Five Rivers MetroParks lakes, ponds, and rivers are rich in fish life. All members of the family, young and old, can find a place to fish for recreation, relaxation, or food. Our Outdoor Recreation team and volunteers create the learning environment to help individuals build skills to be successful in these activities. This is a TRY IT program designed for beginners. Volunteers are essential in helping provide more individualized attention and making first-time fishers have a positive experience. You do not need to be an expert to be program support for this opportunity, but it is always a plus.
Impact
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. They help people make a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.
Tasks
- There are several tasks for newer or less experienced volunteers to still be of great assistance and can learn more as they help.
- Assist set up – registration area, gear area (equipment and supplies), casting area
- Set up means lifting totes to 15 lbs. and carrying items over potentially uneven terrain for a short distance. Volunteers may help set up a popup tent depending on the location.
- Greet and welcome participants.
- Assist with registration and check-in.
- Assist staff lead during the program to create a better learning environment for this unique fishing skill.
- Help distribute program materials and supplies as needed.
- Assist participants in following the instructor's direction by walking around and observing.
- Assist participants with casting/instruction/tying on flies.
- Assist participants in removing and releasing the fish back into the water.
- Assist with clean-up and equipment tear-down after the program.
- Tear gear down and store it in the Fishing Trailer after the program.
Eligibility: This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Short-term and Long-Term. Learn more about our types of service here.
Additional Notes
- Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors during the early evening. 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 may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. "Try It" programs have a walk-in welcome registration, and the number of participants won't be known until the start of the program.
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Eastwood MetroPark. Volunteers arrive an hour before the beginning of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the agenda, tasks, and other important information.
- Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear closed-toed shoes to hike in, 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 Description for more information on Programming volunteer opportunities with us.
