Opportunities From: Five Rivers MetroParks

Aullwood Garden MetroPark offers a collection of wildflowers, beautiful gardens, and natural areas for visitors to enjoy. Your participation in an Adopt-A-Park volunteer service project helps MetroParks continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.

Impact

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

Tasks   Volunteers will assist with invasive plant removal, planting trees, and possibly mulching of flower beds. Eligibility

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

Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here. Additional NotesParking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Aullwood Garden MetroPark. Meet at the Aullwood Garden Wiles Creek Parking Lot (lower dam), located at 955 Aullwood Road. Staff will meet volunteers at the parking lot and then lead the volunteers to the designated backwoods areas to be worked in. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation:  If you need to cancel your shift at the last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Beth Langford, at 937-718-5658. Environment & Physical Demands: This project takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e.,  grass, pollen, bees, etc.). Volunteers can expect to participate in kneeling, lifting, dragging, reaching, bending, and hiking on trails with inclines, in off-trail areas that may have poison ivy and thorny plant material.If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, a water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

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

The 618-acre Sugarcreek MetroPark is filled with a diverse habitat of scenic creeks, rolling hills, dense woods, wildflowers, fields, prairies, and wetlands, all conveniently located just south of Centerville/Kettering. Your participation in an Adopt-A-Park volunteer service project helps MetroParks continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.

Impact

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

Tasks   Volunteers will have the opportunity to remove invasive Honeysuckle at Sugarcreek MetroPark between the Blue and Green trails.Eligibility

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

Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here.Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Sugarcreek MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff in the main parking lot near the restrooms and kiosk at 4178 Conference Rd., Bellbrook, OH 45305. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call project staff lead Matt Stevens at (513) 200-7271. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​This project takes place outdoors. Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, pulling, lifting, cutting, walking on potentially uneven terrain, and dragging objects 15lbs or more. We will be in the woods working on flat and sloped terrain. Volunteers will be using folding saws and pruners.If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.

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

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

Impact

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

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

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

Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here.Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Possum Creek MetroPark. Volunteers should follow signs that say "Farm" or "Education Building" (4790 Frytown Rd., Dayton, OH 45417). Continue to the parking lot at the end of the park road. From there, the Possum Creek Demonstration Garden is located across from the white farmhouse, near the white barn and chicken coop. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call project staff lead Kaitlyn Lowry at 937-276-7053. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​This project takes place outdoors. Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.) and can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching, walking on potentially uneven terrain, and lifting objects of 25 lbs or more in direct sunlight.If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

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

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

Impact

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

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

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

Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here.Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here to view a map of Cox Arboretum MetroPark. Volunteers should park in the main lot at Cox Arboretum MetroPark (6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45449) and meet staff by the greenhouse; from the parking lot, follow the paved path to the left of the Visitor Center, which leads around to the front of the greenhouse. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation: If you need to cancel your shift at the last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Uriah Langmeyer at 937-538-1289. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​This project takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.). Volunteers can expect to participate in routine walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, dragging brush, and lifting up to 15lbs. We will be working on uneven terrain and along a hillside. We will be working in and around tall grasses and wildflowers. If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress:  Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

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

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

Impact

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

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

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

Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here.Family Volunteers: This opportunity is family-friendly. Families with youth volunteers under the age of 14 are welcome to volunteer. The family must include one parent or guardian per 3 children who engage in service and assume supervisory responsibility for the children during volunteer service.Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here to view a map of Cox Arboretum MetroPark. Volunteers should park in the main lot at Cox Arboretum MetroPark (6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45449) and meet staff by the greenhouse; from the parking lot, follow the paved path to the left of the Visitor Center, which leads around to the front of the greenhouse. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation: If you need to cancel your shift at the last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Jacob Cradic, at 937-245-0219. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​This project takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.). Volunteers can expect to participate in routine walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting up to 15lbs.If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress:  Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

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

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

Impact

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

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

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

Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here.Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here to view a map of Englewood MetroPark. Limited Parking will be available off the Martindale Curve (696 Martindale Road). Please try to carpool as space is limited. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation:  If you need to cancel your shift at the last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Daniel Spaugy at 937-277-4133. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​​​This project takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.). Volunteers can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching, and walking on potentially uneven terrain. Volunteers will need to be able to carry up to 15 pounds up a hill. Volunteers will need to be comfortable maneuvering up a hill with boards in their hands. If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

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

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

Impact

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

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

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

Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here.Family Volunteers: This opportunity is family-friendly. Families with youth volunteers under the age of 14 are welcome to volunteer. The family must include one parent or guardian per 3 children who engage in service and assume supervisory responsibility for the children during volunteer service.Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Medlar Conservation Area. Volunteers will meet at the main Medlar Conservation Area parking lot (4558 Medlar Rd, Miamisburg, OH 45342). Staff will transport all volunteers to and from the project area, located approximately 1.2miles down the bikeway, in a Five Rivers MetroParks vehicle. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage.   Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call Nicole Freshour at 567-249-7428 Environment & Physical Demands: This project takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and can expect to participate in regular hiking, walking, and working in uneven terrain with lots of sapling-size trees/shrubs, tripping hazards, and thorny vegetation. The ground may be muddy. Vegetation varies from 2-3ft high grasses and broadleaf plants to 15ft tall saplings growing in close proximity to each other. There will be access to a portable restroom at the beginning and end of the event (located at the main parking lot), but staff will have to transport individuals if a restroom is required during the event. No water sources on site, but staff will bring a cooler with fresh water to refill personal water bottles.
If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts, and muck boots/ waterproof boots, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. ​Stiff-brimmed hats and safety glasses are recommended. Work gloves and safety glasses will be provided for those who don't bring their own. 

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

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

Impact

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

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

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

Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here.Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Hills & Dales MetroPark. Volunteers should park in the Paw Paw Camp parking lot at 2471 Deep Hollow Rd., Oakwood, OH 45419. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for 'Volunteer Event' signage.Cancelation:  If you need to cancel your shift at the last minute or are running late, please call Volunteer Coordinator, Allie Zimmerman, at (419) 953-3881. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​This project takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and can expect to participate in walking, bending, kneeling, and pulling, lifting objects of 15lbs. or more.If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

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

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

Impact

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

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

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

Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here. Family Volunteers: This opportunity is family-friendly. Families with youth volunteers under the age of 14 are welcome to volunteer. The family must include one parent or guardian per 3 children who engage in service and assume supervisory responsibility for the children during volunteer service.Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Riverscape MetroPark. Volunteers should park at the Five Rivers MetroPark Main Office parking lot off Water Street, in the Upper Parking Lot (409 East Monument Avenue, Dayton, OH 45402) - See the image below for reference. You may also park along E. Monument or S. Patterson and meet the staff at Riverscape Bike Hub (237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton, OH 45402). Participants must walk from the parking location to meet at the RiverScape Bike Hub. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. CLICK HERE to download and print the PARKING PASS for parking at 409 E. Monument Ave Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call project staff lead Jeffrey Leen at   937-510-0343. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​This project takes place outdoors. Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and can expect to participate in walking, bending, kneeling, pulling, and lifting objects 15 lbs or more. If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

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

 

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

Impact

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

Tasks   Volunteers will be cutting and removing invasive species, such as Honeysuckle and Buckthorne, from the loops at Taylorsville MetroPark. Eligibility

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

Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here.Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Taylorsville MetroPark. Volunteers should meet in the parking lot at the West Park parking lot (1200 Brown School Rd., Vandalia, OH 45377). 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. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call project staff lead Aidan Robillard at Aidan.Robillard@metroparks.org. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​This project takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.). Volunteers can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching, walking on potentially uneven terrain, and lifting objects of 15 lbs or more.If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

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

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

Impact

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

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

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

Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Germantown MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at the Cottonwood Shelter (2nd shelter): 6910 Boomershine Road, Germantown, OH 45327. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage.Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call Carl Ketron at (513) 593-2602.Environment & Physical Demands: ​​This project takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and can expect to participate in walking, bending, kneeling, pulling, and lifting (such as shoveling dirt or pitchforking for mulch) 15 lbs or more. Terrain may be uneven and muddy. If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity.Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

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

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

Impact

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

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

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

Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here.Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Riverscape MetroPark. Volunteers should park at the Five Rivers MetroPark Main Office parking lot off Water Street, in the Upper Parking Lot: 409 East Monument Avenue, Dayton, OH 45402. See the image below for reference. You may also park along E. Monument or S. Patterson and meet the staff at Riverscape Bike Hub: 237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton, OH 45402. Participants must walk from the parking location to meet at the RiverScape Bike Hub. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. CLICK HERE to download and print the PARKING PASS for parking at 409 E. Monument Ave. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call project staff lead Reagen Wylie at 937-459-0721. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​This project takes place outdoors. Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and can expect to participate in walking, bending, kneeling, pulling, and lifting (such as shoveling or wheelbarrowing mulch) 15 lbs or more. If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

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

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

Impact

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

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

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

Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here.Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wesleyan MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff in the lower parking lot near the Nature Center building: 1441 Wesleyan Rd., Dayton, OH 45406. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call staff lead Julian White at (937) 274-3172. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​This project takes place outdoors. Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and can expect to participate in walking, bending, kneeling, pulling, and lifting (such as shoveling or wheelbarrowing mulch) 15 lbs or more.If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

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

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

Impact

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

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

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

Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here.Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Huffman MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at the Huffman Maintenance Building: 4300 OH-444, Fairborn, OH 45324. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call staff lead Noah Browning at (937) 312-4153. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​This project takes place outdoors. Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and can expect to participate in walking, bending, kneeling, and lifting 10 lbs or more.If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. Wear clothes you don't mind getting paint on!

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

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

Impact

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

Tasks  

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

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

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

Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here.Family Volunteers: This opportunity is family-friendly. Families with youth volunteers under the age of 14 are welcome to volunteer. The family must include one parent or guardian per 3 children who engage in service and assume supervisory responsibility for the children during volunteer service. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Park at the Carriage Hill Riding Center: 8111 E. Shull Rd., Huber Heights, OH. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation:  If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Katherine Berg, at (937) 367-1477. 
Environment & Physical Demands: ​​This project takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.). Volunteers can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching, and walking on potentially uneven or muddy terrain.If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.

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

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. 

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.

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 physical labor and working behind the scenes alongside our staff to ensure a smooth start to the event by getting everything set up and ready the day before. Volunteers on our Event Set up Team will work alongside our staff to prep for this year's Bike to Work Day Pancake Breakfast at RiverScape MetroPark. 

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

Assist staff in general event set up tasks like sign set up, booth, and table setup, gathering banners and supplies, etc. 

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

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 Chris Buck, at 937-567-4405 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.

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.