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? We are kicking off the season by getting our raised beds ready by cleaning up some of the debris and old soil, and refreshing them with new soil and compost. Join the knowledgeable education team in Skeeters' Garden, and learn what it takes to create raised beds that are pretty and productive.
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:
- Assist the staff lead with seasonal tasks, including clearing out raised beds and containers of plant debris and old soil.
- Cut back perennials and remove any additional garden debris.
- Prepare the beds and containers with clean soil, and topdressing of compost
- Volunteers may utilize a variety of hand tools, including soil knives, spades, pruners, loppers, shovels, and rakes.
- Skeeter's garden is a popular family location, so volunteers should provide excellent customer service by assisting park visitors with questions and wayfinding.
Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individuals, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 16 and up.
- GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up an eligible background check). Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing 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 and arriving on time. The Staff lead will orient volunteers to the gardens, the tasks, and other details to support this garden prep.
- 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 will 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 apparel.
Learn more about Gardening opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.
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:
