Through surveys and feedback from the community of trail users, we can understand the value of our trails and prioritize our efforts in the coming years. Volunteers are needed to assist our staff with the 2026 Miami Valley Trail Users Survey. Volunteers will engage with trail users in conversation and encourage them to take a few minutes to complete this year's survey. The survey will again be conducted across multiple counties, and Five Rivers MetroParks is collaborating with other agencies, such as the Miami Valley Planning Commission, for this data collection.
The 2021 Miami Valley Trail User Survey was conducted across nine counties, including Five Rivers MetroParks, and collected 1,715 responses from over 12,000 trail users. This extensive data collection took place along the regional Miami Valley Trails, with significant collaboration from major local partners and their volunteers. To view the results of the 2021 survey, visit: 2021 Trail User Survey Summary Report.
Impact
Consistency in survey data collection is crucial, as it allows for comparisons with previous surveys and helps identify trends in trail users’ perceptions, demographics, and the economic impact of the trails. The feedback from trail users is invaluable, as it provides insights into usage, satisfaction, areas for improvement, and the overall significance of the Miami Valley Trails within the region.
Tasks
- Assist staff with set up and tear down of the survey location (tent, materials, refreshments, etc.)
- Greet and say hello to trail users.
- Engage those on the trail and ask if they would be willing to take a short survey.
- Distribute and collect surveys from trail users.
- Share information on MetroParks, volunteerism, and upcoming programs that may be of interest.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to individual, long-term, and short-term volunteers, ages 16 and up.
- GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check). Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.
Additional Notes
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Park in the Great Miami Trailhead parking lot and meet the staff at the trailhead. View location map here. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead. CLICK the link to view the map of Taylorsville.
- Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.
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Environment & Physical Demands: This program 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 may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 10lbs or more. Light physical duties include standing, walking, and light lifting to help set up and tear down booth materials.
- If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity.
- Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel. Reusable volunteer vests and nametags will be provided to new volunteers at the on-site volunteer check-in.
Learn more about Programming 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. 
Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider these opportunities:
