Land once slated to become a landfill is one step further toward a long-term vision of becoming a new MetroPark. The 550-acre Spring Run Conservation Area is comprised of two land parcels: the 190-acre former Larch Tree Golf Course and the 360-acre Great Miami Wetland Mitigation Bank, the property once planned to become a landfill. The Wetlands Restoration Project will create approximately 22 acres of wetlands on the former golf course property. Read more about this important conservation project here! Do you want to help us create something special?
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:
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planting roughly 400 Chalone glabra (White Turtlehead) plugs. White turtlehead is the host plant for the Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly. This plant is very important to this species of butterfly to complete its lifecycle. This planting is part of an ongoing project to restore and maintain habitat for these special butterflies. It is about a 10-minute walk from the parking lot to the planting site.
Eligibility
- This opportunity is open to Adults, Youth, Long-Term and Short-Term volunteers. Learn more about our types of service here.
- 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:
- 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 standing, bending, kneeling, and hiking off trail on uneven terrain.
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers will park and meet staff in the large parking lot at the Spring Run Conservation Area: 2765 N. Snyder Rd, Dayton, Ohio 45426. Look for 'Volunteer Event' signage. There are no restrooms available at this location.
- Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants and closed-toe hiking shoes, bring a pre-filled water bottle, and bug spray. It will be wet so wear clothing and shoes you do not mind getting wet and dirty. Please wear your volunteer nametag and volunteer shirt if you have one.
Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See Conservation Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.
