Our Seed Nursery at Germantown MetroPark is home to many species of native shrubs. Planted in 2021-2023, they provide an easy-to-harvest source of seed used for germinating and growing native shrubs used in various restoration projects throughout the MetroParks! Our seed nursery native shrubs need some time, love, and care from detail-oriented volunteers. We have hit the end of their need for tree skirts so the remainder needs to be removed as well as doing some much-needed weeding, mulching, and cage care. Some shrubs may need pruning, too.
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:
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To make long-term maintenance easier, each shrub must be prepped properly. This care includes:
- Trim any herbaceous vegetation away from the base of each shrub.
Ensure any holes from moles/voles at the base of the shrubs and in their root balls have been filled in with soil. - Mulch around the base of each shrub to make weed control in the future easier and more efficient.
- Trim dead/damaged branches.
- Replace or repair missing/damaged cages and cage stakes.
- Pruning/landscaping experience is a plus, but not required.
Eligibility
- This opportunity is open to Adults, Long-Term and Short-Term volunteers. Learn more about our types of service here.
Additional Notes:
- 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, wasps, poison ivy, etc.). You can expect to participate in routine reaching, standing, bending, kneeling, squeezing (hand trimmers/loppers/shears/soil knives), lifting objects of 15lbs. or more, and hiking off-trail on uneven terrain.
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers will park and meet staff in the large parking lot at the Germantown Seed Nursery: 7745 Conservancy Road, Germantown, OH 45327; The Wooden MetroParks gate will be unlocked and open. Drive down the gravel single lane 0.4mi and park in the grass at the barn. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. There are no restrooms available at this location.
- Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants and closed-toe hiking shoes, bring/wear long-sleeved shirt, bring a pre-filled water bottle, and bug spray. Please wear your volunteer nametag and volunteer shirt if you have one.
Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See Conservation Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.
