Land once slated to become a landfill is one step further toward a long-term vision of becoming a new MetroPark. The 550-acre Spring Run Conservation Area is comprised of two land parcels: the 190-acre former Larch Tree Golf Course and the 360-acre Great Miami Wetland Mitigation Bank, the property once planned to become a landfill. The Wetlands Restoration Project will create approximately 22 acres of wetlands on the former golf course property. Your participation in an Adopt-A-Park volunteer service project helps MetroParks 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
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Volunteers will help staff restore newly created wetlands at Spring Run MetroPark by planting wetland herbaceous plants. We will be planting aquatic plants and flowers in and around the wetlands to increase species diversity and wildlife habitat.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to individuals, families, groups, public, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 10 and up.
- 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.
- Family Volunteers: This opportunity is family-friendly. Families with youth volunteers under the age of 14 are welcome to volunteer. The family must include one parent or guardian per 3 children who engage in service and assume supervisory responsibility for the children during volunteer service.
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. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for 'Volunteer Event' signage.
- Cancelation: If you need to cancel your shift at the last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, 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 standing, bending, kneeling, and hiking off-trail on uneven terrain. We may be walking a good distance from the parking lot to the planting sites. There are no restrooms available at this location.
- If you would like to request a service accommodation to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity.
- Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants and closed-toe hiking shoes, bring a pre-filled water bottle, and bug spray. It will be wet, so wear clothing and shoes (muckboots preferred) that you do not mind getting wet and dirty.
Learn more about the Conservation opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.
