Wegerzyn Gardens MetroParks actively promotes landscaping with native plants in balance with traditional garden selections to inspire visitors. Your participation in an Adopt-A-Park 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

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 assigned staff, volunteers will support and assist with the following:

• Spring clean-up of landscape beds and borders, including edging, perennial cutback, raking, and mulching.

Eligibility

• This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Public Service, Youth, and/or Groups.  Learn more about our types of service here.

• 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. 

• Youth Volunteers: Youth volunteers ages 14-17 are not required to complete a background check. If you are a new youth volunteer contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to have your background check waived. 

Additional Notes

• Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park at the north end of the parking lot (1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, OH 45414), and meet staff at the North Kiosk sign. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage.

• Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call project staff lead, Franz Kirchner, at 937-241-6027.

• 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 bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching, and walking on potentially uneven terrain.

• 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 Gardening Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.