Oak trees estimated to be 580 years old, a tallgrass prairie, woodlands, and the scenic Sugar Creek beckon visitors to Sugarcreek MetroPark. Help us protect this beautiful park by removing invasive species that threaten natural habitats. 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:
- removing invasive plants like honeysuckle from the park using loppers and hand saws. (Note: Volunteers will not use chainsaws.)
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 Sugarcreek MetroPark. Volunteers should park at the main parking lot: 4178 Conference Rd., Bellbrook, OH 45305. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage.
- Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Matt Stevens, at 513-200-7271.
- 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 routine bending, kneeling, lifting, dragging, and pulling cut materials of 15lbs or greater. Volunteers can also expect a 10-15 minute walk over uneven surfaces from the parking lot to the service location.
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 with good tread, and have your favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Learn more about 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.
