Opportunities From: Get Connected

Big Brothers Big Sisters is seeking volunteers to help prep and paint our Program Manager’s office as part of United Way’s Day of Caring. This office serves as a central space where we host staff, meet with board members, welcome supporters, and hold site visits with funders. It is also a place where we connect with the youth and families we serve. Creating a clean, updated, and calming environment helps us make a strong and positive first impression.

What this project will do for Big Brothers Big Sisters: A freshly painted office will create a welcoming, professional space for everyone who walks through our doors. It shows pride in our work and respect for the youth, families, and community partners we serve. This simple update will also boost staff morale by creating an environment that feels cared for, positive, and ready for meaningful connection.

Project details: Volunteers will assist with prepping and painting one office space.

Shepherd's House is seeking volunteers to help deep clean our facility as a part of United Way's Day of Caring. Your time and effort will help create a refreshed and welcoming enviornment for the individuals and families that we serve. 

What you'll do:

Why this project matters:

A clean space is more than just appearance, it directly impacts the health, safety, and well-being of our guests. Your help will allow us to:

With volunteers painting walls and cabinets, the environment becomes more welcoming, cleaner, and more dignified for everyone who walks through the doors.  When people come into shop, they should feel seen, respected, and valued.

At the same time, volunteers supporting donation drop-offs, receiving, hanging, and sorting clothing help the center run more smoothly and efficiently. It means families in need can access clothing more quickly, with better organization and care. It also allows staff to focus more on serving people rather than just managing inventory.

Beyond the physical work, this day builds connection. It brings the community into the mission. Volunteers don’t just complete tasks—they become part of the story. They see firsthand the impact, and that often leads to continued support, advocacy, and even long-term involvement.

The Nature Play Space needs weeding, pruning, mulching, cleaning up branches, leaves, etc., and rearranging logs so children can better use the area.

This Shadow Experience opportunity is for those volunteers in training to serve as a Historic Interpreter Volunteer. You will be partnered with a qualified and experienced volunteer and/or Staff Lead during this shadow experience to observe, learn, and practice the skills needed to fully qualify as a Historic Interpreter.

Through oral history, letters, diaries, government records, and other primary and secondary sources, a picture of a lifestyle emerges that Carriage Hill interpreters can bring to life for the public. Volunteers represent what living in the 1880s might have been like, and help visitors make a stronger connection to the history of Carriage Hill and the experience of life on an 1880s working farm.  Historic interpreter volunteers allow people to enjoy an experience at the historic farm, see demonstrations of simple everyday farm tasks, and get a personal introduction to life on the farm. 

The interpretative purpose of the farm is to use the Arnold Family, who once lived at Carriage Hill Farm, as a guide to how a real conservative farm family is in real-time at a real place. Volunteers represent what living in the 1880s might have been like, and help visitors make a stronger connection to the history of Carriage Hill and experience life on an 1880s working farm.  

Under the supervision of the historic farm staff, volunteers assist and support with the following:

This opportunity is open to individual, long-term, short-term volunteers, ages 16 and up who have completed the Historic Interpreter virtual training.  

Learn more about Programming 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.

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this/these opportunities:

Carriage Hill Farm Chores

Program Support

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts will be taking part in the Liberty Township Fall Festival with a free craft!

We will be setting up a booth at the festival to offer guests a free fall themed craft, and are currently seeking volunteers to help run the booth.

Volunteer duties include handing out supplies, helping guests with questions, assisting guests with the craft, and keeping the are tidy. Fitton Center staff members will be present during the whole event, so will train volunteers on the craft, and help volunteers during the event.

Volunteers do not need to sign up for the whole event, they can work any hours they would like, from just 1 hour to the entire event.

Water will be provided, as well as chairs for volunteers, but it is an outdoor event, so please dress according to the weather!

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts is taking part in Operation Pumpkin in 2026 with a free craft and pumpkin racing booth!

The Fitton Center will have a free activity for guests to take part in, where they will decorate a mini-pumpkin and then have the chance to race it in a mini derby race, and is seeking volunteers to help run the craft portion of the activity!

Volunteer duties include handing out supplies, helping guests with questions, assisting guests with making the craft, and keeping the area tidy. Fitton Center staff members will always be present, to show volunteers how to make the craft itself, and working along side volunteers.

The event itself is from 11am - 5pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, but volunteers will be scheduled in hourly shifts, so you don't have to work the whole event if you don't want to! You can sign up for as many hours as you'd like.

Water will be provided at the booth for volunteers, as well as chairs, but it is an outdoor event so volunteers will need to dress for the weather!

The Fitton Center is taking part in the 2026 Hamilton Pride event, and is currently seeking volunteers to help with their free craft booth!

We will be putting on a free make-your-own headband booth from 12 - 4pm during Hamilton Pride on June 6th.

Volunteers will help hand out supplies, assist guests with questions, keep the area tidy, and help guests with the craft itself. Fitton Center staff will also be on site, to train volunteers on how to do the craft, and to answer any questions.

We will have water at our booth for volunteers, as well as chairs!

NorthStar Home Hospice is locally owned and operated and we are committed to providing compassionate, personalized care to our patients who are living in their own homes or long-term care facilities throughout the Greater Cincinnati area, including Butler County. We currently have opportuinities to share companionship and comfort to patients throughout Butler County.

At NorthStar Home Hospice, we believe in neighbors helping neighbors. If you're a senior with a caring heart, your presence can mean the world to another senior on their final journey. Being a hospice volunteer is profoundly rewarding and there is no previous experience needed or personal care involved.

Some of the ways YOU can make a difference when visiting patients:

We provide volunteers with:

You can complete the volunteer application at the following link:

https://www.volgistics.com/appform/2124156212

NorthStar Home Hospice is locally owned and operated, serving Butler County and throughout the Greater Cincinnati area. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care that honors the dignity and wishes of our patients and their families.

We are looking for pet therapy teams to visit our patients living in their own homes and in long-term care facilities throughout Butler County. Visits from dogs and their human counterparts can lift hospice patients' spirits, be a calming presence, and make them smile at a time when they need it most.

If you're already a certified/registered pet therapy team we want to hear from you now! If your dog is not certified/registered yet, check out one of the organizations below for details how to make it happen:

We provide the human member of the team with ongoing support, comprehensive orientation/training, and screenings at no cost to you. Once you complete your orientation and screenings, we will strive to assign you and your dog close to home, and based on your schedule and availability.

Your dog must have:

Become part of something special and make a difference in the lives of local hospice patients!

Complete the volunteer application at this link:

https://www.volgistics.com/appform/2124156212

Lend a hand behind the scenes to make our annual gala a success! Volunteers will help with assembling auction and raffle items, clerical tasks, and other event prep—no experience needed!

Be part of our biggest night of the year! Volunteers will assist with guest check-in, raffle and auction tables, greeting guests, and general event support throughout the evening.

Help us create a fun, welcoming event for youth and families! Volunteers are needed for setup, clean-up, kids' activities, and running booths—no experience needed, just a willing heart!

Join us as a childcare volunteer during our monthly foster parent meetings! You'll help supervise and engage children in fun activities while caregivers attend training.

Join us as a childcare volunteer during our monthly foster parent meetings! You'll help supervise and engage children in fun activities while caregivers attend training.

M.A.S.H. is a non-profit organization that supports the veterans across central Ohio that is moving to a new site opening on May 1st at 540 Sunbury Rd. (east of the 36/37 merge behind the bowling alley - go into the bowling alley parking lot and follow to the building behind it). We provide food to active duty, veterans & their families and surviving spouses. We also provide a place for them to interact for camaraderie, building model planes, boats, trains, play cards, quilting, sewing, etc. We also provide greenhouses for veterans to grow food that will get handed out at the pantries. In addition, we host Potluck Breakfasts for various holidays and provide training on benefits for veterans. We are in need of personnel to help us receive, stock, pack and hand-out food to veterans, as well as greeters and people interested in aiding the veterans at the site.

This role is for someone to greet veterans when they arrive at the site.
Volunteers will need to sign up at our website - https://www.mashpantry.org/volunteers

M.A.S.H. is a non-profit organization that supports the veterans across central Ohio that is moving to a new site opening on May 1st at 540 Sunbury Rd. (east of the 36/37 merge behind the bowling alley - go into the bowling alley parking lot and follow to the building behind it). We provide food to active duty, veterans & their families and surviving spouses. We also provide a place for them to interact for camaraderie, building model planes, boats, trains, play cards, quilting, sewing, etc. We also provide greenhouses for veterans to grow food that will get handed out at the pantries. In addition, we host Potluck Breakfasts for various holidays and provide training on benefits for veterans. We are in need of personnel to help us receive, stock, pack and hand-out food to veterans, as well as greeters and people interested in aiding the veterans at the site.

This role is for someone to greet veterans when they arrive at the site.
Volunteers will need to sign up at our website - https://www.mashpantry.org/volunteers

M.A.S.H. is a non-profit organization that supports the veterans across central Ohio that is moving to a new site opening on May 1st at 540 Sunbury Rd. (east of the 36/37 merge behind the bowling alley - go into the bowling alley parking lot and follow to the building behind it). We provide food to active duty, veterans & their families and surviving spouses. We also provide a place for them to interact for camaraderie, building model planes, boats, trains, play cards, quilting, sewing, etc. We also provide greenhouses for veterans to grow food that will get handed out at the pantries. In addition, we host Potluck Breakfasts for various holidays and provide training on benefits for veterans. We are in need of personnel to help us receive, stock, pack and hand-out food to veterans, as well as greeters and people interested in aiding the veterans at the site.

This role is for someone to greet veterans when they arrive at the site.
Volunteers will need to sign up at our website - https://www.mashpantry.org/volunteers

Join our programming team for a series of canning classes designed to teach participants how to preserve fruits and vegetables affordably and efficiently. The timeless technique of hot water bath canning was used in the 19th century for preserving jams, jellies, syrups, and pickled items. Each week, we will utilize both period recipes and their modern equivalents, offering a variety of recipes. Our program support volunteers are there to support both staff and participants, ensuring everyone learns the essential skills needed to safely create beautifully sealed jars of goodness to take home. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with others, learn a valuable skill, and enjoy delicious homemade preserves!

Program Support Volunteers are welcome and can participate in various entry-level opportunities to support our programs—typically, no expert knowledge is required. However, volunteers who support the cookery programs should have some culinary experience.

Volunteers enable us to accomplish so much more by lending a hand in simple activities, allowing demonstrators to take a break, or talking with the visitors about the activities while allowing the tasks to be completed.

This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-term and Short-term. Learn more about our types of service here. 

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.  

Visit the Historic Interpreter page in our Training Library to see what training is required to become part of the Historic Interpreter volunteers. 

We're looking for enthusiastic, driven individuals aged 16 and older to help make our BT5K Breakthrough for Brain Tumors event a huge success. Lend a hand out on the course, at the event site, with pre- or post-event activities, as part of the planning committee, or in one of many other ways.

*Children under 18 will need a signed parental consent form.

To register as a volunteer and see all the volunteer roles for the event go to https://abta.volunteerhub.com/vv2/

School Program volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our school field trips. Those who support the school program field trips allow staff to extend the opportunities for school groups to get outside into a living classroom and connect STEM standards to real situations. Some of these field trips are also offered to Scouts and other groups who want to learn about nature.   Volunteers enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create an inclusive skill-building environment. Volunteers help make it possible for kids and teachers to develop a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.  

This Shadow Experience opportunity is for those volunteers in training to serve as a School Program Volunteer. You will be partnered with a qualified and experienced volunteer and/or Staff Lead during this shadow experience to observe, learn, and practice the skills needed to successfully lead an activity station or school group.

School group size:  Gloria Dei Montessori

30 K - 5 grade students with 3 chaperones  

Discovering Soils is an interactive school field trip throughout the season at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, engaging young learners in a variety of activities and topics relating to soil science, and composting. Students will get their hands dirty digging and examining soil, learning what makes it so important, and how composting is a great way to keep our soil thriving.  Volunteers will help with groups of children in sensory exploration in nature and be a part of inspiring future generations of gardeners!

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up who have qualified as School Program Volunteer.  This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.

***If you missed the training session but are interested in responding to this opportunity, email volunteer.services@metroparks.org to review the training materials and schedule shadow experiences.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Skeeter's Garden.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the school arrives for a brief orientation, review of stations and to gather supplies needed. 

Environment & Physical Demands: This program 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 may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. Volunteers may lead a group over uneven terrain and may be walking (1-to 3-mile hikes) during this opportunity.

Learn more about Programming 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

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this/these opportunities:

Program Support

Your volunteer service helps protect our region’s natural heritage and keeps our parks and river corridors healthy and beautiful.

To receive your kit, you must RSVP for a Drive-Thru Adopt-A-Park Service Kit Pick-up. Kits will be available for pick-up in the morning at Cox Arboretum and Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark on Saturday, April 25.

Service kits are intended to be used during April and May as part of our Adopt-A-Park efforts. Cleanups completed outside of this timeframe will not be eligible for volunteer hour tracking in Get Connected.

If you're registering as an individual, click Respond.
If you're planning to participate with a small team, select Respond as a Team to register your group.

As a Team Leader, you will:

For a step-by-step guide, click here to watch a short video walkthrough of the team registration process.

For registration assistance, contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or call 937-275-PARK.

If this is your first time using a service kit or you'd like a refresher, please review the service kit instructions. These instructions will be included in your kit. You may clean up any green space of your choosing, or use the list provided in your kit to find high-priority areas within MetroParks.

Trash Disposal:
Please take your bagged trash with you or place it in the nearest park trash receptacle if working outside of a Five Rivers MetroPark.

Log Your Impact:
After your cleanup, please:

We appreciate our volunteers, staff, and generous community sponsors for supporting this effort:

Montgomery County Environmental Services

Keep Montgomery County Beautiful

QEI Engineers Inc.

Join us for these additional Public Volunteer Days: 

Interested in other volunteer opportunities with MetroParks? Learn more about our types of volunteer service and how to get started as a volunteer with us. 

We provide Hospice Services to Residents at home and in facilities, throughout Portage, Summit, Stark, and Medina Counties. Our volunteers have opportunities to serve in many capacities: Administrative Volunteers assist with administrative needs in our office, including filing, photocopying, assembling information packets, assistance with mailings, making phone calls, etc. Direct Care Volunteers visit our patients in their homes or in nursing facilities, providing companionship, emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families. They may provide respite care, and may also make “tuck-In calls” to our patients on a regular basis, particularly prior to weekends or holidays, to ensure that they have adequate supplies, in an effort to avoid any emergencies. Bereavement Volunteers are advised by the Bereavement Coordinator and serve as an additional support to the bereavement program, which provides services to grieving families and caregivers during the 13-month period following the death of the hospice patient. Support by the volunteer may include assistance with administrative tasks (such as standard mailings), assistance with a Bereavement Support Group and/or assistance with the Annual Memorial Service. These volunteers must undergo some additional training.

We provide Hospice Services to Residents at home and in facilities, throughout Portage, Summit, Stark, and Medina Counties. Our volunteers have opportunities to serve in many capacities: Administrative Volunteers assist with administrative needs in our office, including filing, photocopying, assembling information packets, assistance with mailings, making phone calls, etc. Direct Care Volunteers visit our patients in their homes or in nursing facilities, providing companionship, emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families. They may provide respite care, and may also make “tuck-In calls” to our patients on a regular basis, particularly prior to weekends or holidays, to ensure that they have adequate supplies, in an effort to avoid any emergencies. Bereavement Volunteers are advised by the Bereavement Coordinator and serve as an additional support to the bereavement program, which provides services to grieving families and caregivers during the 13-month period following the death of the hospice patient. Support by the volunteer may include assistance with administrative tasks (such as standard mailings), assistance with a Bereavement Support Group and/or assistance with the Annual Memorial Service. These volunteers must undergo some additional training.

We provide Hospice Services to Residents at home and in facilities, throughout Portage, Summit, Stark, and Medina Counties. Our volunteers have opportunities to serve in many capacities: Administrative Volunteers assist with administrative needs in our office, including filing, photocopying, assembling information packets, assistance with mailings, making phone calls, etc. Direct Care Volunteers visit our patients in their homes or in nursing facilities, providing companionship, emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families. They may provide respite care, and may also make “tuck-In calls” to our patients on a regular basis, particularly prior to weekends or holidays, to ensure that they have adequate supplies, in an effort to avoid any emergencies. Bereavement Volunteers are advised by the Bereavement Coordinator and serve as an additional support to the bereavement program, which provides services to grieving families and caregivers during the 13-month period following the death of the hospice patient. Support by the volunteer may include assistance with administrative tasks (such as standard mailings), assistance with a Bereavement Support Group and/or assistance with the Annual Memorial Service. These volunteers must undergo some additional training.

We provide Hospice Services to Residents at home and in facilities, throughout Portage, Summit, Stark, and Medina Counties. Our volunteers have opportunities to serve in many capacities: Administrative Volunteers assist with administrative needs in our office, including filing, photocopying, assembling information packets, assistance with mailings, making phone calls, etc. Direct Care Volunteers visit our patients in their homes or in nursing facilities, providing companionship, emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families. They may provide respite care, and may also make “tuck-In calls” to our patients on a regular basis, particularly prior to weekends or holidays, to ensure that they have adequate supplies, in an effort to avoid any emergencies.  Bereavement Volunteers are advised by the Bereavement Coordinator and serve as an additional support to the bereavement program, which provides services to grieving families and caregivers during the 13-month period following the death of the hospice patient. Support by the volunteer may include assistance with administrative tasks (such as standard mailings), assistance with a Bereavement Support Group and/or assistance with the Annual Memorial Service. These volunteers must undergo some additional training.

We provide Hospice Services to Residents at home and in facilities, throughout Portage, Summit, Stark, and Medina Counties. Our volunteers have opportunities to serve in many capacities: Administrative Volunteers assist with administrative needs in our office, including filing, photocopying, assembling information packets, assistance with mailings, making phone calls, etc. Direct Care Volunteers visit our patients in their homes or in nursing facilities, providing companionship, emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families. They may provide respite care, and may also make “tuck-In calls” to our patients on a regular basis, particularly prior to weekends or holidays, to ensure that they have adequate supplies, in an effort to avoid any emergencies. Bereavement Volunteers are advised by the Bereavement Coordinator and serve as an additional support to the bereavement program, which provides services to grieving families and caregivers during the 13-month period following the death of the hospice patient. Support by the volunteer may include assistance with administrative tasks (such as standard mailings), assistance with a Bereavement Support Group and/or assistance with the Annual Memorial Service. These volunteers must undergo some additional training.

We provide Hospice Services to Residents at home and in facilities, throughout Portage, Summit, Stark, and Medina Counties. Our volunteers have opportunities to serve in many capacities: Administrative Volunteers assist with administrative needs in our office, including filing, photocopying, assembling information packets, assistance with mailings, making phone calls, etc. Direct Care Volunteers visit our patients in their homes or in nursing facilities, providing companionship, emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families. They may provide respite care, and may also make “tuck-In calls” to our patients on a regular basis, particularly prior to weekends or holidays, to ensure that they have adequate supplies, in an effort to avoid any emergencies. Bereavement Volunteers are advised by the Bereavement Coordinator and serve as an additional support to the bereavement program, which provides services to grieving families and caregivers during the 13-month period following the death of the hospice patient. Support by the volunteer may include assistance with administrative tasks (such as standard mailings), assistance with a Bereavement Support Group and/or assistance with the Annual Memorial Service. These volunteers must undergo some additional training.

We provide Hospice Services to Residents at home and in facilities, throughout Portage, Summit, Stark, and Medina Counties. Our volunteers have opportunities to serve in many capacities: Administrative Volunteers assist with administrative needs in our office, including filing, photocopying, assembling information packets, assistance with mailings, making phone calls, etc. Direct Care Volunteers visit our patients in their homes or in nursing facilities, providing companionship, emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families. They may provide respite care, and may also make “tuck-In calls” to our patients on a regular basis, particularly prior to weekends or holidays, to ensure that they have adequate supplies, in an effort to avoid any emergencies. Bereavement Volunteers are advised by the Bereavement Coordinator and serve as an additional support to the bereavement program, which provides services to grieving families and caregivers during the 13-month period following the death of the hospice patient. Support by the volunteer may include assistance with administrative tasks (such as standard mailings), assistance with a Bereavement Support Group and/or assistance with the Annual Memorial Service. These volunteers must undergo some additional training.

Girls on the Run Northeast Ohio is always looking for passionate, caring, volunteers to support our programs in Portage County. We are always looking for individuals interested in taking on a coaching role at a local school. Your time and energy can make a meaningful difference in the lives of local girls!

Volunteering with Girls on the Run is a chance to help inspire confidence, build connection, and create a space where every girl feels seen, valued, and strong. *No running experience is required* - just a commitment to showing up with encouragement, positivity, and an open heart.

Interested in learning more or ready to get involved? Reach out to Abigail Minnick at abigail.minnick@girlsontherun.org. You can also visit www.gotrneo.org to explore current volunteer opportunities and see which sites are actively seeking coaches.

Join us in creating a joyful, supportive, community where every girl can thrive.

County Clothing needs volunteers on Tuesday evenings (5pm-7pm). We are looking for individuals to assist with:

Time: 5:00–7:00 PM

Make a meaningful impact with just your car and a little time! Help local seniors get to important medical appointments, enjoy heartfelt thank-Yous, and get mileage reimbursement too. Flexible schedule, full training (and a free CarFit check!), all while staying comfy in casual clothes.

Blue Star Families was founded by military family members to empower military families to thrive as they serve. They (15 families) will be camping, enjoying nature, and the trails and features at MetroParks. Volunteers should enjoy working with families, be excited about exploring the night sky, and sharing their time and talents to support the programming team to put excitement and perspective into the evening's activities. Volunteers will assist with activities that highlight the night sky, share interesting constellation stories, and help campers discover constellations that can be seen.   Astronomy Assistant volunteers will assist with the assembly and use of the education telescope. The volunteer opportunity is for those familiar with astronomy and will assist with the astronomy activities and training program support volunteers for their roles in activities.   

Impact

Volunteers enable us to accomplish so much more by lending a hand in various activities.  They may demonstrate proper use of specialized equipment (ie. telescope), share their skills and experience to increase additional volunteer participation, and introduce other volunteers and participants to exciting science and night sky exploration. 

 Tasks

Eligibility 

This opportunity is open to individual Short-term and Long-Term volunteers, ages 18 and up, and have qualified as an Astronomy Assistant. 

 Additional Notes

Learn more about Programming 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. 

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider these opportunities:  

Program Support

Join Five Rivers MetroParks horticulture education team and support family programming throughout the year that connects visitors of all ages to the natural world through gardening and meaningful exploration of the outdoors! This program invites kids ages 2-6 to join us for wonder and fun as we explore different areas of the Children's Discovery Garden and how it helps us learn about the world around us. Each month, we focus on a different topic themed around the variety of habitats you can find in the Children's Garden.  Volunteers will help with activities such as exploring different habitats, searching for bugs, taking brief hikes, creating art using natural materials, and encouraging sensory exploration of different garden spaces. Program Support volunteers do not need to be experts in the activities, but for this opportunity, should have some gardening knowledge, be enthusiastic about finding discoveries in the garden, and enjoy working with children and families. 

Impact

Program support volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs. Volunteers enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create an inclusive skill-building environment. Volunteers help people create a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Tasks 

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual Short-term and Long-Term volunteers, ages 18 and up. 

 Additional Notes

Learn more about the Programming 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.

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this opportunity:

Adventure Central Program Assistant 2026

Join the horticulture education team at Five Rivers MetroParks and become a part of our exciting family programming that brings visitors of all ages closer to the wonders of nature! Throughout the year, we offer fantastic opportunities for connection through gardening and exploration of the great outdoors.
Volunteers assist in creating an enchanting storytime experience, where you'll dive into captivating tales followed by hands-on activities in the beautiful garden. Join us as we inspire children with amazing stories while soaking in the delightful sights and sounds of the Children's Garden. Let’s make lasting memories together in nature!  Program Support volunteers do not need to be experts in the activities, but for this opportunity, should have good reading skills, be enthusiastic about finding discoveries in the garden, and enjoy working with children and families.

Impact

Program support volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs. Volunteers help people create a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Tasks 

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual Short-term and Long-Term volunteers, ages 18 and up. 

 Additional Notes

Learn more about the Programming 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.

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this opportunity:

Adventure Central Program Assistant 2026

Be a part of the Annual TVT Challenge! This fun, non-competitive hiking endurance event challenges participants to see how far they can hike in one day. Various routes will be marked along the Twin Valley Trail, with hiking options ranging from 1 to 27 miles. Volunteers are needed to help participants with wayfinding and staff with prepping supplies. 

Impact

Five Rivers MetroParks provides an array of outdoor events and large programs throughout the year for residents of the Miami Valley to get connected to recreation, music, history, family, and most of all, nature. Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from set-up to teardown.

Tasks

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individuals, public, long-term, and short term volunteers, ages 14 and up. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Additional Notes

Learn more about Special Event 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.    

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider trying these opportunities:  

Cox Arboretum Gardening  

Climbing Wall Attendant 

Be a part of the Annual TVT Challenge! This fun, non-competitive hiking endurance event challenges participants to see how far they can hike in one day. Various routes will be marked along the Twin Valley Trail, with hiking options ranging from 1 to 27 miles.  Aid Station volunteers help provide support to hiker participants by serving refreshments, checking for safety concerns, and alerting staff of any participants who need additional support or a ride back to the starting point.

Impact

Five Rivers MetroParks provides an array of outdoor events and large programs throughout the year for residents of the Miami Valley to get connected to recreation, music, history, family, and most of all, nature. Program support volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring participants at special event or large-scale programs learn more about MetroParks and our program and volunteer opportunities, as well as, help the event run smoothly from set-up to teardown.

Tasks

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual,  long-term, and short-term volunteers, ages 16 and up.   

Additional Notes

Learn more about Programming 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. 

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider these opportunities:  

Program Support

Be a part of the Annual TVT Challenge! This fun, non-competitive hiking endurance event challenges participants to see how far they can hike in one day. Various routes will be marked along the Twin Valley Trail, with hiking options ranging from 1 to 27 miles.  Aid Station volunteers help provide support to hiker participants by serving refreshments, checking for safety concerns, and alerting staff of any participants who need additional support or a ride back to the starting point.

Impact

Five Rivers MetroParks provides an array of outdoor events and large programs throughout the year for residents of the Miami Valley to get connected to recreation, music, history, family, and most of all, nature. Program support volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring participants at special event or large-scale programs learn more about MetroParks and our program and volunteer opportunities, as well as, help the event run smoothly from set-up to teardown.

Tasks

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual,  long-term, and short-term volunteers, ages 16 and up.   

Additional Notes

Learn more about Programming 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. 

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider these opportunities:  

Program Support

Be a part of the Annual TVT Challenge! This fun, non-competitive hiking endurance event challenges participants to see how far they can hike in one day. Various routes will be marked along the Twin Valley Trail, with hiking options ranging from 1 to 27 miles.  Aid Station volunteers help provide support to hiker participants by serving refreshments, checking for safety concerns, and alerting staff of any participants who need additional support or a ride back to the starting point.  

Impact

Five Rivers MetroParks provides an array of outdoor events and large programs throughout the year for residents of the Miami Valley to get connected to recreation, music, history, family, and most of all, nature. Program support volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring participants at special event or large-scale programs learn more about MetroParks and our program and volunteer opportunities, as well as, help the event run smoothly from set-up to teardown.

Tasks

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual,  long-term, and short-term volunteers, ages 16 and up.   

Additional Notes

Learn more about Programming 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. 

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider these opportunities:  

Program Support

**Note: This opportunity is only open for volunteers in training to be qualified Barn Aides at the Carriage Hill Riding Center. **

Barn Aide volunteers are critical to providing daily care for the horses and the equestrian facility in which these beloved animals live, work, and play. Now that you have completed your virtual and scheduled in-person training, you are ready to shadow qualified volunteers and Carriage Hill Riding Center staff to practice the skills needed to become a qualified Barn Aide volunteer.  

You'll work alongside qualified volunteers and staff at scheduled shadow experience shifts to practice these tasks until you are able to check off and begin completing these tasks more independently as a qualified barn aide volunteer.

Plus, once you qualify as a Barn Aide volunteer by completing your check off, you become eligible to participate in additional training to support a variety of equestrian programming opportunities at the Carriage Hill Riding Center.

Volunteers complete essential operational tasks and hands-on daily care alongside qualified volunteers and staff during these scheduled shadow experiences to ensure the good health and well-being of our horses allowing the Riding Center facility to function on a daily basis.

This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term and Youth volunteers, ages 14 and up, who have completed the required prerequisite training and are able to make an ongoing commitment to service at the Carriage Hill Riding Center.  Short term volunteers willing to commit 8 shifts or more may be considered.

GET STARTED: Not currently in Barn Aide training, but would like to get started? Follow this link to begin virtual training today.

Do you LOVE being around horses and don't mind getting your hands a little dirty? Or maybe you're just looking for a way to give back while getting in a great workout? Consider joining our team of Carriage Hill Riding Center Volunteers as a Barn Aide!

Barn aide volunteers are essential to providing daily care for the horses and maintaining the equestrian facility where these beloved animals live, work, and play. This is an opportunity to make a big difference at every volunteer shift. If you're looking to make an ongoing commitment to service of 8 shifts or more per year that makes a real impact, consider joining us!

Note: All new Riding Center volunteers begin as Barn Aides. These volunteers can participate in additional training to support a variety of our equestrian programming opportunities.

Impact

Volunteers complete essential operational tasks and hands-on daily care which promotes the health and well-being of our horses and allows the Riding Center facility to function on a daily basis.

This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term and Youth volunteers, ages 14 and up, who have completed the required prerequisite training and are able to make an ongoing commitment to service at the Carriage Hill Riding Center.  Short term volunteers willing to commit 8 shifts or more may be considered.  

One Dublin needs over 500 volunteer hours each month to keep our Free Shop running to support the families in our community. We have a variety of opportunities that and offer opportunities during the day, evening, and weekend. You can find our volunteer opportunities at Volunteer — One Dublin

Calling all Grill Masters! Do you enjoy cooking on a grill and want to feed some hungry hikers? The TVT Challenge, a fun, non-competitive hiking endurance event, gives participants the chance to test their limits and to see how far they can hike in one day. Various routes will be marked along the Twin Valley Trail, with hiking options ranging from 1 to 27 miles. Dust off your tongs and be part of feeding this year's annual TVT challengers!

Five Rivers MetroParks provides an array of outdoor events and large programs throughout the year for residents of the Miami Valley to get connected to recreation, music, history, family, and most of all, nature. Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from set-up to teardown.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual, long-term, or short term volunteers, ages 18 and up. 

Learn more about Special Events 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. 

This Summer, we are hosting a volunteer blitz week called, "The Big Fix!" starting on June 22nd and running through June 26th.

We will have volunteer job sites all over Butler County (Primarily in Hamilton, Middletown, and Fairfield) where volunteers will be completing safety repairs, mobility repairs, beautification projects, alleviating code violations, and much more!

SELF volunteers join SELF staff to help low-income Butler County homeowners with free home repairs and mobility modifications.

All skill levels are welcome!  Volunteers may serve individually or as a group. Homes need assistance year-round. We will match you with a project that meets your skill level, interests and your schedule. Complete the volunteer information request form online then a staff member will contact you with more information.

Five Rivers MetroParks lakes, ponds, and rivers are rich in fish life. All members of the family, young and old, can find a place to fish for recreation, relaxation, or food. This opportunity is specifically for adults 55 years and older.   A "TRY IT" program designed for beginners, and volunteers are essential in helping provide more individualized attention and making first-time fishers have a positive experience. Our Outdoor Recreation team and volunteers create the learning environment to help individuals build skills to be successful in these activities. You do not need to be an expert to be a program support volunteer for this opportunity, but it is always a plus.  

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.  They help people make a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Tasks

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual,  long-term, and short-term volunteers, ages 18 and up.   

Additional Notes

Learn more about Programming 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. 

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider these opportunities:  

Program Support

School field trips, family fishing and community group fishing days are in our lineup to get these kids and families excited about getting out and trying a fun activity!  Program support volunteers assist in teaching valuable fishing skills to families like fish handling, knot tying and rigging, and casting. Volunteers show kids and parents what kind of fishing opportunities exist in their MetroParks and the importance of being a steward to our public lands and waters. Supporting these beginning fishing programs allows for individualized attention and encouragement. Not everyone needs to be an expert to be a program support for this opportunity.  There are multiple tasks, and many hands make for a more successful experience or larger groups.

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 to test/hone basic fishing skills. Volunteer support in introductory fishing programs gives families a chance to discover a fun pastime activity, allowing them to feel more confident to get out and enjoy fishing throughout the season.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual,  long-term, and short-term volunteers, ages 18 and up.   

Tasks

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual,  long-term, and short-term volunteers, ages 18 and up.   

Additional Notes

Learn more about Programming 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. 

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider these opportunities:  

Program Support

School field trips, family fishing and community group fishing days are in our lineup to get these kids and families excited about getting out and trying a fun activity!  Program support volunteers assist in teaching valuable fishing skills to families like fish handling, knot tying and rigging, and casting. Volunteers show kids and parents what kind of fishing opportunities exist in their MetroParks and the importance of being a steward to our public lands and waters. Supporting these beginning fishing programs allows for individualized attention and encouragement. Not everyone needs to be an expert to be a program support for this opportunity.  There are multiple tasks, and many hands make for a more successful experience or larger groups.

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 to test/hone basic fishing skills. Volunteer support in introductory fishing programs gives families a chance to discover a fun pastime activity, allowing them to feel more confident to get out and enjoy fishing throughout the season.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual,  long-term, and short-term volunteers, ages 18 and up.   

Tasks

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual,  long-term, and short-term volunteers, ages 18 and up.   

Additional Notes

Learn more about Programming 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. 

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider these opportunities:  

Program Support

Catching a fish can be exciting and rewarding, a family activity many can enjoy. A fun skill-builder program in our fishing lineup uses program support volunteers to give more individualized attention to new learners!  "Practice makes perfect" is the saying, and learning to cast well increases your chances of catching the fish.  Our Outdoor Recreation team creates the learning environment to help individuals build skills to be successful in these activities.   You do not need to be an expert to be a program support for this opportunity, but it is always a plus. 

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 to test/hone casting skills. Volunteers help people make a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Tasks

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual,  long-term, and short-term volunteers, ages 18 and up.   

Additional Notes

Learn more about Programming 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. 

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider these opportunities:  

Program Support

Five Rivers MetroParks lakes, ponds, and rivers are rich in fish life. All members of the family, young and old, can find a place to fish for recreation, relaxation, or food. A "TRY IT" program designed for beginners, and volunteers are essential in helping provide more individualized attention and making first-time fishers have a positive experience. Our Outdoor Recreation team and volunteers create the learning environment to help individuals build skills to be successful in these activities. You do not need to be an expert to be a program support volunteer for this opportunity, but it is always a plus.  

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.  They help people make a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Tasks

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual,  long-term, and short-term volunteers, ages 18 and up.   

Additional Notes

Learn more about Programming 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. 

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider these opportunities:  

Program Support

The Daniel Arnold Historic Farm offers a captivating glimpse into the past, attracting visitors every year. This unique destination provides more than just an overview of history; it presents an engaging and immersive journey back to the 19th century, where visitors can uncover the rich stories of the Arnold family and the vibrant life of farming during that era.
One of the main attractions for visitors is the craft shops, and the blacksmith shop served as an essential hub for crafting and repairing the tools that kept the farm running smoothly. The pride in craftsmanship comes to life as volunteers demonstrate techniques and assist with projects on the current farm.

Historic Blacksmith volunteers provide interpretation and demonstrations for the Blacksmith shop on the Daniel A Arnold Historic Farm.  They represent what living in the 1880s might have been like, and help visitors make a stronger connection to the history of Carriage Hill and experience life on an 1880s working farm. 

 This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up, who have qualified as Historic Interpreters and a Historic Blacksmith.  

Learn more about Skilled Trades 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.

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this/these opportunities:

Carriage Hill Farm Chores

Historic Woodworker

The Daniel Arnold Historic Farm offers a fascinating look into the past, attracting visitors each year. It provides more than just a historical overview; it offers an immersive interpretive experience. Guided by the story of the Arnold family, visitors can discover what life was truly like for a farming family in the 19th century.

In the woodshop at the historic farm, volunteers explain the tools and methods used, while also supporting farm projects by creating wooden items. Through this hands-on interpretation, visitors gain an appreciation for the craftsmanship and pride that woodworkers in the 1880s felt when making useful products.

Volunteers represent what living in the 1880s might have been like, and help visitors make a stronger connection to the history of Carriage Hill and experience life on an 1880s working farm. 

This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up, who have qualified as Historic Interpreters and a Historic Woodworker.  

Learn more about Skilled Trades 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.

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this/these opportunities:

Carriage Hill Farm Chores

Historic Woodworker

M.A.S.H. (Military And Service Heroes) provides opportunities at the Delaware Pantry and Resource Center every weekday except the last week of the month to participate in activities, have coffee and interactions with other veterans as well as receive food once a month.  This opportunity is to assist with stocking all donations received, bagging food into bags for distribution to the veterans, which allows for time to mingle with the veterans at the site. 

Please go into the M.A.S.H. Website to register as a volunteer so you can be logged into our volunteer system and be able to set up an Orientation.

M.A.S.H. (Military And Service Heroes) provides opportunities at the Delaware Pantry and Resource Center every weekday except the last week of the month to participate in activities, have coffee and interactions with other veterans as well as receive food once a month.  This opportunity is to assist with stocking all donations received, bagging food into bags for distribution to the veterans, which allows for time to mingle with the veterans at the site. 

Please go into the M.A.S.H. Website to register as a volunteer so you can be logged into our volunteer system and be able to set up an Orientation.

M.A.S.H. (Military And Service Heroes) provides opportunities at the Delaware Pantry and Resource Center every weekday except the last week of the month to participate in activities, have coffee and interactions with other veterans as well as receive food once a month.  This opportunity is to assist with stocking all donations received, bagging food into bags for distribution to the veterans, which allows for time to mingle with the veterans at the site. 

Please go into the M.A.S.H. Website to register as a volunteer so you can be logged into our volunteer system and be able to set up an Orientation.

School Program volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our school field trips. Those who support the school program field trips allow staff to extend the opportunities for school groups to get outside into a living classroom and connect STEM standards to real situations. Some of these field trips are also offered to Scouts and other groups who want to learn about nature.   Volunteers enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create an inclusive skill-building environment. Volunteers help make it possible for kids and teachers to develop a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

School group size: 

32 K - 5 grade students with 4 chaperones  

Discovering Soils is an interactive school field trip throughout the season at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, engaging young learners in a variety of activities and topics relating to soil science, and composting. Students will get their hands dirty digging and examining soil, learning what makes it so important, and how composting is a great way to keep our soil thriving.  Students will also plant seeds and learn about pollinators.  Volunteers will help with groups of children in sensory exploration in nature and be a part of inspiring future generations of gardeners!

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up who have qualified as School Program Volunteer.  This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.

***If you missed the training session but are interested in responding to this opportunity, email volunteer.services@metroparks.org to review the training materials and schedule shadow experiences.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Skeeter's Garden.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the school arrives for a brief orientation, review of stations and to gather supplies needed. 

Environment & Physical Demands: This program 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 may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. Volunteers may lead a group over uneven terrain and may be walking (1-to 3-mile hikes) during this opportunity.

Learn more about Programming 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

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this/these opportunities:

Program Support

School Program volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our school field trips. Those who support the school program field trips allow staff to extend the opportunities for school groups to get outside into a living classroom and connect STEM standards to real situations. Some of these field trips are also offered to Scouts and other groups who want to learn about nature.   Volunteers enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create an inclusive skill-building environment. Volunteers help make it possible for kids and teachers to develop a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

School group size:  La Petite Academy

36 K - 5 grade students with 4 chaperones  

Discovering Soils is an interactive school field trip throughout the season at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, engaging young learners in a variety of activities and topics relating to soil science, and composting. Students will get their hands dirty digging and examining soil, learning what makes it so important, and how composting is a great way to keep our soil thriving.  Volunteers will help with groups of children in sensory exploration in nature and be a part of inspiring future generations of gardeners!

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up who have qualified as School Program Volunteer.  This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.

***If you missed the training session but are interested in responding to this opportunity, email volunteer.services@metroparks.org to review the training materials and schedule shadow experiences.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Skeeter's Garden.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the school arrives for a brief orientation, review of stations and to gather supplies needed. 

Environment & Physical Demands: This program 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 may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. Volunteers may lead a group over uneven terrain and may be walking (1-to 3-mile hikes) during this opportunity.

Learn more about Programming 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

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this/these opportunities:

Program Support

School Program volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our school field trips. Those who support the school program field trips allow staff to extend the opportunities for school groups to get outside into a living classroom and connect STEM standards to real situations. Some of these field trips are also offered to Scouts and other groups who want to learn about nature.   Volunteers enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create an inclusive skill-building environment. Volunteers help make it possible for kids and teachers to develop a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

School group size:  Gloria Dei Montessori

30 K - 5 grade students with 3 chaperones  

Discovering Soils is an interactive school field trip throughout the season at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, engaging young learners in a variety of activities and topics relating to soil science, and composting. Students will get their hands dirty digging and examining soil, learning what makes it so important, and how composting is a great way to keep our soil thriving.  Volunteers will help with groups of children in sensory exploration in nature and be a part of inspiring future generations of gardeners!

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up who have qualified as School Program Volunteer.  This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.

***If you missed the training session but are interested in responding to this opportunity, email volunteer.services@metroparks.org to review the training materials and schedule shadow experiences.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Skeeter's Garden.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the school arrives for a brief orientation, review of stations and to gather supplies needed. 

Environment & Physical Demands: This program 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 may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. Volunteers may lead a group over uneven terrain and may be walking (1-to 3-mile hikes) during this opportunity.

Learn more about Programming 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

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this/these opportunities:

Program Support

School Program volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our school field trips. Those who support the school program field trips allow staff to extend the opportunities for school groups to get outside into a living classroom and connect STEM standards to real situations. Some of these field trips are also offered to Scouts and other groups who want to learn about nature.   Volunteers enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create an inclusive skill-building environment. Volunteers help make it possible for kids and teachers to develop a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

School group size:  Kindercare East Social Row

35 K - 5 grade students with 4 chaperones  

Discovering Soils is an interactive school field trip throughout the season at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, engaging young learners in a variety of activities and topics relating to soil science, and composting. Students will get their hands dirty digging and examining soil, learning what makes it so important, and how composting is a great way to keep our soil thriving.  Volunteers will help with groups of children in sensory exploration in nature and be a part of inspiring future generations of gardeners!

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up who have qualified as School Program Volunteer.  This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.

***If you missed the training session but are interested in responding to this opportunity, email volunteer.services@metroparks.org to review the training materials and schedule shadow experiences.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Skeeter's Garden.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the school arrives for a brief orientation, review of stations and to gather supplies needed. 

Environment & Physical Demands: This program 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 may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. Volunteers may lead a group over uneven terrain and may be walking (1-to 3-mile hikes) during this opportunity.

Learn more about Programming 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

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this/these opportunities:

Program Support

School Program volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our school field trips. Those who support the school program field trips allow staff to extend the opportunities for school groups to get outside into a living classroom and connect STEM standards to real situations. Volunteers enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create an inclusive skill-building environment. Volunteers help make it possible for kids and teachers to develop a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Growing Gardeners Field Trip

School group size:  DPS Ready, Set, Grow Kindergarten Readiness

100 tentative - school staff chaperones.   Students will be broken into smaller groups. (returning group)

Growing Gardeners is an interactive school field trip throughout the season at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, engaging young learners in a variety of activities and topics such as soil science, plant identification, guided nature hikes, and basic gardening tasks. Volunteers will help with groups of children in sensory exploration in nature and be a part of inspiring future generations of gardeners!

Tasks 

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up who have qualified as School Program Volunteer.  Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.

***If you missed the training session but are interested in responding to this opportunity, email volunteer.services@metroparks.org to review the training materials and schedule shadow experiences.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Skeeter's Garden.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the school arrives for a brief orientation, review of stations, and to gather supplies needed.  

Cancellation:  If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.

Environment & Physical Demands: This program 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 may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. Volunteers may lead a group over uneven terrain and may be walking (1-to 3-mile hikes) during this opportunity.

Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt,  long pants, closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite teaching aids, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

Learn more about Programming 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

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this/these opportunities:

Program Support

School Program volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our school field trips. Those who support the school program field trips allow staff to extend the opportunities for school groups to get outside into a living classroom and connect STEM standards to real situations. Volunteers enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create an inclusive skill-building environment. Volunteers help make it possible for kids and teachers to develop a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Growing Gardeners Field Trip

School group size:  Middletown Christian Early Learning Center

34 K - 5 students with 3 chaperones (teachers).   Students will be broken into smaller groups.

Growing Gardeners is an interactive school field trip throughout the season at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, engaging young learners in a variety of activities and topics such as soil science, plant identification, guided nature hikes, and basic gardening tasks. Volunteers will help with groups of children in sensory exploration in nature and be a part of inspiring future generations of gardeners!

Tasks 

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up who have qualified as School Program Volunteer.  Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.

***If you missed the training session but are interested in responding to this opportunity, email volunteer.services@metroparks.org to review the training materials and schedule shadow experiences.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Skeeter's Garden.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the school arrives for a brief orientation, review of stations, and to gather supplies needed.  

Cancellation:  If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.

Environment & Physical Demands: This program 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 may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. Volunteers may lead a group over uneven terrain and may be walking (1-to 3-mile hikes) during this opportunity.

Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt,  long pants, closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite teaching aids, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

Learn more about Programming 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

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this/these opportunities:

Program Support

We need your help to keep great books accessible to communities 24/7. Visit Little Free Libraries in your community to distribute books! 

We can suggest where to look for free or inexpensive books, or if you already have some, you can share those too. You can find book-sharing boxes near you using our world map or free mobile app. Volunteers over 18 anywhere in the U.S. where there are Little Free Libraries can register for this opportunity. 

Register on our website to get started. If it's your first time signing up with Team LFL, you will be prompted to create an account in our volunteer hub. Once you sign up, you will get access to tips & resources that you review independently online. Our Little Free Library staff can answer your questions by email. You can share books whenever it works for you.  

This is a great opportunity for solo volunteers looking for something flexible to fit their schedule, or for parents looking for a volunteer activity they can do with kids. 

Purpose: By keeping Little Free Libraries full of books, you are helping to build community, inspire readers, and expand book access. 

Responsibilities:

Time required: You set your own schedule. It could be a one-time project or a regular book distribution schedule.

How we can support you: We'll help you start with some online training, and we will suggest sources for books.

Qualifications:

Questions: You can contact the Community Engagement Manager to ask questions. 

Volunteers make Bike MS possible—and we would love to have you join us!

Bike MS: Escape to the Lake 2026 is a powerful, community-driven cycling event that raises funds to support people affected by multiple sclerosis while fueling critical research, programs, and services.

We are currently seeking volunteers for Saturday, June 13th in Butler County (Portersville, PA), which marks the start of this two-day ride to Conneaut, OH.

There are a wide variety of roles available, including:

To view various positions and shifts: https://nmss.galaxydigital.com/need/?s=1&need_init_id=15206

If you have any questions or are interested in bringing a group, feel free to reach out to matilda.devlin@nmss.org —I’m happy to help coordinate!

Thank you for supporting the MS community—we couldn’t do this without you.

Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity to give back to Five Rivers MetroParks through Gardening? Would you like to be a part of building a space that connects families and youth to the enjoyment and benefits of what a garden has to offer? Join the knowledgeable education team in Skeeters' Garden, assisting with weekly garden tasks that create a space where visitors and families can discover, experience, and love our world through gardening.   You do not need to be an expert for this opportunity, but gardening and plant knowledge are always a plus.

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.  Volunteers help the staff create educational spaces for families to learn and grow strong plants at home.  Thanks to volunteer support, these spaces are making it easy for families to see an example of what can be done at home.

Tasks

Under the supervision of the Staff Lead, volunteers will assist with the following: 

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual Short-term and Long-Term volunteers, ages 18 and up. 

Additional Notes

Learn more about Programming 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.

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this/these opportunities:

Program Support

Through oral history, letters, diaries, government records, and other primary and secondary sources, a picture of a lifestyle emerges that Carriage Hill interpreters can bring to life for the public. Volunteers represent what living in the 1880s might have been like, and help visitors make a stronger connection to the history of Carriage Hill and the experience of life on an 1880s working farm. This opportunity will allow people to enjoy an experience at the historic farm, see demonstrations of simple everyday farm tasks, and get a personal introduction to life on the farm. The individuals who volunteer their time and talents help put excitement and perspective into the activities at the Carriage Hill Historic Farm. 

The interpretative purpose of the farm is to use the Arnold Family, who once lived at Carriage Hill Farm, as a guide to how a real conservative farm family is in real-time at a real place. Volunteers represent what living in the 1880s might have been like, and help visitors make a stronger connection to the history of Carriage Hill and experience life on an 1880s working farm.  

Under the supervision of the historic farm staff, volunteers assist and support with the following:

This opportunity is open to individual, long-term, short-term volunteers, ages 16 and up who have qualified as Historic Interpreters.  

Learn more about Programming 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.

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this/these opportunities:

Carriage Hill Farm Chores

Program Support
 

Just us for a fun filled performance by Arena Fair at the Whimsy Venue.  Help us and receive a food or drinks voucher, while enjoying the show.  to sign up, use this Signup Genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050C4EA4A629A2FA7-63294852-symphony

Join us at Boardman Arts Park when the Symphony performs popular music to 1500 guests!  Volunteers will count free attendees, help VIP guests, serve at the bar, setup and tear down.  Volunteers will receive a free drink ticket or $7 food voucher.

Sign up is here:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050C4EA4A629A2FA7-63294852-symphony

The interpretative purpose of the farm is to use the Arnold Family, who once lived at Carriage Hill Farm, as a guide to how a real conservative farm family is in real-time at a real place. Historic Blacksmith volunteers bring the history of the Daniel Arnold Historic Farm to life by interpreting 19th-century farm life, interpreting the Blacksmith shop and it's tool, and demonstrating basic techniques needed for the repairs on the farm.   This Shadow Experience opportunity is for those volunteers in training to serve as Historic Blacksmith for the Daniel Arnold Historic Farm at Carriage Hill MetroPark. You will be partnered with a qualified and experienced Historic Blacksmith volunteer and/or Staff Lead during this shadow experience to observe, learn, and practice the skills of a Historic Blacksmith. Period clothing is not required for this shadow experience; however, if you move forward to fully qualify as a Historic Blacksmith, period clothing will be required.

Historic Blacksmith volunteers provide interpretation and demonstrations for the Blacksmith shop on the Daniel A Arnold Historic Farm.  They represent what living in the 1880s might have been like, and help visitors make a stronger connection to the history of Carriage Hill and experience life on an 1880s working farm. 

Under the supervision of the historic farm staff, volunteers assist and support with the following

 This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up, who have qualified as Historic Interpreters and completed the virtual training for Historic Blacksmith.  

Learn more about Skilled Trades 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.

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this/these opportunities:

Carriage Hill Farm Chores

Historic Woodworker

Gardens can be vibrant, hands-on spaces where children can explore, learn, and grow! They provide an exciting opportunity for kids to build essential skills, boost their confidence, and make meaningful connections. At Skeeter's garden, volunteers are the heart of our community, playing a vital role in engaging in gardening activities that transform our garden into a lively classroom.

If you love working with children and want to inspire the next generation, we invite you to join us! As a volunteer, you'll have the chance to guide kids in hands-on activities that teach them how to grow their own food, spark their curiosity about the fascinating creatures in the garden, and connect gardening tasks with fun physical activities.  Program Support volunteers do not need to be experts in the activities, but for this opportunity, should have some gardening knowledge, be enthusiastic about finding discoveries in the garden, and enjoy working with children and families.  

Participating in our gardening programs helps youth make significant strides in their academic, physical, social-emotional, and environmental development. These benefits are especially impactful for children facing barriers related to food security, health, and access to engaging learning experiences. Together, we can cultivate not just plants, but also a brighter future for our young learners! Join us in making a lasting difference.

This opportunity is open to individual Short-term and Long-Term volunteers, ages 18 and up. 

Learn more about the Programming 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.

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this opportunity:

Adventure Central Program Assistant 2026

Enjoy the outdoors and help others discover the beauty of nature in our parks at this program support opportunity! Experience in art is not required for this opportunity, but it can make the experience more fun. Click here to learn more about the Paint-A-Park programs including why they were developed and see examples of art created during these programs. 

Impact

Volunteers just like YOU ensure that our program participants are able to learn, grow, and connect with nature through a variety of high quality, nature-based programming offered in our parks.

Tasks

Eligibility

This is an opportunity for Long-Term and Short-Term volunteers who are 16 and older.

Additional Notes

Learn more about Programming 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. 

Enjoy the outdoors and help others discover the beauty of nature in our parks at this program support opportunity! Experience in art is not required for this opportunity, but it can make the experience more fun. Click here to learn more about the Paint-A-Park programs including why they were developed and see examples of art created during these programs. 

Impact

Volunteers just like YOU ensure that our program participants are able to learn, grow, and connect with nature through a variety of high quality, nature-based programming offered in our parks.

Tasks

Eligibility

This is an opportunity for Long-Term and Short-Term volunteers who are 16 and older.

Additional Notes

Learn more about Programming 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. 

Enjoy the outdoors and help others discover the beauty of nature in our parks at this program support opportunity! Experience in art is not required for this opportunity, but it can make the experience more fun. Click here to learn more about the Paint-A-Park programs including why they were developed and see examples of art created during these programs. 

Impact

Volunteers just like YOU ensure that our program participants are able to learn, grow, and connect with nature through a variety of high quality, nature-based programming offered in our parks.

Tasks

Eligibility

This is an opportunity for Long-Term and Short-Term volunteers who are 16 and older.

Additional Notes

Learn more about Programming 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. 

Enjoy the outdoors and help others discover the beauty of nature in our parks at this program support opportunity! Experience in art is not required for this opportunity, but it can make the experience more fun. Click here to learn more about the Paint-A-Park programs including why they were developed and see examples of art created during these programs. 

Impact

Volunteers just like YOU ensure that our program participants are able to learn, grow, and connect with nature through a variety of high quality, nature-based programming offered in our parks.

Tasks

Eligibility

This is an opportunity for Long-Term and Short-Term volunteers who are 16 and older.

Additional Notes

Learn more about Programming 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. 

Enjoy the outdoors and help others discover the beauty of nature in our parks at this program support opportunity! Experience in art is not required for this opportunity, but it can make the experience more fun. Click here to learn more about the Paint-A-Park programs including why they were developed and see examples of art created during these programs. 

Impact

Volunteers just like YOU ensure that our program participants are able to learn, grow, and connect with nature through a variety of high quality, nature-based programming offered in our parks.

Tasks

Eligibility

This is an opportunity for Long-Term and Short-Term volunteers who are 16 and older.

Additional Notes

Learn more about Programming 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. 

Enjoy the outdoors and help others discover the beauty of nature in our parks at this program support opportunity! Experience in art is not required for this opportunity, but it can make the experience more fun. Click here to learn more about the Paint-A-Park programs including why they were developed and see examples of art created during these programs. 

Impact

Volunteers just like YOU ensure that our program participants are able to learn, grow, and connect with nature through a variety of high quality, nature-based programming offered in our parks.

Tasks

Eligibility

This is an opportunity for Long-Term and Short-Term volunteers who are 16 and older.

Additional Notes

Learn more about Programming 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. 

As a part of our mission to build community and increase book access, we’ve begun connecting stewards with their local booksellers through the LFL-Friendly Bookseller’s Directory. A crucial piece of this project is to reach out and ask booksellers to offer benefits to stewards, such as discounts, book donations, or event space discounts for meetups. We need your help to share information with booksellers about how they can support their local LFL stewards!

How to get started: Sign up on our website. If it's your first time volunteering with Team LFL, you will be asked to create an account in our volunteer hub. After you register, you will be instructed to compile a list of local booksellers you’d like to visit and submit it to us. After we receive your list, we will send you a packet of materials to distribute while you’re visiting the booksellers . 

Purpose: By helping connect Little Free Library stewards to local booksellers, you are helping to build community, inspire readers, and expand book access. 

Responsibilities:

Visit local booksellers (5 minimum, but can visit as many as you'd like) to drop off information packet on the bookseller’s directory

Be polite and courteous when visiting the bookseller - wait in line to speak to a staff member, don’t be pushy, encourage them to review the information and contact LFL with any questions.

Create a list of local booksellers that you plan to visit. 

Check the existing map to see which booksellers are already listed - you don’t need to go to any that are already listed!

Use booksellers’ associations (MIBA, CALIBA, etc.) to find booksellers near you (if you don’t already know them!)

Visit bookstores, use the provided Excel template to record who you’ve visited, and submit sheet to us via Givepulse.

As an incentive for completing this volunteer opportunity, you will be entered in a giveaway to receive a $50 gift card to the local bookseller of your choice.

Record your impact using Givepulse.

Time Required: A typical visit to a bookseller lasts about five to ten minutes, plus travel to and from, as well as time spent beforehand to research local booksellers. 

Training & Resources Available: We will help you get to know our organization and share tips to find local booksellers near you. 

Qualifications:

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. 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:

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

Additional Notes:

​ Learn more about Garden 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. 

We are seeking caring and compassionate individuals to join our team as Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteers, specifically to provide companionship to our Veteran patients. As a Veteran Companion Volunteer, you will offer emotional support, a listening ear, and a comforting presence to our patients.

Key Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

Completion of a background check and volunteer training program provided by Care360 Hospice, the expenses of which are covered by our agency.

Benefits: Make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families. Gain valuable experience in the hospice care field. Receive ongoing support and training from our hospice team. Join a community of compassionate and dedicated volunteers.

We are seeking caring and compassionate individuals to join our team as Hospice Volunteers, specifically to provide companionship to our patients. As a Companion Volunteer, you will offer emotional support, a listening ear, and a comforting presence to our patients during their final days.

Key Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

Must be at least 16 years old. Completion of a background check and volunteer training program provided by Care360 Hospice, the expenses of which are covered by our agency.

Benefits: Make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families. Gain valuable experience in the hospice care field. Receive ongoing support and training from our hospice team. Join a community of compassionate and dedicated volunteers.

Help plant, maintain, and harvest seed from the native plants in the nursery. All tools and training provided. 

Help plant, maintain, and harvest seed from the native plants in the nursery. All tools and training provided. 

Help plant, maintain, and harvest seed from the native plants in the nursery. All tools and training provided. 

Help plant, maintain, and harvest seed from the native plants in the nursery. All tools and training provided. 

Help plant, maintain, and harvest seed from the native plants in the nursery. All tools and training provided. 

Help plant, maintain, and harvest seed from the native plants in the nursery. All tools and training provided. 

Help plant, maintain, and harvest seed from the native plants in the nursery. All tools and training provided. 

Help plant, maintain, and harvest seed from the native plants in the nursery. All tools and training provided. 

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!

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. 

Under the supervision of the Staff Lead, volunteers will support and assist with the following:

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

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.  

“When the next generation asks ‘What did you do when the biggest drug epidemic hit this country?’ we want to be able to say – and I think we will be able to say now – that we did something that no one had ever seen before.” -Navdeep S. Kang, PsyD, HSP, CGP

In 2023, Ohio ranked twelfth in the nation in drug overdose deaths. Mercy Health and AmeriCorps have partnered to build MERCY SERVES, a diverse, energetic, volunteer corps providing compassionate, patient-centered support in Mercy Health Emergency Departments across Southwest Ohio. Day-to-day, Mercy Serves members work alongside nurses, providers, social workers, and coordinate with community organizations to improve patients’ access to culturally competent care, treatment, and community resources. Mercy Serves members provide patient education, substance use and mental health risk screening, social  drivers of health screening, emotional support, and referrals to treatment and social services for Emergency Department patients. 

Mercy Serves is recruiting a class of 2 full-time and 18 half-time AmeriCorps members to serve an 11-month service term in 9 Mercy Health emergency departments in Cincinnati and Springfield.

The Mercy Serves Member will:

As an AmeriCorps program, this is a TEMPORARY, 11-month service position. Compensation is paid in the form of a bi-weekly living stipend and professional development training/opportunities. Member is eligible to receive education award upon completion of all service requirements.

Required Minimum Education: High School Diploma/GED with additional career experience

Preferred Education: 4 years/Bachelor’s Degree  in a relevant field (Public Health, Social Work Psychology, Sociology, Pre-Med, or similar); Community Health Worker certificate

Minimum Types Of Experience

As a Mercy Health associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being—personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.

What we offer

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com

Members will be placed at the following locations:

*Service schedule will be based on varying needs at each site.*

To apply, visit https://careers.mercy.com/, keyword "AmeriCorps".

Do you love spending your weekend in the vibrant, bubbling atmosphere of 2nd Street Market, where you always end up running into a familiar face? Volunteers will be stationed near the entrance and will enhance the visitor experience by greeting and welcoming visitors. Volunteers will also conduct sales of MetroParks merchandise, process EBT sales, provide wayfinding assistance, and promote the MetroParks by passing out literature.

Volunteers enhance the visitor experience and help curate the Market’s unique, vibrant culture for our customers who then support our vendors in providing sustainable local food to the community.

This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term and Short-Term.  Learn more about our types of service here.

Pull weeds, deadhead flowers, mulch flower beds and add wood chips to play areas.

Assist the Communications Department in marketing, graphic design, wayfinding, office work, scrap-booking, archival work and so much more! 

This is an on-going volunteer log, just record any volunteer hours that fit under this criteria here!

Join us in bringing the RiverScape Summer Music Series to life! This program showcases a wide variety of FREE live concerts under the pavilion at RiverScape MetroPark. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help create an unforgettable experience for our community. Volunteer Ambassadors will offer excellent customer service to park visitors and help them build awareness of all the incredible amenities that MetroParks offers to community members. 

As a Volunteer Ambassador, you’ll play a key role in sharing your passion for Five Rivers MetroParks with a diverse audience of concertgoers. Your energy and friendliness will help set the tone for each evening!

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to long-term, and short term volunteers, ages 18 and up.

Learn more about Ambassador 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.

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider these opportunities:

Historic Interpreter

Visitor Center Ambassador: Cox Arboretum

Help us make this FREE kids show a success with setup, teardown, helping vendors, and manning the snack bar (must be 21) or information booth.  

Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050C4EA4A629A2FA7-63294813-interactive#/

Join us for the 2026 Music Festival one of two evenings.  Help with setup, teardown, greeting patrons, collecting donations or assisting with the bar.  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050C4EA4A629A2FA7-63243691-copy#/

Join us for the 2026 Music Festival one of two evenings.  Help with setup, teardown, greeting patrons, collecting donations or assisting with the bar.  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050C4EA4A629A2FA7-63243135-delaware#/

As we venture into another growing season we need volunteers to help us clean up the space by cleaning raised beds and preparing them to plant delicious fresh vegetables as well as planting flowers to attract pollinators into our space. Additionally, we need volunteers to help maintain our urban farm space by weeding, cutting high grass, clearing around the fence line, picking up trash, and preparing our high tunnel for planting.

Do you love cooking or baking for others, especially those in need? You can help feed the hungry in our community! Common Ground serves prepared meals at the Free Store in Delaware, Ohio, 5 days per week. You choose your level of engagement... donate a bag of cheese for taco night, make a casserole, donate garlic bread for spaghetti night, or make a yummy dessert! You can choose one item or the entire meal. Just decide what works for your schedule and your budget. Every contribution counts! Sign-ups are easy; just use the SignUp Genius link below. It's updated monthly, so feel free to jump in or schedule ahead. "If you cannot feed a hundred people, then feed just one" (Mother Theresa).

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0B48A8A72AA5FB6-46706705-free#/