Opportunities From: Get Connected

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!

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.  

We will be completing a trash cleanup service event at Peffer Park on Arbor Day to help keep our nature trails clean! Happy Earth Week!

We will provide all needed materials for the event (gloves, bags, etc.). Wear appropriate clothes and shoes for the trails.

Here is our event link on the HUB: https://miamioh.campuslabs.com/engage/event/12389594

Would you like to be a part of preserving a sustainable and natural habitat around the Stillwater River in the Miami Valley? A partnership between Five Rivers MetroParks, Aullwood Audubon Farm and Center, and the Garden Club of Dayton, this project preserves John and Marie Aull’s vision to unite local conservation efforts. This activity is a collaborative, annual event in April supporting Ohio Native Plant Month.

To preserve the diversity of habitats, parklands are carefully managed to preserve and protect native plant and wildlife communities of the Miami Valley. Non-native, invasive species compete with or eliminate native plant species and can be controlled by pulling, cutting, and removing them from the area.  Volunteer support helps to expand our efforts in protecting our region's natural heritage. 

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

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

Learn more about Conservation 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.

Oxford, Ohio has a deep connection to beekeeping, as it was once the home to Lorenzo Langstroth, the "Father of Modern Beekeeping." This festival honors that legacy while bringing the community together for a fun-filled day of music, food, art, and of course BEES!

And of course, The Oxford Community Arts Center has a booth this year! We need your help to facilitate our easy-to-make flower-themed activities for the children.

There are two shifts available:

1:00 PM - 4:30 PM (please arrive no later than 12:30 PM)

4:00 PM - 8:30 PM (please arrive no later than 3:30 PM)

More info on the festival can be found here.

Weaving offers versatility in creating a wide range of items, from everyday necessities to artistic and decorative pieces. Aullwood Gardens is a perfect place in the spring, with the wooded beauty and the bluebells in bloom, to create artistic projects! Volunteers assist the staff leads in creating a more engaging and individualized learning experience for beginner weavers. The class participants will weave a beautiful, textured scarf, using a larger rigid heddle loom, while enjoying the view from the Aull house. An additional technique involving pick-up sticks.    This opportunity focuses on program support for those new to weaving and using a heddle loom and requires volunteers to have skills in weaving and using a heddle loom.

Program support 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 in this valuable skill-building program. As MetroParks reintroduces textile programs and skills to our community, it is essential to have skilled volunteers who can reinforce new skills and encourage new learners.     

This opportunity is open to individual, long-term, and short-term volunteers, ages 16 and up, who have completed the textile qualification and have a current annual textile check-off. Learn more about our types of service here.

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. 

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 Program volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our school field trips.  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.

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.

School group: Christian Legacy Academy - 44 third-grade students

Broken into 3 smaller groups - 3 stations

An engaging field trip where students explore 3 habitats with hands-on activities. Students put their observation skills to the test as they move through forest, pond, and prairie habitats exploring their differences and similarities.  Activities include field games, hiking, investigating meadow insects, and netting aquatic organisms. They will delve deeper as they investigate the needs of the creatures that call these habitats home and how they interact with one another and their environment.

Program Learning Objectives:

This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Short-term and Long-Term who have qualified as a School Program volunteer. Learn more about our types of service here. 

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.

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at the Redwing Shelter.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 30 minutes before the school arrives for an introduction to the new site, a brief orientation, a 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.  Volunteers should bring a sack lunch with them.

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 bottles, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

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. 

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

Donate your unwanted clothes before move-out this spring! 

Donation box will be located in the Wilks Institute for Leadership and Service (Armstrong 2018)

Clothing will be donated to ThreadUp Oxford and the Matthew 25 Ministries Disaster Relief Program

Donate your unwanted clothes before move-out this spring! 

Donation boxes will be located in:

The Rec Center

King Library

The Wilks Institute for Leadership and Service (Armstrong 2018)

Clothing will be donated to ThreadUp Oxford and the Matthew 25 Ministries Disaster Relief Program

Stop by the Wilks Institute (ASC 2018) to complete a service hour during the week of May 4th! Come in any time 9am-5pm to engage in one of the activities listed below.

Students are only allowed to complete 1 project (1 service hour) for this opportunity.

We will have:

- Craft kit, bracelet and keychain making for kids!

- Card writing and decorating for Talawanda School District elementary and middle school teachers (must make 10)!

- Online and remote opportunities!

Stop by the Wilks Institute (ASC 2018) to complete a service hour during the week of April 27th! Come in any time 9am-5pm to engage in one of the activities listed below.

Students are only allowed to complete 1 project (1 service hour) for this opportunity.

We will have:

- Card writing and decorating for Talawanda School District elementary and middle school teachers (must make 10)!

- Paper Flower making for Mini University preschool teachers!

- Online and remote opportunities!

Be a part of the OCAC's biggest night of the year - the 2026 Annual Gala!
Event hours: 6 - 10:30 PM

This year's theme: Route 66: Get Your Kicks!

The event will include dinner-inspired bites, live DJ spinning tunes from the 1950s-60s, an open wine bar, a silent auction, and more!

Volunteers Needed For:

Dress: Comfortable party attire is required. This is a high-ticket event for the OCAC.
However - all shifts include lots of standing and walking, so wear COMFORTABLE SHOES.

Not a current OCAC Volunteer? Submit an application through the OCAC website today! 

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#/

This opportunity is to help with cleanup the day following the big annual gala event that was held on Saturday!

Dress: Comfortable clothing! This shift include lots of standing and walking, so wear COMFORTABLE SHOES.

Not a current OCAC Volunteer? Submit an application through the OCAC website today! 

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#/

Come package water soluble confetti for Miami Grads and complete some service with ASG, The office of Sustainability, and the Wilks Institute! Alex Miller from Sustainability will lead this activity to spread awareness and help make a change in our environment. 

Come learn how to safely dispose of batteries and complete some service with ASG, The office of Sustainability, and the Wilks Institute! 
Alex Miller from Sustainability will lead this activity to spread awareness and help make a change in our environment. 

Do you have some sewing, knitting, crocheting, weaving, or other textile skills you are willing to share? Join us at MetroParks as we breathe new life into fiber arts and textile skills! We're seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help us create, maintain, and repair essential items at our historic farm and other MetroParks facilities. This is your chance to put your expertise to good use while making a positive impact in the community. If you have experience in any textile craft, we invite you to share your skills with us. Don’t worry if you're still learning—there will be plenty of opportunities to grow your abilities alongside fellow enthusiasts during our workdays.

Each week will bring new and exciting projects as we build a vibrant community of textile volunteers. We’ll conduct a skills assessment at the start of each project to tailor opportunities to everyone’s strengths and interests. Together, we can preserve and celebrate these invaluable arts! Join us in making a difference, and let’s create something beautiful together!

Volunteers will support efforts on the historic farm by making the textile materials needed for the interpretive team of staff and volunteers to accurately represent what living on an 1880s farm might have been like.

Under the supervision of the assigned Staff Lead, volunteers will

This opportunity is open to individual, long-term, and short term volunteers, ages 16 and up, who have completed the textile qualification. Learn more about our types of service here.

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

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.

Share your love for the Market with visitors at Passport to MetroParks! We're trying to spread the word about our incredible 2nd Street Market and all that it offers the community. If you love the Market and enjoy events, this might be the opportunity for you.

Impact

Program Support volunteers make programs like this one celebrating our community and spreading awareness possible!

Tasks

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual Long-Term and Short-Term volunteers ages 16 and up.

Additional Notes

Learn more about Programming 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're inviting the community to kick off the season with us at Passport to MetroParks, Friday, May 29th at RiverScape MetroPark. This event introduces our community to all the wonderful parks, programs, and events that MetroParks provides in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with food, music, educational booths and activities. Help us ensure a smooth start to this year's event by helping our staff with Event Set Up.

Impact

Special Event volunteers are critical in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from setup to teardown.  

Tasks

Under the supervision of staff, support and assist with the following tasks:

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual Long-Term, Short-Term, and Public volunteers ages 16 and up.

Additional Notes

Learn more about Special Events 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're inviting the community to kick off the season with us at Passport to MetroParks, Friday, May 29th at RiverScape MetroPark. This event introduces our community to all the wonderful parks, programs, and events that MetroParks provides in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with food, music, educational booths and activities.

Vendor Check-In volunteers monitor the entrance to the event, help check in vendors including musical entertainment and food trucks as they arrive, and move barricades to allow entrance for approved vendors.   

Impact

Special Event volunteers are critical in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from setup to teardown.  

Tasks

Under the supervision of staff, support and assist with the following tasks:

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

Additional Notes

Learn more about Special Events 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're inviting the community to kick off the season with us at Passport to MetroParks, Friday, May 29th at RiverScape MetroPark. This event introduces our community to all the wonderful parks, programs, and events that MetroParks provides in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with food, music, educational booths and activities.

The Parker the Penguin Mascot Assistant assists our costumed mascot, Parker the Penguin, as he roams around the event and interacts with guests, primarily children. Parker cannot speak, so it is the volunteer's role to greet and interact with visitors. Parker brings the joy to every MetroParks event for visitors young and old!  Help guide Parker around the event space and engage visitors. 

Impact

Ambassador volunteers enhance the visitor experience by offering excellent customer service to park visitors and helping them build awareness of all the amenities that MetroParks offers to community members.

Tasks

Under the supervision of staff, support and assist with the following tasks:

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual Long-Term volunteers ages 18 and up.

Additional Notes

Learn more about Ambassador 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're inviting the community to kick off the season with us at Passport to MetroParks, Friday, May 29th at RiverScape MetroPark. This event introduces our community to all the wonderful parks, programs, and events that MetroParks provides in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with food, music, educational booths and activities. Help us ensure a smooth finish to this year's event by helping our staff with Event Tear Down.

Impact

Special Event volunteers are critical in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from setup to teardown.  

Tasks

Under the supervision of staff, support and assist with the following tasks:

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual Long-Term, Short-Term, and Public volunteers ages 16 and up.

Additional Notes

Learn more about Special Events 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're inviting the community to kick off the season with us at Passport to MetroParks, Friday, May 29th at RiverScape MetroPark. This event introduces our community to all the wonderful parks, programs, and events that MetroParks provides in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with food, music, educational booths and activities.

The Floating Event Ambassador roams the event greeting and welcoming park patrons, passing out event passports, and directing visitors to the booths to collect stamps.

Impact

Ambassador volunteers enhance the visitor experience by offering excellent customer service to park visitors and helping them build awareness of all the amenities that MetroParks offers to community members.

Tasks

Under the supervision of staff, support and assist with the following tasks:

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual Long-Term volunteers ages 18 and up.

Additional Notes

Learn more about Ambassador 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.

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#/

Participants can sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044EA8AE2EA5F8CE9-61614452-sproutfest#/

The Cincinnati School for Autism is excited to invite student organizations, fraternities, sororities, and service-focused groups to participate in Sproutfest, a family-friendly community celebration taking place on Tuesday, April 22 from 5:30–7:00 PM at our Fairfield campus.

Sproutfest is a free, inclusive event, welcoming children, families, and community members for a day of connection, play, and learning. We are currently seeking student groups interested in hosting a free activity booth for kids and families.

What participation looks like:

This is a wonderful way for students to engage with local families, support individuals with autism, and contribute to an inclusive and family friendly event! 

**** If you would like to host your own activity and need assistance with planning or executing it, please contact Ana Burt burta2@miamioh.edu 

Calling all Fraternity and Sorority Life students! Come on out for Greek Spring Service 2026, serve the Miami and Oxford communities and fulfill your service hours.  

****Miami Fraternity and Sorority Life Students Only****

All participants MUST register here: https://forms.gle/BM2wgeDr8dSbZ4Pe6 by April 16th

Join us as we spark the interest and curiosity of youth during Military Kids Fest! Tactile Nature Interpreters are needed to shadow our staff at this opportunity introducing guests to our variety of touchable items including furs and bones and helping them connect with our mission.

In this shadow experience, staff will work with you to show you how to confidently interpret the furs and engage the public. 

Impact

Volunteers like YOU can share our conservation mission and the importance of healthy habitat for animals like them and people like us to a variety of audiences throughout our community.

Tasks

Eligibility: This is an opportunity for individual Long-Term volunteers who are 16 and older who are in training to be qualified Tactile Nature Interpreters.

Additional Notes

Learn more about Ambassador 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.

Join us as we introduce our wildlife animal ambassadors to youth during the Military Kids Fest. Wildlife Ambassador volunteers are needed to help handle and present the animals at the wildlife ambassador booth including the turtles, snakes, owl, and hawk.

In this shadow experience, staff will work with you to show you how to confidently handle and interpret the animals to the public.

Five Rivers MetroParks Wildlife Ambassador volunteers assist with animal care and animal programming, sharing our conservation message with community members of all ages at a variety of programs, events, and outreach opportunities year-round.

Impact

Volunteers like YOU can share our conservation mission and the importance of healthy habitat for animals like them and people like us to a variety of audiences throughout our community.

Tasks

Eligibility: This is an opportunity for individual Long-Term volunteers who are qualified Wildlife Ambassador Animal Care volunteers.

Additional Notes

Learn more about Programming 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 Shadow Experience opportunity is for those volunteers in training to serve as an Equestrian Arena Assistant. You will be partnered with a qualified and experienced Staff Lead during this shadow experience to observe, learn, and practice the required skills.

Equestrian Arena Assistant volunteers assist staff in conducting lessons and camps at the Carriage Hill Riding Center. These volunteers are the eyes, ears, hands and heart that ensure each participant has a fun, safe, and engaging experience. These volunteers train and qualify as Barn Aides before training to become an Equestrian Arena Assistant. 

Impact

Arena Assistant Volunteers ensure a fun, safe experience riding lesson experience providing a connection to nature through high-quality equine programming. 

Tasks

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to Long-Term, Short-Term and Youth volunteers ages 14 and up who are currently in training to qualify as Equestrian Arena Assistants.

Additional Notes

See the Programming Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information. 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.

Equestrian Arena Assistant volunteers assist staff in conducting lessons and camps at the Carriage Hill Riding Center. These volunteers are the eyes, ears, hands and heart that ensure each participant has a fun, safe, and engaging experience. These volunteers train and qualify as Barn Aides before training to qualify as an Equestrian Arena Assistant. 

Impact

Arena Assistant Volunteers ensure a fun, safe experience riding lesson experience providing a connection to nature through high-quality equine programming. 

Tasks

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to Long-Term, Short-Term and Youth volunteers ages 14 and up who have qualified as Equestrian Arena Assistants.

Additional Notes

See the Programming Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information. 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.

Our goal is to cleanup along the entire bike trail from st Rt 747 in West Chester, through Ellis Lake Wetlands, to the end point of the trail at the far side of Gilmore Metropark.

Even with surrounding development, Ellis Lake Wetland has become an important birding area. However, due to storm-water runoff and recreational use of the bike trail, a lot of trash has been collecting in this area. We will have grabbers, bags, and gloves available for volunteers to use while they help to clean this habitat for the wildlife.

Location: Firebird Drive, West Chester. This is between St Rt 747 and Seward Road.

Age range: Suitable for all ages. Ages 14 and under must have an adult with them.

Waiver: If you are under the age of 18, please have a parent or guardian print and sign the waiver found at www.butlerswcd.org/volunteer

What to bring: It may be muddy, so please wear old clothing. If you are willing to get in the creek or wetland, please wear rubber boots or wadders. If you have work gloves, please bring them. We will have gloves to borrow.

Weather: We will be outdoors rain or shine, we only cancel for thunderstorms.

Join the Oxford Lane Library for a family-friendly plogging event in uptown Oxford! Walk, jog, and pick up litter as we make our community cleaner and greener, together. Bags and gloves provided. 

https://www.lanepl.org/event/second-annual-plogging-clean-community-36402

Program Support Volunteers are needed and able to participate in various entry opportunities to support programs while not needing to be the expert at the activities.  The textile group welcomes all those interested in supporting their efforts to breathe new life into fiber arts and textile activities!  Textile volunteers help us create, maintain, and repair essential items at our historic farm and other MetroParks facilities. There are many tasks that aid us in these efforts that require no previous 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 individual, long-term, and short-term volunteers, ages 16 and up . Learn more about our types of service here. 

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.  

Bilingual Volunteers Needed – Su Casa Health Fair

Su Casa Hispanic Center, a program of Catholic Charities, is seeking 28 bilingual (Spanish/English) volunteers for our upcoming Health Fair on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 12:00pm to 4:30pm at St. Julie Billiart – Fenmont Center, 229 N 3rd St, Hamilton, OH 45011.

This free, open‑to‑the‑public health fair provides a wide range of health screenings, community resources, and family support services to residents of Hamilton and the surrounding areas. Services are offered in a welcoming, bilingual environment to help reduce barriers to care.

Volunteer Roles & Duties

Interpreter volunteers act as the communication bridge between guests and the medical providers offering screenings. Volunteer assignments include:

Registration

General Medical Screenings

Vision Screenings

Audiology Screenings

Physical Therapy Screenings

Mammogram Registration

Waiting Area Leads (3 roles)

​The 2nd Street Market supports small, local entrepreneurs with a strong emphasis on food, agriculture, gardening, and home decor in an atmosphere that provides a comfortable and inviting gathering place for the diverse population of the greater Dayton area. Our 2nd Street Market is looking for WEEKEND custodial support to help us keep the place sparkling clean. Not only will you get to flex your cleaning muscles, but you'll get to meet and interact with some amazing people from your community.

Five Rivers MetroParks provides clean, safe parks and conservation areas for the public to enjoy year-round. Our Park Maintenance volunteers help to manage and sustain 18 beautiful parks, 11 conservation areas, and 160 miles of hike, bike, mountain bike, and horseback-riding trails for park visitors to safely enjoy.

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

Join the New Roots Mentoring team as we work together with students in the Tecumseh Local School District! Students will create and install outdoor art displays to encourage and spread positivity throughout their school and community! 

Join the New Roots Mentoring team as we work together with students in the Tecumseh Local School District! Students will create and install outdoor art displays to encourage and spread positivity throughout their school and community! 

We are creating postcards and greeting cards with messages of care and honor to remind recipients that they are not alone and have the "Right To Heal".  Cards will be mailed to victims and survivors of crime or placed in our We Care Hope & Kindness Bags.    

April is when many gardens and farms begin preparing their soil and planting seeds for the growing season. Because frost can linger through March, growers often have to wait until the ground stays warm overnight. This spring, our youth volunteers and staff will support community gardens and farms by helping with tilling—a service the city once provided for free but has paused due to administrative and funding changes.

What is the Summer Bridge to Success Outreach? Research shows that students can lose about 20% to 30% of their school-year gains during the summer months.  To help combat the summer slide, the United Way of Greater Stark County is offering a resource for our Strong Neighborhoods, Strong Families partner schools.  Through generous donations from the community, United Way will be distributing over 400 Summer Bridge to Success Learning Kits, at the end of the school year to Kindergarteners.

Volunteers will work in assembly line fashion, placing items in bags to create kits. Each kit will include: a Summer Bridge Activity Workbook, a selection of healthy snacks, and other learning tools and resources as available. Volunteers will gather a greater understanding around the need and leave the event, understanding the positive impact these kits can have.

Please come during the end of the Plant Sale Public Day to assist in tearing down tables, chairs, heavy items, etc. Then load items back into the trailer to take back to Reuthinger.

Some heavy items may be lifted, please be mindful of your abilities in doing so!

Please meet at the Wood County Fairgrounds: Champion Building.

Volunteer at the Native Plant Sale during the Friends' membership sale day! Keep tables clean, direct customers to staff members, take plants to customer's cars and replenish plant racks once sold out.

You will meet at the Wood County Fairgrounds to begin unloading the items coming from the greenhouse/native seed nursery and setting up the layout for the Native Plant Sale. This shift may come with heavier lifting. (Tables, heavy stands, etc) Please be mindful of this and use your best judgment. There are other shifts to assist with for lighter lifting.

Please meet at J.C Reuthinger Memorial Preserve. Assist in loading the native plants. There will be lifting of objects  into a trailer, so please be mindful of your abilities in doing so! 

Help support the Kiwanis in the 4th annual Pancake day. Help cook, clean, and serve to the local community! 

Sign-up here: https://volunteersignup.org/MFTX7 

(participation in this event including buying a ticket, eating pancakes, and/or making a monetary donation will NOT count for Miami University service hours but all volunteer shifts will) 

Help youth plant flowers and vegetables at Avondale Business Center and the flowerpots along Reading Road to create a community, foraging garden.

No Excuses College Tours and Programs will host a community cleanup day at South Avondale Middle School on April 11. Volunteers will help beautify the HBCU Literacy Hub by cleaning the surrounding area, pulling weeds, planting flowers, and painting flower pots. This effort is part of our continued commitment to maintaining a welcoming space that celebrates HBCUs, literacy, and community pride.

Help represent United Way at a local community resource fair! As a booth attendant, you’ll engage with attendees, share information about programs, and help create a welcoming presence.

Greet visitors and provide a friendly, welcoming experience

Share basic information about United Way programs and services

Distribute brochures, flyers, or giveaways

Answer simple questions (materials and talking points provided)

Help with light setup and cleanup of the booth

Meet local organizations and residents

Earn volunteer/service hours

Have fun while making a difference!

As a Big you can give a Little the invaluable gift of your time. By simply changing their perspective of what the world can offer, you can literally start changing their life. Play a board game. Make a craft. Hit the playground together. Just as your options are unlimited, so is your Little’s potential. 

Bigs meet with their Littles a minimum of 2 times a month.  We ask for an 18 month minimum commitment.

The Red Brick Run 5k at Miami University is a highly anticipated annual event that attracts both professional runners and recreational participants alike. This race takes participants on a scenic route through the historic campus, allowing them to admire the beautiful red brick buildings that give Miami University its unique charm.

Volunteers will help with setup and tear down, monitor the course, help with registration, and assist with the awards presentation. All volunteers will recieve a Red Brick Run long sleeve shirt. 

Anyone interested can contact dunwoor@miamioh.edu to sign up and ask additional questions. 

Note: Participating in this event (running/walking the 5k race or donating monetarily to the cause) will NOT count towards Miami University service hours. 

More information to come.

Help run carnival games including musical chairs, sucker pull, bowling, etc. Helping with inflatables and bouncy castles only volunteers 18+ 

Signup here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040548ACA822A0FA7-62907402-marshall 

Join the Urban Farm Church as we plant native fruit trees along our Storybook Trail! 

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

Englewood MetroPark offers a serene setting for fishing, birdwatching, and picnicking, and invites visitors to discover the beauty of its woodlands, meadows, and three waterfalls. Your participation in an Adopt-A-Park volunteer service project helps MetroParks continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.

Five Rivers MetroParks provides clean, safe parks and conservation areas for the public to enjoy year-round. Our Park Maintenance volunteers help to manage and sustain 18 beautiful parks, 11 conservation areas, and 160 miles of hike, bike, mountain bike, and horseback-riding trails for park visitors to safely enjoy.

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

Learn more about Park Maintenance 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.

PROJECT DATE/TIME: Saturday, April 18, 2026 @ 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

PROJECT LOCATION: Cleveland Cultural Gardens & Rockefeller Park

PROJECT ADDRESS: 7 Martin Luther King Jr Drive, Cleveland, Ohio 44106

PROJECT WEBSITE: Earth Day Stream Sweep - Doan Brook Watershed Partnership

This annual volunteer event, hosted in partnership by the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes (NCSL) and the Doan Brook Watershed Partnership (DBWP), focuses on removing litter and debris from the Doan Brook stream corridor as it flows through the Cleveland Cultural Gardens - an iconic city landmark established in 1916 that continues to grow today.  This public space blends natural areas with themed heritage gardens representing diverse cultural communities across Northeast Ohio.

Litter and illegal dumping along the stream and surrounding hillsides pose ongoing environmental challenges.  Through this event, more than 100 volunteers will work together to reduce pollution, restore the landscape, and protect the ecological health of this important urban waterway.

Project activities will include distributing trash bags, litter grabbers, gloves, and reflective vests to volunteers as they remove debris from the Doan Brook stream and surrounding landscapes of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens.  Collected trash will be transported to a designated berm for municipal pickup.  Volunteers will work in mixed groups of youth and adults.  Light refreshments and a portable restroom will be provided to support participants throughout the event.

Replace and repair the fence out front around the basketball courtyard.

Join us Friday, April 3 for Grow Strong Trimble, a day of community impact!

This event brings together community gardening, literacy, and well-being.  We welcome volunteers and participants for any or all of the days activities, including:

3:15pm-6:00pm: Garden improvement, including the installation of a mini lending library and distributing seed starters

*Includes complimentary snacks from Cornerstone Deli and dinner from Sikorski's Home Plate*

6:00pm-7:30pm: Kids activities focused on self-pride and well-being

6:00pm-6:45pm: Adult program focused on what makes Trimble strong: what are Trimble's strengths and what would make it stronger

*Includes a gift card for community members who participate*

6:45pm-7:30pm: Adult program focused on resource sharing, with representatives from different organizations tabling and sharing ways that they can help Trimble grow strong. 

Participating organizations include:

317Board, Appalachian Children Coalition, Athens City County Health Department, Athens County Public Libraries, The Athens Village, the Boys and Girls Club of Glouster, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

The garden program at Grow Strong Trimble is organized by Rural Action, Community Fund Initiatives, and the Boys and Girls Club of Glouster with support from ServeOhio as a Global Youth Service Day. 

Grow Strong Trimble is organized by Rural Action, Tomcat Bridgebuilders, and the Boys and Girls Club of Glouster, and supported by Appalachian Children Coalition and the Athens County Foundation. 

Job description:

Are you a passionate HR leader looking to make a real impact? Noah Career Coaching is seeking a Volunteer HR Director to help build, guide, and strengthen our people operations as we empower individuals in their career journeys.

Overview

As our Volunteer HR Director, you will play a key leadership role in shaping HR strategy, supporting team development, and fostering a positive, growth-oriented culture.

Responsibilities

Qualifications

Why join us?

Work Location: Remote

Gardening and Grace will allow youth in Shelby County, Ohio to volunteer at the Mercy Mission House shelter on April 26, 2026 by helping our residents plant our garden. This volunteer opportunity will provide youth to tour the homeless shelter, meet residents, work alongside them to build our garden, yard clean up and prepare and serve the resident dinner. The garden provides vegetables for our meals throughout the summer. Gardening is known to be very good for many who struggle with mental health disorders or stress.  

Repair and replace the fence in the front of the building by the basketball court yard. 

Join us as we introduce our wildlife animal ambassadors to youth in Kettering. Wildlife Ambassador volunteers are needed to help handle and present the animals at the wildlife ambassador booth including the turtles, snakes, owl, and hawk.

In this shadow experience, staff will work with you to show you how to confidently handle and interpret the animals to the public.

Five Rivers MetroParks Wildlife Ambassador volunteers assist with animal care and animal programming, sharing our conservation message with community members of all ages at a variety of programs, events, and outreach opportunities year-round.

Impact

Volunteers like YOU can share our conservation mission and the importance of healthy habitat for animals like them and people like us to a variety of audiences throughout our community.

Tasks

Eligibility: This is an opportunity for individual Long-Term volunteers who are qualified Wildlife Ambassador Animal Care volunteers.

Additional Notes

Learn more about Programming 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.

Repair and rebuild fence in the front of the building around the basketball courtyard. 

Volunteer at the Native Plant Sale day! Keep tables clean, direct customers to staff members, take plants to customer's cars and replenish plant racks once sold out.

Qualified Barn Aide volunteers and those in-training as Barn Aides completing Shadow Experiences can also assist with grooming and general horse care as needed throughout the year at the Carriage Hill Riding Center! These opportunities pop up periodically throughout the year and are only open to current Carriage Hill Riding Center Barn Aide volunteers. Responding to this opportunity will indicate your interest in these opportunities and you will be contacted when those opportunities arise. 

Volunteers assist with grooming and equine care and conditioning to promote the health and well-being of our horses at the Carriage Hill Riding Center.

This opportunity is open to the following volunteers:  Youth, Long-Term, and Short-Term volunteers who have completed the Carriage Hill Riding Center Barn Aide Training series. Short-term volunteers may be considered depending on the length of service commitment. Learn more about our types of service here. 

Additional Notes

Come learn, grow, and give back to the trails you love with this exciting trail maintenance volunteer opportunity! Led by our knowledgeable staff, these trail maintenance opportunities will focus on revitalizing the trail systems at Eastwood and Huffman MetroParks, including the MetroParks Mountain Biking Area (MoMBA). Learn alongside like-minded individuals on the whys and hows of building and maintaining a sustainable trail system on these hands-on workdays.

Volunteers who support Trail Maintenance help MetroParks provide safe, consistent, and high-quality trail experiences for visitors with varied interests and levels of abilities in a manner that protects and sustains the natural resources and habitats at each park.

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

​Basic trail maintenance at Eastwood and Huffman MetroParks, including the MetroParks Mountain Biking Area (MoMBA), including corridor clearing, drainage clearing, and tread maintenance. Work will include using tools such as loppers, pruning saws, rakes, hoes, and shovels. 

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

Learn more about Park Maintenance 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. 

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 storytime,  gardening, and meaningful exploration of the outdoors! This opportunity will focus on a storytime followed by a related activity that follows the theme of the garden-related story.  Help us share amazing stories with children, exciting them about discoveries they can find in nature, and encouraging them to get outside and explore. 

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.

This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Short-term and Long-Term. Learn more about our types of service here. Volunteers should have good reading skills, be enthusiastic about finding discoveries in the garden, and enjoy working with children and families.

Environment & Physical Demands:  This opportunity is indoors.  The market may be cool in the winter and warm in the summer. Volunteers may have light physical duties like standing, walking, and light lifting to help set up and tear down.  The market may be busy with a lot of ambient noise during the program time. This is a family program, and volunteers should enjoy working with kids and families.

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Parking is available at the 2nd Street Parking lots. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the program begins for set up and a brief orientation, review of roles and activities, and to gather supplies needed.  Please arrive early to park and check in.   You will meet the staff lead in the Pavilion or dining area.

Dress:  Please dress appropriately for the weather.  Wear your volunteer name badge, and if you have one, your volunteer T-shirt.

Looking for a flexible opportunity you can support on your own time? Help us promote this year's Bike to Workday Pancake Breakfast! Poster distribution volunteers assist MetroParks in getting the word out about Bike to Work Day by visiting area businesses to hang and distribute event posters and palm cards before the event. 

Impact

Volunteers will be a part of the event team celebrating the positive impacts human-powered transportation can have on the body, the community, and the wellbeing of the planet. Your support makes events like this possible!

Tasks

Volunteers will be given a list of places to visit within a defined geographical area of Dayton to distribute posters and palm cards (if available).

Volunteers unable to complete deliveries must contact the staff lead right away so that alternative delivery arrangements can be made.

Eligibility:  This opportunity is open to Long-Term, Short-Term, and Public volunteers ages 16 and up.  Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. 

Additional Notes

See the Ambassador Volunteer Position Description for more information. 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.

Join us for a second springtime Habitat Heroes program, sponsored by the Friends of the Wood County Park District! Work with our stewardship department to become a hero for the environment and create a more sustainable and quality habitat. During this project, invasive buckthorn will be cut from the park. Tools and instructions (and snacks!) will be provided. 

Ignite your love for gardening and parks by welcoming visitors to the stunning Cox Arboretum MetroPark! As a Garden Guide, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to share your passion for plants and the beauty of nature, creating an exciting experience for everyone who steps into the park.

Your enthusiasm will be contagious as you connect with visitors and educate them about the vibrant and diverse plant life in our gardens. Volunteers won't need to memorize every plant name! There will be highlights of what’s blooming at the start of each tour! From May through September, join our dedicated education team as a Garden Tour Guide and help us offer this unique and engaging experience to our guests at Cox Arboretum. Let’s inspire others to appreciate the wonders of nature together! Arboretum. 

Volunteers help build access, comfort, and safety for all interested in learning about the natural world.    Volunteers help people make a stronger connection to nature by making it accessible (via the TRAMS) and easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities. Nature is a respite for many, and Garden Tour Guides support our education team in providing this service to park visitors. 

This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up who have qualified as Garden Guide Volunteers and TRAM Drivers.  This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.

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 opportunity:

Program Support

Join Five Rivers MetroParks as we welcome cycling enthusiasts for tasty pancakes, friends, and music at the region's largest celebration of cycling as a means of transportation in the Miami Valley!

Help us promote everything MetroParks at this year's Bike to Work Day Pancake Breakfast at RiverScape MetroPark! We need people who love our parks, programs, and events and want to share that love with others. If that's you, consider joining us as a MetroParks Booth Ambassador! MetroParks Booth Ambassadors assist the Marketing team and outreach staff to distribute information about Five Rivers MetroParks and giveaways.

Impact

Volunteers will be a part of the event team celebrating the positive impacts human-powered transportation can have on the body, the community, and the wellbeing of the planet. Your support makes events like this possible!

Tasks

Eligibility:  This opportunity is open to Long-Term volunteers ages 16 and up.  Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. 

Additional Notes

See the Ambassador Volunteer Position Description for more information. 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.

Join Brown Hands Literacy, Rockdale Academy students, families, and community volunteers for a Spring Clean-Up Day at the Rockdale Academy HBCU Literacy Hub. During this community event, volunteers will help plant flowers, paint sidewalk spaces, pick up trash, and support general spring cleaning around the school grounds to help beautify and maintain the HBCU Literacy Hub. This day is about bringing the community together to care for the school, create a welcoming environment for students, and support literacy spaces that inspire young scholars to learn about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Together, we can build pride in our school, strengthen our community, and create spaces that encourage reading, learning, and dreaming big.

A time to help clean trash and natural debris from Preble County Historical Society and Nature Reserve trails and public spaces.  This is to beautify and make safe public areas.

Serve with the Appalachian Ohio Restore Corps (AORC) and help support Rural Action, a membership-based non-profit organization promoting social, economic and environmental justice in Appalachian Ohio. AORC mobilizes 70 AmeriCorps members to help educate youth and the public, restore, conserve, and preserve environmental resources, improve food distribution to people in poverty, support reduced waste and recycling initiatives, and promote economic resilience through sustainability projects. Members are placed with Rural Action programs or community non-profits to support specific projects and initiatives related to one or more of the following areas: Conservation & Restoration, Agriculture, Education and Reduced Waste. During a term of service, training opportunities such as First Aid/CPR, Wilderness First Responder, and GIS/GPS are offered which provide certifications to support members' service experiences and prepare them for the next step in their careers.

To view open positions and learn more about specific position duties, please visit us at ruralaction.org/AORC

Host sites include:

Appalachian Accessible Food Network

Arc of Appalachia

Camp Oty’okwa

Crane Hollow/Museum Complex

Dawes Arboretum

Franklinton Farms

Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia

Raccoon Creek Partnership

Rising Appalachia

Solid Ground Schools 

United Plant Savers

Garden for All

and Rural Action Programs:

Sustainable Agriculture

Environmental Education

Upcycle Ohio Thrift and Makerspace

Zero Waste Program

Sustainable Forestry

Watersheds

Benefits:

An annual living allowance of $24,000

An annual living allowance of $25,200 for cohort leaders

An education award of $7,395 for a completed term of service to be used to pay student loans or for future education

Health care coverage for members

Child care (if income eligible)

Mileage, training, and equipment budget totaling $1,400

Assistance finding comfortable and affordable housing in your service community

Professional development and training opportunities including valuable certifications and industry credentials

Joining a family of AmeriCorps Alums in the region committed to lifelong-service and activism

Student loan forbearance and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program

Networking with local non-profit and government leaders

Connection to post-service careers with Employers of National Service

Our organization will help to provide accessible garden beds, and planters that support individuals with special needs as well as our local community through meaningful work, skill development, and community connections.  We will work together to build raised garden beds and planters and plant vegetables from seed, and plant flowers creating a welcoming garden for our community.

In this ongoing project, volunteers have the opportunity to asses native plant bloom times and populations within select Wood County Park District parks. This project allows volunteers to play a vital role in identifying both native and invasive species and determine where those species are, allowing the stewardship department to create better management plans.

The Native Plant Monitoring program runs from April 1st to October 1st. 2026, and all hours spent volunteering will need to be recorded by December 1st, 2026.

For more information or any questions, contact Restoration Specialist, David Linsky - dlinsky@wcparks.org

The “Big Clean” is our annual day to pick up trash as a community – and compete with our neighbors in Collinwood – to see which community can pick up more trash. The free event grows in popularity every year and all ages and abilities are encouraged to join in. Participants must register themselves or their groups, and can do so here: https://www.cityofeuclid.gov/big-clean

Here's how The Big Clean works:

1.) On Saturday, April 25th between 9 and 10 AM, stop by your closest pick-up location for cleanup supply kits (gloves, bags, pickers, and other goodies from community partners). Weather permitting, volunteers will be outdoors handing supply kits to vehicles as they drive through. In Euclid, supply pickup will occur along Milton Dr in Memorial Park near the tennis courts (please enter via East 222nd Street and exit via Babbitt Road). In the case of rain, supply pick-up will be inside C.E. Orr Ice Arena (22550 Milton). For those cleaning in Collinwood, supply kits can be picked up at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High school located at E 185th St. and Lakeshore Blvd.

2.) With supply kits in hand, head out to your pre-selected cleanup location (selections made by you during online registration) and get cleaning!

3.) Once you / your group has finished cleaning your designated area, bring your haul back to the massive dumpster near C.E. Ice Arena to be counted, then stay for Earth Day after-party! Food, drinks, music, raffle prizes and more await you from 12pm to 1pm. Trash tallies will start being counted right at noon, so don’t be late!

4.) If you cannot make it back to the dumpster location near C.E. Orr Ice Arena, trash bags can also be placed in your city trash can. Before you throw your bag away though, please take a selfie with your trash bags and post it to social media (Facebook, Instagram) with your 1) bag count, 2) cleanup city (Euclid or Collinwood) and 3) the hashtag #thebigclean before NOON. Cleanup organizers will use your posts to tally total trash bags.  

While the Big Clean is a competition, in the end, it’s all of us who win. The Big Clean is about bringing neighbors together during Earth Day weekend to build community in support of cleaner streets, a cleaner Lake Erie and a cleaner Planet for us all!

The “Big Clean” is our annual day to pick up trash as a community – and compete with our neighbors in Collinwood – to see which community can pick up more trash. The free event grows in popularity every year and all ages and abilities are encouraged to join in. To participate, please register at: https://www.cityofeuclid.gov/big-clean

Here's how The Big Clean works:

1.) On Saturday, April 25th between 9 and 10 AM, stop by your closest pick-up location for cleanup supply kits (gloves, bags, pickers, and other goodies from community partners). Weather permitting, volunteers will be outdoors handing supply kits to vehicles as they drive through. In Euclid, supply pickup will occur along Milton Dr in Memorial Park near the tennis courts (please enter via East 222nd Street and exit via Babbitt Road). In the case of rain, supply pick-up will be inside C.E. Orr Ice Arena (22550 Milton). For those cleaning in Collinwood, supply kits can be picked up at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High school located at E 185th St. and Lakeshore Blvd.

2.) With supply kits in hand, head out to your pre-selected cleanup location (selections made by you during online registration) and get cleaning!

3.) Once you / your group has finished cleaning your designated area, bring your haul back to the massive dumpster near C.E. Ice Arena to be counted, then stay for Earth Day after-party and Eco Fair! Food, drinks, music, raffle prizes and an environmental resource fair await you from 12pm to 1pm. Trash tallies will start being counted right at noon, so don’t be late!

4.) If you cannot make it back to the dumpster location near C.E. Orr Ice Arena, trash bags can also be placed in your city trash can. Before you throw your bag away though, please take a selfie with your trash bags and post it to social media (Facebook, Instagram) with your 1) bag count, 2) cleanup city (Euclid or Collinwood) and 3) the hashtag #thebigclean before NOON. Cleanup organizers will use your posts to tally total trash bags.  

While the Big Clean is a competition, in the end, it’s all of us who win. The Big Clean is about bringing neighbors together during Earth Day weekend to build community in support of cleaner streets, a cleaner Lake Erie and a cleaner Planet for us all!

A fun evening remembering the cool sounds of Tom Petty through the Full Moon Fever band.  Help us make it a night to remember, and enjoy a drink or a $5 food truck voucher for your efforts. Sign up can be found here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050C4EA4A629A2FA7-62960186-full#/

Enjoy this fund raiser for the women in your life.  The Park will be raising funds through plant and mimosa sales.  Coffee will also be available for purchase.  To sign up, go to: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050C4EA4A629A2FA7-62960187-mothers#/

Join us for a celebration of May with the may pole dance and songs performed by the Woodward elementary 3rd graders.  Hear remembrances from alumni of Boardman and Willis in a tribute to our heritage.  Volunteers receive a free gelato.  

Sign up is here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050C4EA4A629A2FA7-62960164-mayday#/

The community of Millfield has been working together to revitalize their local park and we want to help! Join us to help create a new walking path, conduct a BioBlitz, and enjoy time with community!

Looking for sponsors to supports the Kiwanis Fundraiser that is used for the Kiwanis annual Little Brown Jug Junior Golf Classic celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year.  This tournament is held for kids 7-16 years old compete, both male and female in two brackets.  Both tournaments are held at the Hidden Valley Golf Course, Delaware, OH.  Sponsor options are Presenting Sponsor $1,000, Hole Sponsors $100, Longest Drive Men $50, and Longest Drive Women $50You can sign up at FORE THE KIDS SENIOR GOLF SCRAMBLE

This opportunity supports the Military And Service Heroes Non-profit assistance to veterans by visiting veterans in Delaware County Nursing Homes. The visit will include providing prepared bags of treats, magazines, books, toiletries, etc. and spending some time listening and sharing with the veterans during the 1-hour visit. Bags will be picked up at the M.A.S.H. Pantry at 562 Pennsylvania Ave. (starting 5/1, location will be 540 Sunbury Rd. behind the bowling alley east of the 36/37 merge east of town. Site to visit is Gables of Marysville, 390 Gables Dr., 4th Thursday, 10-11am. A background investigation is required and would be scheduled by M.A.S.H.

This opportunity supports the Military And Service Heroes Non-profit assistance to veterans by visiting veterans in Delaware County Nursing Homes.  The visit will include providing prepared bags of treats, magazines, books, toiletries, etc. and spending some time listening and sharing with the veterans during the 1 hour visit.  Bags will be picked up at the M.A.S.H. Pantry at 562 Pennsylvania Ave. (starting 5/1, location will be 540 Sunbury Rd. behind the bowling alley east of the 36/37 merge east of town.  Sites to visit are (1) Dublin Retirement Center - 2nd Thursday 1-2pm; (2) Westerville Post Acute - 3rd Tuesday, 12-2pm; (3) The Village of Westerville - 3rd Tuesday 1-2pm; and (4) Brickford of Worthington - 3rd Friday 11:30am-12:30pm. A background investigation is required and would be scheduled by M.A.S.H.

This opportunity supports the Military And Service Heroes Non-profit assistance to veterans by visiting veterans in Delaware County Nursing Homes.  The visit will include providing prepared bags of treats, magazines, books, toiletries, etc. and spending some time listening and sharing with the veterans during the 1 hour visit.  Bags will be picked up at the M.A.S.H. Pantry at 562 Pennsylvania Ave. (starting 5/1, location will be 540 Sunbury Rd. behind the bowling alley east of the 36/37 merge east of town.  Sites to visit are (1) The Arbors on the 3rd Thursday of the month, 3-4pm; (2) Sara Moore on the 2nd Thursday 11:30a-1pm and (3) Willow Brooke Christian Village - 4th Thursday 11:45am-12:45pm.  A background investigation is required and would be scheduled by M.A.S.H. 

Wyandot County Public Health is looking for some volunteers for our upcoming Wyandot County Community Garden Spring Fling Volunteer Day, 2-6 p.m., Saturday, April 25, at the community garden, located in downtown Upper Sandusky at the corner of Hicks St. and South Sandusky Avenue. (Note: Rain date in case of severe weather is Sunday, April 26). We'll be adding new garden boxes to expand the availability of gardening spaces for community use.

Volunteers are needed to help:
- Build new garden boxes
- Lay weed blocking materials (cardboard and/or garden fabric)
- Fill garden boxes with soil and compost
- Lay mats around the new boxes to improve accessibility and reduce weeds

April 25 is going to be a day filled with spring fun during the Wyandot Chamber's Spring Fling event in downtown Upper Sandusky. It also is the Global Youth Service Day (April 24-26, 2026) which celebrates and mobilizes the millions of young people who improve their communities through service. While this event is aimed at youth volunteers, we welcome and encourage adults to volunteer as well. This is a volunteer opportunity that is open to the community.

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 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

Help us share our conservation message with the next generation while providing routine animal care for our most important ambassadors! Five Rivers MetroParks Wildlife Ambassadors assist our education team in sharing our conservation message with community members of all ages at a variety of programs, events, and outreach opportunities year-round. Wildlife Ambassador Animal Care Volunteers provide daily care for these important animal ambassadors year-round at the Twin Valley Welcome Center so that they can continue sharing our message. 

Impact

Volunteers like YOU provide hands-on daily care including monitoring, feeding, and cleaning to promote the health and well-being of our Wildlife Ambassadors so that they can share our conservation mission and the importance of healthy habitat for animals like them and people like us to a variety of audiences throughout our community.

Tasks

Eligibility: This is an opportunity for individual Long-Term volunteers who are 18 and older and is also open to family-friendly volunteers with adult volunteers (18 and up) with children ages 9 and up who would like to volunteer regularly together. Learn more about our types of service here. 

Additional Notes

Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Animal Care Volunteer Position Description for more information.  

Get Started! Visit the Wildlife Ambassador Training Page in our Training Library to see what training is required to become part of the Wildlife Ambassador Volunteers.

We’re looking for a few amazing volunteers to help make our Adult Prom a night to remember! Volunteers will help with simple things like setting up, serving snacks and drinks, and helping with tear down at the end of the night. It’s a fun way to give back and be part of a special evening for our community.

Help us create new habitat for pollinators while making Maple Heights greener and more beautiful!

As part of Global Youth Service Day, Tinker’s Creek Watershed Partners is inviting looking for volunteers to help install a native pollinator garden that will provide food and shelter for bees, butterflies, and other important pollinators.

Volunteers will work alongside TCWP staff and fellow volunteers to:

Do you love history and have skills in farming, historic restoration, and farm animal care you want to share? Would you like to discover what life would have been like living on a farm in the 1880s? Make an impact by helping staff in the fields, in the barns, and around the farm at the Daniel Arnold Historic Farm at Carriage Hill MetroPark. 

The Historical Farm at Carriage Hill MetroPark tells important stories that celebrate our agricultural heritage in the Miami Valley. This heritage includes a significant portion of our local landscape shaped by generations of farmers who groomed and cared for the land. Visitors to Carriage Hill Historical Farm will be immersed in 19th-century farm life, a time when the sustainable farm, home and craft practices we see today were simply practical. Within the preserved house and farm buildings there are demonstrations of heritage skills and crafts by living-history interpreters, both staff and volunteers. Caring for the animals and maintaining historical integrity is imperative to connecting visitors with its history.

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

A variety of farm chores including Barn and Animal Care including feeding, watering, stall cleaning. Animals include drafts horses, hogs, sheep, chickens, cows, and donkeys.