Opportunities From: Five Rivers MetroParks

The city of Englewood serves as the western boundary for a large portion of Englewood MetroPark. This nature-filled park, one of the largest in the region, has been part of the Englewood community for more than 50 years. Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to 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 various natural area management plans. 

Tasks  

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

We will be removing willows from the edge of a wetland to restore viewsheds from the park road. Loppers and hand saw work and dragging the willows up to the road for removal will be the primary actions. Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Public Service, Youth (ages 14-17 - See specific age requirements below), and/or Groups.  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.Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Englewood MetroPark. Volunteers should park at the Englewood MetroPark North Park entrance, located at 500 Old Springfield Rd., Vandalia, OH 45377. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage.Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead at Dan Spaugy at 937-271-1370.
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, walking, reaching, dragging, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more.  table {mso-displayed-decimal-separator:"\."; mso-displayed-thousand-separator:"\,";} tr {mso-height-source:auto;} col {mso-width-source:auto;} td {padding-top:1px; padding-right:1px; padding-left:1px; mso-ignore:padding; color:black; font-size:11.0pt; font-weight:400; font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; font-family:Calibri, sans-serif; mso-font-charset:0; text-align:general; vertical-align:bottom; border:none; white-space:nowrap; mso-rotate:0;} .xl88 {font-family:"Neutraface Text Book", monospace; mso-font-charset:0; border:.5pt solid windowtext; background:#DDEBF7; mso-pattern:black none;}        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. ​We will be working in a prairie - Proper footwear will be necessary. Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Conservation Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.

 

Once farmland and woodlots, more than 50 years of natural succession have created rich areas of forests, thickets, meadows, and prairies to explore at Carriage Hill. Farm life in the 1880s comes alive at the historical farm, complete with period farm animals. There are also acres of peaceful beauty to enjoy on foot or horseback. The park has been a favorite place for families to spend quality time together for generations. Come and join us for a spell. Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to 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  

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

improving and maintaining a field replanted in native trees. These trees are still growing and need some assistance with tree tube removal and the introduction of capsaicin tablets to help prevent animal browsing. Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Public Service, Youth, and Groups. 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. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers should park at the White Barn: 8147 Bellefontaine Rd, Dayton, OH 45424,  and look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the project staff lead, Nick Wheeler, at (937) 508 9833. 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.). We will be working in recently mowed area but be prepared for tall grass work. Volunteers can expect to participate in routine bending, kneeling, pulling, lifting, and cutting. 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.  Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Conservation Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information. 

More than 50 years ago, a group of citizens realized suburban development was flying at a fast clip, but the Dayton region had no process to preserve open space to protect water, provide habitat for wildlife, and support human health and recreation. They worked to create a park district that today is your Five Rivers MetroParks.  Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to 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. Under the supervision of the assigned staff, volunteers will support and assist with the following:

Taskshelp conservation staff protect newly planted oaks and hickory trees by building and installing tree cages in a reforestation area.Eligibility
This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Public Service, Youth, and/or Groups. 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. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions:  Volunteers should park 146 Heathcliff Rd, Dayton, OH 45415. Please park around the loop driveway. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage.Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call project staff lead, Megan Rude at 937-207-1527.Environment & Physical Demands: ​​This project takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e. grass, pollen, bees, etc.). Volunteers can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching, walking on potentially uneven or muddy terrain, and lifting/dragging objects 10 lbs or more. 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.  Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Conservation Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information. 

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 a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to 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  

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

cutting and removing invasive species in the West area of Taylorsville MetroPark. Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Public Service, Youth, and Groups.  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.  Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Taylorsville MetroPark. Volunteers should meet in the parking lot at Taylorsville Reservable Shelter Area: 8400 Brown School Rd., Vandalia, OH 45377. 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, Melissa Alt, at 419-307-8166. 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. 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.  Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Conservation Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information. 

Enjoy the best wilderness experience in the region. Part of the Twin Valley Conservation Corridor, Twin Creek MetroPark offers mature forests within the breathtaking ravines — an ideal spot for hiking, backpacking, and camping. Get the wild natural beauty of a National Park, just 20 minutes south of Dayton. Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to 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

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

Picking up litter along Morningside Road, Lake George, and the trailhead.Eligibility
This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Public Service, Youth, and/or Groups. 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.  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 NotesParking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Twin Creek MetroPark. Volunteers should park at Twin Creek MetroPark, Camp Hook, located at 8539 Morningstar Rd., Franklin, OH 45005. Park on the left side of the parking lot. Look for volunteer signage and the MetroParks truck. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call the Volunteer Coordinator, Allie Zimmerman, at (937) 274-3176. 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 reaching.  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! Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Park Maintenance Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.

MetroParks has the only trails in the area built specifically for and open exclusively to Mountain Biking at the MetroParks Mountain Biking Area (MoMBA) within Huffman MetroPark. Come learn, grow, and give back to the trails you love with this exciting trail maintenance volunteer opportunity! Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to 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. Volunteers that support Trail Maintenance help MetroParks provide safe, consistent and high-quality trail experiences for visitors with varied interests and levels of abilities in a manner that protects and sustains the natural resources and habitats at each park.

Tasks

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

​Basic trail maintenance at MetroParks Mountain Biking Area (MoMBA); Corridor clearing, drainage clearing, and tread maintenance. Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Public Service, Youth, and/or Groups. 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. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Huffman/ MoMBA. Volunteers should park in the MoMBA parking lot located at 4485 Union Rd., Dayton, OH 45424. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage.   Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call Connor Perry at 937-818-9073. 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, hiking on potentially muddy, uneven terrain, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. 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 Park Maintenance Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.