Opportunities From: Five Rivers MetroParks

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. 

Join us for this year's Passport to Kindergarten Graduation and help us celebrate the children and families who participated in this year's kindergarten readiness program! This year's theme focused on nature exploration in the park so we're welcoming everyone for an end of year celebration at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark.

Sustainability Team volunteers including Master Recyclers are needed to help educate these youngsters and their families on sustainability and to support our waste free event efforts. Join in on the fun while sharing this important message with the next generation.

Impact

Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring events and large-scale programs run smoothly. 

Tasks

Under the supervision of the staff lead, volunteers will:

assist with waste collection and sorting, including compostable and recyclable waste generated at waste stations during the event.   share information with the public, educating them on environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.assist with set up and tear down of the waste station and booth spaces.

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: Arrive at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark (1301 Siebenthaler Avenue, Dayton, OH 45415) and meet your staff at the park Kiosk next to the administration building. Cancellation:  If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call staff lead Jack Rees at 859-653-6658. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​This opportunity is quite physical and requires volunteers to lift items that weigh anywhere from 5 to 50 pounds. Reaching, walking on pavement, standing, and lifting may be required. 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.). Dress: Please wear your volunteer shirt and name badge if you have them. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes. Reusable volunteer vests will be provided for volunteers onsite.

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. 

Ready to roll up your sleeves and help us park a lot of bikes? Join the event team as a Bike Parking Assistant at this year's Bike to Work Day Day Pancake Breakfast, Friday, May 15th at RiverScape MetroPark! As a Bike Parking Assistant, you'll direct riders to the bike parking area and help them safely park their bikes while they enjoy the event. Your support encourages event participants to opt to cycle into the event instead of drive.  This is a great way to join in on the celebration of cycling and promote this healthy alternative to driving in the Miami Valley!

Impact

Volunteers will be a part of the event team celebrating the positive impacts human-powered transportation can have on the body, the community, and the wellbeing of the planet. Your support makes events like this possible!

Tasks

Greet guests and welcome them to Riverscape and to Bike to Work Day  Assist cyclists in finding a parking space where they can safely park their bike on their own if preferred and offer to park the bike for them Assist with tear down of the bike parking area from 9:00-9:30 am

Eligibility:  This opportunity is open to Long-Term, Short-Term, and Public volunteers ages 18 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. 

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers should park at Five Rivers MetroParks headquarters, 409 E. Monument Ave, Dayton, OH 45402. Volunteers will need to prominently display their Volunteer Parking Hang tag or a MetroParks Parking Pass. CLICK HERE TO PRINT YOUR VOLUNTEER PARKING PASS. Then, walk to RiverScape MetroPark and check in with the Volunteer Services team located next to the rentals office. Cancellation: While cancelling a shift is discouraged, if you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please notify staff lead, Jordan Hart, at 937-216-9733 and/or your Volunteer Services team at volunteer.services@metroparks.org. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​​Physical duties include standing for long periods, bending and lifting bikes safely on to bike racks.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 dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes. Volunteers are encouraged to wear their blue or green volunteer apparel. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided at volunteer check in onsite.

See the Special Event Volunteer Position Description for more 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.

Join Five Rivers MetroParks as we welcome cycling enthusiasts for tasty pancakes, friends, and music at the region's largest celebration of cycling as a means of transportation in the Miami Valley!

This opportunity is for those who enjoy working at events and enjoy the energy a celebration brings.  Be a part of the Breakfast Team by helping to serve the celebratory breakfast.

Impact

Volunteers will be a part of the event team celebrating the positive impacts human-powered transportation can have on the body, the community, and the wellbeing of the planet. Your support makes events like this possible!

Tasks

Greet guests and welcome them to Riverscape and to Bike to Work Day Help with food line set-up Serve breakfast items from your station. Items will include plates/utensils, food, and drinks Communicate with the Breakfast and Beverage Assistants to let them know what is needed to be restockedAssist with food service area tear down from 9:00-9:30 am You are the face of MetroParks at this event - smile, be enthusiastic, and enjoy the event!

Eligibility:  This opportunity is open to Long-Term, Short-Term, and Public volunteers ages 18 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. 

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers should park at Five Rivers MetroParks headquarters, 409 E. Monument Ave, Dayton, OH 45402. Volunteers will need to prominently display their Volunteer Parking Hang tag or a MetroParks Parking Pass. CLICK HERE TO PRINT YOUR VOLUNTEER PARKING PASS. Then, walk to RiverScape MetroPark and check in with the Volunteer Services team located next to the rentals office. Cancellation: While cancelling a shift is discouraged, if you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please notify staff lead Sadie Crews-Nelson, at 937-275-7275 and/or your Volunteer Services team at volunteer.services@metroparks.org. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​​Physical duties include standing for long periods, bending, lifting and reaching.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 dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes. Volunteers are encouraged to wear their blue or green volunteer apparel. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided at volunteer check in onsite.

See the Special Event Volunteer Position Description for more 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.

We're inviting the community to kick off the season with us at Passport to MetroParks, Friday, May 29th at RiverScape MetroPark. This event introduces our community to all the wonderful parks, programs, and events that MetroParks provides in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with food, music, educational booths and activities.

Sustainability Volunteers are needed to help educate the community about sustainability and direct them on how to sort and dispose of compostables, recyclables, and other waste.  This is a vital role supporting our goal of hosting waste free events. This is a great opportunity for Master Recycler Volunteers!

Impact

Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring events and large-scale programs run smoothly. 

Tasks

Under the supervision of staff, support and assist with the following tasks

assist with waste collection and sorting, including compostable and recyclable waste generated at waste stations during the event.   share information with the public, educating them on environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual Public, Short-term, and Long-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 can park at the Main Office lot, 409 E. Monument Ave, near the FRMP vehicles if space is available or elsewhere in the lot with a volunteer hangtag or parking pass (see map image below). Proceed to volunteer check-in at RiverScape MetroPark near the rentals office and cafe. Click here for a map of RiverScape MetroPark.

Click here to download and print a temporary FRMP Volunteer Parking Pass.

Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call Jack Rees at #859-653-6658. Environment & Physical Demands: Physical duties include walking, standing, and guiding.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 green or blue volunteer T-shirt, if you have one. Reusable volunteer vests and event volunteer name badges will be provided for volunteers on-site at volunteer check-in. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes.

Learn more about Special Events 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.

We're inviting the community to kick off the season with us at Passport to MetroParks, Friday, May 29th at RiverScape MetroPark. This event introduces our community to all the wonderful parks, programs, and events that MetroParks provides in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with food, music, educational booths and activities. Help us ensure a smooth finish to this year's event by helping our staff with Event Tear Down.

Impact

Special Event volunteers are critical in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from setup to teardown.  

Tasks

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

Collapsing and putting away 10x10 tents throughout the event footprint Stacking and loading tables and chairs taking down banners and other event promotional items

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual Public, Short-Term, and Long-Term volunteers ages 16 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. 

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers can park at the Main Office lot, 409 E. Monument Ave, near the FRMP vehicles if space is available with a volunteer hangtag or parking pass (see map image below). Volunteers will be given a brief orientation when they arrive on-site. Meet staff near the cafe and rental office windows to receive a brief on-site orientation. Click here for a map of RiverScape MetroPark.

Click here to download and print a temporary FRMP Volunteer Parking Pass.

Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call Rachel Baney at #937-902-4613. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​​​This opportunity is very physical and requires volunteers to lift items that weigh anywhere from 5 to 50 pounds. Reaching, walking and standing on pavement or concrete for long periods may be required. 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.).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 green or blue volunteer T-shirt, if you have one. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes. Reusable volunteer vests will be provided for volunteers on-site.

Learn more about Special Events 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.

Can't decide which you love more -- enjoying the Summer Music Series at RiverScape or supporting the Five Rivers MetroParks?!  Good news, you don't have to choose!  Beer and Wine Sales volunteers, age 21 and over, can do both when they assist staff by pouring and serving beer and wine for event participants. Staff members take the guess work out of the equation and will be on site to check identification to approve or deny service. Volunteers may be stationed inside the RiverScape Cafe, the Rentals Office or outside under a 10' x 10' tent. 

Impact

Proceeds from alcohol sales will further our mission of protecting the region's natural heritage and providing outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.

Tasks Assist staff by pouring and serving beer and wine to approved customersHelp staff with setting up the drink serving area, including moving stanchions to form the line area Periodically restock the product, which requires lifting up to 20 pounds Assist with questions about the event, park, and Five Rivers MetroParks, and refer questions you cannot answer to a MetroParks staff member on-site Volunteers will primarily be standing, but may have the opportunity to sit and rest during downtime. Please be advised that some events have much higher attendance than others resulting in a steady line of customers all evening, and in turn fewer opportunities to sit and rest.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual, long-term, or short term volunteers, ages 21 and up who have qualified in Beer and Wine Sales Training.  Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up.

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 21 and up an eligible background check), plus Beer and Wine Sales training. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Additional NotesParking and Meeting Instructions: Volunteers can park at the Main Office lot, 409 E. Monument Ave, at the top near the FRMP vehicles with a volunteer hangtag. If you do not have your official volunteer parking pass yet, you can contact Volunteer Services at 937-275-PARK or www.volunteer.services@metroparks.org.Meet staff near the Rentals Office window when you arrive. Volunteers will be provided with a brief onsite orientation by staff.Cancellation:  If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, James Carter, at 937-277-4359. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​Light physical duties include standing for up to 3 hours, walking, and light lifting to help set up and tear down booth materials. Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and, if you have one, your green or blue volunteer T-shirt. Be sure to wear closed toed shoes. Reusable volunteer vests and nametags will be provided for you at volunteer check in onsite.Other: Volunteers must abstain from drinking alcohol until after their volunteer shift is finished and must remove their volunteer nametag and any other volunteer apparel when consuming alcohol.

 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. 

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 

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. Support staff with registering participants for the event, so hikers can get out on the trails!

Impact

Volunteers enable more individualized support for first-time participants and help create excitement and energy at outdoor recreation events. Volunteers help people make a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Tasks

Work with staff to help get hikers registered before they begin their hikeShare maps and information about the challenge with participants Check participants back in after they finish their hike Assist with questions regarding MetroParks Be observant, and make staff aware of any issues right away

Eligibility 

This opportunity is open to individual, public, long-term, and short term volunteers, ages 16 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. Please arrive 15 minutes before your shift. This allows time for parking, getting to your station, getting oriented to all the logistics for the event, and reviewing materials and resources. 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 and sitting. Dress: If you have one, please wear your green or blue volunteer T-shirt, if you have one. An event name badge and reusable volunteer vest will be provided for volunteers on-site. Dress for the weather and bring bug spray and sun protection such as sunglasses and/or a hat.Other: Morning shifts are located inside the Twin Valley Welcome Center. Registration moves to the parking lot of the Welcome Center around noon. Shifts are outside after noon.

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.  

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 this opportunity:

Possum Creek Garden Maintenance