Opportunities From: Five Rivers MetroParks

Do you love spending your weekend in the vibrant, bubbling atmosphere of 2nd Street Market, where you always end up running into a familiar face? Volunteers will be stationed near the entrance and will enhance the visitor experience by greeting and welcoming visitors. Volunteers will also conduct sales of MetroParks merchandise, process EBT sales, provide wayfinding assistance, and promote the MetroParks by passing out literature.

Impact

Volunteers enhance the visitor experience and help curate the Market’s unique, vibrant culture for our customers who then support our vendors in providing sustainable local food to the community.

Tasks Welcome customers as they arrive and thank them as they leave Assist with wayfinding and answer basic questions about the parks Distribute brochures or other literature appropriate to the conversation Conduct credit card sales of MetroParks merchandise Process SNAP/EBT sales through a token exchange program.Process Market merchandise sales, on occasion, through a Point of Sale program.Assist with facilitating the Senior Nutrition Program.Eligibility

This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term and Short-Term.  Learn more about our types of service here.

Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers may park in the visitor parking lots surrounding the Market. Cancelation:  If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the 2nd Street Market manager, Lynda Suda, at 937-228-2088Environment & Physical Demands: Light physical duties include standing, sitting, and possibly light lifting to refill marketing materialDress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and, if you have one, your green or blue volunteer T-shirt. Reusable volunteer vests will be provided for volunteers onsite. The spot by the door may be cool in the winter and warm in the summer. Please dress accordingly. Other New Volunteers will be given an on-site orientation and shadow staff at the beginning of their first shift. This orientation will include training on Market merchandise sales as well as SNAP/EBT sales. Volunteers may have downtime, so feel free to bring a book, knitting, crossword, sudoku, etc. Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Ambassador Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.

Love kids? Spend your time hanging out with the most adventurous youth in Dayton! The after-school program at Adventure Central promotes positive youth development, education, and leadership skills using an environmental foundation in a welcoming, safe, fun, and active setting. These kids are just bursting with energy and excitement! Depending on where the greatest need is for the day, the Program Assistant may spend time helping in the homework room, assisting in the kitchen during mealtimes, or outdoors monitoring play time and getting roped into all sorts of shenanigans from playing in the creek to jumping rope, to gaga ball!  Volunteers may also assist in the girl's or boy's group discussions and activities.

Impact

Volunteers will build trusting and positive relationships that strengthen values, build lasting life skills, and encourage an eagerness to explore life’s possibilities.  

Tasks Interact with the kids - play, joke, chat! Monitor play for safety and harmony Assist staff in set-up and clean-up of program materials and equipment Assist in food prep, serving meals, cleaning up and organizing the kitchen after mealtime Support staff or lead designated activities during the programAssist staff with discussions during boy's group or girl's group

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth. Learn more about our types of service here.  

This opportunity is for ages 14 and older. Volunteers ages 14-17 must first be approved by a Volunteer Coordinator to Respond to this opportunity. Contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to request approval.Volunteers will have completed the virtual training located on the Adventure Central Training Resources page in our Training Library.
Additional Notes: Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wesleyan MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff inside Adventure Central, located at 2222 N James H McGee Blvd Dayton, OH 45417. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead,  Ms. Lois, at 937-278-2601.  Environmental & Physical Demands: This project takes place indoors and outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, ticks, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, reaching, walking, and may be  lifting objects of 10lbs or more, etc. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their volunteer t-shirt and name badge, and bring a water bottle.

Visit the Adventure Central Training Resources page in our Training Library to see what training is required for this opportunity.

Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position for information on programming volunteer opportunities with us.

 
   

 

 

Love gardening and the beauty of ever-changing landscapes? Come be part of a dedicated team of volunteers who cultivate and care for the stunning gardens at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark! Each week brings something new—whether it’s planting vibrant annuals and perennials, weeding, edging, mulching, pruning, or simply enjoying the seasonal transformations.
You'll have the opportunity to explore and support a variety of unique garden spaces, including the Federal, English, Victorian, and Woodland Gardens. Whether you volunteer regularly or drop in when you can, your efforts help make Wegerzyn a breathtaking place for all to enjoy.
Come dig in, get inspired, and make an impact—our gardens wouldn’t be the same without you!

Impact

Horticulture at Five Rivers MetroParks creates, maintains, and preserves green space and habitats for pollinators and native plants, as well as educates visitors on sustainable gardening practices and local food production.  Gardening volunteers support the Horticulture and Outdoor Connections staff in a variety of gardening tasks. 

Tasks

Under the supervision of the Staff Lead, support and assist with the following tasks:

General garden maintenance such as weeding, edging, mulching, and keeping the gardens tidy; planting bulbs, annuals, perennials, and cannas; moving tropical plants in and out of the greenhouse; and providing excellent customer service by assisting park visitors with questions and wayfinding.Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth. Learn more about our types of service here. Youth Volunteers: Youth volunteers ages 14-17 are not required to complete a background check. If you are a new youth volunteer, contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to have your background check waived.  This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours. Additional Notes: Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park in the Wegerzyn Gardens parking lot (1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, OH 45414) and meet staff at the front entrance of the building, near the Kiosk. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead, Payton Johnson, at (513) 292- 8303. 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, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more etc. 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. ​ Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Gardening Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.

Join Five Rivers MetroParks education team and support family programming throughout the year that connects visitors of all ages to the natural world through storytime,  history, and farm activities, and meaningful exploration of the connections of the two time periods! This opportunity will focus on a storytime followed by a related activity that follows the theme of the story.  Please help us share amazing stories with children, exciting them about discoveries they can find in nature, and encouraging them to get outside and explore. 

Impact

Program support volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs. Volunteers enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create an inclusive skill-building environment. Volunteers help people create a stronger connection to nature and history by making it easy to experience these things in fun activities.

Tasks  Welcome participants and assist with check-in.  Help staff with program set-up & tear-down, including distributing program supplies.   Assist the staff lead with the story, take a portion, or read the whole story. Assist with and participate with families in program activities. Provide excellent customer service to participants and visitors.  Visit MetroParks Programs and Events page* to learn more about the corresponding program date you'll be volunteering.  Saturday, November 15 -  “A Broom for Ma” by Rhonda Cable. In this story, we will introduce you to the art and beauty of the Appalachian handcraft of broom making. Spend an autumn morning in the mountains with Amos and follow him step by step as he hand-makes a new broom for Ma.  Craft Activity: Small broom ornamentCANCELED!!  Saturday, December 20 -  “Wild Rose’s Weaving” by Ginger Churchill. In this story, Rose’s grandmother teaches her how to weave a rug and, in the process, teaches her about creativity, the influence of nature, and the interplay between art and life.  Craft Activity: Beginning WeavingSaturday, January 17 -  “One Horse Farm” By Dahlov Ipcar.  This book tells the story of a boy and a horse who grow up together on a farm and watch the world change around them.
Craft activity: Small Farm projectSaturday, February 14 -  “Once Upon a Thread: A Patchwork Story Sewn with Love” By Debbie Dee.  This is a story that shares a heartwarming celebration of creativity, courage, and the power of telling your story—one stitch at a time.
Craft activity: Small Quilt projectSaturday, March 21 -  “Marigold Garden” By Kate Greenaway.  Many well-known and loved nursery rhymes, presented with delightful imagery, are part of this storytime.  Rhymes include 'Blue Shoes', 'The Daisies', 'The Tea Party', 'To Mystery Land', 'When We Went Out with Grandma', 'When you and I Grow Up', and many more. It is a text sure to enchant both young and old.
Craft activity: Making pots and envelopes for seeds
  Eligibility

This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Short-term and Long-Term. Learn more about our types of service here. Volunteers should have good reading skills, be enthusiastic, and enjoy working with children and families.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Parking is available at the the Visitor Center. Click here for the Map of Carriage Hill.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the program begins for set up and a brief orientation, review of roles and activities, and to gather supplies needed.  Please arrive early to park and check in.  If you need to reach the staff lead, please text 937-974-8601, and remember to include the subject and your name.

Environment & Physical Demands:  This opportunity is indoors, but depending on the story, may venture outdoors at the historic farm.  Volunteers may have light physical duties like standing, walking, and light lifting to help set up and tear down.  For some of the activities, nimble fingers may be helpful.  This is a family program, and volunteers should enjoy working with kids and families.

Dress:  Please dress appropriately for the weather.  Wear your volunteer name badge, and if you have one, your volunteer T-shirt.

Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position for more information on programming opportunities with us. 

 

Qualified Barn Aide volunteers and those in-training as Barn Aides completing Shadow Experiences can also assist with grooming and general horse care as needed throughout the year at the Carriage Hill Riding Center! These opportunities pop up periodically throughout the year and are only open to current Carriage Hill Riding Center Barn Aide volunteers. Responding to this opportunity will indicate your interest in these opportunities and you will be contacted when those opportunities arise. 

Impact

Volunteers assist with grooming and equine care and conditioning to promote the health and well-being of our horses at the Carriage Hill Riding Center.

Tasks Grooming, which may include bathing, brushing, and detangling manes and tails Health care, which may include bathing with medicated shampoo and hoof cleaning Conditioning, which may include riding the horses to prep them for lessons and trail season Eligibility

This opportunity is open to the following volunteers:  Youth, Long-Term, and Short-Term volunteers who have completed the Carriage Hill Riding Center Barn Aide Training series. Short-term volunteers may be considered depending on the length of service commitment. Learn more about our types of service here. 

Note: Youth Volunteers: Youth volunteers ages 14-17 are not required to complete a background check. If you are a new youth volunteer contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to have your background check waived. 

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting instructions: Meet near the office inside the first barn or find a staff member.
Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last-minute or are running late, please call the Riding Center office cell phone number at 937-689-6939.
Environment & Physical Demands:
May be exposed to heights and potential allergens such as hay, dust, cats and horses May experience uncomfortable temperature extremes during hot and cold weather This opportunity requires bending, reaching, and using upper body strength to utilize grooming tools Visit the Carriage Hill Riding Center Volunteer Training page in our Training Library to see what training is required for this opportunity.   Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Animal Care Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information. 

Share your love and enthusiasm for the Arboretum with park patrons! Help enhance the visitor experience by greeting, welcoming, and interacting with a variety of diverse audiences and recommending all the best things to see and do while visiting the park.

Impact

Visitor Center Ambassadors share their enthusiasm for Five Rivers MetroParks with diverse audiences at the Visitor Centers at Carriage Hill and Cox Arboretum MetroParks. Ambassadors are often the first friendly faces a visitor sees welcoming them to the park and can be counted on to share helpful information and answer a variety of questions.

TasksProvide excellent customer service by welcoming and directing visitors throughout the park and visitor center.Answer questions about MetroParks. Distribute brochures or other literature appropriate to the conversation.Provide guest assistance while Visitor Services staff is on break. (You will not be asked to answer phones.)Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth ages 16 and up. Learn more about our types of service here. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Parking can be found in the visitor parking lots in front of the visitor center located at 6733 N. Springboro Pike. Cancelation:  If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call Visitor Services Manager Jonathan Gray at 937-499-4270 or 937-275-7275 Environment & Physical Demands: ​​This opportunity involves sitting at the volunteer desk for periods for periods of time. Volunteers may want to stand for periods to speak with guests or show them to specific areas or give directions. Volunteers may choose to station themselves outside the visitor center for some or all of their shifts. Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and, if you have one, your green or blue volunteer shirt. The temperature in the atrium stays cool or warm in alignment with the weather, so please dress accordingly. If choosing to station outside of the visitor center, a volunteer safety vest must be worn.  Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Ambassador Volunteer Position for more information on Ambassador volunteer opportunities with us.

Join Five Rivers MetroParks horticulture education team and support family programming throughout the year that connects visitors of all ages to the natural world through gardening and meaningful exploration of the outdoors! This program invites kids ages 2-6 to join us for wonder and fun as we explore different areas of the Children's Discovery Garden and how it helps us learn about the world around us. Each month, we focus on a different topic themed around the variety of habitats you can find in the Children's Garden.  Volunteers will help with activities such as exploring different habitats, searching for bugs, taking brief hikes, creating art using natural materials, and encouraging sensory exploration of different garden spaces. Program Support volunteers do not need to be experts in the activities, but for this opportunity, should have some gardening knowledge, be enthusiastic about finding discoveries in the garden, and enjoy working with children and families. 

Impact

Program support volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs. Volunteers enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create an inclusive skill-building environment. Volunteers help people create a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Tasks  Welcome participants and assist with check-in.  Help staff with program set-up & tear-down including distributing program supplies.   Assist staff lead with activity, the hike, and exploring the garden. Assist with and participate with families in program activities. Provide excellent customer service to participants and visitors.  Visit MetroParks Programs and Events page* to learn more about the corresponding program date you'll be volunteering.  4/23 - Theme: Signs of Spring 5/20 - Theme: Wetland Creatures 6/24 - Theme: Daytime and Nighttime Life7/22 - Theme: Ancient Plants and Animals8/19 - Theme: Butterflies and BugsEligibility

This opportunity is open to individual Short-term and Long-Term volunteers, ages 18 and up. 

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check).  Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.  Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive an hour before the start of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda and other important information.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Volunteers may be standing or walking for the majority of their shift. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, and wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt.

Learn more about the Programming opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page!   Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this opportunity:

Adventure Central Program Assistant 2026

Aullwood Garden MetroPark offers a collection of wildflowers, beautiful gardens, and natural areas for visitors to enjoy. Your participation in an Adopt-A-Park volunteer service project helps MetroParks 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   Volunteers will assist with invasive plant removal, planting trees, and possibly mulching of flower beds. Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individuals, groups, public, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 14 and up.

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 NotesParking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Aullwood Garden MetroPark. Meet at the Aullwood Garden Wiles Creek Parking Lot (lower dam), located at 955 Aullwood Road. Staff will meet volunteers at the parking lot and then lead the volunteers to the designated backwoods areas to be worked in. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation:  If you need to cancel your shift at the last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Beth Langford, at 937-718-5658. 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 kneeling, lifting, dragging, reaching, bending, and hiking on trails with inclines, in off-trail areas that may have poison ivy and thorny plant material.If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, a water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

Learn more about Park Maintenance opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

The 618-acre Sugarcreek MetroPark is filled with a diverse habitat of scenic creeks, rolling hills, dense woods, wildflowers, fields, prairies, and wetlands, all conveniently located just south of Centerville/Kettering. Your participation in an Adopt-A-Park volunteer service project helps MetroParks 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   Volunteers will have the opportunity to remove invasive Honeysuckle at Sugarcreek MetroPark between the Blue and Green trails.Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individuals, groups, public, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 14 and up.

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 Sugarcreek MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff in the main parking lot near the restrooms and kiosk at 4178 Conference Rd., Bellbrook, OH 45305. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call project 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 bending, kneeling, pulling, lifting, cutting, walking on potentially uneven terrain, and dragging objects 15lbs or more. We will be in the woods working on flat and sloped terrain. Volunteers will be using folding saws and pruners.If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.

Learn more about Conservation opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

Possum Creek MetroPark offers a blend of nature, history and community for adults and children alike. Your participation in an Adopt-A-Park volunteer service project helps MetroParks continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.

Impact

Horticulture at Five Rivers MetroParks creates, maintains, and preserves green space and habitats for pollinators and native plants, as well as educates visitors on sustainable gardening practices and local food production.  Gardening volunteers support the Horticulture and Outdoor Connections staff in a variety of gardening tasks. 

Tasks   Volunteer will support general garden maintenance and seasonal preparation, including soil work, weeding, and bed upkeep in the demonstration garden and around the farm, including near the nature play and farmhouse. Volunteer will assist with planting and plant care, including relocating, dividing, and arranging garden beds and perennials.Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individuals, groups, public, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 14 and up.

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 Possum Creek MetroPark. Volunteers should follow signs that say "Farm" or "Education Building" (4790 Frytown Rd., Dayton, OH 45417). Continue to the parking lot at the end of the park road. From there, the Possum Creek Demonstration Garden is located across from the white farmhouse, near the white barn and chicken coop. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call project staff lead Kaitlyn Lowry at 937-276-7053. 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, twisting, reaching, walking on potentially uneven terrain, and lifting objects of 25 lbs or more in direct sunlight.If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. 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. 

Learn more about the Gardening opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

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 an Adopt-A-Park volunteer service project helps MetroParks continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.

Impact

To preserve this diversity of habitats, parklands are carefully managed to preserve and protect native plant and animal communities of the Miami Valley. Non-native invasive species, such as honeysuckle, compete with or eliminate native plant species and are controlled with mowing and, in some cases, controlled treatment with herbicides. Volunteer support helps to expand our efforts in protecting our region's natural heritage. 

Tasks Volunteers will help remove unwanted plant growth along the levee north of the first pond at Cox Arboretum. This includes cutting or pulling vegetation and dragging plant material to a designated collection area. Staff will handle herbicide application on stumps and transport materials to the compost area. If time allows, the group will transition to similar plant removal work in the prairie.Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individuals, groups, public, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 14 and up.

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 to view a map of Cox Arboretum MetroPark. Volunteers should park in the main lot at Cox Arboretum MetroPark (6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45449) and meet staff by the greenhouse; from the parking lot, follow the paved path to the left of the Visitor Center, which leads around to the front of the greenhouse. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation: If you need to cancel your shift at the last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Uriah Langmeyer at 937-538-1289. 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 routine walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, dragging brush, and lifting up to 15lbs. We will be working on uneven terrain and along a hillside. We will be working in and around tall grasses and wildflowers. If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. 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. 

Learn more about Conservation opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

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 an Adopt-A-Park volunteer service project helps MetroParks continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.

Impact

Gardening volunteers support our horticulture and education staff in caring for a variety of gardens throughout our parks. These gardens not only provide beautiful spaces for Miami Valley residents to get outside, explore, and connect to nature, but many also provide fresh local produce to those in need in our community. 

Tasks Volunteers will help with mulching the Allée at Cox Arboretum.Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individuals, families, groups, public, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 10 and up.

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.Family Volunteers: This opportunity is family-friendly. Families with youth volunteers under the age of 14 are welcome to volunteer. The family must include one parent or guardian per 3 children who engage in service and assume supervisory responsibility for the children during volunteer service.Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here to view a map of Cox Arboretum MetroPark. Volunteers should park in the main lot at Cox Arboretum MetroPark (6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45449) and meet staff by the greenhouse; from the parking lot, follow the paved path to the left of the Visitor Center, which leads around to the front of the greenhouse. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation: If you need to cancel your shift at the last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Jacob Cradic, at 937-245-0219. 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 routine walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting up to 15lbs.If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. 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. 

Learn more about the Gardening opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

Englewood MetroPark offers a serene setting for fishing, birdwatching, and picnicking, and invites visitors to discover the beauty of its woodlands, meadows, and three waterfalls. Your participation in an Adopt-A-Park volunteer service project helps MetroParks continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.

Impact

Five Rivers MetroParks provides clean, safe parks and conservation areas for the public to enjoy year-round. Our Park Maintenance volunteers help to manage and sustain 18 beautiful parks, 11 conservation areas, and 160 miles of hike, bike, mountain bike, and horseback-riding trails for park visitors to safely enjoy.

Tasks   Last year, the Green Trail was rerouted, and the old stairs leading down to Martindale Falls were decommissioned. The stairs have been removed from the hill and are in a pile at the bottom of the falls. Volunteers will work to take the old boards up the hill. Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individuals, groups, public, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 14 and up.

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 to view a map of Englewood MetroPark. Limited Parking will be available off the Martindale Curve (696 Martindale Road). Please try to carpool as space is limited. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation:  If you need to cancel your shift at the last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Daniel Spaugy at 937-277-4133. 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, and walking on potentially uneven terrain. Volunteers will need to be able to carry up to 15 pounds up a hill. Volunteers will need to be comfortable maneuvering up a hill with boards in their hands. If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

Learn more about Park Maintenance opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

Located in Miami Township, Medlar Conservation Area protects 416 acres containing mature woods, fields, shrub-scrub habitat, a pond and a number of created wetlands, preserving some of the last quality open space in this part of Montgomery County. Your participation in an Adopt-A-Park volunteer service project helps MetroParks continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.

Impact

Healthy forests are critical to a healthy environment. However, Ohio’s tree population has declined due to climate change, invasive species such as the emerald ash borer, and aggressive honeysuckle growth. Habitat restoration projects are imperative to helping Five Rivers MetroParks protect the region’s natural heritage and preserve our forests.

Tasks   Volunteers will help with locating and gathering tree tubes from old planting sites and stack them into piles along the service drive for later collection. Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individuals, families, groups, public, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 12 and up.

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.Family Volunteers: This opportunity is family-friendly. Families with youth volunteers under the age of 14 are welcome to volunteer. The family must include one parent or guardian per 3 children who engage in service and assume supervisory responsibility for the children during volunteer service.Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Medlar Conservation Area. Volunteers will meet at the main Medlar Conservation Area parking lot (4558 Medlar Rd, Miamisburg, OH 45342). Staff will transport all volunteers to and from the project area, located approximately 1.2miles down the bikeway, in a Five Rivers MetroParks vehicle. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage.   Cancelation: 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.), and can expect to participate in regular hiking, walking, and working in uneven terrain with lots of sapling-size trees/shrubs, tripping hazards, and thorny vegetation. The ground may be muddy. Vegetation varies from 2-3ft high grasses and broadleaf plants to 15ft tall saplings growing in close proximity to each other. There will be access to a portable restroom at the beginning and end of the event (located at the main parking lot), but staff will have to transport individuals if a restroom is required during the event. No water sources on site, but staff will bring a cooler with fresh water to refill personal water bottles.
If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts, and muck boots/ waterproof boots, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. ​Stiff-brimmed hats and safety glasses are recommended. Work gloves and safety glasses will be provided for those who don't bring their own. 

Learn more about Conservation opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

Hills & Dales MetroPark offers a historical urban forest that has been a natural refuge for Daytonians since 1907. Your participation in an Adopt-A-Park volunteer service project helps MetroParks continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.

Impact

Five Rivers MetroParks provides clean, safe parks and conservation areas for the public to enjoy year-round. Our Park Maintenance volunteers help to manage and sustain 18 beautiful parks, 11 conservation areas, and 160 miles of hike, bike, mountain bike, and horseback-riding trails for park visitors to safely enjoy.

Tasks   Cutting, dragging, and removing invasive plant species, such as honeysuckle, around the natural trails near Paw Paw Camp. Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individuals, groups, public, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 14 and up.

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 in the Paw Paw Camp parking lot at 2471 Deep Hollow Rd., Oakwood, OH 45419. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for 'Volunteer Event' signage.Cancelation:  If you need to cancel your shift at the last minute or are running late, please call Volunteer Coordinator, Allie Zimmerman, at (419) 953-3881. 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 walking, bending, kneeling, and pulling, lifting objects of 15lbs. or more.If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. 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. 

Learn more about Conservation opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

Amid the beautifully landscaped gardens, flowering pots, hanging baskets, and reflecting pools, this lively park on the banks of the Great Miami River offers a place for those who live, work, and play downtown to connect to nature. RiverScape preserves glimpses of the city’s origins while embracing modern innovation and evolving with the needs of the vibrant, connected neighborhoods around it. Your participation in an Adopt-A-Park volunteer service project helps MetroParks continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.

Impact

Five Rivers MetroParks provides clean, safe parks and conservation areas for the public to enjoy year-round. Our Park Maintenance volunteers help to manage and sustain 18 beautiful parks, 11 conservation areas, and 160 miles of hike, bike, mountain bike, and horseback-riding trails for park visitors to safely enjoy.

Tasks   Volunteers will be picking up litter and debris along the river. Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individuals, families, groups, public, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 10 and up.

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. Family Volunteers: This opportunity is family-friendly. Families with youth volunteers under the age of 14 are welcome to volunteer. The family must include one parent or guardian per 3 children who engage in service and assume supervisory responsibility for the children during volunteer service.Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Riverscape MetroPark. Volunteers should park at the Five Rivers MetroPark Main Office parking lot off Water Street, in the Upper Parking Lot (409 East Monument Avenue, Dayton, OH 45402) - See the image below for reference. You may also park along E. Monument or S. Patterson and meet the staff at Riverscape Bike Hub (237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton, OH 45402). Participants must walk from the parking location to meet at the RiverScape Bike Hub. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. CLICK HERE to download and print the PARKING PASS for parking at 409 E. Monument Ave Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call project staff lead Jeffrey Leen at   937-510-0343. 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 walking, bending, kneeling, pulling, and lifting objects 15 lbs or more. If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. 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. 

Learn more about Park Maintenance opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

 

Germantown MetroPark is your gateway to a wilderness adventure. Discover the largest areas of old-growth forest within Montgomery County, creating some of the best habitats for wildlife. Your participation in an Adopt-A-Park volunteer service project helps MetroParks continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.

Impact

Five Rivers MetroParks provides clean, safe parks and conservation areas for the public to enjoy year-round. Our Park Maintenance volunteers help to manage and sustain 18 beautiful parks, 11 conservation areas, and 160 miles of hike, bike, mountain bike, and horseback-riding trails for park visitors to safely enjoy.

Tasks   Volunteers will use shovels and assorted hand tools to edge around trees in picnic areas and remove excess soil. Then load mulch into wheelbarrows to disperse onto freshly edged landscape beds.  Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individuals, groups, public, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 14 and up.

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 Germantown MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at the Cottonwood Shelter (2nd shelter): 6910 Boomershine Road, Germantown, OH 45327. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage.Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call Carl Ketron at (513) 593-2602.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 walking, bending, kneeling, pulling, and lifting (such as shoveling dirt or pitchforking for mulch) 15 lbs or more. Terrain may be uneven and muddy. If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity.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. 

Learn more about Park Maintenance opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

RiverScape MetroPark preserves glimpses of the city’s origins while embracing modern innovation and evolving with the needs of the vibrant, connected neighborhoods around it. Your participation in an Adopt-A-Park volunteer service project helps MetroParks continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.

Impact

Horticulture at Five Rivers MetroParks creates, maintains, and preserves green space and habitats for pollinators and native plants, as well as educates visitors on sustainable gardening practices and local food production.  Gardening volunteers support the Horticulture and Outdoor Connections staff in a variety of gardening tasks. 

Tasks   Volunteers will be helping to mulch the landscape beds at RiverScape. Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individuals, groups, public, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 14 and up.

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 Riverscape MetroPark. Volunteers should park at the Five Rivers MetroPark Main Office parking lot off Water Street, in the Upper Parking Lot: 409 East Monument Avenue, Dayton, OH 45402. See the image below for reference. You may also park along E. Monument or S. Patterson and meet the staff at Riverscape Bike Hub: 237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton, OH 45402. Participants must walk from the parking location to meet at the RiverScape Bike Hub. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. CLICK HERE to download and print the PARKING PASS for parking at 409 E. Monument Ave. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call project staff lead Reagen Wylie at 937-459-0721. 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 walking, bending, kneeling, pulling, and lifting (such as shoveling or wheelbarrowing mulch) 15 lbs or more. If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. 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. 

Learn more about Gardening opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

Land once slated to become a landfill is one step further toward a long-term vision of becoming a new MetroPark. The 550-acre Spring Run Conservation Area is comprised of two land parcels: the 190-acre former Larch Tree Golf Course and the 360-acre Great Miami Wetland Mitigation Bank, the property once planned to become a landfill. The Wetlands Restoration Project will create approximately 22 acres of wetlands on the former golf course property. Your participation in an Adopt-A-Park volunteer service project helps MetroParks 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   Volunteers will help staff restore newly created wetlands at Spring Run MetroPark by planting wetland herbaceous plants. We will be planting aquatic plants and flowers in and around the wetlands to increase species diversity and wildlife habitat. Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individuals, families, groups, public, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 10 and up.

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.Family Volunteers: This opportunity is family-friendly. Families with youth volunteers under the age of 14 are welcome to volunteer. The family must include one parent or guardian per 3 children who engage in service and assume supervisory responsibility for the children during volunteer service.Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers will park and meet staff in the large parking lot at the Spring Run Conservation Area: 2765 N. Snyder Rd, Dayton, Ohio 45426. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation: If you need to cancel your shift at the last minute or are running late, please call the 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.), and can expect to participate in standing, bending, kneeling, and hiking off-trail on uneven terrain. We may be walking a good distance from the parking lot to the planting sites. There are no restrooms available at this location.If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity.Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants and closed-toe hiking shoes, bring a pre-filled water bottle, and bug spray. ​It will be wet, so wear clothing and shoes (muckboots preferred) that you do not mind getting wet and dirty.

Learn more about the Conservation opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

Wesleyan MetroPark provides a gathering spot for friends and family to meet and experience the outdoors just down the street. Your participation in an Adopt-A-Park volunteer service project helps MetroParks continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.

Impact

Five Rivers MetroParks provides clean, safe parks and conservation areas for the public to enjoy year-round. Our Park Maintenance volunteers help to manage and sustain 18 beautiful parks, 11 conservation areas, and 160 miles of hike, bike, mountain bike, and horseback-riding trails for park visitors to safely enjoy.

Tasks   Volunteers will be helping staff to spread mulch at the playground at Wesleyan MetroPark. Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individuals, groups, public, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 14 and up.

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 Wesleyan MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff in the lower parking lot near the Nature Center building: 1441 Wesleyan Rd., Dayton, OH 45406. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call staff lead Julian White at (937) 274-3172. 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 walking, bending, kneeling, pulling, and lifting (such as shoveling or wheelbarrowing mulch) 15 lbs or more.If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. 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. 

Learn more about the Park Maintenance opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

Huffman MetroPark, by its very name, draws connections to bicycles for local residents. The park and earthen dam within it are named after the Huffman family, founders of the Huffy Bike Corporation back in 1892. Your participation in an Adopt-A-Park volunteer service project helps MetroParks continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.

Impact

Five Rivers MetroParks provides clean, safe parks and conservation areas for the public to enjoy year-round. Our Park Maintenance volunteers help to manage and sustain 18 beautiful parks, 11 conservation areas, and 160 miles of hike, bike, mountain bike, and horseback-riding trails for park visitors to safely enjoy.

Tasks   Volunteers will help with painting the guardrails on the bike path. Starting at the dam at the Huffman Maintenance building and working our way down toward the lake.  Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individuals, groups, public, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 14 and up.

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 Huffman MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at the Huffman Maintenance Building: 4300 OH-444, Fairborn, OH 45324. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call staff lead Noah Browning at (937) 312-4153. 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 walking, bending, kneeling, and lifting 10 lbs or more.If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. 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. Wear clothes you don't mind getting paint on!

Learn more about the Park Maintenance opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

Carriage Hill MetroPark is made up of forests, thickets, meadows, and prairies to enjoy on foot or horseback, as well as an 1880s historical farm, creating a unique experience for guests during their visit. Your participation in an Adopt-A-Park volunteer service project helps MetroParks continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.

Impact

Gardening volunteers support our horticulture and education staff in caring for a variety of gardens throughout our parks. These gardens not only provide beautiful spaces for Miami Valley residents to get outside, explore, and connect to nature, but many also provide fresh local produce to those in need in our community.  

Tasks  

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

laying down cardboard around plants in the flower beds to act as a weed barriermulching the flower beds around the Carriage Hill Riding Center
Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individuals, families, groups, public, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 10 and up.

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.Family Volunteers: This opportunity is family-friendly. Families with youth volunteers under the age of 14 are welcome to volunteer. The family must include one parent or guardian per 3 children who engage in service and assume supervisory responsibility for the children during volunteer service. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Park at the Carriage Hill Riding Center: 8111 E. Shull Rd., Huber Heights, OH. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation:  If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Katherine Berg, at (937) 367-1477. 
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, and walking on potentially uneven or muddy terrain.If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. 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.

Learn more about the Gardening opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

Share your love and enthusiasm for Carriage Hill with park patrons! Help enhance the visitor experience by greeting, welcoming, and interacting with a variety of diverse audiences and recommending all the best things to see and do while visiting the farm.

Impact

Visitor Center Ambassadors share their enthusiasm for Five Rivers MetroParks with diverse audiences at the Visitor Centers at Carriage Hill and Cox Arboretum MetroParks. Ambassadors are often the first friendly faces a visitor sees welcoming them to the park and can be counted on to share helpful information and answer a variety of questions.

Tasks Provide excellent customer service by welcoming and directing visitors throughout the park and visitor center. Answer questions about MetroParks. Distribute brochures or other literature appropriate to the conversation.Provide guest assistance while Visitor Services staff is on break. (You will not be asked to answer phones.) Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth ages 16 and up. Learn more about our types of service here. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Parking can be found in the visitor parking lots in front of the visitor center located at 7800 E. Shull Rd.  Cancelation:  If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call Visitor Services Manager Jonathan Gray at 937-499-4270 or 937-275-7275 Environment & Physical Demands: ​​This opportunity involves sitting at the volunteer desk for periods of time. Volunteers may want to stand for periods to speak with guests or show them to specific areas or give directions. Volunteers may choose to station themselves outside the visitor center for some or all of their shift. Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and, if you have one, your green or blue volunteer shirt. The temperature in the visitor center can vary in alignment with the weather, so please dress accordingly. If choosing to station outside of the visitor center, a volunteer safety vest must be worn.  Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Ambassador Volunteer Position for more information on Ambassador volunteer opportunities with us.

Join the horticulture education team at Five Rivers MetroParks and become a part of our exciting family programming that brings visitors of all ages closer to the wonders of nature! Throughout the year, we offer fantastic opportunities for connection through gardening and exploration of the great outdoors.
Volunteers assist in creating an enchanting storytime experience, where you'll dive into captivating tales followed by hands-on activities in the beautiful garden. Join us as we inspire children with amazing stories while soaking in the delightful sights and sounds of the Children's Garden. Let’s make lasting memories together in nature!  Program Support volunteers do not need to be experts in the activities, but for this opportunity, should have good reading skills, be enthusiastic about finding discoveries in the garden, and enjoy working with children and families.

Impact

Program support volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs. Volunteers help people create a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Tasks  Welcome participants and assist with check-in.  Help staff with program set-up & tear-down, including distributing program supplies.   Assist the staff lead with the story, take a portion, or read the whole story. Assist with and participate with families in program activities. Provide excellent customer service to participants and visitors.  Visit MetroParks Programs and Events page* to learn more about the corresponding program date you'll be volunteering.  5/6 - "Firsts & Lasts!" by Leda Schubert—a book that captures the bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye to one season's rituals (like the last snow day) while welcoming the new ones (like the first green sprouts). The book encourages observation of nature and family activities, making it a conversation starter about the cyclical, magical rhythm of the year.  Our activity will follow and highlight the theme - SEASONS. 6/10 - "Dancing with Water" By Gwendolyn Wallace -  the story is an intergenerational tale about community, hope, and environmentalism, exploring how development impacts water access and teaching that the strength of their people flows through the water.    And a 2nd Book, "Time Runs Like a River" By Emma Carlisle - A story about the flow of a river to explore the concepts of time, change, and nature, encouraging readers to appreciate the small moments and cycles of the natural world, from a kingfisher's flash to pebbles turning to sand. We will finish with activities that highlight the theme - WATER. 7/8 - "The Dinosaur in the Garden" By Deb Pilutti - A story about a T-Rex who leaves clues for a curious girl to discover his story, connecting the distant past with the present through themes of geology, paleontology, and curiosity. Our activity will follow and highlight the theme - DINOSAURS.8/12 - "Yucky Worms" By Vivian French a story TBD, have a craft, and explore the garden! And a 2nd Book, "I'm Trying to Love Garbage" By Bethany Barton We will finish with activities that highlight the theme - DECOMPOSERS. Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual Short-term and Long-Term volunteers, ages 18 and up. 

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check).  Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.  Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive a half hour before the start of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda and other important information.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place indoors and outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Volunteers may be standing or walking for the majority of their shift. Please be aware of any outdoor allergies. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, and wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt.

Learn more about the Programming opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page!   Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this opportunity:

Adventure Central Program Assistant 2026

Help us celebrate Mother's Day at the 2nd Street Market! On May 10th, we will be offering a free DIY heart-shaped craft to help our community recognize and celebrate all of our mothers. Volunteers are needed to help community members of all ages with this simple but meaningful craft.

Impact

Program Support volunteers make programs like this one celebrating our community and spreading awareness possible!

Tasks

Welcome and interact with Market visitors and program participants.Assist staff in the set-up and clean-up of the program, including the craft making supplies.Assist participants with making the craft - this will involve decorating a prepared wooden heart-shaped magnet. Help answer questions and provide good customer service to visitors and participants.

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual Long-Term and Short-Term volunteers ages 16 and up.

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up an eligible background check). Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing your qualifications or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers may park in the public lot connected to the Market. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead in the pavilion.  Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call Lynda or Sally at #937-228-2088. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​Physical duties will include some light lifting and sitting.If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress:  Please wear your volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel. The market may be cool in the winter and warm in the summer. Please dress accordingly.

Learn more about Programming with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

Be part of the change and help promote access to healthy foods in our community! Nourishing Montgomery County is a community initiative aimed at promoting food equity and access to health foods for all residents. This event offers a variety of resources and classes to help spread aid and nutrition awareness for all Montgomery County residents.

Montgomery County organizations along with MetroParks staff will host booths in front of the Market to engage community members in activities that spread awareness and help educate while having some fun. Volunteers are needed to assist with simple crafts and games alongside our MetroParks staff. 

Impact

Program Support volunteers make programs like this one celebrating our community and spreading awareness possible!

Tasks

Welcome and interact with Market visitors and program participants.Assist staff in the set-up and clean-up of the program, including the craft making and/or game supplies.Assist participants with making a simple craft and/or playing games.Help answer questions and provide good customer service to visitors and participants.

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual Long-Term and Short-Term volunteers ages 16 and up.

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up an eligible background check). Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing your qualifications or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers may park on the side street. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead at the Market Office near the Welcome Wagon.  Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call Lynda or Sally at #937-228-2088. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​Physical duties will include some light lifting and a lot of standing on concrete.If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress:  Please wear your volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel. Dress for the weather - it will likely be hot and you will be outdoors.

Learn more about Programming with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.