Opportunities From: Five Rivers MetroParks

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

Impact

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

Tasks: 

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

Planting and watering annuals, bulbs, perennials, shrubs, and trees Pruning shrubs and trees Deadheading and cutting back perennials Landscape bed maintenance including mechanical weed and leaf removal, edging and mulching, and other gardening tasks as assigned General litter pickup in and around landscape beds Provide excellent customer service by assisting park visitors with questions/wayfinding

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth. Learn more about our types of service here. Youth Volunteers: Youth volunteers ages 14-17 are not required to complete a background check. If you are a new youth volunteer contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to have your background check waived.  This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.

Additional Notes:

Please sign up for your volunteer shift at least 2 days in advance.  Parking & Meeting Instructions: RiverScape and Urban Parks Garden Stewards support staff at a variety of downtown MetroParks. You will receive a weekly email from the staff lead with more information on where to meet. Volunteers support the following parks: RiverScape (237 E. Monument - park in a VISITOR SPOT at the Main Office) Deeds Point (510 Webster St - park in a VISITOR SPOT at the Main Office)Note: If visitor parking is not available, you must display your volunteer parking hang tag in your vehicle. Failure to display your volunteer parking hang tag may result in a parking ticket when parking in the Main Office parking lot. If you do not have a volunteer parking hang tag, please contact Volunteer Services. Island (101 E. Helena St.) 2nd St. Market (600 E. 2nd St.) Sunrise (50 S. Edwin C. Moses – contact staff lead for map) Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call project staff lead, Amy Kennedy, at (937) 789-1085. 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 sometimes lifting objects 25 lbs or more in possibly shaded or direct sunlight. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.  Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See Gardening Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.

 

Share your love and enthusiasm for the Arboretum with park patrons! Help enhance the visitor experience by greeting, welcoming, and interacting with a variety of diverse audiences and recommending all the best things to see and do while visiting.

Impact

Visitor Center Ambassadors share their enthusiasm for Five Rivers MetroParks with diverse audiences at the Visitor Centers at Carriage Hill and Cox Arboretum MetroParks. Ambassadors are often the first friendly faces a visitor sees welcoming them to the park and can be counted on to share helpful information and answer a variety of questions.

TasksProvide excellent customer service by welcoming and directing visitors throughout the park and visitor center.Answer questions about MetroParks. Distribute brochures or other literature appropriate to the conversation.Provide guest assistance while Visitor Services staff is on break. (You will not be asked to answer phones.)Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth (ages 14-17 - See specific age requirements below). Learn more about our types of service here. Youth Volunteers: Youth volunteers ages 14-17 are not required to complete a background check. If you are a new youth volunteer, contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to have your background check waived.  Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Parking can be found in the visitor parking lots in front of the visitor center located at 6733 N. Springboro Pike. Cancelation:  If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call Visitor Services Manager Jonathan Gray at 937-499-4270 or 937-275-7275 Environment & Physical Demands: ​​This opportunity involves sitting at the volunteer desk for periods for periods of time. Volunteers may want to stand for periods to speak with guests or show them to specific areas or give directions. Volunteers may choose to station themselves outside the visitor center for some or all of their shifts. Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and, if you have one, your green or blue volunteer shirt. The temperature in the atrium stays cool or warm in alignment with the weather, so please dress accordingly. If choosing to station outside of the visitor center, a volunteer safety vest must be worn.  Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Ambassador Volunteer Position for more information on Ambassador volunteer opportunities with us.

 

Love kids? Spend your time hanging out with the most adventurous youth in Dayton! The after-school program at Adventure Central promotes positive youth development, education, and leadership skills using an environmental foundation in a welcoming, safe, fun, and active setting. These kids are just bursting with energy and excitement! Depending on where the greatest need is for the day, the Program Assistant may spend time helping in the homework room, assisting in the kitchen during mealtimes, or outdoors monitoring play time and getting roped into all sorts of shenanigans from playing in the creek to jumping rope, to gaga ball!  Volunteers may also assist in the girl's or boy's group discussions and activities.

Impact

Volunteers will build trusting and positive relationships that strengthen values, build lasting life skills, and encourage an eagerness to explore life’s possibilities.  

Tasks Interact with the kids - play, joke, chat! Monitor play for safety and harmony Assist staff in set-up and clean-up of program materials and equipment Assist in food prep, serving meals, cleaning up and organizing the kitchen after mealtime Support staff or lead designated activities during the programAssist staff with discussions during boy's group or girl's group

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth. Learn more about our types of service here.  

This opportunity is for ages 14 and older. Volunteers ages 14-17 must first be approved by a Volunteer Coordinator to Respond to this opportunity. Contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to request approval.Volunteers will have completed the virtual training located on the Adventure Central Training Resources page in our Training Library.
Additional Notes: Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wesleyan MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff inside Adventure Central, located at 2222 N James H McGee Blvd Dayton, OH 45417. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead,  Ms. Lois, at 937-278-2601.  Environmental & Physical Demands: This project takes place indoors and outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, ticks, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, reaching, walking, and may be  lifting objects of 10lbs or more, etc. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their volunteer t-shirt and name badge, and bring a water bottle.

Visit the Adventure Central Training Resources page in our Training Library to see what training is required for this opportunity.

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

 
   

 

 

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.  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.

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

Impact

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

Tasks  

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

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

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to 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: Arrive 5- 10 minutes before your shift start time for a brief introduction and orientation to the site and the volunteer project. Click here for a map of Possum Creek MetroPark. Volunteers should park in the parking lot near the Farm Shelter. Enter the park at 4790 Frytown Rd., Dayton, OH 45417, and follow the main park drive until it dead-ends into the farm parking lot. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact Kaitlyn Lowry, Education Coordinator, at 937-276-7053. Environmental & Physical Demands: This project takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, ticks, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e. grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, reaching, walking, and lifting objects of 10lbs or more in possibly direct sunlight.Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottles, sunscreen, and bug spray. ​ Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See Gardening Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.

  

 

Do you love spending your weekend in the vibrant, bubbling atmosphere of 2nd Street Market, where you always end up running into a familiar face? Volunteers will be stationed near the entrance and will enhance the visitor experience by greeting and welcoming visitors. Volunteers will also conduct sales of MetroParks merchandise, process EBT sales, provide wayfinding assistance, and promote the MetroParks by passing out literature.

Impact

Volunteers enhance the visitor experience and help curate the Market’s unique, vibrant culture for our customers who then support our vendors in providing sustainable local food to the community.

Tasks Welcome customers as they arrive and thank them as they leave Assist with wayfinding and answer basic questions about the parks Distribute brochures or other literature appropriate to the conversation Conduct credit card sales of MetroParks merchandise Process SNAP/EBT sales through a token exchange program.Process Market merchandise sales, on occasion, through a Point of Sale program.Assist with facilitating the Senior Nutrition Program.Eligibility

This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term and Short-Term.  Learn more about our types of service here.

Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers may park in the visitor parking lots surrounding the Market. Cancelation:  If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the 2nd Street Market manager, Lynda Suda, at 937-228-2088Environment & Physical Demands: Light physical duties include standing, sitting, and possibly light lifting to refill marketing materialDress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and, if you have one, your green or blue volunteer T-shirt. Reusable volunteer vests will be provided for volunteers onsite. The spot by the door may be cool in the winter and warm in the summer. Please dress accordingly. Other New Volunteers will be given an on-site orientation and shadow staff at the beginning of their first shift. This orientation will include training on Market merchandise sales as well as SNAP/EBT sales. Volunteers may have downtime, so feel free to bring a book, knitting, crossword, sudoku, etc. Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Ambassador Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.

Watch a young child experience their first pony ride! Be a part of the magic! Volunteering as a Pony Ride Assistant is a fun way to support the Carriage Hill Riding Center on the weekends. For many of our riders, a Pony Ride is their first experience with a horse or pony, and that experience creates a lasting memory. Pony Ride Assistants support the pony ride programming at the Carriage Hill Riding Center leading ponies by hand while the children ride, serving as a spotter, or walking alongside the pony during the ride.

Impact

Volunteers help ensure a safe experience and provide personal attention to each rider and their family. This support allows us to offer a direct connection to large animals and nature through programming.

Tasks Groom & Tack (ponies) Assist rider with helmet Re-check saddle before mounting rider Assist rider onto pony (may involve lifting) One person leads the pony; second person watches the child to ensure a centered position (this can be a customer) Escort the child to and from the pony Keep ponies watered and un-tacked during downtime EligibilityThis opportunity is open to Long-Term, Short-Term and Youth Volunteers (ages 14-17) who have qualified as Barn Aides and completed the Carriage Hill Riding Center Pony Ride Assistant Training Series. Learn more about our types of service here. Note: This opportunity is for ages 14 and older. Volunteers ages 14-17 must first be approved by a Volunteer Coordinator to Respond to this opportunity. Contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to request approval. Additional Notes Check-in with the Staff Lead upon arrival. This opportunity involves standing and walking. Volunteers who are comfortable lifting 25-45 pounds may be asked to assist kids onto their ponies. Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.  

**This opportunity is open for volunteers in training to be qualified Pony Ride Assistants at the Carriage Hill Riding Center. These volunteers have qualified as Barn Aides and completed the Pony Ride Assistant virtual training. Now, they will shadow qualified volunteers and Carriage Hill Riding Center staff to practice the skills needed to become a qualified Pony Ride Assistant volunteer. **

Watch a young child experience their first pony ride! Be a part of the magic! Volunteering as a Pony Ride Assistant is a fun way to support the Carriage Hill Riding Center on the weekends. For many of our riders, a Pony Ride is their first experience with a horse or pony, and that experience creates a lasting memory. Pony Ride Assistants support the pony ride programming at the Carriage Hill Riding Center leading ponies by hand while the children ride, serving as a spotter, or walking alongside the pony during the ride.

Impact

Volunteers will shadow qualified volunteers and staff to learn how to provide a safe, fun pony ride experience for young children and families attending MetroParks Pony Ride programs.  Volunteer support for this programming allows us to individual attention to all riders and their families providing a life-long memorable experience and fostering a deep connection to animals and nature.

Tasks Groom & Tack (ponies) Assist rider with helmet Re-check saddle before mounting rider Assist rider onto pony (may involve lifting) One person leads the pony; second person watches the child to ensure a centered position (this can be a customer) Escort the child to and from the pony Keep ponies watered and un-tacked during downtime EligibilityThis opportunity is open to Long-Term, Short-Term and Youth Volunteers (ages 14-17) who have qualified as Barn Aides and completed the virtual Carriage Hill Riding Center Pony Ride Assistant Training. Learn more about our types of service here. Note: This opportunity is for ages 14 and older. Volunteers ages 14-17 must first be approved by a Volunteer Coordinator to Respond to this opportunity. Contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to request approval. Additional Notes Check-in with the Staff Lead upon arrival. This opportunity involves standing and walking. Volunteers who are comfortable lifting 25-45 pounds may be asked to assist kids onto their ponies. Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.  

Program Assistant volunteers enhance the market experience by helping staff offer interactive activities for youth and families based on seasonal themes. See the schedule below for details:

Thursday, February 13th- Bean to Bar with Love CANCELLED

This program will feature chocolate growers and makers who create slave-free chocolate. The program is educational, with tasting samples and an activity to make your own chocolate granola grab bag to take home.  Volunteers will assist staff with set up, interacting with the guests, answering questions, and cleaning up.

Sunday, March 23rd- World Down Syndrome Day Craft Assistant

Volunteers will help guests make crafts to raise awareness about Down Syndrome. The crafts include a beaded bracelet and coloring socks to hang around the Market. Volunteers will help lead the activities, assist with tie the stretchy string for the bracelets, and keep the craft area tidy. 

Note: Socks symbolize the extra copy of chromosome 21 that causes Down syndrome. When viewed under a microscope, chromosomes appear as pairs that look like socks.

Saturday, April 19th- Annual Carolyn Kimes Tree Seedling Give-Away

Kristie Fisher and her mother Carolyn Kimes started giving away tree seedlings over 25 years ago. Since her mother’s passing, Kristie has kept this annual, community-loved tradition alive at the 2nd Street Market. In celebration of Earth Day, visitors will be able to select from a variety of free tree seedlings to take home and plant. Deciduous and coniferous trees will be available while supplies last. Volunteers are needed to assist staff with bagging tree seedlings, directing foot traffic, answering questions, and cleaning up.

Sunday, October 26th-  Halloween Pumpkin Decorating

Volunteers will assist participants with decorating pumpkins with paper, glue, sparkles, pipe cleaners, and more!  Help excited hands create pumpkin masterpieces while also encouraging children to visit the market vendors for trick-or-treat.

Sunday, December 14th and 21st- Breakfast with Santa

Volunteers will assist children and their guardians as they go through a buffet line to select their breakfast.  Volunteers will help with serving food and drinks, check off people when they arrive, and assist with clean up. There are two breakfast sessions held this morning. 

Impact

Programs at the Market inspire further exploration of our natural and cultural world and encourage community engagement and healthy lifestyles.

Tasks Welcome and interact with participants, typically youth and familiesAssist staff in the set-up and clean-up of program materials and equipmentHelp answer questions and provide good customer service to participantsSupport staff and help lead program activitiesEligibility
This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth (ages 14-17 - See specific age requirements below).  Learn more about our types of service here Youth Volunteers: Youth volunteers ages 14-17 are not required to complete a background check. If you are a new youth volunteer, contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to have your background check waived.  Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers may park in the public lot connected to the Market. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead.  Cancellation:  If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Lynda Suda, at 937-228-2088. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​Physical duties may include standing, walking, food handling, and light lifting. Dress:  Please wear your volunteer name badge and, if you have one, your green or blue volunteer shirt. The market may be cool in the winter and warm in the summer. Please dress accordingly.Other
New volunteers will be given an orientation at the beginning of their first shift.

See the Programming Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.

Medlar Conservation Area is home to a unique mix of diverse, high-quality habitats. Join our crew in cutting and dragging out invasive species that threaten to outcompete native plants and disrupt these ecosystems. Your efforts will directly support the health and resilience of this special area. This is a great opportunity for those wanting to get hands-on with habitat restoration!

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:

Brush Dragging: Volunteers will assist in dragging brush to designated areas (either out of the way or over to the staff member using the chipper), or cutting down smaller trees and shrubs with handsaws or loppers.Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Short-term, Long-term, Adult volunteers. Learn more about our types of service here. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Official address: 9980 Dayton-Cincinnati Pike, Miamisburg, 45342; Gate location (recommended to put into GPS): 39°36'18.5"N 84°17'00.9"W (NOTE! This is NOT the main parking lot for Medlar). Look for volunteer signage on Day-Cin Pike.Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call Nicole Freshour at 567-249-7428. Environment & Physical Demands: Volunteers can expect to participate in the following: Constantly bending, squatting, twisting, pushing, pulling, dragging, reaching, walking over uneven/muddy terrain, using hand saws or loppers to cut various-sized woody trees/shrubs, walking through waist-to-head-height wetland plants and grasses, and exposure to the sun. Potential exposure to ticks, stinging/biting insects, and/or plants, poison ivy, pollen, thorns, tripping hazards, using sharp tools, & mud. Herbicides will be used on cut stumps by VTSP only. The work site is in part sun/part shade. No restroom facilities on site: closest restroom is at the main Medlar parking lot (hike out and driving required for facilities use). Water bottle refills will be available on site.
Dress: Please dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and a hat/sunglasses. Please wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts, and comfortable, puncture-resistant, closed-toe shoes/boots. Bring a pair of muck boots or taller waterproof boots in case we have time to do work in the open fen area. Work gloves will be provided for those who don't bring their own.  Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Conservation Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.

Join Five Rivers MetroParks education team and support family programming throughout the year that connects visitors of all ages to the natural world through storytime,  history, and farm activities, and meaningful exploration of the connections of the two time periods! This opportunity will focus on a storytime followed by a related activity that follows the theme of the story.  Please help us share amazing stories with children, exciting them about discoveries they can find in nature, and encouraging them to get outside and explore. 

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 and history by making it easy to experience these things 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.  Saturday, November 15 -  “A Broom for Ma” by Rhonda Cable. In this story, we will introduce you to the art and beauty of the Appalachian handcraft of broom making. Spend an autumn morning in the mountains with Amos and follow him step by step as he hand-makes a new broom for Ma.  Craft Activity: Small broom ornamentSaturday, December 20 -  “Wild Rose’s Weaving” by Ginger Churchill. In this story, Rose’s grandmother teaches her how to weave a rug and, in the process, teaches her about creativity, the influence of nature, and the interplay between art and life.  Craft Activity: Beginning WeavingSaturday, January 17 -  “One Horse Farm” By Dahlov Ipcar.  This book tells the story of a boy and a horse who grow up together on a farm and watch the world change around them.
Craft activity: Small Farm projectSaturday, February 14 -  “Once Upon a Thread: A Patchwork Story Sewn with Love” By Debbie Dee.  This is a story that shares a heartwarming celebration of creativity, courage, and the power of telling your story—one stitch at a time.
Craft activity: Small Quilt projectSaturday, March 21 -  “Marigold Garden” By Kate Greenaway.  Many well-known and loved nursery rhymes, presented with delightful imagery, are part of this storytime.  Rhymes include 'Blue Shoes', 'The Daisies', 'The Tea Party', 'To Mystery Land', 'When We Went Out with Grandma', 'When you and I Grow Up', and many more. It is a text sure to enchant both young and old.
Craft activity: Making pots and envelopes for seeds
  Eligibility

This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Short-term and Long-Term. Learn more about our types of service here. Volunteers should have good reading skills, be enthusiastic, and enjoy working with children and families.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Parking is available at the the Visitor Center. Click here for the Map of Carriage Hill.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the program begins for set up and a brief orientation, review of roles and activities, and to gather supplies needed.  Please arrive early to park and check in.  If you need to reach the staff lead, please text 937-974-8601, and remember to include the subject and your name.

Environment & Physical Demands:  This opportunity is indoors, but depending on the story, may venture outdoors at the historic farm.  Volunteers may have light physical duties like standing, walking, and light lifting to help set up and tear down.  For some of the activities, nimble fingers may be helpful.  This is a family program, and volunteers should enjoy working with kids and families.

Dress:  Please dress appropriately for the weather.  Wear your volunteer name badge, and if you have one, your volunteer T-shirt.

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. 

 

Gardening season is year-round, and our programming team at Possum Creek MetroPark is creating a way for people to learn during the colder months in our various garden-oriented classes!  Join the team and help us to create a more engaging and individualized program for our programs.  You do not need to be an expert to be program support 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.  Program support volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs for all interested in learning. They enable more individualized support for first-time learners in this valuable skill-building program. They help people make a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Tasks

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

Assist staff with room setup and gathering supplies needed for participants Welcome and greet participants, and help them get checked in and find their place.Assist the staff lead during the program to create a better learning environment, and help ensure instructor gets to each participant's questions.Hand out program materials as needed.Assist participants in following the instructor's direction and getting more supplies as needed.Assist with teardown and putting supplies back in place. Eligibility

This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term and Short-Term.  Learn more about our types of service here.

This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.

Additional Notes: Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Possum Creek MetroPark.  Volunteers should be early to allow for parking and arriving on time. Volunteers are scheduled an hour before the program to help with set up, and an hour after the program to help with tear down.  Staff leads meet volunteers in the Education Building, and will orient volunteers to the location, tasks, and other important information.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place indoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more.    Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt.  

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 baking and working in the kitchen?  Is a behind-the-scenes opportunity one that suits you? Be a part of our pre-event setup team and help with the preparation of the "goodies" to be baked and given out at Christmas on the Farm!  Under the supervision of the assigned MetroParks staff, volunteers will be making batches of gingerbread recipes and freezing them for use.

Impact

Volunteers like YOU are an essential part of MetroParks' programs and events. Special Event volunteers ensure that events and large-scale programs run smoothly and safely. Your participation helps make events like this one possible.

Tasks Meet with your staff lead at the site when you arrive to review the recipe and details of the project. Help staff unload, organize, and collect equipment needed to start making the batter and prepare it for freezing. Assist staff in making the batter, getting batches ready for freezing, and getting the batches in the freezer.Eligibility This is an opportunity for the following volunteers: Long-Term and Short-Term who are 16 and older. Learn more about our types of service here.   Youth volunteers ages 14-17 are not required to complete a background check. If you are a new youth volunteer contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to have your background check waived. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark.  Volunteers should arrive 15 minutes early to park and meet up with the staff. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's activities, where supplies are located,  and other important information.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place indoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more.   Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather. Period apparel is not required.  Wear your volunteer name badge, and a volunteer shirt if you have one. Volunteer vests will be available at the visitor center.

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.  

Sleigh rides are a favorite part of holiday events - and we need your help to make them smooth, safe, and memorable at this year's Christmas on the Farm! We're looking for volunteers to assist with wagon rides, helping guests board and exit safely, tracking the number of riders, and offering a warm welcome with basic event information.

Impact

Volunteers like YOU are an essential part of MetroPark's programs and events. Special Event volunteers ensure that events and large-scale programs run smoothly and safely. Your participation helps make events like this one possible. 

Tasks Providing a warm welcome to visitors and helping to answer any questions as able. Helping guests on and off the wagon safely.Counting and recording the number of visitors per ride. Assist guests into the wagon, and make sure they move safely to their seatsRide along and ensure rider safety, reminding visitors to stay seated while the wagon is moving. When able share you knowledge of Carriage Hill MetroPark with visitors.  Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term and Short-Term, and Public. Learn more about our types of service here. Additional Notes Parking and Meeting Instructions: Volunteers may park in the Visitor Center Parking lot located at 7800 E. Shull Rd. Meet with the staff lead at the Historic Farm. View the event map here.Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead, Chris Snyder, at (812) 569-1377.Environment & Physical Demands: Physical duties include standing, walking, lifting, bending, and stretching.Dress: Reusable volunteer vests and nametags will be provided for you at volunteer check-in onsite.

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

Help light up Carriage Hill! An evening at Christmas on the Farm brings the park to life with glowing luminaries, a cozy firepit, and joyful seasonal activities - and we need your help to make it all happen! We're seeking volunteers to assist with the setup, relighting, and removal of luminaries along the trail from the Visitor Center through the Historic Farm. Creating the magical glow of this beloved event takes teamwork and precise timing to light and maintain hundreds of luminaries. 

Impact

Volunteers like YOU are an essential part of MetroParks' programs and events. Special Event volunteers ensure that events and large-scale programs run smoothly and safely. Your participation helps make events like this one possible.

Tasks   Setting up and lighting luminaries along the trail. *Relighting luminaries as needed during the event. *Removing and packing up luminaries at the end of the event. *Assisting with firepit preparation and monitoring for safety. Volunteers should be comfortable starting, tending, and extinguishing a fire pit. After the luminaries have been placed, volunteers will start a fire with dry kindling and paraffin candles.Monitor guest activity near the fire to ensure a safe environment. Assist visitors in finding appropriate trash receptacles, and help ensure trash is not thrown into the fire.*Note: Volunteers will be placing and lighting the luminaries during the first shift and extinguishing and removing them during the last shift. Welcome, and invite guests over as they pass by, providing excellent customer service. Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term and Short-Term.  Learn more about our types of service here.Additional Notes
Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 30 minutes before the beginning of the opportunity. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's activities including planned demonstrations and to do a historical clothing check.  Volunteers will also have time for a review of what can be demonstrated and other important information.Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Rick Musselman, at (937) 594-8271.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place at night and outdoors. Volunteers can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. This opportunity involves a lot of walking as well as managing fires. With cold weather, please remember to take breaks and warm up. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather. Period apparel is not required.  A volunteer name badge and a resuable volunteer vest will be available for you when you arrive.

Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Special Event Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.

If you're interested in this opportunity, you may also be interested in: Aullwood Luminary: Fire Pit Float