Would you like to be a part of preserving a sustainable and natural habitat around the Stillwater River in the Miami Valley? A partnership between Five Rivers MetroParks, Aullwood Audubon Farm and Center, and the Garden Club of Dayton, this project preserves John and Marie Aull’s vision to unite local conservation efforts. This activity is a collaborative, annual event in April supporting Ohio Native Plant Month.
Impact
To preserve the diversity of habitats, parklands are carefully managed to preserve and protect native plant and wildlife communities of the Miami Valley. Non-native, invasive species compete with or eliminate native plant species and can be controlled by pulling, cutting, and removing them from the area. Volunteer support helps to expand our efforts in protecting our region's natural heritage.
Tasks
Under the supervision of the Staff Lead, support and assist with the following tasks:
- MORNING: Work alongside Aullwood Audubon and Aullwood Garden staff to identify and remove invasive plants along the pathway from the Wiles Parking Lot (by the Stillwater River) to Aullwood Garden. This area was our primary focus last year, and we will continue pushing forward in this section.
- AFTERNOON: Assist Aullwood Garden staff with invasive plant removal in the backwoods.
Eligibility
- This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Public Service, Youth (ages 14-17 - See specific age requirements below), and Adults. Learn more about our types of service here.
Additional Notes:
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Aullwood Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park in the Aullwood Garden MetroPark parking lot (955 Aullwood Rd., Dayton, OH 45414). Look for 'volunteer event' signage.
- Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead Beth Langford at 937-718-5658.
- Environment & Physical Demands: This project takes place outdoors, so volunteers should be prepared for exposure to the sun, insects, poison ivy, and other natural elements. Those with seasonal allergies (e.g., grass, pollen, bees) should take necessary precautions. Volunteers will engage in physical activities such as bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects weighing 15 lbs or more. The worksite requires a 10-minute walk over uneven terrain, which may include downed branches, thorns, poison ivy, and occasional marshy areas. A variety of hand tools will be used, including soil knives, spades, pruners, loppers, and shovels.
- Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and muck boots/waterproof boots, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.
- Special Note: If you sign up for both the morning and afternoon shifts, we invite you to bring a lunch and enjoy your meal alongside the staff. If you're volunteering for the afternoon shift, you're welcome to arrive early at noon to have lunch with the staff before your shift begins.
Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Conservation Volunteer Position for more details regarding this opportunity.
