Opportunities From: Five Rivers MetroParks

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.

Gardens can be vibrant, hands-on spaces where children can explore, learn, and grow! They provide an exciting opportunity for kids to build essential skills, boost their confidence, and make meaningful connections. At Skeeter's garden, volunteers are the heart of our community, playing a vital role in engaging in gardening activities that transform our garden into a lively classroom.

If you love working with children and want to inspire the next generation, we invite you to join us! As a volunteer, you'll have the chance to guide kids in hands-on activities that teach them how to grow their own food, spark their curiosity about the fascinating creatures in the garden, and connect gardening tasks with fun physical activities.  Program Support volunteers do not need to be experts in the activities, but for this opportunity, should have some gardening knowledge, be enthusiastic about finding discoveries in the garden, and enjoy working with children and families.  

Impact

Participating in our gardening programs helps youth make significant strides in their academic, physical, social-emotional, and environmental development. These benefits are especially impactful for children facing barriers related to food security, health, and access to engaging learning experiences. Together, we can cultivate not just plants, but also a brighter future for our young learners! Join us in making a lasting difference.

 Tasks Assist with the setup and teardown of the program.Welcome and greet participants to the garden. Distribute materials as needed  Assist with simple but essential tasks to support the various activities. Engage the kids in the gardening activity. May assist with documenting the event through photos. Eligibility

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

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

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

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

Adventure Central Program Assistant 2026

Do you enjoy customer service and long drives? Experience the changing seasons as you drive a designated route through the parks delivering mail to park staff. Courier volunteers start at the MetroParks Main Office to gather mail, then drive a MetroParks vehicle between park offices delivering packages, mail, and other items.

NORTH PARKS ROUTE: 8:30 - 11:30am

Eastwood/Huffman Carriage Hill Taylorsville Englewood/Aullwood Garden Wegerzyn Gardens Central

SOUTH PARKS ROUTE: 1:00 - 4:00pm

Adventure Central / Wesleyan Possum Creek MetroPark Twin Valley / Germantown  Cox Arboretum  Impact

Volunteers provide quality administrative support to MetroParks staff, which enhances the efficiency of our operations and allows staff to dedicate more time to driving our mission forward.

Tasks Provide excellent customer service.  Be courteous and helpful to the general public, volunteers, and staff. Sort and distribute packages, mail, and other items. Regularly lift 10-15 pounds and occasionally lift as much as 25 pounds. Practice safe driving habits at all times. Practice confidentiality regarding all MetroParks personnel and business matters. Refuel vehicle at pre-identified locations during each shift. Complete vehicle use forms each shift and report any vehicle malfunction or service needs to Staff Lead immediately. Maintain open communication with the Staff Lead at all times. Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long Term ages 18 and up who have trained and qualified as Volunteer Couriers. Learn more about our types of service here.This opportunity is currently not open for new volunteers. Additional Notes Commitment: Due to the training time invested in this opportunity, we are asking volunteers to commit to 1 year of service as a regularly scheduled Volunteer Courier. Volunteers must maintain a Valid Ohio driver’s license, provide proof of insurance, and submit a driver’s screening. Volunteers must submit to a standard drug test in the event of an accident. Parking and Meeting Instructions: Volunteers can park their vehicles in the MetroParks Main office lot, as long as a MetroParks Volunteer Hangtag is displayed in the front windshield.  Check in with the Visitor Services staff at the Main Office front desk upon arrival. Dress: Volunteers must wear a volunteer nametag and a high-visibility vest. Volunteers must carry a mobile phone during their shift for use in the event of an emergency. Cancelation: Email the list of Courier Volunteers to arrange a shift swap or a substitute. Notify the staff lead and Volunteer Coordinator of a shift swap, substitution, or cancellation with as much advance notice as possible. If you must cancel a shift less than 48 hours before the shift start time, please unregister your shift from Get Connected, AND call the staff lead. Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Administration Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.

School Program volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our school field trips. Those who support the school program field trips allow staff to extend the opportunities for school groups to get outside into a living classroom and connect STEM standards to real situations. Volunteers enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create an inclusive skill-building environment. Volunteers help make it possible for kids and teachers to develop a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Growing Gardeners Field Trip

School group size: Our Lady of the Rosary

36-  3rd grade w/ 3 chaperones (program begins at 11 AM).   Will be broken into smaller groups of students.

Growing Gardeners is an interactive school field trip throughout the season at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, engaging young learners in a variety of activities and topics such as soil science, plant identification, guided nature hikes, and basic gardening tasks. Volunteers will help with groups of children in sensory exploration in nature and be a part of inspiring future generations of gardeners!

Tasks  Welcome participants, assist with check-in, and help organize the group upon arrival.  Help staff with program set-up & tear-down, including distributing program supplies.   Assist with executing program objectives. Lead or assist in leading various stations within the specific field trip.  Assist with guided hikes (1-to-3 miles) and participate with children in program activities. Provide excellent customer service to participants and visitors. 

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to Short-term and Long-Term volunteers who have qualified as a School Program volunteer. Learn more about our types of service here. This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.

***If you missed the training session but are interested in responding to this opportunity, email volunteer.services@metroparks.org to review the training materials.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Skeeter's Garden.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the school arrives for a brief orientation, review of stations, and to gather supplies needed.  

Environment & Physical Demands: This program 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 may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. Volunteers may lead a group over uneven terrain and may be walking (1-to 3-mile hikes) during this opportunity.

Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt,  long pants, closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite teaching aids, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

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

 

Do you like behind-the-scenes event prep work? Family Programs like Passport to MetroParks utilize crafts to support learning and engage families with nature activities.   Volunteers can support the Passport to MetroParks by preparing crafts before the event during this volunteer opportunity.  Their efforts will ensure we have enough supplies for all the youth and families to enjoy during the event. While this may be a behind-the-scenes volunteer activity, you are helping kids and families create a take-home craft and memories together. 

Impact

Program support volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring large-scale programs run smoothly. These volunteers enable the staff to expand their ideas for activities to engage the public, and allow kids and families to create a take-home craft and memories.

Tasks 

Volunteers will assist staff in assembling the various supplies for the activity and preparing items for use at the station. Follow instructions to prepare materials for the assigned craft.  A  paper bag kite is the craft.Volunteers will be cutting materials, paper and string, and getting all materials organized to take to event.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual, short-term, 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: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark.  Volunteers should plan to arrive 15 minutes before the start of their shift to allow for parking, getting checked in, then going to their stations, and getting oriented to the activities.    Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please the staff lead to make them aware.   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 name badge and volunteer apparel.  Reusable volunteer vests will be provided for volunteers on-site.

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

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

Program Support

School Program volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our school field trips. Those who support the school program field trips allow staff to extend the opportunities for school groups to get outside into a living classroom and connect STEM standards to real situations. Volunteers enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create an inclusive skill-building environment. Volunteers help make it possible for kids and teachers to develop a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Growing Gardeners Field Trip

School group size:  Beavercreek Main Elementary

114 2nd grade w/5 teachers +5 chaperones + paraprofessionals
program beginning between 10-10:15 AM, expected to wrap up guided program by 12:30.  Students will be broken up into multiple smaller groups and some self exploration.

Growing Gardeners is an interactive school field trip throughout the season at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, engaging young learners in a variety of activities and topics such as soil science, plant identification, guided nature hikes, and basic gardening tasks. Volunteers will help with groups of children in sensory exploration in nature and be a part of inspiring future generations of gardeners!

Tasks  Welcome participants, assist with check-in, and help organize the group upon arrival.  Help staff with program set-up & tear-down, including distributing program supplies.   Assist with executing program objectives. Lead or assist in leading various stations within the specific field trip.  Assist with guided hikes (1-to-3 miles) and participate with children in program activities. Provide excellent customer service to participants and visitors. 

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to Short-term and Long-Term volunteers who have qualified as a School Program volunteer. Learn more about our types of service here. This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.

***If you missed the training session but are interested in responding to this opportunity, email volunteer.services@metroparks.org to review the training materials.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Skeeter's Garden.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the school arrives for a brief orientation, review of stations, and to gather supplies needed.  

Environment & Physical Demands: This program 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 may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. Volunteers may lead a group over uneven terrain and may be walking (1-to 3-mile hikes) during this opportunity.

Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt,  long pants, closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite teaching aids, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

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

 

Do you enjoy gardening in a variety of settings? Would you like to discover gardening design ideas and unique plants for the home landscape? Make an impact by helping staff in the Federal, English, Victorian, and Woodland Gardens, among other great horticulture features at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark.

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, including weeding, mulching, invasive species removal, or other small projects identified by the Wegerzyn Gardens team.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Public Service, Long-Term, Short-Term, Youth and Families. Learn more about our types of service here. Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here.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 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.  Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the 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 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 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. 

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

Impact

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

Tasks 

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

Eligibility

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

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

 Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive an hour before the start of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda and other important information.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Volunteers may be standing or walking for the majority of their shift. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, and wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt.

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

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

Adventure Central Program Assistant 2026

School Program volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our school field trips. Those who support the school program field trips allow staff to extend the opportunities for school groups to get outside into a living classroom and connect STEM standards to real situations. Volunteers enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create an inclusive skill-building environment. Volunteers help make it possible for kids and teachers to develop a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Growing Gardeners Field Trip

School group size:  Shawnee Elementary 

60 -  Kindergarten w/ 8 chaperones (program 10 AM-12 PM, group staying for lunch).   Will be broken into smaller groups of students.

Growing Gardeners is an interactive school field trip throughout the season at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, engaging young learners in a variety of activities and topics such as soil science, plant identification, guided nature hikes, and basic gardening tasks. Volunteers will help with groups of children in sensory exploration in nature and be a part of inspiring future generations of gardeners!

Tasks  Welcome participants, assist with check-in, and help organize the group upon arrival.  Help staff with program set-up & tear-down, including distributing program supplies.   Assist with executing program objectives. Lead or assist in leading various stations within the specific field trip.  Assist with guided hikes (1-to-3 miles) and participate with children in program activities. Provide excellent customer service to participants and visitors. 

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to Short-term and Long-Term volunteers who have qualified as a School Program volunteer. Learn more about our types of service here. This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.

***If you missed the training session but are interested in responding to this opportunity, email volunteer.services@metroparks.org to review the training materials.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Skeeter's Garden.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the school arrives for a brief orientation, review of stations, and to gather supplies needed.  

Environment & Physical Demands: This program 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 may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. Volunteers may lead a group over uneven terrain and may be walking (1-to 3-mile hikes) during this opportunity.

Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt,  long pants, closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite teaching aids, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

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

 

Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity to give back to Five Rivers MetroParks through Gardening? Would you like to be a part of building a space that connects families and youth to the enjoyment and benefits of what a garden has to offer? Join the knowledgeable education team in Skeeters' Garden, assisting with weekly garden tasks that create a space where visitors and families can discover, experience, and love our world through gardening.   You do not need to be an expert for this opportunity, but gardening and plant knowledge are always a plus.

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.  Volunteers help the staff create educational spaces for families to learn and grow strong plants at home.  Thanks to volunteer support, these spaces are making it easy for families to see an example of what can be done at home.

Tasks

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

Gathering supplies needed for a general garden clean-up.  Volunteers will assist with simple tasks, working with the staff lead, to weed unwanted plants, plant additional plants, groom plants for best display, and harvest any ready items.Welcome and greet visitors, and provide wayfinding if needed.Engaging visitors in moments of discovery in the garden.Share gardening best practices and how-tos with visitors to Skeeter's garden.Getting materials to the compost area.Preparing materials for upcoming programs in the garden.

Eligibility

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

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

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark.  Volunteers should arrive early to allow for parking, check-in, and meeting with the staff lead. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda and other important information.Cancellation:  If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Volunteers may be standing or walking for the majority of their shift.  Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.), and seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.) Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear their MetroParks name badge and apparel.  

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

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

Program Support

School Program volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our school field trips. Those who support the school program field trips allow staff to extend the opportunities for school groups to get outside into a living classroom and connect STEM standards to real situations. Volunteers enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create an inclusive skill-building environment. Volunteers help make it possible for kids and teachers to develop a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Growing Gardeners Field Trip

School group size:  Dayton Christian Mini Camp

40 Pre-K students with 10 chaperones (teachers and parents).   Students will be broken into smaller groups.

Growing Gardeners is an interactive school field trip throughout the season at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, engaging young learners in a variety of activities and topics such as soil science, plant identification, guided nature hikes, and basic gardening tasks. Volunteers will help with groups of children in sensory exploration in nature and be a part of inspiring future generations of gardeners!

Tasks 

Welcome participants, assist with check-in, and help organize the group upon arrival.  Help staff with program set-up & tear-down, including distributing program supplies.   Assist with executing program objectives. Lead or assist in leading various stations within the specific field trip.  Assist with guided hikes (1-to 3 miles) and participate with children in program activities. Provide excellent customer service to participants and visitors. 

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up who have qualified as School Program Volunteer.  Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.

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

***If you missed the training session but are interested in responding to this opportunity, email volunteer.services@metroparks.org to review the training materials and schedule shadow experiences.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Skeeter's Garden.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the school arrives for a brief orientation, review of stations, and to gather supplies needed.  

Cancellation:  If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.

Environment & Physical Demands: This program 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 may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. Volunteers may lead a group over uneven terrain and may be walking (1-to 3-mile hikes) during this opportunity.

Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt,  long pants, closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite teaching aids, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

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

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

Program Support

Wegerzyn Gardens MetroParks actively promotes landscaping with native plants in balance with traditional garden selections to inspire visitors. Come volunteer alongside staff and volunteers as you help with this important conservation project!

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:

A recurring opportunity to join our conservation efforts at Wegerzyn. Tasks could include removing invasive species, implementing tree stakes & cages to protect young native trees, planting new trees and shrubs, or other conservation-related tasks.Eligibility  This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Adults.  Learn more about our types of service here.
Additional NotesParking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark.  Project work will primarily take place at the newly acquired Foxton Court property. Staff will reach out prior to the shift with specific parking and meeting location details—please keep an eye on your email. As always, look for the “Volunteer Event” signage when you arrive.Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call 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 frequent walking, kneeling, bending, and working off-trail in uneven terrain, tall grass, or thick vegetation. 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 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. 

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

Impact

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

Tasks 

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

Eligibility

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

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

 Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive a half hour before the start of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda and other important information.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place indoors and outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Volunteers may be standing or walking for the majority of their shift. Please be aware of any outdoor allergies. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, and wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt.

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

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

Adventure Central Program Assistant 2026

School Program volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our school field trips. Those who support the school program field trips allow staff to extend the opportunities for school groups to get outside into a living classroom and connect STEM standards to real situations. Volunteers enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create an inclusive skill-building environment. Volunteers help make it possible for kids and teachers to develop a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Growing Gardeners Field Trip

School group size:  Middletown Christian Early Learning Center

34 K - 5 students with 3 chaperones (teachers).   Students will be broken into smaller groups.

Growing Gardeners is an interactive school field trip throughout the season at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, engaging young learners in a variety of activities and topics such as soil science, plant identification, guided nature hikes, and basic gardening tasks. Volunteers will help with groups of children in sensory exploration in nature and be a part of inspiring future generations of gardeners!

Tasks 

Welcome participants, assist with check-in, and help organize the group upon arrival.  Help staff with program set-up & tear-down, including distributing program supplies.   Assist with executing program objectives. Lead or assist in leading various stations within the specific field trip.  Assist with guided hikes (1-to 3 miles) and participate with children in program activities. Provide excellent customer service to participants and visitors. 

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up who have qualified as School Program Volunteer.  Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.

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

***If you missed the training session but are interested in responding to this opportunity, email volunteer.services@metroparks.org to review the training materials and schedule shadow experiences.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Skeeter's Garden.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the school arrives for a brief orientation, review of stations, and to gather supplies needed.  

Cancellation:  If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.

Environment & Physical Demands: This program 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 may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. Volunteers may lead a group over uneven terrain and may be walking (1-to 3-mile hikes) during this opportunity.

Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt,  long pants, closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite teaching aids, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

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

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

Program Support

School Program volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our school field trips. Those who support the school program field trips allow staff to extend the opportunities for school groups to get outside into a living classroom and connect STEM standards to real situations. Some of these field trips are also offered to Scouts and other groups who want to learn about nature.   Volunteers enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create an inclusive skill-building environment. Volunteers help make it possible for kids and teachers to develop a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Discovering Soils Field Trip

School group size:  Kindercare East Social Row

35 K - 5 grade students with 4 chaperones  

Discovering Soils is an interactive school field trip throughout the season at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, engaging young learners in a variety of activities and topics relating to soil science, and composting. Students will get their hands dirty digging and examining soil, learning what makes it so important, and how composting is a great way to keep our soil thriving.  Volunteers will help with groups of children in sensory exploration in nature and be a part of inspiring future generations of gardeners!

Tasks  Welcome participants, assist with check-in, and help organize the group upon arrival.  Help staff with program setup and teardown, including distributing program supplies.   Assist with executing program objectives. Lead or assist in leading various stations within the specific field trip.  Assist with guided hikes (1-to-3 miles) and participate with children in program activities. Provide excellent customer service to participants and visitors. 

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up who have qualified as School Program Volunteer.  This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.

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

***If you missed the training session but are interested in responding to this opportunity, email volunteer.services@metroparks.org to review the training materials and schedule shadow experiences.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Skeeter's Garden.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the school arrives for a brief orientation, review of stations and to gather supplies needed. 

Environment & Physical Demands: This program 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 may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. Volunteers may lead a group over uneven terrain and may be walking (1-to 3-mile hikes) during this opportunity.

Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt,  long pants, closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite teaching aids, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

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

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

Program Support

School Program volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our school field trips. Those who support the school program field trips allow staff to extend the opportunities for school groups to get outside into a living classroom and connect STEM standards to real situations. Some of these field trips are also offered to Scouts and other groups who want to learn about nature.   Volunteers enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create an inclusive skill-building environment. Volunteers help make it possible for kids and teachers to develop a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Discovering Soils Field Trip

School group size:  Gloria Dei Montessori

30 K - 5 grade students with 3 chaperones  

Discovering Soils is an interactive school field trip throughout the season at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, engaging young learners in a variety of activities and topics relating to soil science, and composting. Students will get their hands dirty digging and examining soil, learning what makes it so important, and how composting is a great way to keep our soil thriving.  Volunteers will help with groups of children in sensory exploration in nature and be a part of inspiring future generations of gardeners!

Tasks  Welcome participants, assist with check-in, and help organize the group upon arrival.  Help staff with program setup and teardown, including distributing program supplies.   Assist with executing program objectives. Lead or assist in leading various stations within the specific field trip.  Assist with guided hikes (1-to-3 miles) and participate with children in program activities. Provide excellent customer service to participants and visitors. 

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up who have qualified as School Program Volunteer.  This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.

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

***If you missed the training session but are interested in responding to this opportunity, email volunteer.services@metroparks.org to review the training materials and schedule shadow experiences.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Skeeter's Garden.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the school arrives for a brief orientation, review of stations and to gather supplies needed. 

Environment & Physical Demands: This program 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 may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. Volunteers may lead a group over uneven terrain and may be walking (1-to 3-mile hikes) during this opportunity.

Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt,  long pants, closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite teaching aids, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

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

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

Program Support

School Program volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our school field trips. Those who support the school program field trips allow staff to extend the opportunities for school groups to get outside into a living classroom and connect STEM standards to real situations. Some of these field trips are also offered to Scouts and other groups who want to learn about nature.   Volunteers enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create an inclusive skill-building environment. Volunteers help make it possible for kids and teachers to develop a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Discovering Soils Field Trip Plus

School group size: 

32 K - 5 grade students with 4 chaperones  

Discovering Soils is an interactive school field trip throughout the season at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, engaging young learners in a variety of activities and topics relating to soil science, and composting. Students will get their hands dirty digging and examining soil, learning what makes it so important, and how composting is a great way to keep our soil thriving.  Students will also plant seeds and learn about pollinators.  Volunteers will help with groups of children in sensory exploration in nature and be a part of inspiring future generations of gardeners!

Tasks  Welcome participants, assist with check-in, and help organize the group upon arrival.  Help staff with program setup and teardown, including distributing program supplies.   Assist with executing program objectives. Lead or assist in leading various stations within the specific field trip.  Assist with guided hikes (1-to-3 miles) and participate with children in program activities. Provide excellent customer service to participants and visitors. 

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up who have qualified as School Program Volunteer.  This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.

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

***If you missed the training session but are interested in responding to this opportunity, email volunteer.services@metroparks.org to review the training materials and schedule shadow experiences.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Skeeter's Garden.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the school arrives for a brief orientation, review of stations and to gather supplies needed. 

Environment & Physical Demands: This program 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 may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. Volunteers may lead a group over uneven terrain and may be walking (1-to 3-mile hikes) during this opportunity.

Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt,  long pants, closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite teaching aids, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

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

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

Program Support

School Program volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our school field trips. Those who support the school program field trips allow staff to extend the opportunities for school groups to get outside into a living classroom and connect STEM standards to real situations. Some of these field trips are also offered to Scouts and other groups who want to learn about nature.   Volunteers enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create an inclusive skill-building environment. Volunteers help make it possible for kids and teachers to develop a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Discovering Soils Field Trip

School group size:  La Petite Academy

36 K - 5 grade students with 4 chaperones  

Discovering Soils is an interactive school field trip throughout the season at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, engaging young learners in a variety of activities and topics relating to soil science, and composting. Students will get their hands dirty digging and examining soil, learning what makes it so important, and how composting is a great way to keep our soil thriving.  Volunteers will help with groups of children in sensory exploration in nature and be a part of inspiring future generations of gardeners!

Tasks  Welcome participants, assist with check-in, and help organize the group upon arrival.  Help staff with program setup and teardown, including distributing program supplies.   Assist with executing program objectives. Lead or assist in leading various stations within the specific field trip.  Assist with guided hikes (1-to-3 miles) and participate with children in program activities. Provide excellent customer service to participants and visitors. 

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up who have qualified as School Program Volunteer.  This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.

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

***If you missed the training session but are interested in responding to this opportunity, email volunteer.services@metroparks.org to review the training materials and schedule shadow experiences.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Skeeter's Garden.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the school arrives for a brief orientation, review of stations and to gather supplies needed. 

Environment & Physical Demands: This program 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 may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. Volunteers may lead a group over uneven terrain and may be walking (1-to 3-mile hikes) during this opportunity.

Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt,  long pants, closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite teaching aids, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

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

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

Program Support

School Program volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our school field trips. Those who support the school program field trips allow staff to extend the opportunities for school groups to get outside into a living classroom and connect STEM standards to real situations. Volunteers enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create an inclusive skill-building environment. Volunteers help make it possible for kids and teachers to develop a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Growing Gardeners Field Trip

School group size:  DPS Ready, Set, Grow Kindergarten Readiness

100 tentative - school staff chaperones.   Students will be broken into smaller groups. (returning group)

Growing Gardeners is an interactive school field trip throughout the season at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, engaging young learners in a variety of activities and topics such as soil science, plant identification, guided nature hikes, and basic gardening tasks. Volunteers will help with groups of children in sensory exploration in nature and be a part of inspiring future generations of gardeners!

Tasks 

Welcome participants, assist with check-in, and help organize the group upon arrival.  Help staff with program set-up & tear-down, including distributing program supplies.   Assist with executing program objectives. Lead or assist in leading various stations within the specific field trip.  Assist with guided hikes (1-to 3 miles) and participate with children in program activities. Provide excellent customer service to participants and visitors. 

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up who have qualified as School Program Volunteer.  Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.

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

***If you missed the training session but are interested in responding to this opportunity, email volunteer.services@metroparks.org to review the training materials and schedule shadow experiences.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Skeeter's Garden.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the school arrives for a brief orientation, review of stations, and to gather supplies needed.  

Cancellation:  If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.

Environment & Physical Demands: This program 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 may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. Volunteers may lead a group over uneven terrain and may be walking (1-to 3-mile hikes) during this opportunity.

Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt,  long pants, closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite teaching aids, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

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

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

Program Support