Hills & Dales MetroPar offers a historical urban forest that has been a natural refuge for Daytonians since 1907. 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 honeysuckle removal off the trails near Old Barn Camp. Cutting will consist of hand saws and loppers.
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 Hills & Dales MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Old Barn Camp (2800 Oak Knoll Rd., Kettering, OH 45409). Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage.
- Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call staff lead Matthew Milks at 937-546-4802.
- 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 uneven muddy terrain, and sawing, lifting, and dragging objects 15lbs or more. Volunteers will be using folding saws and pruners.
- Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes, and have your favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.