Do you enjoy gardening, or are you curious to learn more about native plants and sustainable horticulture? Join the knowledgeable staff and fellow volunteers at Aullwood Garden MetroPark and get hands-on experience caring for one of Dayton’s premier historic garden estates. Help bring Marie Aull’s vision to life by supporting gardening practices rooted in local conservation, all within a peaceful setting along the Stillwater River.
Impact
Horticulture at Five Rivers MetroParks creates, maintains, and preserves green space and habitats for pollinators and native plants, as well as educates visitors on sustainable gardening practices and local food production. Gardening volunteers support the Horticulture and Outdoor Connections staff in a variety of gardening tasks.
Tasks
Under the supervision of the Staff Lead, support and assist with the following tasks:
- garden and landscape bed clean-up, weeding, edging, mulching, and time-sensitive invasive plant removal
- preparing the garden beds, plant containers, and Aull House for seasonal programs and events, as needed
- caring for plants in the Aull House, as requested
- kneeling, stretching, and lifting 20 pounds will be required.
- be detail-oriented, follow instructions, and have a willingness to learn.
- utilize a variety of hand tools, including soil knives, spades, pruners, loppers, shovels, and rakes.
- provide excellent customer service by assisting park visitors with questions and wayfinding.
Eligibility
- This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Adults (ages 18 and older), Long-Term. Learn more about our types of service here.
- This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.
Additional Notes:
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Aullwood Garden MetroPark. Volunteers should park at the Aullwood Maintenance Building: 930 Aullwood Rd, Dayton, OH 45414. The turn-in for the Maintenance Building appears quickly as you round the curve on Aullwood Road - Drive slowly and safely.
- Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead, Beth Langford, at 937-718-5658.
- 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, reaching, dragging, and lifting objects of 15lbs.
- Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants 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 Gardening Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.
