Opportunities From: Get Connected

Help us give back! In this community service project, we will assemble food and hygiene kits to distribute through our Little Free Fridge.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome, including students seeking community service hours. This project is made possible by a grant from ServeOhio, as well as food donations from Farm Credit's Fight the Hunger, Stock the Trailer.

We encourage participants to also register to attend on Ritter Public Library's online calendar.

Head out with your camera and take photos of the plants and animals you see within Bull's Run. We are using the free iNaturalist app to gather data on the various species of plants and animals living at Bull's Run. All you need is your phone and the app.

When: Our BioBlitz runs all September and October. You can visit the arboretum anytime from dawn til dusk. Spend 5 minutes or 5 hours, this is totally up to you.

How: Take close up pictures and it will directly input them into our project (location needs to be turned on). The newest release of iNaturalist makes suggestions for the species you are submitting.

Why: We use the data you collect to figure out if there are critters or plants living there that need extra protection, or if there are invasives that we need to work on clearing out.

See the results: You can visit the project to see other peoples submissions at https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/fall-2025-bull-s-run-arboretum-bioblitz

Get the app or use a traditional camera: You will need to either download iNaturalist to your phone and have location turned on. Or, if you use a traditional camera you can submit online. Both the app link and the online submissions can be found at https://www.inaturalist.org/

Parking and Map: Free onsite parking and a trail map is located at the entrance.

5 Reading Role Models will be needed at Willyard Elementary.  We are adding Willyard as a monthly reading event.  Please see list of dates below and sign up for as many as you wish.  Thank you.

Below is some basics for Reading Role Models:
• Wear your United Way Reading Role Model shirt
• Bring 4-5 books age appropriate to read to kindergarten class during the ½ hour reading
• Try to arrive 5-10 minutes prior to reading time
• Sign in with front office (office attendant will direct all readers to kindergarten rooms)
• Have FUN! This is a great time to encourage early grade reading, feel free to include audience participation by asking questions or by having a short discussion after you read.

PLEASE log your volunteer hours :)

Columbiana County RSVP has partnered with Samaritan's Feet to host a senior focused health fair, as well as a free shoe distribution for qualified registrants. The event will feature screenings, information from local health and social service agencies and more. Seniors are encouraged to register to qualify for a free pair of shoes by going to https://samaritansfeet.org/ColumbianaCounty Volunteers are needed to assist with all aspects of this event.

We have a community carnival on October 4th. Volunteers help with horse riding, food preparation, set up, etc. On October 18th we will have a work day and training in preparation for launching a new equine-assisted activities and therapy program. 

Help Restore the Forest at Stillwater Conservation Area

Join us in reforesting a newly acquired section of the Stillwater Conservation Area! Volunteers will help plant native canopy trees such as oaks, hickories, tulip poplars, maples, and beech, along with understory shrubs like spicebush, viburnums, and bladdernut. These plantings will expand the forested riparian buffer along the Stillwater River and create vital habitat for wildlife.

The work will include digging holes, planting, and installing protective tree skirts. It’s hands-on work with a lasting impact, as every tree you help plant contributes to a healthier river corridor and a thriving home for countless species.

Protecting open space and natural areas is a priority for Five Rivers MetroParks, which protects nearly 16,000 acres of land- 90 percent of it in its natural state. Conservation volunteers are a part of our regional conservation story by assisting in implementing a variety of natural area management plans. Under the supervision of the assigned staff, volunteers will support and assist with the following:

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

As part of the regular Findlay Market OTR Blitz events, volunteers will team up with the Findlay Market maintenance crew, Cincinnati Center City Development Corp (3CDC), and Model Groups to clean up the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood and areas of Findlay Market on Saturday, October 18th. This OTR Blitz will also partner with eight to ten youth volunteers from Wesley Chapel, with age groups ranging from middle schoolers to high schoolers. This event will take approximately four hours. During this time, volunteers will pick up trash, remove graffiti, recycle what they can, sweep away debris, and help to clean up about four city blocks.

This project aims to beautify and maintain Findlay Market and the OTR neighborhoods, supporting over 5,000 diverse residents made up of families and people from various socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. It will also provide a pleasant experience for the 1.4 million visitors who visit this historic market and area each year. By enhancing the atmosphere of Findlay Market and the OTR neighborhood, this cleanup day will help highlight local culture and create a clean, safe space for residents and visitors.

This cleanup project will not only enhance the neighborhood's appearance but also include an educational component. Volunteers will learn the importance of caring for the environment and their communities, as well as the area's rich history and cultural heritage. By using sustainable practices to promote a healthier environment, this experience will also create a sense of pride in this charming and historic part of Cincinnati.

This fall, United Way invites you to be part of Make a Difference Day by joining our community-wide project: “FROM OUR FAMILIES TO YOURS” – Sharing essentials, strengthening homes, building community.

We know that many families in our community face real challenges in meeting their basic needs; stretching already tight budgets as the cost of household essentials continues to rise. Together, we can ease this burden and help families focus their limited resources on other critical needs.

We need the help of  volunteers to assemble the collected items at Gibbs Elementary, into From Our Families to Yours Kits . These kits will be distributed to the students’ families prior to Thanksgiving, sending a powerful message: our community cares, and no one is alone.

Volunteers will identify and mark storm drains within neighborhoods, parks, school campuses, or other public areas. This process involves locating storm drains and placing clearly visible educational markers on or near the drains using an adhesive. Before applying the markers, volunteers will clean the surface of each drain to ensure that it is free of dirt and debris so the markers can adhere properly and remain in place long-term. The volunteers will hand out educational materials to nearby homes, helping spread awareness beyond the marked drains.

This fall, United Way invites you to be part of Make a Difference Day by joining our community-wide project: “FROM OUR FAMILIES TO YOURS” – Sharing essentials, strengthening homes, building community.

We know that many families in our community face real challenges in meeting their basic needs; stretching already tight budgets as the cost of household essentials continues to rise. Together, we can ease this burden and help families focus their limited resources on other critical needs.

We need the help of  volunteers to assemble the collected items at Alliance Preschool, into From Our Families to Yours Kits . These kits will be distributed to the students’ families prior to Thanksgiving, sending a powerful message: our community cares, and no one is alone.

This fall, United Way invites you to be part of Make a Difference Day by joining our community-wide project: “FROM OUR FAMILIES TO YOURS” – Sharing essentials, strengthening homes, building community.

We know that many families in our community face real challenges in meeting their basic needs; stretching already tight budgets as the cost of household essentials continues to rise. Together, we can ease this burden and help families focus their limited resources on other critical needs.

We need the help of  volunteers to assemble the collected items at Massillon East Elementary, into From Our Families to Yours Kits . These kits will be distributed to the students’ families prior to Thanksgiving, sending a powerful message: our community cares, and no one is alone.

The Tipp City Public Library is hosting a community Halloween Party, and we need friendly, reliable volunteers to help make it a safe and fun experience for families!

As a Halloween Party Support Volunteer, you will assist with event setup, activity support, and cleanup.

Volunteers will identify and mark storm drains within neighborhoods, parks, school campuses, or other public areas. This process involves locating storm drains and placing clearly visible educational markers on or near the drains using an adhesive. Before applying the markers, volunteers will clean the surface of each drain to ensure that it is free of dirt and debris so the markers can adhere properly and remain in place long-term. The volunteers will hand out educational materials to nearby homes, helping spread awareness beyond the marked drains.

Share your gardening and park passion and introduce visitors to Cox Arboretum MetroPark!  Garden Guides have an enthusiasm for plants and MetroParks which is infectious and gets visitors excited about all the things they are seeing in the park.  Connecting and educating visitors to a diverse landscape of plants through a tour of our gardens is what a Garden Guide does. You do not need to know the name of every plant, but a "what's in bloom" highlight will be shared at the beginning of each tour.  May through September, Garden Tour Guides support our education team in providing this unique experience to visitors mainly at Cox Arboretum. 

Program Support volunteers help build access, comfort, and safety for all interested in learning about the natural world.  Volunteers provide support for first-time learners and help participants build subject-specific skills.   Volunteers help people make a stronger connection to nature by making it accessible 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 the following volunteers: Long-Term volunteers who have completed the Garden Guide training.  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 Programming Volunteer Position for more information on programming opportunities with us.  

We are so excited to be installing a raised bed vegetable garden! During the event, we will need help with several tasks, including ground preparation and assembling the raised beds. Grass in the area will need to be removed; a weed barrier such as cardboard put in place; raised beds installed and filled with topsoil, compost and various amendments; and wood chips placed around the raised beds.

If enough volunteers are on-hand, we will also have a second project available. This will involve installing a soft landing of native plants around nearby trees. We have 70 native plants that need to be planted. The process would include removing grass around the site trees, amending the soil, installing the native plants, and placing mulch around the area. 

come volunteer and help us clean up the garden and put the beds to sleep until next spring. We need help clearing out weeds, cutting high grass, weed eating around the fence line and clearing our high tunnel.

Five Rivers MetroParks is excited to offer "try-it" opportunities at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience! Activity areas available include the mountain bike track, tot track, climbing wall, and slackline. Volunteers will be supervised by staff and will learn how to size bikes and properly fit helmets in the cycling areas. In all activity areas, volunteers will also be taught how to check for waivers and remain vigilant about safety issues that may arise while overseeing the events in the Action Sports area.

These activities provide participants with the chance to try something new and experience the joy of the outdoors. Volunteers play a crucial role in making this a safer and more engaging experience while sharing information about the various bikeways in the region.

Program Support volunteers are critical in ensuring we can provide high-quality, engaging programming like these to the public. These volunteers assist with various tasks, including setup, teardown, registration, and line management. Volunteers support and assist in providing excellent customer service at this MetroPark event.

Biannual community service event at the CCYC After-School youth center in Wilmington, OH.

At the heart of every youth and family event is a memorable activity! At MetroParks, through our event activities, volunteers can enjoy talking, sharing, and engaging with visitors in nature.  Volunteers are an essential part of MetroParks, helping individuals and families make a stronger connection to nature.  Through programs and events,  we offer the chance to learn and discover things about our natural world, as well as, help address some of the fears and barriers many may have. This activity will focus on astronomy and engage visitors in building a constellation, discussing the phases of the moon, and some additional activities depending on light conditions.   Help create the Fall magic at this year's Fall Family Adventure as a Program Support volunteer!  Volunteers need to have completed the astronomy qualification to support this station at the event.

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 participation, and introduce participants to exciting science and night sky exploration. 

This is opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Short-Term and Long-Term Volunteers. Learn more about our types of service here. Volunteers must complete the Astronomy Assistant Interest and Assessment  to qualify for this opportunity.

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.  

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. Learn more about our types of service here. 

Additional Notes

Join us on Saturday, October 11 to re-landscape the Paul George STEM Center! Lakota Robotics Team 1038 will be planting over 100 native prairie plants in our front yard and we need your help!. The morning is a chance to create an inviting space for area youth that utilize the PGSC as a weekly meeting space and bring in plants for pollinators, a native plant seed bank, and wildlife corridor. This event is possible through a Make A Difference Day grant from Serve Ohio.  Help us extend our community reach and give back!

Gloves and garden tools will be available, but you are welcome to bring your own. Dress for weather and outdoor activities. Restrooms available inside the building which is also open for tours.

Refreshments provided to all volunteers.

Come for an hour, stay for the fun.

For Jim Stuart hour log for driving the tractor!

Medlar Conservation Area is home to a unique mix of diverse, high-quality habitats. Join our crew in cutting and dragging out invasive species that threaten to outcompete native plants and disrupt these ecosystems. Your efforts will directly support the health and resilience of this special area. This is a great opportunity for those wanting to get hands-on with habitat restoration!

Protecting open space and natural areas is a priority for Five Rivers MetroParks, which protects nearly 16,000 acres of land — 90 percent of it in its natural state. Conservation volunteers are a part of our regional conservation story by assisting in implementing a variety of natural area management plans.  

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

Help spread the word about everything that Five Rivers MetroParks does in the community by supporting the Marketing booth at The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience! 

Ambassadors are often the first friendly faces a visitor sees, welcoming them to the event, and can be counted on to share helpful information and answer a variety of questions.

Do you want to participate in an event that helps connect you to nature by introducing visitors to the vibrant outdoor adventure lifestyle and culture?  The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience is a production of Five Rivers MetroParks and is the Midwest’s premier outdoor adventure festival! Volunteers will assist us in getting the word out, share excitement about the amazing opportunities to experience at the event, and let people know they can camp, connect, compete, and experience dozens of outdoor activities. Volunteers will visit area businesses to hang and distribute event posters and palm cards.

Special Event volunteers are critical in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from set-up to tear-down. Volunteers help make this event known to all who might be interested in learning more about an active way to experience the outdoors and connect with nature locally while helping protect our region’s natural heritage

The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes (NCSL) is continually increasing our community tree
canopy in accordance with Cuyahoga County’s initiative to plant more trees. As such, we
plant trees for habitat restoration, we remove invasive plants (trees and shrubs) and re-plant with native trees. This project will plant forty trees, which a group of
twenty volunteers can accomplish while also allowing the NCSL instructors to provide time
and attention to each volunteer to instruct them properly. Volunteers will plant native trees, construct protective cages using wire fencing, and secure the cages with stakes.
If time permits, volunteers will mulch the trees to improve soil moisture retention and
provide additional protection.

Give the Nature Play Area at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve some much-needed love so that it may continue to be a fun place for kids to interact with nature. Tasks include refurbishing the Bird Nest feature, reestablishing the log trail, resetting fort-building materials, and more. Bring gloves and wear rugged workwear

Help us resurface the bike park loop!

Volunteers will help resurface the bike park by using shovels and rakes to scrape away stone to the edges of the Skills Loop Trail at Rudolph Bike Park. Once completed, we will add dirt to the trail and ramp to create a more predictable, natural riding surface. 

Please wear durable clothing and closed-toed shoes. Bring water and any necessary items needed for this style of work. Tools and gloves will be provided. 

Individuals who volunteer their time and talents help put excitement and perspective into the activities at the Carriage Hill Historic Farm and the visitor center. 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. 

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: Short-term and Long-Term, who are 16 years or older. 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.  

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

Join us at our 7th Habitat Heroes volunteer project! Become a hero for the environment by working with our stewardship department to create more sustainable and quality habitat for the benefit of nature and people alike. We will be continuing to remove the invasive tree buckthorn from the grounds. Tools, training, and snacks will be provided.

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.

Discovering Soils Field Trip

School group size:  Girl Scouts

15 Girl Scouts 2nd-4th grade and 3 chaperones  

Discovering Soils is an interactive school field trip offered throughout the season at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, engaging young learners in a variety of activities and topics related 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!

Tasks 

This opportunity is open to Short-term and Long-Term volunteers 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 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.

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. 

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. 

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:  Our Lady of the Rosary School

20 6th-grade students with 2 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!

This opportunity is open to Short-term and Long-Term volunteers 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 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.

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. 

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. 

Calling all helping hands! Add to the beauty of Wegerzyn Gardens with lovely Fall decorations and help get the space ready for all the fun as you help decorate and set up this year's Fall Family Adventure.

Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that events and large-scale programs run smoothly.

We will incorporate a 20-minute orientation before work begins: Garden History & Purpose – honoring Emily McLean and how the garden has grown through volunteer effort.Soil Health Education – why healthy soil matters for plants, pollinators, and food production. How pine fines transform compact clay to loose soil. Design & Community Use – how the arbor creates a visual identity and signals this as a cared-for, public space.Volunteer Pathways – how to join ongoing garden maintenance crews or lead programming. Visual displays (before/after photos, planting diagrams, and soil improvement graphics) will be available. Volunteers will receive a take-home handout on soil care and future garden projects.

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.

School group size:  JFK Elementary School 

90 3rd-grade students with at least 9 chaperones.  Will be broken into smaller groups of 15 students.

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!

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to 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 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.

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. 

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.

Volunteers will gather at the RAHAB Office to sort donated clothing and hygiene items, organize on shelving, and put together bags to distribute to clients. 

Join Dayton Leadership Academies students for a community clean up. This is a school-wide community service day for our 1st quarter LEAD day. Classes, staff, and volunteers will clean up the area around the school campus including Wolf Creek and Paul Laurence Dunbar Street. 

Join us as we share God's love with residents at Holzer Senior Care on October 12 and October 26.  There will be games, crafts, special music, and sharing of God's love.

We need hot meals prepared, delivered and served to our Skate Church nights. This is a great project for a small group or family. Please provide enough food for 40-50 people and be prepared for 2-3 people to stay and serve it if possible!

Meals are served at approximately 6:45/7pm right after a short message & prayer. We provide plates, bowls, napkins, utensils & cups. We also have several serving spoons/tongs available. 

We do not have an oven to keep things warm; there are power outlets available.

Popular choices include crock pot meals/casseroles etc. It can be simple! These hungry skaters aren't too picky.

We look forward to seeing you at The Refuge!

Reading Role Models are needed for 2 Pre -K classrooms and 2 Kindergarten classrooms at 2:30 p.m. for the dates listed. 

2 Reading Role Models are needed for the 2 Pre-K classroom for 11:00 a.m. for the dates listed.

Below is some basics for Reading Role Models:
• Wear your United Way Reading Role Model shirt
• Bring 4-5 books age appropriate to read to kindergarten/Pre-K class during the ½ hour reading
• Try to arrive 5-10 minutes prior to reading time
• Sign in with front office (office attendant will direct all readers to kindergarten rooms)
• Have FUN! This is a great time to encourage early grade reading, feel free to include audience participation by asking questions or by having a short discussion after you read.

PLEASE log your volunteer hours :)

Join us at our 8th Habitat Heroes volunteer project! Become a hero for the environment by working with our stewardship department to create more sustainable and quality habitat for the benefit of nature and people alike. We will be removing the invasive shrub honeysuckle from the hillside leading to the river. Tools, training, and snacks will be provided. 

Leader: Stewardship Staff

Do you want to participate in an event that helps connect you to nature by introducing visitors to the vibrant outdoor adventure lifestyle and culture?  The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience is a production of Five Rivers MetroParks and is the Midwest’s premier outdoor adventure festival! Volunteers will assist us in getting the word out, share excitement about the amazing opportunities to experience at the event, and let people know they can camp, connect, compete, and experience dozens of outdoor activities. Volunteers will visit area businesses to hang and distribute event posters and palm cards.

Special Event volunteers are critical in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from set-up to tear-down. Volunteers help make this event known to all who might be interested in learning more about an active way to experience the outdoors and connect with nature locally while helping protect our region’s natural heritage

There are 4 kindergarten classes, we will need 4 readers.  Readings will be the second Friday of the month.  All readings will start at 9:15 a.m.  Please see listed dates and register under those dates.  Thank you.

Below is some basics for Reading Role Models:
• Wear your United Way Reading Role Model shirt
• Bring 4-5 books age appropriate to read to kindergarten class during the ½ hour reading
• Try to arrive 5-10 minutes prior to reading time
• Sign in with front office (office attendant will direct all readers to kindergarten rooms)
• Have FUN! This is a great time to encourage early grade reading, feel free to include audience participation by asking questions or by having a short discussion after you read.

PLEASE log your volunteer hours :)

Building Block events are our way of joining together with our neighbors throughout Butler County to give back in a way that will build a solid foundation for the future. Each Building Block event is tailored to one of the building blocks for a good life: Health, Financial Stability/Basic Needs, or Education.

Between Monday, September 5, 2025 and Tuesday, December 10, 2025, we will be holding a Basic Needs Building Block Event and will be collecting new stuffed Teddy Bears, other stuffed animals, or any appropriate children's toys to give to needy children this holiday season. The Teddy Bears and toys will be distributed through our partner agencies to children and their families who are in uncertain situations; a teddy bear, other plush animal, or toy will help to bring a bit of brightness to them this holiday season.

Please consider participating and see how you might be one of the building blocks toward a brighter future for many of these children throughout our county.

All big things start out small. Let's be the cornerstone of big change!

Drop your new Teddy Bears and toys off any time between September 5, 2025
and December 10, 2025, Tuesday- Thursday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Butler County United Way
323 North Third Street
Hamilton, OH 45011

Building Block events are our way of joining together with our neighbors throughout Butler County to give back in a way that will build a solid foundation for the future. Each Building Block event is tailored to one of the building blocks for a good life: Health, Financial Stability/Basic Needs, or Education.

Between Monday, September 5, 2025 and Tuesday, December 10, 2025, we will be holding a Basic Needs Building Block Event partnering with Butler County Educational Service Center. We will provide you or your organization with a wishlist of items for a family in need this holiday season. We ask that all gifts remain unwrapped. To Adopt a Family, volunteer, or donate, please contact us at holidayhelp@bcesc.org.

Please consider participating and see how you might be one of the building blocks toward a brighter future for many of these children throughout our county.

All big things start out small. Let's be the cornerstone of big change!

Drop your donation off any time between September 5, 2025
and December 10, 2025, Tuesday- Thursday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Butler County Educational Service Center
400 North Erie Blvd
Hamilton, OH 45011

Building Block events are our way of joining together with our neighbors throughout Butler County to give back in a way that will build a solid foundation for the future. Each Building Block event is tailored to one of the building blocks for a good life: Health, Financial Stability/Basic Needs, or Education.

Between Monday, September 5, 2025 and Tuesday, December 10, 2025, we will hold a Basic Needs Building Block Event and collect new games and board games to give to needy children this holiday season. The Games and Board Games Drive will be distributed through our Partner Agency, PARACHUTE: Butler County CASA to children and their families in uncertain situations; a game or board game will help bring a bit of brightness to them this holiday season.

Please consider participating and see how you might be one of the building blocks toward a brighter future for many of these children throughout our county.

All big things start out small. Let's be the cornerstone of big change!

Drop your new games and board games off any time between September 5, 2025
and December 10, 2025, Tuesday- Thursday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Butler County United Way
323 North Third Street
Hamilton, OH 45011

Building Block Events are our way of joining together with our neighbors throughout Butler County to give back in a way that will build a solid foundation for the future. Each 'Building Block Event' is tailored to one of the building blocks for a good life: Health, Financial Stability/Basic Needs, or Education.

Our 'Thanksgiving Meal Packages' event will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, and will focus on creating Thanksgiving meal care packages to be donated to the Salvation Army for distribution to those in need. We are looking for the following donations to be graciously provided for the care packages: corn bread, corn, green beans, yams, cranberries, stuffing, mashed potatoes in a box, desserts, and re-usable bags.

We invite you to join us in assembling these care packages.

Event will be held
Wednesday, November 20 from
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at:

Butler County United Way
323 North Third Street
Hamilton, OH 45011

Click here for a Monetary Donation for Buying Food! 

GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.

Butler County United Way is holding a Building Block event in support of Hope House Mission in Middletown. It's our way of joining together with our neighbors throughout Butler County to give back in a way that will build a solid foundation for the future. Each 'Building Block Event' is tailored to one of the building blocks for a good life: Health, Financial Stability, or Education. This month's event focuses on Financial Stability/Basic Needs.

Hope House Mission is a faith-based ministry, serving homeless men, women, and children by providing comprehensive programs and services designed to promote long-term, sustainable life transformation. In preparation for the winter months, we recognize the importance of providing even basic necessities and are collecting socks to donate to Hope House for those in their care. Please join us during "SOCKtober" to help our community's less fortunate.

To make your contribution go even further, select "Butler County United Way" as your AmazonSmile organization and a percentage of your purchase will benefit this and other programs throughout our county!

 Click Here to Access the Registry! 

Click Here to Make a Monetary Donation!

GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.

Join the Friends of the Huron County Park District in a volunteer clean up event at the Land Lab Park. Make a difference in your community and parks by picking up trash, painting, trimming trails and more! All ages welcome but under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Clean up equipment and gloves will be provided. Water and light refreshments will be available

The holiday spirit is strong in Delaware and the historical Northwest Neighborhood is no exception.  Join us when we open up 10 decorated houses for a Holiday Home Tour.  We need docents to check in guest at each home.  Docents will be invited to a pre-tour on Friday event so they can see all of the homes.  To signup, go to this link:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050C4EA4A629A2FA7-58422957-copy

Touring the historical Northwest Neighborhood, tourist will walk with guides to several stops hearing about the hauntings in famous places along the route.  We are looking for tour guides (speaking parts) and tour guide helpers (non-speaking parts).  Each tour is 1.5 - 2 hours of walking.  Scripts are provided.  Practice sessions are conducted. Costumes are required (some are available to borrow).  A dinner after-party is provided.  Sign up here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050C4EA4A629A2FA7-57523447-ghost#/

Be a part of the Welcome Team at this year's Fall Family Adventure! Whether coming or going, visitors appreciate when a friendly, smiling face is there to greet them or say farewell. As a volunteer in this role, you are the first and last(ing) impression of a successful event at Five Rivers MetroParks!  

Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that events and large-scale programs run smoothly.

Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Special Event Volunteer Position Description for more information on serving as a Special Events volunteer.

Be a part of this year's Fall Family Adventure! A sweet treat makes everything better! Help make this event a little sweeter and enjoy those smiling faces as you help serve cookies, apple juice, water, and hot chocolate at this year's event. 

Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that events and large-scale programs run smoothly.

Be the helping hands behind the scenes that bring this event together! Help us ensure this year's Fall Family Adventure is a success by supporting our entertainers, staff, and other volunteers.

Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that events and large-scale programs run smoothly.

Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Special Event Volunteer Position Description for more information on serving as a Special Events volunteer.

Calling all helping hands!  Flex your muscles and assist staff behind the scenes as you help tear down this year's Fall Family Adventure.

Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that events and large-scale programs run smoothly.

Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Special Event Volunteer Position Description for more information on serving as a Special Events volunteer.

 Support the Fall Family Adventure by preparing the supplies for the event's craft stations at home with supplies and instructions provided before the event during this unscheduled volunteer opportunity. Volunteers will pick up supplies and instructions from Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark on September 22 - October 1, Prepare craft supplies at home, and return them no later than October 14th. Their efforts will ensure we have enough supplies for all the youth and families to enjoy during the event. While this may be a behind-the-scenes volunteer activity, you are helping kids and families create a take-home craft and memories together. 

Program support volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring large-scale programs run smoothly. These volunteers enable the staff to expand their ideas for activities to engage the public.

At the heart of every youth and family event is a memorable activity that creates a DIY themed memento. Have that creative spirit?  Love working with crayons, construction paper and glue? Help create the Fall magic at this year's Fall Family Adventure as a Program Support volunteer!  Have you ever wondered why arts and crafts are so important for child development? For children aged 3 – 8 experts say it is the most important way to help them grow and develop.  Volunteers will be assisting children and their families with craft activities.  These are fun activities, and they can give kids a sense of achievement and build confidence.

Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, safety, and FUN into our programs for all interested in learning! When kids use their fingers to manipulate art materials they are developing their fine motor skills, their coordination skills improve as they learn to use both hands at the same time. When kids make art or crafts they get to talk about their work which develops their communication skills.  Kids get to learn about and recognize different shapes, count and sort out their art supplies, and even measure out lengths and sizes of art materials. Volunteers who support craft opportunities also foster mental growth in children by providing opportunities for trying out new ideas, new ways of thinking, and problem-solving.

Help create the Fall magic at this year's Fall Family Adventure as a Program Support volunteer!   The game areas are where fun and laughter can be heard all through the park.  Volunteers will enjoy these activities just as much as the families.  Creativity and playfulness are good traits to have when volunteering in this area

Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, safety, and FUN into our programs for all interested in learning!  Games are more than having fun, and can be a great learning tool for kids and families.  They can help children work on skills such as concentration, strategizing, following directions, and patience.

At the heart of every youth and family event is a memorable activity! And at MetroParks, we enjoy talking, sharing, and engaging visitors with nature.  Volunteers are an essential part of MetroParks helping individuals and families make a stronger connection to nature.  Through programs and events,  we offer the chance to learn and discover things about our natural world, as well as, help address some of the fears and barriers many may have.  Help create the Fall magic at this year's Fall Family Adventure as a Program Support volunteer! 

Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, safety, and FUN into our programs for all interested in learning! Volunteers support families to engage with nature through their senses, be more comfortable with our natural surroundings, and encourage inquisitiveness about nature.

Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position for more information on Programming volunteer opportunities with us.  

At the heart of every youth and family event are unique experiences that spark wonder and interest for chilren. If you’ve ever been curious about origami, we have a fantastic opportunity for you! You can join us at this year’s Fall Family Adventure, where we’ll showcase a delightful origami owl. We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help our families make these charming owls. 

Origami is a beautiful Japanese art form that transforms a simple square sheet of paper into intricate designs solely through folding—no glue or scissors needed! While the owl is a straightforward design, it’s perfect for our autumn event.

You can come learn and practice with us as we create adorable owls for the owl tree, or just join us for the event. There is fun to be had helping show others how much fun you can have with a simple piece of paper.  Help us make this event memorable! 

Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, safety, and FUN into our programs for all interested in learning! 

Individuals who volunteer their time and talents help put excitement and perspective into the activities at the Carriage Hill Historic Farm and the visitor center. 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.  This opportunity is focused on a 19th-century interpretative demonstration  or class using recipes from a 19th-century cookbook, Camp Cookery (1878). 

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. 

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. Our Outdoor Recreation team creates the learning environment to help individuals build skills to be successful in these activities.  Catching a fish on a fly you created is so rewarding, and a skill many want to learn.  Nimble fingers are a plus with this mini task, and as with all skills first learned, extra support in the class is essential.  You do not need to be an expert to be program support for this opportunity, but it is always a plus.  This is a 4 week class, and it is encouraged that volunteers sign up to help for the series.

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

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

**If possible, volunteers are requested to help for the full series: Wednesdays, January 7th, 14th, 21st  and 28th.

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.  

Do you fish? Would you like to help those new to fishing learn about all the cool things in the tackle box? Or fly fishing gear needed? Program support volunteers for this fishing program help in a classroom situation for fly fishing basics. Our Outdoor Recreation team creates the learning environment to help individuals build skills to be successful in these activities. Extra support as we show and tell about all the tools and tackle boxes helps make the program more interactive and each learner is given more individualized attention.  You do not need to be an expert to be program support for this opportunity, but it is always a plus.

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.  They help people make 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. 

Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position for more information on Programming volunteer opportunities with us.

Join us as we share our Wildlife Ambassadors at our booth during Fall Family Adventure! Qualified Wildlife Ambassador Animal Care volunteers are needed to support staff, handle the animals, and engage with community members at the event booth.

Help us share our conservation message with the next generation at scheduled outreach opportunities in the community! 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.

Tasks

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.

Eligibility

Additional Notes

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

Join us as we present out Wildlife Ambassadors at our booth during the Animals of Ohio field trip series! Qualified Wildlife Ambassador Animal Care volunteers are needed to support staff with the presentation, handle the animals, and engage with school groups.

Impact

Help us share our conservation message with the next generation at scheduled outreach opportunities in the community! 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.

Responsibilities

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.

Eligibility: This is an opportunity for individual Long-Term volunteers who are 14 and older who have qualified as Wildlife Ambassador Animal Care volunteers. 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 Programming Volunteer Position Description for more information.  

Join us as we present out Wildlife Ambassadors at our booth during the Animals of Ohio field trip series! Qualified Wildlife Ambassador Animal Care volunteers are needed to support staff with the presentation, handle the animals, and engage with school groups.

Impact

Help us share our conservation message with the next generation at scheduled outreach opportunities in the community! 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.

Responsibilities

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.

Eligibility: This is an opportunity for individual Long-Term volunteers who are 14 and older who have qualified as Wildlife Ambassador Animal Care volunteers. 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 Programming Volunteer Position Description for more information.  

Five Rivers MetroParks will be offering "try it" opportunities at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience including Try Paddlesports! Led by expert staff, these event activities provide an opportunity to learn basic paddling skills and safety while on the water. Paddling opportunities will include paddling a kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), and possibly other paddle craft. Volunteers help make this a safer and more engaging experience, as well as, share how to enjoy the region's various water features.

Program Support volunteers are critical in ensuring we can provide high-quality, engaging programming like these to the public. These volunteers assist with various tasks including set up, tear down, registration, and program education. This particular volunteer opportunity will support the fitting of life jackets and assist participants in and out of boats at the Paddlesports area at the event. 

Five Rivers MetroParks will be offering "try it" opportunities at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience including Try Paddlesports! Led by expert staff, these event activities provide an opportunity to learn basic paddling skills and safety while on the water. Volunteers will help participants into and out of boats, provide safety support, as well as give site directions. Volunteers help make this a safer and more engaging experience.

Program Support volunteers are critical in ensuring we can provide high-quality, engaging programming like these to the public. These volunteers assist with various tasks including set up, tear down, registration, and program education. This particular volunteer opportunity will support and assist participants in and out of boats at the Paddlesports area at the event. 

Be the friendly face and smile that welcomes visitors to the return of The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience! Info Central and Waiver Support volunteers are stationed at the entrance as well as at the waiver stations at the event and help welcome visitors, provide event information, distribute programs, and assist participants with completing activity waivers.

Special Event volunteers are critical in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from set-up to tear-down.  

A new fun skill-builder offering at our Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience in our fishing lineup.  Program support volunteers give more individualized attention to new learners!  Our Outdoor Recreation team creates a learning environment to help individuals build casting skills to be successful in their fishing activities.  Catching a fish can be so exciting and rewarding, and a family activity many can enjoy.  Volunteers will help participants in the fishing area learn how to cast and practice casting skills.  Volunteers should know how to cast and have some fishing knowledge.

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.

Do artistic, creative, and cheerful describe you? Help create that Fall magic at this year's Fall Family Adventure as a Program Support volunteer! Face painting is an amazing colorful opportunity that creates memorable experiences for children and adults. Face painting adds a new level of fun and excitement to any event! It encourages creativity and imagination in children and helps engage shy children in the fun.
Volunteers will paint the faces of kids and adults,  using one of three designs. Face paint brushes and towels will be provided.

Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, safety, and FUN into our programs for all interested in learning!  Volunteers help people make a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Join us as we share our furs, bones, and other nature related items at our booth during Passport to Kindergarten! Qualified Tactile Nature Interpreter volunteers are needed to support staff, handle the items, and engage with the public at the event booth.

Impact

Help us share our conservation message with the next generation at scheduled outreach opportunities in the community! Five Rivers Tactile Nature Interpreters 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.

Responsibilities

Eligibility: This is an opportunity for individual Long-Term volunteers who are 14 and older who have qualified as Tactile Nature Interpreter volunteers. Learn more about our types of service here. 

Additional Notes

MetroParks has the only trails in the area built specifically for and open exclusively to Mountain Biking at the MetroParks Mountain Biking Area (MoMBA) within Huffman MetroPark. Come learn, grow, and give back to the trails you love with this exciting trail maintenance volunteer opportunity! Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to 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. Volunteers that 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:

Aullwood Garden MetroPark offers a collection of wildflowers, beautiful gardens, and natural areas for visitors to enjoy. Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.  

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

Hills & Dales MetroPar offers a historical urban forest that has been a natural refuge for Daytonians since 1907. Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.  

Protecting open space and natural areas is a priority for Five Rivers MetroParks, which protects nearly 16,000 acres of land — 90 percent of it in its natural state. Conservation volunteers are a part of our regional conservation story by assisting in implementing a variety of natural area management plans.

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

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

Protecting open space and natural areas is a priority for Five Rivers MetroParks, which protects nearly 16,000 acres of land — 90 percent of it in its natural state. Conservation volunteers are a part of our regional conservation story by assisting in implementing a variety of natural area management plans.

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

Cox Arboretum MetroPark is a special place for visitors to approach, enter, and connect with nature. Come look at, discover, and rest in the serenity and majesty of trees and shrubs thoughtfully arranged to capture the imagination. Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.  

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

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

Just a few miles north of RiverScape, where the Stillwater River flows into the Great Miami, is an urban oasis with a long Dayton history: Island MetroPark. Your participation in an Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to 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.

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

The city of Englewood serves as the western boundary for a large portion of Englewood MetroPark. This nature-filled park, one of the largest in the region, has been part of the Englewood community for more than 50 years. Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.

Protecting open space and natural areas is a priority for Five Rivers MetroParks, which protects nearly 16,000 acres of land — 90 percent of it in its natural state. Conservation volunteers are a part of our regional conservation story by assisting in implementing various natural area management plans. 

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

Once farmland and woodlots, more than 50 years of natural succession have created rich areas of forests, thickets, meadows, and prairies to explore at Carriage Hill. Farm life in the 1880s comes alive at the historical farm, complete with period farm animals. There are also acres of peaceful beauty to enjoy on foot or horseback. The park has been a favorite place for families to spend quality time together for generations. Come and join us for a spell. Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.  

Protecting open space and natural areas is a priority for Five Rivers MetroParks, which protects nearly 16,000 acres of land — 90 percent of it in its natural state. Conservation volunteers are a part of our regional conservation story by assisting in implementing a variety of natural area management plans.

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

More than 50 years ago, a group of citizens realized suburban development was flying at a fast clip, but the Dayton region had no process to preserve open space to protect water, provide habitat for wildlife, and support human health and recreation. They worked to create a park district that today is your Five Rivers MetroParks.  Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.  

Protecting open space and natural areas is a priority for Five Rivers MetroParks, which protects nearly 16,000 acres of land- 90 percent of it in its natural state. Conservation volunteers are a part of our regional conservation story by assisting in implementing a variety of natural area management plans. Under the supervision of the assigned staff, volunteers will support and assist with the following:

Possum Creek MetroPark offers a blend of nature, history, and community for adults and children alike. Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.  

Horticulture at Five Rivers MetroParks creates, maintains, and preserves green space and habitats for pollinators and native plants and 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 assigned staff, volunteers will support and assist with the following:

RiverScape MetroPark is a place that not only preserves glimpses of the city’s origins but one that embraces modern innovation and evolves with the needs of the vibrant and connected neighborhoods that surround it. Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.  

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

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

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PARKING PASS

Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the the Gardening Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.

Although much of Sugarcreek's 618 acres were once farmland, MetroParks' land management practices and natural processes have resulted in a variety of habitats. These habitats support diverse wildlife that can be discovered as you hike, horseback ride, run the trails, exercise you pets, or enjoy a leisurely picnic. Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature. 

Protecting open space and natural areas is a priority for Five Rivers MetroParks, which protects nearly 16,000 acres of land — 90 percent of it in its natural state. Conservation volunteers are a part of our regional conservation story by assisting in implementing a variety of natural area management plans.

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

The area that is now Taylorsville MetroPark was once one of the busiest crossroads in the country, the meeting place of major transportation arteries — the Old National Road, the Great Miami River, the Miami-Erie Canal, and railroads. Today, the area serves as the crossroads of bike trails, hiking trails, and river recreation. The park is a gateway to new outdoor experiences, such as running, biking, hiking, fishing, and paddling. Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.  

Protecting open space and natural areas is a priority for Five Rivers MetroParks, which protects nearly 16,000 acres of land — 90 percent of it in its natural state. Conservation volunteers are a part of our regional conservation story by assisting in implementing a variety of natural area management plans.

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

Enjoy the best wilderness experience in the region. Part of the Twin Valley Conservation Corridor, Twin Creek MetroPark offers mature forests within the breathtaking ravines — an ideal spot for hiking, backpacking, and camping. Get the wild natural beauty of a National Park, just 20 minutes south of Dayton. Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to 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.

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

The Upper Twin Conservation Area contains a unique, diverse mix of high-quality habitats. Located in the Twin Valley corridor upstream from Germantown and Twin Creek MetroParks, this approximately 580-acre area does not have public facilities or a public parking lot, so this is a great opportunity to explore an area of undeveloped natural beauty! As with all of our parks, however, we still have much more to do! Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.  

Protecting open space and natural areas is a priority for Five Rivers MetroParks, which protects nearly 16,000 acres of land — 90 percent of it in its natural state. Conservation volunteers are a part of our regional conservation story by assisting in implementing a variety of natural area management plans.

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

Wegerzyn Gardens MetroParks actively promotes landscaping with native plants in balance with traditional garden selections to inspire visitors. Your participation in a Make a Difference Day volunteer service project allows MetroParks to continue its mission to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.  

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

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

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. 

Eligibility

Additional Notes

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

Howl at the Moon is the Oxford Community Arts Center's annual Halloween-themed family fun night on Tuesday, October 28, from 5 - 8PM.

Outdoor games and activities for kids of all ages span the entire west gardens of the OCAC, including punkin-chunkin, a haunted maze, face-painting, crafts, skill games, free snacks, and a special Trick-or-Treat with the 3rd-floor Resident Artists.

Volunteers are needed for set-up, assisting kids and families with various games and art activities, and tear-down. Especially looking for volunteers willing to work inside the Haunted Maze.

Volunteers are encouraged to wear a costume and/or mask! 
(As a family-friendly event, volunteers must dress appropriately for the event and weather. Please wear closed-toed shoes. Snacks provided.)

Not a current OCAC Volunteer? Apply through the OCAC website today!

Join us as we head to Genoa, Ohio to discover an entertaining and educational working farm.

TRAM Shuttle Driver volunteers enable the event to be more accessible to all individuals. They provide excellent customer service to the public and are many times the first contact for visitors to the event. By providing assistance as shuttle drivers, these volunteers allow visitors to be able to enjoy the event by offering rides to and from the parking area and the event footprint. 

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

 Volunteers for this opportunity will need to be trained and qualified on our TRAMs and have the TRAM checkoff completed.

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:  International School at Residence Park 

50  3rd - 5th grade,  students (ESL) with 5-8 chaperones  

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 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.

Additional Notes

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.

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.  

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. 

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

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.