should park at the main parking lot: 4178 Conference Rd., Bellbrook, OH 45305. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancellation:  If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Matt Stevens, at 513-200-7271.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 routine bending, kneeling, lifting, dragging, and pulling cut materials of 15lbs or greater.   Dress: Please be ready to work with hand saws, loppers, and pruners to cut invasive plants along the trail corridors and into the forested areas. Volunteers should wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and have their favorite work gloves, eye protection, a water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Conservation Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information. 

 

The area that is now Taylorsville MetroPark was once one of the busiest crossroads in the country, the meeting place of major transportation arteries — the Old National Road, the Great Miami River, the Miami-Erie Canal, and railroads. Today, the area serves as the crossroads of bike trails, hiking trails, and river recreation. The park is a gateway to new outdoor experiences, such as running, biking, hiking, fishing, and paddling. Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.  

Impact

Protecting open space and natural areas is a priority for Five Rivers MetroParks, which protects nearly 16,000 acres of land — 90 percent of it in its natural state. Conservation volunteers are a part of our regional conservation story by assisting in implementing a variety of natural area management plans.

Tasks  

Under the supervision of the assigned staff, volunteers will support and assist with the following:

cutting and removing invasive species in the West area of Taylorsville MetroPark. Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Public Service, Youth, and Groups.  Learn more about our types of service here. Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here.  Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Taylorsville MetroPark. Volunteers should meet in the parking lot at Taylorsville Reservable Shelter Area: 8400 Brown School Rd., Vandalia, OH 45377. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call project staff lead, Melissa Alt, at 419-307-8166. 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.). Volunteers can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching, walking on potentially uneven terrain, and lifting objects of 15 lbs or more. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.  Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Conservation Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information. 

The Upper Twin Conservation Area contains a unique, diverse mix of high-quality habitats. Located in the Twin Valley corridor upstream from Germantown and Twin Creek MetroParks, this approximately 580-acre area does not have public facilities or a public parking lot, so this is a great opportunity to explore an area of undeveloped natural beauty! As with all of our parks, however, we still have much more to do! Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.  

Impact

Protecting open space and natural areas is a priority for Five Rivers MetroParks, which protects nearly 16,000 acres of land — 90 percent of it in its natural state. Conservation volunteers are a part of our regional conservation story by assisting in implementing a variety of natural area management plans.

Tasks  

Under the supervision of the assigned staff, volunteers will support and assist with the following:

Assist conservation staff in establishing an American Chestnut population by planting trees, setting up tree skirts and protective posts, and, if time allows, helping plant additional herbaceous and shrub species.Eligibility  This opportunity is open to the following types of volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Public Service, and/or Groups. Learn more about our types of service here. Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here.  Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers should park and meet the staff at the Upper Twin Conservation Area. Please use the following GPS coordinates to locate the entrance drive: (39.6493841, -84.4558173). Driveway is on the north side of Baden Road, 0.13miles west of the intersection of Baden Road & Anthony Road in Farmersville. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call Nicole Freshour at 567-249-7428.
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.). There will be a 10-minute (approx. 0.3-mile) hike to the planting site and again to get back to the parking area. No public restroom on site (closest facility is a 1.75-mile drive, which is a porta-john at the sledding hill at Boomershine and Manning Roads at Germantown MetroPark. The Twin Valley Welcome Center is just up the road from there).  Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.  Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Conservation Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.