Winter is a great time to get out on the trails to discover things of interest and learn more about MetroParks. To help get people started, these led hikes add engagement and encouragement. All family members, young and old, can find a trail that suits their needs, but some individuals like to start new behavior changes with some support. Our Outdoor Recreation team creates a learning environment to help individuals enjoy the outdoors in fun and safe activities. Volunteers will support the staff lead and participants as they enjoy nature, increase their activity, and discover new trails and ways to improve physical and mental health in MetroParks. This opportunity will be at Carriage Hill MetroPark and will roughly be a 1.3-mile hike exploring the local history, natural features, and nature discoveries.
Impact
Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs for all interested in learning. They enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create a better skill-building environment. Volunteers help people make a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.
Tasks
- Greet and welcome participants
- Assist with check-in for the program
- Assist the staff lead during the program to create a better learning environment for this unique group hike.
- Help distribute program materials and supplies as needed.
- Assist participants in staying with the group by hiking with them, observing any changes in participants, and keeping the staff lead aware of any participants having difficulty.
- Share Park highlights, nature tidbits, and information staff shares with participants further back on the hike.
- Assist the staff lead in ensuring all participants feel they are part of the program
- Assist with clean-up and equipment tear-down after the program if needed.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to Short-term and Long-Term volunteers. Learn more about our types of service here.
Additional Notes
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet the staff at the Cedar Lake Shelter. Your shift time begins 30 minutes before the program starts for quick review, last-minute prep, and to introduce you to highlights of the park.
- Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, cold, etc.). Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. The environment may have uneven terrain, and communication between the leader of the hike and volunteers will use a point-to-point radio. Volunteers should be able to hike the distance of the trail and be comfortable hiking in cold weather with possible snow-covered trails.
- Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and your MetroParks name badge. Items like water bottles, sunscreen, and walking poles may help make your hike more comfortable. If you have not yet received your MetroParks name badge, please reach out to volunteer services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org.
Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position for more information on programming opportunities with us.
