Join us in the beautiful gardens at Cox Arboretum MetroPark for Service Saturdays! We'll be working on a variety of garden tasks to maintain these gardens for public enjoyment. No gardening experience is needed. You'll work alongside our expert staff to complete all tasks while learning more about gardening and this amazing park. Cox Arboretum MetroPark invites visitors to connect with nature and discover and rest in the serenity and majesty of trees and shrubs thoughtfully arranged to capture the imagination.
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. Your participation in a Service Saturday volunteer 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.
Tasks
Under the supervision of the assigned Horticulture Technician, support and assist with the following:
- deadheading and cutting back plants.
- digging up or planting seasonal plants and trees.
- edging, raking, pruning, wheelbarrowing, and mulching garden beds.
- weeding, watering, and helping with general garden bed maintenance.
- removing invasive plants.
- assist with other seasonal gardening projects as needed.
Please Note:
- This is a Public Volunteer Opportunity. Learn more about our types of service here.
- This opportunity is family-friendly. Families with youth volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who engages in service and assumes supervisory responsibility during their volunteer assignment.
- This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.
- 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 routine walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, pulling and/or lifting objects of 15lbs. or more during their volunteer shift.
- Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your shift start time for a brief introduction and orientation to the site and the volunteer project.
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers should park at Cox Arboretum located and meet staff outside the Greenhouses, behind the Visitor Center. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. Click here for a map of Cox Arboretum MetroPark.
- If you need assistance signing up or have questions about this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or call #937-275-7275. If you are running unexpectedly late to this volunteer shift, please contact the Staff Lead identified.
Learn more about how to prepare for this volunteer opportunity including what to bring with you by reviewing the Additional Notes at the bottom of the page.
Review the Gardening Volunteer Position page to learn more about gardening volunteer service with Five Rivers MetroParks.
