Help give the next generation of trees a strong start at Carriage Hill MetroPark! Volunteers will work alongside park staff to plant and protect young trees, helping restore and strengthen the natural landscape for years to come. This hands-on project is a great opportunity to get outside, get a little dirty, and make a lasting impact on the park. Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to 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
Under the supervision of the assigned staff, volunteers will support and assist with the following:
- Planting additional trees, installing protective fencing and coconut mats, and applying capsaicin tablets to help deter deer and other wildlife from browsing on and damaging the newly planted trees.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to individuals, groups, public, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 14 and up. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.
- 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.
Additional Notes
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers should park at the Carriage Hill Visitor Center: 7800 E. Shull Rd., Dayton, OH 45424. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Volunteers will take a short wagon ride to reach the remote tree-planting site. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage.
- Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the project staff lead, Allison Wilson, at (575) 491-3938.
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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.). Volunteers can expect to participate in routine bending, kneeling, pulling, lifting, and walking on possibly uneven or muddy terrain.
- Note: The planting site is remote and does not have readily available restrooms or running water. Volunteers will be transported to and from the worksite by wagon and will have an opportunity to use the restrooms at the Visitor Center before departing. A water jug will be available at the planting site.
- 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: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Conservation Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.
