Opportunities From: Five Rivers MetroParks

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Do you LOVE being around horses and don't mind getting your hands a little dirty? Or maybe you're just looking for a way to give back while getting in a great workout? Consider joining our team of Carriage Hill Riding Center Volunteers as a Barn Aide!

Barn aide volunteers are essential to providing daily care for the horses and maintaining the equestrian facility where these beloved animals live, work, and play. This is an opportunity to make a big difference at every volunteer shift. If you're looking to make an ongoing commitment to service of 8 shifts or more per year that makes a real impact, consider joining us!

Note: All new Riding Center volunteers begin as Barn Aides. These volunteers can participate in additional training to support a variety of our equestrian programming opportunities.

Impact

Volunteers complete essential operational tasks and hands-on daily care which promotes the health and well-being of our horses and allows the Riding Center facility to function on a daily basis.

Tasks Clean stalls and paddocks Clean and refill water buckets Feed hay and/or grain Turn horses in and out Assist staff with general cleaning Groom horses Eligibility

This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term and Youth volunteers, ages 14 and up, who have completed the required prerequisite training and are able to make an ongoing commitment to service at the Carriage Hill Riding Center.  Short term volunteers willing to commit 8 shifts or more may be considered.  

Learn more about becoming a MetroParks volunteer and our volunteer service types here. GET STARTED: Not currently in Barn Aide training, but would like to get started? Follow this link to begin virtual training today. Additional Notes Commitment: This opportunity requires an ongoing commitment of at least 8 volunteer shifts per year.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:
Volunteers should prepare to work in outdoor weather conditions, year-round. In this work environment, volunteers will be exposed to cat and horse dander, dust, and other environmental allergens. Dress: Please dress for the weather and working in a barn environment. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes or work boots and clothes with long pants you do not mind getting dirty. No Steel Toe boots. Volunteers should wear their volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel if available. Note: Name badges are mailed out every 2 weeks for newly onboarded volunteers. If you have not received yours within this timeline, contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org. Volunteer apparel is distributed through our VIP program beginning at 25 hours. Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Animal Care Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.  

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.

**Note: This opportunity is only open for volunteers in training to be qualified Barn Aides at the Carriage Hill Riding Center. **

Barn Aide volunteers are critical to providing daily care for the horses and the equestrian facility in which these beloved animals live, work, and play. Now that you have completed your virtual and scheduled in-person training, you are ready to shadow qualified volunteers and Carriage Hill Riding Center staff to practice the skills needed to become a qualified Barn Aide volunteer.  

You'll work alongside qualified volunteers and staff at scheduled shadow experience shifts to practice these tasks until you are able to check off and begin completing these tasks more independently as a qualified barn aide volunteer.

Plus, once you qualify as a Barn Aide volunteer by completing your check off, you become eligible to participate in additional training to support a variety of equestrian programming opportunities at the Carriage Hill Riding Center.

Impact

Volunteers complete essential operational tasks and hands-on daily care alongside qualified volunteers and staff during these scheduled shadow experiences to ensure the good health and well-being of our horses allowing the Riding Center facility to function on a daily basis.

Tasks Clean stalls and paddocks Clean and refill water buckets Feed hay and/or grain Turn horses in and out Assist staff with general cleaning Groom horses Eligibility

This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term and Youth volunteers, ages 14 and up, who have completed the required prerequisite training and are able to make an ongoing commitment to service at the Carriage Hill Riding Center.  Short term volunteers willing to commit 8 shifts or more may be considered.

 Learn more about becoming a MetroParks volunteer and our volunteer service types here. 

GET STARTED: Not currently in Barn Aide training, but would like to get started? Follow this link to begin virtual training today.

Additional Notes Commitment: This opportunity requires an ongoing commitment to service of at least 8 volunteer shifts per year.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:
Volunteers should prepare to work in outdoor weather conditions, year-round. In this work environment, volunteers will be exposed to cat and horse dander, dust, and other environmental allergens. Dress:  Please dress for the weather and working in a barn environment. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes or work boots and clothes with long pants you do not mind getting dirty. No Steel Toe boots.Volunteers should wear their volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel if available. Note: Name badges are mailed out every 2 weeks for newly onboarded volunteers. If you have not received yours within this timeline, contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org. Volunteer apparel is distributed through our VIP program beginning at 25 hours. Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Animal Care Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.  

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. 

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.

 
   

 

 

Equestrian Arena Assistant volunteers assist staff in conducting lessons and camps at the Carriage Hill Riding Center. These volunteers are the eyes, ears, hands and heart that ensure each participant has a fun, safe, and engaging experience. These volunteers train and qualify as Barn Aides before training to qualify as an Equestrian Arena Assistant. 

Impact

Arena Assistant Volunteers ensure a fun, safe experience riding lesson experience providing a connection to nature through high-quality equine programming. 

Tasks

Retrieve horses from stalls or paddocks and lead to cross ties. Assist with grooming and tacking Help with checking tack, getting riders mounted, and adjusting stirrups Assist with aiding and maintaining safe spacing between the horses during the lesson Keep an eye on safety issues throughout the lesson.

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to Long-Term, Short-Term and Youth volunteers ages 14 and up who have qualified as Equestrian Arena Assistants.

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 14 and up an eligible background check), plus Barn Aide and Equestrian Arena Assistant Volunteer training. Simply click the blue RESPOND completing the required qualifications or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Meet the staff near the barn office. 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: Volunteers should expect to work in outside weather conditions, year-round in a typical ban environment with exposure to cat and horse dander, dust, hay, and other environmental allergens.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 if you have it to make you easy to identify as a volunteer.

See the Programming Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information. 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.

This Shadow Experience opportunity is for those volunteers in training to serve as an Equestrian Arena Assistant. You will be partnered with a qualified and experienced Staff Lead during this shadow experience to observe, learn, and practice the required skills.

Equestrian Arena Assistant volunteers assist staff in conducting lessons and camps at the Carriage Hill Riding Center. These volunteers are the eyes, ears, hands and heart that ensure each participant has a fun, safe, and engaging experience. These volunteers train and qualify as Barn Aides before training to become an Equestrian Arena Assistant. 

Impact

Arena Assistant Volunteers ensure a fun, safe experience riding lesson experience providing a connection to nature through high-quality equine programming. 

Tasks

Retrieve horses from stalls or paddocks and lead to cross ties. Assist with grooming and tacking Help with checking tack, getting riders mounted, and adjusting stirrups Assist with aiding and maintaining safe spacing between the horses during the lesson Keep an eye on safety issues throughout the lesson.

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to Long-Term, Short-Term and Youth volunteers ages 14 and up who are currently in training to qualify as Equestrian Arena Assistants.

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 14 and up an eligible background check), plus Barn Aide and Equestrian Arena Assistant Volunteer training. Simply click the blue RESPOND completing the required qualifications or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Meet the staff near the barn office. 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: Volunteers should expect to work in outside weather conditions, year-round in a typical ban environment with exposure to cat and horse dander, dust, hay, and other environmental allergens.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 if you have it to make yourself easy to identify as a volunteer.

See the Programming Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information. 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.

What is a Heirloom Garden? Do you enjoy working outside while learning about our local history, particularly as it pertains to growing food? The heirloom kitchen garden and flower beds at the Carriage Hill MetroPark Historic Farm tell important stories that celebrate our agricultural heritage in the Miami Valley. This includes a significant portion of our local landscape, shaped by generations of farmers growing a variety of heirloom crops commonly found on farms in the 1880s. So let's grow together at Carriage Hill and get our hands in the soil!

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

typical garden maintenance, including soil preparation, laying out beds, planting both seeds and plants, weeding and cultivation, and harvesting. This position is open to gardeners of all skill levels, from beginner to expert. In addition, some landscape gardening in flower beds may be included.

Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth (ages 14-17 - See specific age requirements below). 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.  Additional Notes  Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers should park at the historic farm parking lot located at 7860 E. Shull Rd., Dayton, OH 45424, and meet staff at the David Arnold House on the Historic Farm. Cancelation:  If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call staff lead Rick Musselman at 937-594-8271. Environmental & Physical Demands: Be aware of outdoor risks such as poison ivy, insects, seasonal allergies, and extended exposure to the sun.  Volunteers can expect to participate in routine bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching, and moving material of 15 pounds or more. ALLERGY ALERT: typical farm environment; hay and animal allergies. 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. ​Please wear your volunteer name badge and, if you have one, your green or blue volunteer T-shirt. Historic-period clothing is not required.  Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Gardening Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.

 

Looking for a unique and rewarding gardening experience? Join the team of knowledgeable staff and passionate volunteers at Cox Arboretum MetroPark. You will have the chance to maintain and cultivate a variety of specialty gardens, including those at the Barbara Cox Center for Sustainable Horticulture. With a focus on native plants, you will learn effective horticulture techniques that benefit the environment and the community. Don't miss this opportunity to develop your skills and contribute to a sustainable future!

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 assigned Horticulture Technician, support and assist with the following:

Landscape bed maintenance including pruning trees and shrubs, mechanical weed removal, edging, and mulching. A variety of seasonal gardening tasks as assigned. Provide 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 Cox Arboretum MetroPark. Volunteers should park at Cox Arboretum, located at 6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45449, and meet staff in the plaza between the Barbara Cox Center for Sustainable Horticulture and the Kettering Learning Lab.  Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact Todd Strong at (513) 658-0279. Environmental & Physical Demands: This project takes place 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 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 Gardening Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.

Looking for a way to support MetroParks' gardening efforts in our downtown parks? Do you enjoy promoting beautiful green spaces in an urban setting? Learn and apply effective horticulture techniques with plants chosen for their horticultural benefits, while fostering healthy biodiversity for pollinators.

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

hands-on landscape and garden maintenance, including planting, watering, pruning, deadheading, mulching, weeding, edging, seasonal cutbacks, and general care of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees. helping create a positive park experience by keeping landscaped areas tidy and 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: Please sign up for your volunteer shift at least 2 days in advance.  Parking & Meeting Instructions: RiverScape and Urban Parks Garden Stewards support staff at a variety of downtown MetroParks. You will receive a weekly email from the staff lead with more information on where to meet. Volunteers support the following parks: RiverScape (237 E. Monument - park in a VISITOR SPOT at the Main Office) Deeds Point (510 Webster St - park in a VISITOR SPOT at the Main Office)Note: If visitor parking is not available, you must display your volunteer parking hang tag in your vehicle. Failure to display your volunteer parking hang tag may result in a parking ticket when parking in the Main Office parking lot. If you do not have a volunteer parking hang tag, please contact Volunteer Services. Island (101 E. Helena St.) 2nd St. Market (600 E. 2nd St.) Sunrise (50 S. Edwin C. Moses – contact staff lead for map) Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift 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 (e.g., grass, pollen, bees). Volunteers can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching, and sometimes lifting objects 25 lbs or more in possibly shaded or direct sunlight. 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.

Would you like to be a part of preserving a sustainable and natural habitat around the Stillwater River in the Miami Valley? A partnership between Five Rivers MetroParks, Aullwood Audubon Farm and Center, and the Garden Club of Dayton, this project preserves John and Marie Aull’s vision to unite local conservation efforts. This activity is a collaborative, annual event in April supporting Ohio Native Plant Month.

Impact

To preserve the diversity of habitats, parklands are carefully managed to preserve and protect native plant and wildlife communities of the Miami Valley. Non-native, invasive species compete with or eliminate native plant species and can be controlled by pulling, cutting, and removing them from the area.  Volunteer support helps to expand our efforts in protecting our region's natural heritage. 

Tasks

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

Working alongside Aullwood Audubon and Aullwood Garden staff to identify and remove invasive plants in wooded areas.  Volunteers will assist with digging and cutting back invasives and help place them in a specified location for pickup later by MetroParks staff. Eligibility

This opportunity is open to teens and adults (ages 14 and older), Long-Term, Short-Term, and Public volunteers.

Additional Notes: Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Aullwood Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers will park at the Wiles Parking Lot (955 Aullwood Rd., Dayton, OH 45414), and walk up to the Historic home of John and Marie to meet up with the volunteer leads. Look for 'volunteer event' signage.Cancelation:  If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Beth Langford, at 937-718-5658.  Environment & Physical Demands: Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (e.g., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.) and seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.). Volunteers can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects weighing 15 lbs or more. The worksite requires a 10-minute walk over uneven terrain, which may include downed branches, thorns, poison ivy, and occasional marshy areas. A variety of hand tools will be used, including soil knives, spades, pruners, loppers, and shovels. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and muck boots/waterproof boots, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. ​Special Note: If you sign up for both the morning and afternoon shifts, we invite you to bring a lunch and enjoy your meal alongside the staff. If you're volunteering for the afternoon shift, you're welcome to arrive early at noon to enjoy your lunch with the staff before your shift begins.

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.

Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty? Join us at Possum Creek MetroPark for a fun-filled volunteer opportunity in the Demonstration Garden! The Demonstration Gardens provide produce to those in need throughout Dayton and the Miami Valley. Our education staff needs your help in maintaining the gardens and flower beds at the farm. Don't worry if you don't have any previous experience – we welcome all volunteers to learn by doing and ask questions. Together, we'll make the Possum Creek Demonstration Garden a beautiful and inspiring place for programming, school tours, and park patrons of all ages!

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, volunteers will support and assist with the following:

Garden bed prep, weeding, compost maintenance (turning, sifting, and application), garden path maintenance (cardboard and woodchip application), garden bed construction, transplanting, planting, and more. Eligibility

This opportunity is open to teens and adults (ages 14 and older), Long-Term, and Short-Term volunteers.

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. Additional Notes: Parking & Meeting Instructions: Arrive 5- 10 minutes before your shift start time for a brief introduction and orientation to the site and the volunteer project. Click here for a map of Possum Creek MetroPark. Volunteers should park in the parking lot near the Farm Shelter. Enter the park at 4790 Frytown Rd., Dayton, OH 45417, and follow the main park drive until it dead-ends into the farm parking lot. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact Kaitlyn Lowry, Education Coordinator, at 937-276-7053. Environmental & Physical Demands: This project takes place 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 lifting objects of 10lbs or more in possibly direct sunlight.Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottles, 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.  

Support the annual Carriage Hill Riding Center Horse Show! Carriage Hill Riding Center is hosting a horse show to showcase what our riding lessons students have learned and give them the opportunity to ride in front of their family and friends. Ribbon Distributor Volunteers are needed to recognize riders by distributing placement ribbons.

Registration & Snack Volunteers will greet the participants and their families, check in each participant, and distribute numbers and name tags, and assist with distributing snacks. Come on out and join the fun while making a difference!

Impact

Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from set-up to teardown.  

Tasks

Pass out ribbons after each class.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to long-term volunteers, ages 14 and up who have qualified or are in the process of qualifying as Barn Aides. 

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up an eligible background check), and Barn Aide Training.  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:  ***Riding Center parking is reserved for handicapped parking only on the day of the Horse Show. Please park at the Carriage Hill Visitor Center lot and take the Shuttle to the Riding Center. Allow 20 extra minutes before your shift to catch the shuttle. Once you arrive at the Riding Center, meet staff 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: Volunteers should prepare to work in outdoor weather conditions with long periods of standing and walking.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: Dress for the weather and wear long pants and sturdy closed-toe shoes. Consider bringing a sun hat and sunglasses. Wear your Metroparks volunteer apparel and name badge if you have them. If not, volunteer vests will be available. 

Learn more about Special Events 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. 

Support the annual Carriage Hill Riding Center Horse Show! Carriage Hill Riding Center is hosting a horse show to showcase what our riding lessons students have learned and give them the opportunity to ride in front of their family and friends. Horse Handling Volunteers are needed to holding horses during the show, assisting riders with getting on, adjusting stirrups, and making sure the horse is in the correct class.

Come on out and join the fun while making a difference!

Impact

Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from set-up to teardown.  

Tasks

Hold horses during the showAssist riders with getting on the horseMake stirrup adjustmentsEnsure the horse is in the correct class

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to long-term volunteers, ages 14 and up who have qualified or are in the process of qualifying as Arena Assistants.

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up an eligible background check), and Equestrian Arena Assistants.  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:  ***Riding Center parking is reserved for handicapped parking only on the day of the Horse Show. Please park at the Carriage Hill Visitor Center lot and take the Shuttle to the Riding Center. Allow 20 extra minutes before your shift to catch the shuttle. Once you arrive at the Riding Center, meet staff 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: Volunteers should prepare to work in outdoor weather conditions with long periods of standing and walking. In this work environment, volunteers will be exposed to cat and horse dander, dust, and other environmental allergens.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: Dress for the weather and wear long pants and sturdy closed-toe shoes. Consider bringing a sun hat and sunglasses. Wear your Metroparks volunteer apparel and name badge if you have them. If not, volunteer vests will be available. 

Learn more about Special Events 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 2nd Street Market supports small, local entrepreneurs with a strong emphasis on food, agriculture, gardening, and home decor in an atmosphere that provides a comfortable and inviting gathering place for the diverse population of the greater Dayton area. Our 2nd Street Market is looking for WEEKEND custodial support to help us keep the place sparkling clean. Not only will you get to flex your cleaning muscles, but you'll get to meet and interact with some amazing people from your community.

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

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

keeping the Market tidy during operational hours, as well as light sweeping, table cleaning, and helping with trash removal after closing. 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.  Additional Notes: Parking & Meeting Instructions: There is free parking available in the Market lot or street parking nearby: 600 East 2nd Street, Dayton, OH 45402. Please enter through the Market office entrance (the door nearest Webster Street), where you will meet with Market Manager, Lynda Suda, or Market Coordinator, Sally Leatherman.Environmental & Physical Demands: This project takes place primarily indoors; However, you will be outside occasionally. Volunteers should dress for the weather and plan for and be aware of possible indoor allergies (i.e., dust). You can expect to participate in walking, bending, standing, reaching, and/or lifting objects of 30lbs. or more during your volunteer shift.  Cancelation:  If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call Lynda Suda at 937-228-2088. Dress: Volunteers should dress to be indoors; However, you may occasionally walk trash out to the dumpster or need to complete outdoor tasks, so please be prepared for the weather. Please wear comfortable shoes, too! Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Park Maintenance Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information

Join us for a wetland planting project! 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.

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, teens, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 14 and up. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

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.

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, Ben Crusoe at (614) 266-1075.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.

Learn, grow, and give back to the trails you love with this exciting Service Saturday trail maintenance volunteer opportunity! Led by our knowledgeable staff, these trail maintenance opportunities will focus on revitalizing the trail systems at Cox Arboretum MetroPark. Learn alongside like-minded individuals on the whys and hows of building and maintaining a sustainable trail system on these hands-on workdays.

Impact

Volunteers who support Trail Maintenance help MetroParks provide safe, consistent, and high-quality trail experiences for visitors with varied interests and levels of abilities in a manner that protects and sustains the natural resources and habitats at each park.

Tasks  

This series of Volunteer Opportunities offers volunteers a chance to participate in a number of trail maintenance activities. This includes but is not limited to: corridor clearing, invasive plant removal, tread maintenance, and drainage clearing.

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 parking lot and walk along the left side of the Visitor Center to the Greenhouse/Resource Center area. Follow the 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact Staff Lead Todd Strong at (513) 658-0279. 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 walk/hike up to 1 mile, reach, bend, kneel, drag, and lift up to 25lbs. Work will take place on natural trails, which can be muddy, uneven, and sloped. 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. 

Looking to spend a Saturday morning doing something hands-on and meaningful? Join the team of knowledgeable staff and passionate volunteers at Cox Arboretum MetroPark. You’ll work alongside MetroParks staff and fellow volunteers on real, seasonal projects that help keep the gardens looking their best. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just curious to try something new, Service Saturdays are a fun, flexible way to give back, learn as you go, and be part of the work happening at Cox Arboretum.

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 assist with a variety of seasonal garden maintenance projects, which might include weeding, planting, or mulching, depending on the weather and the conditions.

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 Cox Arboretum MetroPark. Volunteers should park at Cox Arboretum, located at 6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45449, and meet staff in the plaza, between the Barbara Cox Center for Sustainable Horticulture and the Kettering Learning Lab.  Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact Staff Lead Todd Strong at (513) 658-0279. Environmental & Physical Demands: This project takes place 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 lifting objects of 15 lbs 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. ​

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. 

Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty? Join us at Possum Creek MetroPark for a fun-filled volunteer opportunity in the Demonstration Garden! The Demonstration Gardens provide produce to those in need throughout Dayton and the Miami Valley. Our education staff needs your help in maintaining the gardens and flower beds at the farm. Together, we'll make the Possum Creek Demonstration Garden a beautiful and inspiring place for programming, school tours, and park patrons of all ages!

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, volunteers will support and assist with the following:

Garden bed prep, weeding, compost maintenance (turning, sifting, and application), garden path maintenance (cardboard and woodchip application), garden bed construction, transplanting, planting, and more.

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: Arrive 5- 10 minutes before your shift start time for a brief introduction and orientation to the site and the volunteer project. Click here for a map of Possum Creek MetroPark. Volunteers should park in the parking lot near the Farm Shelter. Enter the park at 4790 Frytown Rd., Dayton, OH 45417, and follow the main park drive until it dead-ends into the farm parking lot. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact Kaitlyn Lowry, Education Coordinator, at 937-276-7053. Environmental & Physical Demands: This project takes place 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 lifting objects of 10lbs or more in possibly direct sunlight.Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottles, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

​ Learn more about Garden 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 a Service Saturday 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 Garlic Mustard at Sugarcreek MetroPark.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individuals, groups, families, public, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 5 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 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.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.

Welcome to the Propagation Operation, or PropOps for short. Our goal is to propagate native plants to be used for restoration and conservation projects throughout the district. In addition to trees and shrubs, volunteers will be growing herbaceous plants as well at the Barbara Cox Center for Sustainable Horticulture at Cox Arboretum MetroPark. 

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:

Transplanting propagated trees and small herbaceous plugs to be later planted throughout the parks. Maintain tree and herbaceous seedlings by watering, fertilizing, weeding, etc. Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Teens and adults (ages 14 and older), Long-Term, and Short-Term. 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.  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, Dayton, Ohio (Cox Arboretum MetroPark). Follow the paved path to the left of the Visitor Center, leading you around and behind the visitor center, where a staff person will be waiting for you inside or near the greenhouse.  Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call Volunteer Services at 937-275-7275. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​This project takes place primarily indoors, inside the greenhouse. However, if the weather is nice or if the project demands, staff may open greenhouse bay doors and ask volunteers to support both indoor and outdoor tasks. Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, etc.), and of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.). Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, dress in layers, wear long pants, and closed-toe shoes (sneakers/tennis shoes), and have their favorite work gloves and a pre-filled water bottle.  Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Conservation Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.   

Thank you for reserving an Adopt-A-Park Service Kit!

Your volunteer service helps protect our region’s natural heritage and keeps our parks and river corridors healthy and beautiful.

To receive your kit, you must RSVP for a Drive-Thru Adopt-A-Park Service Kit Pick-up. Kits will be available for pick-up in the morning at Cox Arboretum and Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark on Saturday, April 25.

How to Participate Complete your litter pick-up using your service kit in a park or green space of your choice Follow the instructions included in your kit for safety and disposal guidance After your cleanup, log your volunteer hours and share your impactImportant Timing

Service kits are intended to be used during April and May as part of our Adopt-A-Park efforts. Cleanups completed outside of this timeframe will not be eligible for volunteer hour tracking in Get Connected.

Team Registration

If you're registering as an individual, click Respond.
If you're planning to participate with a small team, select Respond as a Team to register your group.

As a Team Leader, you will:

Add team members (name required, email optional) and manage your team registration Log your team’s volunteer hours after completing your litter pick-up Submit hours for each date if your team participates multiple times

For a step-by-step guide, click here to watch a short video walkthrough of the team registration process.

For registration assistance, contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or call 937-275-PARK.

Planning Your Cleanup

If this is your first time using a service kit or you'd like a refresher, please review the service kit instructions. These instructions will be included in your kit. You may clean up any green space of your choosing, or use the list provided in your kit to find high-priority areas within MetroParks.

Trash Disposal:
Please take your bagged trash with you or place it in the nearest park trash receptacle if working outside of a Five Rivers MetroPark.

Log Your Impact:
After your cleanup, please:

Log your volunteer hours in Get Connected.  Watch this video for instructions on how to add your team's hours.Complete the short impact survey to share how much litter you collected. Your response helps track our collective efforts and make a bigger difference.
Thank You for Making a Difference!

We appreciate our volunteers, staff, and generous community sponsors for supporting this effort:

Montgomery County Environmental Services

Keep Montgomery County Beautiful

QEI Engineers Inc.

Join us for these additional Public Volunteer Days: 

Service Saturdays every third Saturday from May to September Make A Difference Day in October  Interested in bringing your coworkers, team, or community group out for a volunteer workday or a series of volunteer workdays throughout the season or year? Learn more about group volunteer opportunities here.    

Interested in other volunteer opportunities with MetroParks? Learn more about our types of volunteer service and how to get started as a volunteer with us. 

Be a part of the Annual TVT Challenge! This fun, non-competitive hiking endurance event challenges participants to see how far they can hike in one day. Various routes will be marked along the Twin Valley Trail, with hiking options ranging from 1 to 27 miles. Volunteers are needed to help participants with wayfinding and staff with prepping supplies. 

Impact

Five Rivers MetroParks provides an array of outdoor events and large programs throughout the year for residents of the Miami Valley to get connected to recreation, music, history, family, and most of all, nature. Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from set-up to teardown.

Tasks

Assist hikers with wayfinding from the parking lot to registration tablesHelp staff prep the aid station suppliesFill in for volunteer areas that need additional supportHelp answer questions about Five Rivers MetroParksBe observant and alert staff to any issues

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individuals, public, long-term, and short term volunteers, ages 14 and up. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

 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 at the Twin Valley Welcome Center, located at 6910 Boomershine Rd, Germantown, OH 45327, and meet with the staff lead. Volunteers will need to drive around the parking barricades to enter the lot, as the lot is closed to event participants. Please refer to the Germantown MetroPark Map for location details.  Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Thomas Nugent, at 740-403-2946 or ask for a Volunteer Coordinator at 937-275-7275. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​Light physical duties include standing, sitting, and light lifting to help set up supplies at aid stations. Activities take place outdoors could be in either sun, shade or both. Dress: If you have one, please wear your volunteer name badge and your green or blue volunteer T-shirt. Name tags and reusable volunteer vests will be provided for volunteers onsite.

Learn more about Special Event 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 trying these opportunities:  

Cox Arboretum Gardening  

Climbing Wall Attendant