The wetlands at Spring Run Conservation Area are undergoing a restoration process. Historically, wetlands were often drained for agriculture using agricultural tile—a system of buried pipes that carries water away from the land to make it farmable. These tiles prevent wetlands from holding water, disrupting the natural hydrology that supports native wildlife and plant species. This is where we need YOUR help! The tile has already been excavated—we’re looking for volunteers to help collect and remove the plastic tiles so they don’t remain scattered across the site. It's hands-on work that makes a real ecological impact by keeping the area clean and moving the restoration forward.
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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load excavated agricultural tile into a gator and transport from the wetlands at Spring to the parking lot for removal.
Eligibility
- This opportunity is open to Adults, Youth, Long-Term and Short-Term volunteers. Learn more about our types of service here.
- Youth volunteers ages 14-17 are not required to complete a background check. If you are a new youth volunteer, contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to have your background check waived.
Additional Notes:
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers will park and meet staff in the large parking lot at the Spring Run Conservation Area: 2765 N. Snyder Rd, Dayton, Ohio 45426. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. There are no restrooms available at this location.
- Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call Megan Rude at 937-207-1527.
- 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 a lot of lifting, standing, bending, kneeling, and walking off-trail on uneven terrain in full sun. There are no restrooms on site.
- Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants and muck boots/waterproof boots, bring work gloves, a pre-filled water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. It will be wet, so wear clothing and shoes you do not mind getting wet and dirty. 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 the Conservation Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.
