Opportunities From: Five Rivers MetroParks

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.

Love gardening and the beauty of ever-changing landscapes? Come be part of a dedicated team of volunteers who cultivate and care for the stunning gardens at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark! Each week brings something new—whether it’s planting vibrant annuals and perennials, weeding, edging, mulching, pruning, or simply enjoying the seasonal transformations.
You'll have the opportunity to explore and support a variety of unique garden spaces, including the Federal, English, Victorian, and Woodland Gardens. Whether you volunteer regularly or drop in when you can, your efforts help make Wegerzyn a breathtaking place for all to enjoy.
Come dig in, get inspired, and make an impact—our gardens wouldn’t be the same without you!

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:

General garden maintenance such as weeding, edging, mulching, and keeping the gardens tidy; planting bulbs, annuals, perennials, and cannas; moving tropical plants in and out of the greenhouse; and providing excellent customer service by assisting park visitors with questions and wayfinding.Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth. Learn more about our types of service 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.  This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours. Additional Notes: Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park in the Wegerzyn Gardens parking lot (1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, OH 45414) and meet staff at the front entrance of the building, near the Kiosk. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead, Payton Johnson, at (513) 292- 8303. 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 routinely bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more etc. 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.

Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty? Join us at Possum Creek MetroPark for a fun-filled volunteer opportunity in the Demonstration Garden! The Demonstration Gardens provide produce to those in need throughout Dayton and the Miami Valley. Our education staff needs your help in maintaining the gardens and flower beds at the farm. Don't worry if you don't have any previous experience – we welcome all volunteers to learn by doing and ask questions. Together, we'll make the Possum Creek Demonstration Garden a beautiful and inspiring place for programming, school tours, and park patrons of all ages!

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, volunteers will support and assist with the following:

Garden bed prep, weeding, compost maintenance (turning, sifting, and application), garden path maintenance (cardboard and woodchip application), garden bed construction, transplanting, planting, and more. Eligibility

This opportunity is open to teens and adults (ages 14 and older), Long-Term, and Short-Term volunteers.

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours. Additional Notes: Parking & Meeting Instructions: Arrive 5- 10 minutes before your shift start time for a brief introduction and orientation to the site and the volunteer project. Click here for a map of Possum Creek MetroPark. Volunteers should park in the parking lot near the Farm Shelter. Enter the park at 4790 Frytown Rd., Dayton, OH 45417, and follow the main park drive until it dead-ends into the farm parking lot. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact Kaitlyn Lowry, Education Coordinator, at 937-276-7053. Environmental & Physical Demands: This project takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, ticks, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, reaching, walking, and lifting objects of 10lbs or more in possibly direct sunlight.Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottles, sunscreen, and bug spray. ​

Learn more about Gardening 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.  

Looking for a unique and rewarding gardening experience? Join the team of knowledgeable staff and passionate volunteers at Cox Arboretum MetroPark. You will have the chance to maintain and cultivate a variety of specialty gardens, including those at the Barbara Cox Center for Sustainable Horticulture. With a focus on native plants, you will learn effective horticulture techniques that benefit the environment and the community. Don't miss this opportunity to develop your skills and contribute to a sustainable future!

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 Horticulture Technician, support and assist with the following:

Landscape bed maintenance including pruning trees and shrubs, mechanical weed removal, edging, and mulching. A variety of seasonal gardening tasks as assigned. Provide excellent customer service by assisting park visitors with questions and wayfinding. Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth. Learn more about our types of service 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.  This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours. Additional Notes: Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Cox Arboretum MetroPark. Volunteers should park at Cox Arboretum, located at 6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45449, and meet staff in the plaza between the Barbara Cox Center for Sustainable Horticulture and the Kettering Learning Lab.  Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact Todd Strong at (513) 658-0279. Environmental & Physical Demands: This project takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, ticks, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, reaching, walking, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more, etc. 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.

What is a Heirloom Garden? Do you enjoy working outside while learning about our local history, particularly as it pertains to growing food? The heirloom kitchen garden and flower beds at the Carriage Hill MetroPark Historic Farm tell important stories that celebrate our agricultural heritage in the Miami Valley. This includes a significant portion of our local landscape, shaped by generations of farmers growing a variety of heirloom crops commonly found on farms in the 1880s. So let's grow together at Carriage Hill and get our hands in the soil!

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:

typical garden maintenance, including soil preparation, laying out beds, planting both seeds and plants, weeding and cultivation, and harvesting. This position is open to gardeners of all skill levels, from beginner to expert. In addition, some landscape gardening in flower beds may be included.

Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth (ages 14-17 - See specific age requirements below). Learn more about our types of service 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.  This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours. Additional Notes  Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers should park at the historic farm parking lot located at 7860 E. Shull Rd., Dayton, OH 45424, and meet staff at the David Arnold House on the Historic Farm. Cancelation:  If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call staff lead Rick Musselman at 937-594-8271. Environmental & Physical Demands: Be aware of outdoor risks such as poison ivy, insects, seasonal allergies, and extended exposure to the sun.  Volunteers can expect to participate in routine bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching, and moving material of 15 pounds or more. ALLERGY ALERT: typical farm environment; hay and animal allergies. 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. ​Please wear your volunteer name badge and, if you have one, your green or blue volunteer T-shirt. Historic-period clothing is not required.  Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Gardening Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.

 

Looking for a way to support MetroParks' gardening efforts in our downtown parks? Do you enjoy promoting beautiful green spaces in an urban setting? Learn and apply effective horticulture techniques with plants chosen for their horticultural benefits, while fostering healthy biodiversity for pollinators.

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:

hands-on landscape and garden maintenance, including planting, watering, pruning, deadheading, mulching, weeding, edging, seasonal cutbacks, and general care of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees. helping create a positive park experience by keeping landscaped areas tidy and assisting park visitors with questions and wayfinding. Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth. Learn more about our types of service 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.  This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours. Additional Notes: Please sign up for your volunteer shift at least 2 days in advance.  Parking & Meeting Instructions: RiverScape and Urban Parks Garden Stewards support staff at a variety of downtown MetroParks. You will receive a weekly email from the staff lead with more information on where to meet. Volunteers support the following parks: RiverScape (237 E. Monument - park in a VISITOR SPOT at the Main Office) Deeds Point (510 Webster St - park in a VISITOR SPOT at the Main Office)Note: If visitor parking is not available, you must display your volunteer parking hang tag in your vehicle. Failure to display your volunteer parking hang tag may result in a parking ticket when parking in the Main Office parking lot. If you do not have a volunteer parking hang tag, please contact Volunteer Services. Island (101 E. Helena St.) 2nd St. Market (600 E. 2nd St.) Sunrise (50 S. Edwin C. Moses – contact staff lead for map) Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call project staff lead, Reagen Wylie, at (937) 459-0721. 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 (e.g., grass, pollen, bees). Volunteers can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching, and sometimes lifting objects 25 lbs or more in possibly shaded or direct sunlight. 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.

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and help care for a truly special landscape. Volunteers on this project support restoration gardening work on the historic Aullwood Rock Hillside, helping preserve a garden shaped by John and Marie Aull and guided by original photographs and Marie’s journals. This hands-on work plays an important role in maintaining the character and beauty of this unique hillside garden.

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:

assist with clearing out invasives, soil amendments, and stabilizing the hillside to protect the trees above.re-establish the rock garden tiers while also adding as historically accurate as possible plants that Marie had within the rock garden beds. 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 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, lifting objects of 15 lbs. or more, twisting, working on uneven terrain, and on a hillside. 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.

Possum Creek MetroPark offers a blend of nature, history and community for adults and children alike. Your participation in an Adopt-A-Park volunteer service project helps MetroParks 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   Volunteer will support general garden maintenance and seasonal preparation, including soil work, weeding, and bed upkeep in the demonstration garden and around the farm, including near the nature play and farmhouse. Volunteer will assist with planting and plant care, including relocating, dividing, and arranging garden beds and perennials.Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individuals, groups, public, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 14 and up.

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 Possum Creek MetroPark. Volunteers should follow signs that say "Farm" or "Education Building" (4790 Frytown Rd., Dayton, OH 45417). Continue to the parking lot at the end of the park road. From there, the Possum Creek Demonstration Garden is located across from the white farmhouse, near the white barn and chicken coop. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call project staff lead Kaitlyn Lowry at 937-276-7053. 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, walking on potentially uneven terrain, and lifting objects of 25 lbs or more in direct sunlight.If you would like to request a service accommodation 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 and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

Learn more about the Gardening 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.

Cox Arboretum MetroPark invites visitors to connect with nature and discover and rest in the serenity and majesty of trees and shrubs thoughtfully arranged to capture the imagination. Your participation in an Adopt-A-Park volunteer service project helps MetroParks continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.

Impact

Gardening volunteers support our horticulture and education staff in caring for a variety of gardens throughout our parks. These gardens not only provide beautiful spaces for Miami Valley residents to get outside, explore, and connect to nature, but many also provide fresh local produce to those in need in our community. 

Tasks Volunteers will help with mulching the Allée at Cox Arboretum.Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individuals, families, groups, public, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 10 and up.

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.Family Volunteers: This opportunity is family-friendly. Families with youth volunteers under the age of 14 are welcome to volunteer. The family must include one parent or guardian per 3 children who engage in service and assume supervisory responsibility for the children during volunteer service.Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here to view a map of Cox Arboretum MetroPark. Volunteers should park in the main lot at Cox Arboretum MetroPark (6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45449) and meet staff by the greenhouse; from the parking lot, follow the paved path to the left of the Visitor Center, which leads around to the front of the greenhouse. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation: If you need to cancel your shift at the last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Jacob Cradic, at 937-245-0219. 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.). Volunteers can expect to participate in routine walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting up to 15lbs.If you would like to request a service accommodation 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 and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

Learn more about the Gardening 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.

RiverScape MetroPark preserves glimpses of the city’s origins while embracing modern innovation and evolving with the needs of the vibrant, connected neighborhoods around it. Your participation in an Adopt-A-Park volunteer service project helps MetroParks 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   Volunteers will be helping to mulch the landscape beds at RiverScape. Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individuals, groups, public, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 14 and up.

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 Riverscape MetroPark. Volunteers should park at the Five Rivers MetroPark Main Office parking lot off Water Street, in the Upper Parking Lot: 409 East Monument Avenue, Dayton, OH 45402. See the image below for reference. You may also park along E. Monument or S. Patterson and meet the staff at Riverscape Bike Hub: 237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton, OH 45402. Participants must walk from the parking location to meet at the RiverScape Bike Hub. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your shift to allow time for parking, check-in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. CLICK HERE to download and print the PARKING PASS for parking at 409 E. Monument Ave. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call project staff lead Reagen Wylie at 937-459-0721. 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 walking, bending, kneeling, pulling, and lifting (such as shoveling or wheelbarrowing mulch) 15 lbs or more. If you would like to request a service accommodation 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 and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

Learn more about Gardening 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.

Carriage Hill MetroPark is made up of forests, thickets, meadows, and prairies to enjoy on foot or horseback, as well as an 1880s historical farm, creating a unique experience for guests during their visit. Your participation in an Adopt-A-Park volunteer service project helps MetroParks continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.

Impact

Gardening volunteers support our horticulture and education staff in caring for a variety of gardens throughout our parks. These gardens not only provide beautiful spaces for Miami Valley residents to get outside, explore, and connect to nature, but many also provide fresh local produce to those in need in our community.  

Tasks  

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

laying down cardboard around plants in the flower beds to act as a weed barriermulching the flower beds around the Carriage Hill Riding Center
Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individuals, families, groups, public, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 10 and up.

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.Family Volunteers: This opportunity is family-friendly. Families with youth volunteers under the age of 14 are welcome to volunteer. The family must include one parent or guardian per 3 children who engage in service and assume supervisory responsibility for the children during volunteer service. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Park at the Carriage Hill Riding Center: 8111 E. Shull Rd., Huber Heights, OH. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation:  If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Katherine Berg, at (937) 367-1477. 
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.). Volunteers can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching, and walking on potentially uneven or muddy terrain.If you would like to request a service accommodation 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 and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.

Learn more about the Gardening 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.