Opportunities From: Get Connected

Volunteer: 2026 Volunteer Appreciation Banquet

Congratulations on being invited to the 2026 volunteer banquet and a huge THANK YOU for all the hard work you've done for the WCPD!! Now it is time to celebrate YOU!

Theme: Volunteers in Bloom - Celebration of Flora & Trails

Please sign up for this opportunity- it counts as your RSVP for the April 23rd Dinner.

There will be a beautiful catered dinner, a chance to win raffle prizes and WCPD Staff recap. Please come and enjoy, share stories and reflect as we go into another great year with all of you!

Organization: Administration

Congratulations on being invited to the 2026 volunteer banquet and a huge THANK YOU for all the hard work you've done for the WCPD!! Now it is time to celebrate YOU!

Theme: Volunteers in Bloom - Celebration of Flora & Trails

Please sign up for this opportunity- it counts as your RSVP for the April 23rd Dinner.

There will be a beautiful catered dinner, a chance to win raffle prizes and WCPD Staff recap. Please come and enjoy, share stories and reflect as we go into another great year with all of you!

Organization: Administration

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Apr 23, 2026

Zip Code: 43402

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Fishing Program Support: Try Fly Fishing for Older Adults (Eastwood)

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

Impact

Tasks

There are several tasks for newer or less experienced volunteers to still be of great assistance, and they can learn more as they help. Assist in setting up: the registration area, gear area (equipment and supplies), and casting area.Set up means lifting totes to 15 lbs. and carrying items over potentially uneven terrain for a short distance. Volunteers may help set up a pop-up tent depending on the location. Greet and welcome participants. Assist with registration and check-in. Assist the staff lead during the program to create a better learning environment for this unique fishing skill. Help distribute program materials and supplies as needed. Assist participants in following the instructor's direction by walking around and observing. Assist participants with casting/instruction/tying on flies. Assist participants in removing and releasing the fish back into the water. Assist with clean-up and equipment tear-down after the program. Tear gear down and store it in the Fishing Trailer after the program.

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Eastwood MetroPark. Volunteers arrive an hour before the beginning of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the agenda, tasks, and other important information.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors during the early evening. Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. "Try It" programs have a walk-in welcome registration, and the number of participants won't be known until the start of the program. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear closed-toed shoes, and wear their MetroParks name badge and apparel.

Learn more about Programming opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Impact

Tasks

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45431

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Growing Gardeners - Field Trip - Charity Adams Earley Girls Academy

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: Charity Adams Earley Girls Academy

50 3rd grade students with 5 chaperones. Students will be broken into smaller groups.

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

Tasks

Welcome participants, assist with check-in, and help organize the group upon arrival. Help staff with program set-up & tear-down, including distributing program supplies. Assist with executing program objectives. Lead or assist in leading various stations within the specific field trip. Assist with guided hikes (1-to 3 miles) and participate with children in program activities. Provide excellent customer service to participants and visitors.

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

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up an eligible background check), plus School Program Volunteer training. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

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

Additional Notes

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

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

Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. Volunteers may lead a group over uneven terrain and may be walking (1-to 3-mile hikes) during this opportunity.

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

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Growing Gardeners Field Trip

School group size: Charity Adams Earley Girls Academy

50 3rd grade students with 5 chaperones. Students will be broken into smaller groups.

Tasks

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

Additional Notes

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

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45415

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Fishing Program Support: School Fieldtrip Fishing (Possum Creek)

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

Impact

Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs for all interested in learning. They enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create a better skill-building environment to test/hone basic fishing skills. Volunteer support in introductory fishing programs gives families a chance to discover a fun pastime activity, allowing them to feel more confident to get out and enjoy fishing throughout the season.

Eligibility

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

Tasks

Assist with the setup of equipment and stations .Items include: Pop-up tent, spin-cast rod rack, bait cups, gear area (equipment and additional supplies), casting area, and registration/check-in station. Other stations include: Habitat and Handling, Knots and Rigging, Casting, and Fishing on the Farm Pond.Set up means lifting totes to 15 lbs. and carrying items over potentially uneven terrain for a short distance. Greet and welcome participants. Once participants have all checked in, pack all unnecessary things into the trailer and lock up. Assist the staff lead during the program to create a better learning environment for this fun fishing skill. Assist staff in teaching the basics of fishing at one of the stations. Help distribute program materials and supplies as needed. Assist participants in following the instructor's direction by walking around and observing. Assist staff in teaching simple knots, casting, and assisting school kids in the basics of catch-and-release fishing.Assist with participants taking fish off and releasing them back to the water, getting more bait, untangling the line, and tying new hooks onto the line. Assist with clean-up and equipment tear-down after the program.

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers are scheduled an hour before the program to assist staff with set up, get oriented to the program, and review specific tasks. You will be meeting the staff lead at the farm shelter. Click here to view the map of Possum Creek.For an overview of the skills, please look at the Fishing Videos. Environment & Physical Demands: This is an outdoor activity, so be aware of seasonal items (allergies, bugs, heat, bright sun). Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Be prepared to potentially get muddy while assisting students fishing on the banks for the farm pond. Pond is susceptible to the weather, causing muddy banks. Exposure to bird feathers and sharp hooks is possible. Supporting participants may require steady hands and nimble fingers. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear closed-toed shoes, and wear their MetroParks name badge and apparel. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, refillable water bottle if needed.

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Impact

Eligibility

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

Tasks

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45417

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Fishing Program Support: Family Fishing (Possum Creek)

Impact

Eligibility

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

Tasks

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Impact

Eligibility

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

Tasks

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45417

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Passport to MetroParks: Event Teardown Team

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:

Collapsing and putting away 10x10 tents throughout the event footprint Stacking and loading tables and chairs taking down banners and other event promotional items

Eligibility

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

Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers can park at the Main Office lot, 409 E. Monument Ave, near the FRMP vehicles if space is available with a volunteer hangtag or parking pass (see map image below). Volunteers will be given a brief orientation when they arrive on-site. Meet staff near the cafe and rental office windows to receive a brief on-site orientation. Click here for a map of RiverScape MetroPark.

Click here to download and print a temporary FRMP Volunteer Parking Pass.

Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call Rachel Baney at #937-902-4613. Environment & Physical Demands: This opportunity is very physical and requires volunteers to lift items that weigh anywhere from 5 to 50 pounds. Reaching, walking and standing on pavement or concrete for long periods may be required. 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.).If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Please wear your green or blue volunteer T-shirt, if you have one. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes. Reusable volunteer vests will be provided for volunteers on-site.

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.

Organization: Special Events

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:

Collapsing and putting away 10x10 tents throughout the event footprint Stacking and loading tables and chairs taking down banners and other event promotional items

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

Click here to download and print a temporary FRMP Volunteer Parking Pass.

Organization: Special Events

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45402

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Passport to MetroParks: Floating Event Ambassador

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:

Roam the event to show a Five Rivers MetroParks presenceGreet and welcome guests to Passport to MetroParksPass out event passports and direct visitors to the booths to collect stampsAssist with questions about the event, park, and Five Rivers MetroParks Refer questions you cannot answer to a MetroParks staff member on-site

Eligibility

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

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check). Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing your qualifications or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers can park at the Main Office lot, 409 E. Monument Ave, near the FRMP vehicles if space is available or elsewhere in the lot with a volunteer hangtag or parking pass (see map image below). Proceed to volunteer check-in at RiverScape MetroPark near the rentals office and cafe. Click here for a map of RiverScape MetroPark.

Click here to download and print a temporary FRMP Volunteer Parking Pass.

Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call Rachel Baney at #937-902-4613. Environment & Physical Demands: Physical duties include walking, standing, and guiding.If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Please wear your green or blue volunteer T-shirt, if you have one. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes. Reusable volunteer vests will be provided for volunteers on-site.

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.

Organization: Ambassador

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

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

Click here to download and print a temporary FRMP Volunteer Parking Pass.

Organization: Ambassador

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45402

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Passport to MetroParks: Parker the Penguin Mascot Assistant

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

Tasks

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

Roam the event with Parker and help guide him through the event groundsGreet and welcome visitorsAssist with questions about the event, park, and Five Rivers MetroParks Refer questions you cannot answer to a MetroParks staff member on-site

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

Click here to download and print a temporary FRMP Volunteer Parking Pass.

Organization: Ambassador

Impact

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

Click here to download and print a temporary FRMP Volunteer Parking Pass.

Organization: Ambassador

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45402

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Passport to MetroParks Event: Vendor Check-In Team

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:

Stand at sawhorse barricades located on Monument Avenue and monitor the entrance to the event. Volunteers will be given a visibility vest to wear while on post. Check in vendors, bands, and food trucks, and move barricades to allow them onto the event footprint.Use the radio to communicate with event staff so that they can meet the vendors and give them further directions.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual Public, Short-Term, and Long-Term Volunteers ages 18 and up. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Additional Notes

Click here to download and print a temporary FRMP Volunteer Parking Pass.

Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call Rachel Baney at #937-902-4613. Environment & Physical Demands: Physical duties include standing, walking, and lifting around 15-20 lbs. Volunteers will need to move the sawhorse barricades quickly.If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Please wear your green or blue volunteer T-shirt, if you have one. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes. Reusable volunteer vests will be provided for volunteers on-site.

Organization: Special Events

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

Additional Notes

Click here to download and print a temporary FRMP Volunteer Parking Pass.

Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call Rachel Baney at #937-902-4613. Environment & Physical Demands: Physical duties include standing, walking, and lifting around 15-20 lbs. Volunteers will need to move the sawhorse barricades quickly.If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Please wear your green or blue volunteer T-shirt, if you have one. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes. Reusable volunteer vests will be provided for volunteers on-site.

Organization: Special Events

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45402

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Passport to MetroParks: Event Set Up Team

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:

setting up 10x10 tents throughout the event footprint and securing them with tent weightsplacing tables and chairs under each tent hanging banners on each tent

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

Click here to download and print a temporary FRMP Volunteer Parking Pass.

Organization: Special Events

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:

setting up 10x10 tents throughout the event footprint and securing them with tent weightsplacing tables and chairs under each tent hanging banners on each tent

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

Click here to download and print a temporary FRMP Volunteer Parking Pass.

Organization: Special Events

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45402

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Program Support: 2nd Street Market Activity & Info Station

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

Welcome and interact with event visitors, providing good customer service.Assist staff in the set-up and clean-up of the station area and supplies.Assist participants with the station activity - spinning a wheel to win a prize.Help answer questions about the 2nd Street Market - This is a great opportunity for Market Ambassadors!

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

Click here to download and print a temporary FRMP Volunteer Parking Pass. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call Lynda or Sally at #937-228-2088. Environment & Physical Demands: Physical duties will include some moderate lifting, bending and a lot of standing on concrete.If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel. This event takes place outdoors so please dress for the weather.

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.

Organization: Programming

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

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45402

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Fishing Program Assistant: Fly Fishing 2 - Wading and Reading the Water (Eastwood)

Fly Fishing 1 introduces participants to the fundamentals of the sport, and your involvement is key to helping them progress confidently on the water. This program focuses on teaching essential techniques for fishing in currents, so previous experience with fly fishing or water safety is an asset. Our Outdoor Recreation team, including our volunteers, is dedicated to creating an encouraging, skill-building atmosphere where participants can thrive. As a program assistant volunteer, you'll work closely with staff during interactive sessions, guiding beginners and promoting a welcoming, safe environment. You don't need to be an expert fly fisher, but hands-on fishing experience is necessary for this rewarding opportunity.

Impact

Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs for all interested in learning. They enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create a better skill-building environment to test/hone casting skills and safety in moving waters. Volunteers help people make a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Task

Greet and welcome participants Assist in registration check-in. Set up means you'll be lifting totes to 15 lbs. and carrying items over potentially uneven terrain for a short distance. Assist in setting up gear for participants to fish - rods, fly boxes, nets, and vests. Assist the staff lead during the program to create a better learning environment. Help distribute program materials and supplies as needed. Assist participants around the river, and in the river, with various activities, as well as, getting instructors' assistance when needed. Assist in helping with instructor-led exercises in safe wading. Assist the staff lead in monitoring safety. Assist with clean-up, tear-down of equipment after the program, and getting neatly stored in the Fishing Trailer.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual, long-term, and short-term volunteers, ages 18 and up. This program is a 2nd level, and volunteers will need to be experienced with wading in waters and have fishing experience.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Eastwood MetroPark. Volunteers arrive an hour before the beginning of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the agenda, tasks, and other important information. Environment & Physical Demands: This program occurs outdoors, in and around water. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. This program is 2nd level and volunteers will need to be experienced wading in waters and have fishing experience. Volunteers may be walking in current, river cobble, climbing up and down river banks, and walking distances to the river. standing for periods during instruction. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear closed-toed shoes, bring their waders, and wear their MetroParks name badge and apparel. You want to wet-wade or wear waders. Please provide your waders if possible, as this will allow more options for the participants coming to the program. IF YOU NEED A PAIR - the staff lead NEEDS TO KNOW EARLY.

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Impact

Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs for all interested in learning. They enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create a better skill-building environment to test/hone casting skills and safety in moving waters. Volunteers help people make a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Task

Eligibility

Additional Notes

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45431

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Fishing Program Support: Fly Casting (Possum Creek)

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

Impact

Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs for all interested in learning. They enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create a better skill-building environment to test/hone casting skills. Volunteers help people make a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Tasks

Assist in setting up the registration area, gear area (equipment and supplies), and casting area. Set up means you'll be lifting totes to 15 lbs. and carrying items over potentially uneven terrain for a short distance. You may also help set up a pop-up tent, depending on the location. Assist in putting together the targets. Place land targets with good spacing in the practice area. Greet and welcome participants. Assist the staff lead during the program to create a better learning environment for this unique fishing skill. Participants simply rotate from one area to the next. The volunteer would help manage time spent at each location to help with the flow of people. Help distribute program materials and supplies as needed. Assist participants in following the instructor's direction by walking around and observing. Assist with participants casting and instructions. Assist with clean-up and equipment tear-down after the program. Tear gear down and store it in the Fishing Trailer after the program.

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Possum Creek MetroPark. Volunteers arrive an hour before the beginning of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the agenda, tasks, and other important information.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors during the early evening. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. "Try It" programs have a walk-in welcome registration, and the number of participants won't be known until the start of the program. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear closed-toed shoes to hike in, and wear their MetroParks name badge and apparel.

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Impact

Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs for all interested in learning. They enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create a better skill-building environment to test/hone casting skills. Volunteers help people make a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Tasks

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45417

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Program Support: Trail Survey (Riverscape)

Through surveys and feedback from the community of trail users, we can understand the value of our trails and prioritize our efforts in the coming years. Volunteers are needed to assist our staff with the 2026 Miami Valley Trail Users Survey. Volunteers will engage with trail users in conversation and encourage them to take a few minutes to complete this year's survey. The survey will again be conducted across multiple counties, and Five Rivers MetroParks is collaborating with other agencies, such as the Miami Valley Planning Commission, for this data collection.

The 2021 Miami Valley Trail User Survey was conducted across nine counties, including Five Rivers MetroParks, and collected 1,715 responses from over 12,000 trail users. This extensive data collection took place along the regional Miami Valley Trails, with significant collaboration from major local partners and their volunteers. To view the results of the 2021 survey, visit: 2021 Trail User Survey Summary Report.

Impact

Consistency in survey data collection is crucial, as it allows for comparisons with previous surveys and helps identify trends in trail users’ perceptions, demographics, and the economic impact of the trails. The feedback from trail users is invaluable, as it provides insights into usage, satisfaction, areas for improvement, and the overall significance of the Miami Valley Trails within the region.

Tasks Assist staff with set up and tear down of the survey location (tent, materials, refreshments, etc.) Greet and say hello to trail users.Engage those on the trail and ask if they would be willing to take a short survey.Review Trail User Survey roles and instructions here.Distribute and collect surveys from trail users.Share information on MetroParks, volunteerism, and upcoming programs that may be of interest.

Eligibility

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

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check). Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Riverscape MetroPark. Volunteers should park at the Five Rivers MetroPark Main Office parking lot (409 East Monument Avenue, Dayton, OH 45402) or along E. Monument Ave. or S. Patterson Blvd. Walk through the pavillion, walk down the steps to the river, and meet the staff at the River Hub (view location map here). The entrance to Riverscape is located at 237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton, OH 45402. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead. REMEMBER to have your parking pass on your dashboard or hanging on your mirror. If you do not have your volunteer parking hangtag, you can download the program permit here: May 6 Parking Pass or May 9 Parking Pass Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number. Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors. Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 10lbs or more. Light physical duties include standing, walking, and light lifting to help set up and tear down booth materials. If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel. Reusable volunteer vests and nametags will be provided to new volunteers at the on-site volunteer check-in.

Learn more about Programming (insert linked from below) opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Impact

Eligibility

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

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45402

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Program Support: Trail Survey (Riverfront Park, Miamisburg)

Impact

Eligibility

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

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check). Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Park in the Great Miami Trailhead parking lot and meet the staff at the trailhead. View location map here. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead. CLICK the link to view more details: Riverfront Park, 3 N. Riverview Ave, Miamisburg, 45342. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number. Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors. Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 10lbs or more. Light physical duties include standing, walking, and light lifting to help set up and tear down booth materials. If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel. Reusable volunteer vests and nametags will be provided to new volunteers at the on-site volunteer check-in.

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Impact

Eligibility

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

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check). Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Park in the Great Miami Trailhead parking lot and meet the staff at the trailhead. View location map here. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead. CLICK the link to view more details: Riverfront Park, 3 N. Riverview Ave, Miamisburg, 45342. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number. Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors. Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 10lbs or more. Light physical duties include standing, walking, and light lifting to help set up and tear down booth materials. If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel. Reusable volunteer vests and nametags will be provided to new volunteers at the on-site volunteer check-in.

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45342

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Program Support: Trail Survey (Eastwood)

Impact

Eligibility

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

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check). Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Park in the Great Miami Trailhead parking lot and meet the staff at the trailhead. View location map here. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead. CLICK the link to view the map of Eastwood MetroPark. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number. Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors. Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 10lbs or more. Light physical duties include standing, walking, and light lifting to help set up and tear down booth materials. If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel. Reusable volunteer vests and nametags will be provided to new volunteers at the on-site volunteer check-in.

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Impact

Eligibility

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

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check). Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Park in the Great Miami Trailhead parking lot and meet the staff at the trailhead. View location map here. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead. CLICK the link to view the map of Eastwood MetroPark. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number. Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors. Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 10lbs or more. Light physical duties include standing, walking, and light lifting to help set up and tear down booth materials. If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel. Reusable volunteer vests and nametags will be provided to new volunteers at the on-site volunteer check-in.

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45410

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Program Support: Trail Survey (Taylorsville)

Impact

Eligibility

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

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check). Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Park in the Great Miami Trailhead parking lot and meet the staff at the trailhead. View location map here. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead. CLICK the link to view the map of Taylorsville. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number. Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors. Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 10lbs or more. Light physical duties include standing, walking, and light lifting to help set up and tear down booth materials. If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel. Reusable volunteer vests and nametags will be provided to new volunteers at the on-site volunteer check-in.

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Impact

Eligibility

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

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check). Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Park in the Great Miami Trailhead parking lot and meet the staff at the trailhead. View location map here. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead. CLICK the link to view the map of Taylorsville. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number. Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors. Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 10lbs or more. Light physical duties include standing, walking, and light lifting to help set up and tear down booth materials. If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel. Reusable volunteer vests and nametags will be provided to new volunteers at the on-site volunteer check-in.

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45377

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Fishing Program Support: Try Fly Fishing (Eastwood)

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

Impact

Tasks

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Impact

Tasks

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45431

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Fishing Program Support: Fly Fishing Gear

Are you a fishing enthusiast? Would you like to help newcomers learn about the exciting tools in a tackle box or the gear needed for fly fishing? For this beginner program, program support volunteers will assist in a classroom setting focused on fly fishing basics. Volunteers provide extra support during show-and-tell, showcasing various tools and tackle boxes. By offering program support, you will help make the experience more interactive and ensure that each participant receives personalized attention. Our Outdoor Recreation team and volunteers work together to create a learning environment that equips individuals with the skills they need to succeed in these activities. You do not need to be an expert to be a program support for this opportunity, but it is always a plus.

Impact

Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs for all interested in learning. They enable more individualized support for first-time learners 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.

Tasks

Assist with the setup of the room and stations for participants to explore. Welcome and sign in participants. Assist the staff lead during the program to create a better learning environment for this unique fishing skill. Hand out program materials. Assist participants in seeing each item and being able to interact with the items safely. Assist with room clean-up and equipment tear-down after the program.

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

Parking and Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Cox Arboretum MetroPark. Volunteers are arriving 30 minutes before the beginning of the program. The staff lead will orient volunteers to the tasks, agenda, and other important information.Environmental and Physical Demands: Exposure to sharp tools is expected. (First aid kit with band-aids on hand). Dress: Volunteers should wear their MetroParks name badge and apparel.

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Impact

Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs for all interested in learning. They enable more individualized support for first-time learners 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.

Tasks

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45449

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Cleanup at Ellis Lake Wetlands, West Chester

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 waders. 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.

Organization: Butler Soil & Water Conservation District

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.

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

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

Organization: Butler Soil & Water Conservation District

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Apr 22, 2026

Zip Code: 45069

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Beer and Wine Sales & Support

Can't decide which you love more -- enjoying the Summer Music Series at RiverScape or supporting the Five Rivers MetroParks?! Good news, you don't have to choose! Beer and Wine Sales volunteers, age 21 and over, can do both when they assist staff by pouring and serving beer and wine for event participants. Staff members take the guess work out of the equation and will be on site to check identification to approve or deny service. Volunteers may be stationed inside the RiverScape Cafe, the Rentals Office or outside under a 10' x 10' tent.

Impact

Proceeds from alcohol sales will further our mission of protecting the region's natural heritage and providing outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.

Tasks Assist staff by pouring and serving beer and wine to approved customersHelp staff with setting up the drink serving area, including moving stanchions to form the line area Periodically restock the product, which requires lifting up to 20 pounds Assist with questions about the event, park, and Five Rivers MetroParks, and refer questions you cannot answer to a MetroParks staff member on-site Volunteers will primarily be standing, but may have the opportunity to sit and rest during downtime. Please be advised that some events have much higher attendance than others resulting in a steady line of customers all evening, and in turn fewer opportunities to sit and rest.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual, long-term, or short term volunteers, ages 21 and up who have qualified in Beer Sales Training. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up.

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 21 and up an eligible background check), plus Beer Sales training. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Additional NotesCancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, James Carter, at 937-277-4359. Environment & Physical Demands: Light physical duties include standing for up to 3 hours, walking, and light lifting to help set up and tear down booth materials. Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and, if you have one, your green or blue volunteer T-shirt. Be sure to wear closed toed shoes. Reusable volunteer vests and nametags will be provided for you at volunteer check in onsite. Parking and Meeting Instructions: Volunteers can park at the Main Office lot, 409 E. Monument Ave, at the top near the FRMP vehicles with a volunteer hangtag. If you do not have your official volunteer parking pass yet, you can contact Volunteer Services at 937-275-PARK or www.volunteer.services@metroparks.org.Meet staff near the Rentals Office window when you arrive. Volunteers will be provided with a brief onsite orientation by staff.Other: Volunteers must abstain from drinking alcohol until after their volunteer shift is finished and must remove their volunteer nametag and any other volunteer apparel when consuming alcohol.

Learn more about Special Events opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

Organization: Special Events

Impact

Proceeds from alcohol sales will further our mission of protecting the region's natural heritage and providing outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.

Eligibility

Organization: Special Events

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45402

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Sages & Seekers Summer 2026

Organization: Connections Volunteer Center

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Runs Until Jul 23, 2026

Zip Code: 43065

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Green Grid: Empowering Youth through Garden Revitalization and Safety

Join the Legacies United Foundation for a high-impact weekend at the McGuffey Intergenerational Gardens (MIG)! We are looking for 40 motivated youth volunteers and 10 adult mentors to help us revitalize this vital community space. We are transforming the garden into a "Green Grid"—a hub for mentorship, environmental stewardship, and neighborhood safety.

What You’ll Do:

Raised Bed Construction: Build new "Intergenerational Raised Beds" to expand our community's growing capacity.Site Preparation & Maintenance: Help remove old, worn-out raised bed boxes and trim overgrown bushes to refresh the garden footprint.CPTED Beautification: Help install "Dialogue Benches" and clear debris to create a safer, more welcoming park environment.Spring Planting: Get your hands dirty seeding native pollinators and early-season vegetables to kick off the 2026 harvest.

What You’ll Gain:

Hands-on experience in urban agriculture and carpentry.Workshops on Environmental Justice and Community Safety.Healthy meals/snacks all weekend.A head start on applications for our paid Summer Ambassador roles!

Organization: Legacies United Foundation

What You’ll Do:

What You’ll Gain:

Organization: Legacies United Foundation

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Apr 24, 2026 through Apr 30, 2026

Zip Code: 43211

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Green Grid: Empowering Youth through Tech, Safety, and Urban Gardening

What You’ll Do:

What You’ll Gain:

Hands-on experience in urban agriculture and carpentry.Workshops on Environmental Justice and Community Safety led by experts.A "Green Grid Ambassador" branded T-shirt and healthy meals/snacks all weekend.A head start on applications for our paid Summer Ambassador roles!

Organization: Legacies United Foundation

What You’ll Do:

What You’ll Gain:

Organization: Legacies United Foundation

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Apr 24, 2026 through Apr 30, 2026

Zip Code: 43211

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Habitat Heroes - 05/16/26

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.

This is a rescheduled program from April 18, 2026.

Organization: Conservation

This is a rescheduled program from April 18, 2026.

Organization: Conservation

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On May 16, 2026

Zip Code: 43551

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Program Assistant: Textile Day at Carriage Hill

Program Assistant volunteers during Textile Day will be supporting the staff in different areas engaging the public with demonstrations of knitting, crocheting, weaving, spinning, sewing, dying, and other things related to textile and fiber arts activities. The individuals who volunteer their time and talents help put excitement and perspective into the activities at the Carriage Hill Historic Farm.

These volunteers will support the staff and historic interpreter volunteers to enhance the experience guests have a better experience at Carriage Hill Historic Farm. Period clothing is not required.

Impact

Volunteers will be demonstrating skills they have in modern times that also were popular in the 1880s, and help visitors make a stronger connection to Carriage Hill and experience life on an 1880s working farm. This opportunity will allow people to enjoy an experience at the historic farm, learn more about the Textile process, and get a personal introduction to life on the farm.

Tasks

Assist staff lead during the program to create a better learning environment for this interactive program.Engaging participants and families in the activities on the farm during this day-long program Stations for the event will be throughout the Historic House and Farm, and volunteers will be matched based on interest and experience with the topic. Stations include: knitting/sewing/crocheting machine sewing on a treadle machine natural dyeing spinning on a wheel and/or with a drop spindle weaving coverage for various stations and volunteer breaks

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual, long-term, and short term volunteers, ages 16 and up, who have completed the textile experience qualification.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers will meet at the Historic Farm. Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers arrive 15 minutes before the beginning of the program for the first shift, and there will be an overlap of 15 minutes for the 2nd shift. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda, and review specific stations, and other important information. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place indoors and outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Be mindful of seasonal conditions (sun, insects, heat) and be prepared. Dress: Period apparel is NOT required. Volunteers should dress for the weather. Please wear your volunteer name badge, and if you have one, your volunteer t-shirt. Volunteer vests will also be available at the historic house.

Learn more about Programming opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Visit the Historic Interpreter page in our Training Library to see what training is required to become part of the Historic Interpreter volunteers. Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Impact

Tasks

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual, long-term, and short term volunteers, ages 16 and up, who have completed the textile experience qualification.

Additional Notes

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45424

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Community Garden Service Day

This Global Youth Service Day, help us prepare and open our community garden for the 2026 growing season! Enjoy the outdoors and be part of a community-wide effort to increase the amount of fresh vegetables in the hands of families!

Volunteer help requested includes:

Weeding, cleaning, maintaining, & harvesting above-ground and in-ground garden bedsWeeding, cleaning, & maintaining perennial & flower bedsSpreading mulch, compost, or soil to areas that need itOrganizing, sorting, & cleaning supplies & toolsMowing, weed eating, trimming, & tidying garden grounds & sidewalkAssembling & building additional garden beds, benches, & picnic tables (as needed)Special projects TBD

Organization: Springfield Promise Neighborhood

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Apr 21, 2026 through Apr 30, 2026

Zip Code: 45505

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Program Support: Textile Day (Historic Farm)

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.

Impact

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.

Tasks

Welcome and greet visitors at the activity stations Share information about the various activities of the day Point out highlights of Carriage Hill Distribute materials as needed Help with breaks for various stations Assist with simple but essential tasks to support the various stations Stations include: dying, sewing, weaving May assist with documenting the event through photos. Encourage volunteerism, and help direct to the website for information

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

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 30 minutes before the start of the event. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda and other important information.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place indoors and outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Volunteers may be standing or walking for the majority of their shift Dress: Program Support volunteers do not need to be in period apparel, Volunteers should dress for the weather, and wear their MetroParks name badge and apparel.

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Impact

Tasks

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

Additional Notes

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45424

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Historic Blacksmith - Carriage Hill Historic Farm

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.

Impact

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.

Tasks Greet and welcome visitors and school groups. Interpret and provide historic information specific to the Blacksmith Shop on the Daniel A Arnold Historic Farm. Demonstrate simple techniques and make a simple project. Work with staff lead, historic interpreters, and program assistants to provide an engaging event for the public participants. Help train new volunteers as needed. Eligibility

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

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up an eligible background check), plus Historic Interpreter training. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Historic Interpreter Qualification: Visit the Historic Interpreter page in our Training Library to see what training is required to become part of the Historic Interpreter volunteers. Historic Blacksmith Qualification: Visit the Historic Blacksmith page in our Training Library to see what training is required to complete the training as a Historic Blacksmith volunteer. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 30 minutes before the beginning of the opportunity. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's activities, including planned demonstrations and a historical clothing check. Volunteers will have time for a review of what can be demonstrated and other important information.Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. To start the forge, volunteers will be in an environment with coal, smoke, and fire. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather. Period apparel is required. If not yet fitted, the staff lead or volunteer coordinator will contact you to schedule a fitting.

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

Organization: Skilled Trades

Impact

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

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

Organization: Skilled Trades

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45424

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Historic Woodworker - Carriage Hill Historic Farm

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.

Impact

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.

Tasks Greet and welcome participants. Interpret and provide historical information specific to the Wood Shop on the Daniel A Arnold Historic Farm. Demonstrate simple techniques of tool use. Work with staff lead, historic interpreters, and program assistants to provide an engaging event for the public participants.Help train new volunteers as needed. Eligibility

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

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up an eligible background check), plus Historic Interpreter training. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Historic Interpreter Qualification: Visit the Historic Interpreter page in our Training Library to see what training is required to become part of the Historic Interpreter volunteers. Historic Blacksmith Qualification: Visit the Historic Woodworker page in our Training Library to see what training is required to complete the training as a Historic Blacksmith volunteer. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 30 minutes before the beginning of the opportunity. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's activities, including planned demonstrations and a historical clothing check. Volunteers will have time for a review of what can be demonstrated and other important information.Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Volunteers need to be aware of safety concerns for themselves and visitors within the woodshop with a fireplace and sharp tools. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather. Period apparel is required. If not yet fitted, the staff lead or volunteer coordinator will contact you to schedule a fitting.

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

Organization: Skilled Trades

Impact

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.

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up an eligible background check), plus Historic Interpreter training. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Historic Interpreter Qualification: Visit the Historic Interpreter page in our Training Library to see what training is required to become part of the Historic Interpreter volunteers. Historic Blacksmith Qualification: Visit the Historic Woodworker page in our Training Library to see what training is required to complete the training as a Historic Blacksmith volunteer. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 30 minutes before the beginning of the opportunity. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's activities, including planned demonstrations and a historical clothing check. Volunteers will have time for a review of what can be demonstrated and other important information.Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Volunteers need to be aware of safety concerns for themselves and visitors within the woodshop with a fireplace and sharp tools. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather. Period apparel is required. If not yet fitted, the staff lead or volunteer coordinator will contact you to schedule a fitting.

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

Organization: Skilled Trades

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45424

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Historic Interpreter: Historic Farm Weekend Demonstrations

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

Impact

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.

Tasks

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

Greet and welcome visitors to the historic farm. Share information about the farm including the purpose of the buildings, daily farm tasks, special activities that may be offered, the animals on the farm, unique aspects of clothing worn, and how these things relate to modern life. Be an ambassador for Carriage Hill and share points of interest in the park and upcoming events with visitors. Assist staff with daily farm tasks in and around the historic homestead to help recreate life on the farm for visitors. Daily farm tasks may include sweeping the house, doing laundry, and dishes, starting the stove for hot water or making biscuits and cookies, harvesting from the heirloom garden as produce ripens, and general historic chores and craftEach weekend’s focus will be on various demonstrations and volunteer skill-building. Week 1: Saturday morning - hot water bath canning; Afternoon - period knitting and crocheting; Sunday - quilt piecing by hand and hand crank sewing machineWeek 2: Saturday - Cookery - preparing period lunch in the morning and tea and a sweet treat in the afternoon; Sunday - quilt piecing by hand and hand crank sewing machineWeek 3: Saturday morning - Storytime at the farm with activity; Afternoon - kids games (checkers, Jacob’s ladder, string games, old maid card game, shut the box); Sunday - quilt piecing by hand and hand crank sewing machineWeek 4: Saturday - spinning, weaving, sewing, knitting, or crocheting; Sunday - quilt piecing by hand and crank sewing machine Week 5: Saturday morning - cookery; Afternoon spinning, weaving, sewing, knitting, or crocheting; Sunday - quilt piecing by hand or hand crank sewing machine Engage visitors in the activities on the farm when and where possible and safe to do so. Assist staff lead during the program to create a better learning environment for this interactive program. Review additional materials, prepare for tour groups and visitors Link for Tour Information Guide for Men's Clothing Guide for Women's Clothing Natural Dyes of the 19th Century History of the Sewing Machine Eligibility

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

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check), plus Historic Interpreter training. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Historic Interpreter Qualification: Visit the Historic Interpreter page in our Training Library to see what training is required to become part of the Historic Interpreter volunteers. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers will meet at the Historic Farm. Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers arrive 15 minutes before the beginning of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda, review specific stations, and provide any additional information needed.Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place indoors and outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Dress: Period apparel is required. Volunteers who need to be fitted must contact the staff lead to set an appointment before the opportunity.

Learn more about Programming opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

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

Carriage Hill Farm Chores

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Impact

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.

Tasks

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

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

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

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45424

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Historic Interpreter - Textile Day

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 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. During Textile Day, volunteers will focus on tasks and activities related to textile skills, projects, and how they were used on the farm.

Impact

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.

Tasks

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

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

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers will meet at the Historic Farm. Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers arrive 15 minutes before the beginning of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda, and review specific stations, and other important information. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place indoors and outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Dress: Period apparel is required. Volunteers who need to be still fitted must contact the staff lead to set an appointment before the opportunity.

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

Organization: Programming

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 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. During Textile Day, volunteers will focus on tasks and activities related to textile skills, projects, and how they were used on the farm.

Impact

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.

Tasks

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

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

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers will meet at the Historic Farm. Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers arrive 15 minutes before the beginning of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda, and review specific stations, and other important information. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place indoors and outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Dress: Period apparel is required. Volunteers who need to be still fitted must contact the staff lead to set an appointment before the opportunity.

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

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45424

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Litter Pick-Up: Adopt-A-Park Service Kits 2026

Thank you for reserving an Adopt-A-Park Service Kit!

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

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

How to Participate Complete your litter pick-up using your service kit in a park or green space of your choice Follow the instructions included in your kit for safety and disposal guidance After your cleanup, log your volunteer hours and share your impactImportant Timing

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

Team Registration

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

As a Team Leader, you will:

Add team members (name required, email optional) and manage your team registration Log your team’s volunteer hours after completing your litter pick-up Submit hours for each date if your team participates multiple times

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

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

Planning Your Cleanup

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

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

Log Your Impact:
After your cleanup, please:

Log your volunteer hours in Get Connected. Watch this video for instructions on how to add your team's hours.Complete the short impact survey to share how much litter you collected. Your response helps track our collective efforts and make a bigger difference.
Thank You for Making a Difference!

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

Montgomery County Environmental Services

Keep Montgomery County Beautiful

QEI Engineers Inc.

Join us for these additional Public Volunteer Days:

Service Saturdays every third Saturday from May to September Make A Difference Day in October Interested in bringing your coworkers, team, or community group out for a volunteer workday or a series of volunteer workdays throughout the season or year? Learn more about group volunteer opportunities here.   

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

Organization: Special Events

Thank you for reserving an Adopt-A-Park Service Kit!

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

Team Registration

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

As a Team Leader, you will:

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

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

Planning Your Cleanup

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

Log Your Impact:
After your cleanup, please:

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

Montgomery County Environmental Services

Keep Montgomery County Beautiful

QEI Engineers Inc.

Join us for these additional Public Volunteer Days:

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

Organization: Special Events

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Runs Until Apr 25, 2026

Zip Code: 45402

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: M.A.S.H. Pantry Greeter - August 2026

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

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

Organization: M.A.S.H. Pantry

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 43015

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: M.A.S.H. Pantry Greeter - July 2026

Organization: M.A.S.H. Pantry

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 43015

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: M.A.S.H. Pantry Greeter - June 2026

Organization: M.A.S.H. Pantry

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 43015

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: M.A.S.H. Pantry Greeter - May 2026

Organization: M.A.S.H. Pantry

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 43015

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: M.A.S.H. Pantry Stocking, Bagging & Distribution August

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

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

Organization: M.A.S.H. Pantry

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

Organization: M.A.S.H. Pantry

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 43015

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: M.A.S.H. Pantry Stocking, Bagging & Distribution July

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

Organization: M.A.S.H. Pantry

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

Organization: M.A.S.H. Pantry

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 43015

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: M.A.S.H. Pantry Stocking, Bagging & Distribution June

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

Organization: M.A.S.H. Pantry

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

Organization: M.A.S.H. Pantry

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 43015

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: M.A.S.H. Pantry Stocking, Bagging & Distribution May

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

Organization: M.A.S.H. Pantry

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

Organization: M.A.S.H. Pantry

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 43015

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Passport to Kindergarten: Program Support - Garden Guides

Passport to Kindergarten End of Year Celebration recognizes the children and families who have participated in this kindergarten readiness program for the past year! The focus of the End of Year Celebration is on nature exploration in the park. Volunteers will assist as Garden Guides and support participants in finding activities and having fun in the garden.

Impact:

Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs for all interested in learning. Feedback is an important component to continue creating exceptional programs. Volunteers enable more individualized connections and aid in getting more participants sharing their MetroParks experience. Responses and feedback help guide future programming experiences.

Tasks

Greet and welcome participants. Encourage participation in the Discovery Garden areas and highlights in the garden.Help direct participants to activities and stations at program. Thank participants for attending, and encourage feedback when they receive the program survey by email..

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 16 and up who have qualified as School Program Volunteer.

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check), plus School Program Volunteer training. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Skeeter's Garden. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive an hour before the school arrives for a brief orientation, review of stations, and to gather supplies needed. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. 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.

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Passport to Kindergarten End of Year Celebration recognizes the children and families who have participated in this kindergarten readiness program for the past year! The focus of the End of Year Celebration is on nature exploration in the park. Volunteers will assist as Garden Guides and support participants in finding activities and having fun in the garden.

Impact:

Tasks

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 16 and up who have qualified as School Program Volunteer.

Additional Notes

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45415

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Passport to Kindergarten: Program Support - Activity Areas

Passport to Kindergarten End of Year Celebration recognizes the children and families who have participated in this kindergarten readiness program for the past year! The focus of the End of Year Celebration is on nature exploration in the park and trees. The entire event will be focused on hands-on nature exploration, and families will be encouraged to visit all our stations, meet our animal ambassadors, and enjoy the evening in their park. The activity area wil be a tree cookie station and a station to help participants start their birding challenge. Volunteers will engage preschoolers and their families to learn how to listen and observe the unique things in nature.

Impact:

Passport to Kindergarten is a year-long initiative that promotes literacy and language skills by providing monthly professional development to Preschool teachers, while also offering free enriching learning opportunities to children and families. 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 environment for skill-building. Volunteers help people make a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Tasks - Gardening

Greet and welcome participants Assist the staff lead during the program to create a better learning environment for this interactive program Volunteers will guide preschoolers and their caregivers through a activities with either the tree cookie station or the birding challenge. Assist families to stop and observe, listen and discover what they can learn in nature.

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 16 and up who have qualified as School Program Volunteer.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Skeeter's Garden. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive an hour before the school arrives for a brief orientation, review of stations, and to gather supplies needed. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. Volunteers may lead a group over uneven terrain and may be walking (1-to-3-mile hikes) during this opportunity. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite teaching aids, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Passport to Kindergarten End of Year Celebration recognizes the children and families who have participated in this kindergarten readiness program for the past year! The focus of the End of Year Celebration is on nature exploration in the park and trees. The entire event will be focused on hands-on nature exploration, and families will be encouraged to visit all our stations, meet our animal ambassadors, and enjoy the evening in their park. The activity area wil be a tree cookie station and a station to help participants start their birding challenge. Volunteers will engage preschoolers and their families to learn how to listen and observe the unique things in nature.

Impact:

Tasks - Gardening

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 16 and up who have qualified as School Program Volunteer.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Skeeter's Garden. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive an hour before the school arrives for a brief orientation, review of stations, and to gather supplies needed. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. Volunteers may lead a group over uneven terrain and may be walking (1-to-3-mile hikes) during this opportunity. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite teaching aids, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45415

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Passport to Kindergarten: Program Support -Growing Up Wild Snacks

Impact:

Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs for all interested in learning. Feedback is an important component to continue creating exceptional programs. Volunteers enable more individualized connections and aid in getting more participants to share their MetroParks experience. Learning about healthy snack options is part of the garden experience.

Tasks

Greet and welcome participants. Assist staff in setting up the Growing Wild Snack station and keeping it stocked during program. Assist participants in finding healthy choices in the various snack options.Assist participants with hand cleaning and support staff in keeping stations stocked.Thank participants for attending, and encourage feedback when they receive the program survey by email.Assist staff with any tear-down needed.

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

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Skeeter's Garden. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the school arrives for a brief orientation, review of stations and to gather supplies needed. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. 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.

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Impact:

Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs for all interested in learning. Feedback is an important component to continue creating exceptional programs. Volunteers enable more individualized connections and aid in getting more participants to share their MetroParks experience. Learning about healthy snack options is part of the garden experience.

Tasks

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

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Skeeter's Garden. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the school arrives for a brief orientation, review of stations and to gather supplies needed. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. 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.

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45415

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: School Program Volunteers: Growing Gardeners with Discovering Soils

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 Plus

School group size:

32 K - 5 grade students with 4 chaperones

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

Tasks Welcome participants, assist with check-in, and help organize the group upon arrival. Help staff with program setup and teardown, including distributing program supplies. Assist with executing program objectives. Lead or assist in leading various stations within the specific field trip. Assist with guided hikes (1-to-3 miles) and participate with children in program activities. Provide excellent customer service to participants and visitors.

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

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

Additional Notes

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

Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. Volunteers may lead a group over uneven terrain and may be walking (1-to 3-mile hikes) during this opportunity.

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.

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Discovering Soils Field Trip Plus

School group size:

32 K - 5 grade students with 4 chaperones

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

Additional Notes

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45415

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: School Program Volunteers: Discovering Soils - La Petite Academy

Discovering Soils Field Trip

School group size: La Petite Academy

36 K - 5 grade students with 4 chaperones

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

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

Additional Notes

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Discovering Soils Field Trip

School group size: La Petite Academy

36 K - 5 grade students with 4 chaperones

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

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

Additional Notes

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45415

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: School Program Volunteers: Discovering Soils - Gloria Dei Montessori

Discovering Soils Field Trip

School group size: Gloria Dei Montessori

30 K - 5 grade students with 3 chaperones

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

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

Additional Notes

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Discovering Soils Field Trip

School group size: Gloria Dei Montessori

30 K - 5 grade students with 3 chaperones

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

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

Additional Notes

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45415

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: School Program Volunteers: Discovering Soils - Kindercare East Social Row

Discovering Soils Field Trip

School group size: Kindercare East Social Row

35 K - 5 grade students with 4 chaperones

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

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

Additional Notes

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Discovering Soils Field Trip

School group size: Kindercare East Social Row

35 K - 5 grade students with 4 chaperones

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

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

Additional Notes

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45415

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Growing Gardeners - Field Trip - DPS Ready, Set, Grow Kindergarten Readiness

Growing Gardeners Field Trip

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

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

Tasks

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

Additional Notes

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

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Growing Gardeners Field Trip

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

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

Tasks

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

Additional Notes

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

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45415

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Growing Gardeners - Field Trip - Middletown Christian Early Learning Center

Growing Gardeners Field Trip

School group size: Middletown Christian Early Learning Center

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

Tasks

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

Additional Notes

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

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Growing Gardeners Field Trip

School group size: Middletown Christian Early Learning Center

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

Tasks

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

Additional Notes

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

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45415

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Growing Gardeners - Field Trip - Dayton Christian Mini Camp

Growing Gardeners Field Trip

School group size: Dayton Christian Mini Camp

40 Pre-K students with 10 chaperones (teachers and parents). Students will be broken into smaller groups.

Tasks

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

Additional Notes

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

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Growing Gardeners Field Trip

School group size: Dayton Christian Mini Camp

40 Pre-K students with 10 chaperones (teachers and parents). Students will be broken into smaller groups.

Tasks

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

Additional Notes

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

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45415

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Distribute books to Little Free Libraries near you

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

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

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

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

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

Responsibilities:

Collect books that are in good shape and relevant for your community.Go to Little Free Libraries near you and leave books inside. Use the Little Free Library app to check-in and tell us how many books you shared.Submit an Impact form in our volunteer hub when you're done.

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

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

Qualifications:

Love Little Free Libraries and supporting book access!Willing to collect or donate booksHave access to transportation to take books to the Little Free LibraryFamiliarity with the Little Free Library app (or willing to learn)Live in the US

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

Organization: Little Free Library

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

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

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

Responsibilities:

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

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

Qualifications:

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

Organization: Little Free Library

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 44106

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Garden Cleanup: Bradner Preserve 5/28/26

We need volunteers to help us in our gardens! Join us for a Garden Cleanup series starting end of April into May!

Conduct weeding and cutting old dead plants back from last season.

Volunteers just need to bring themselves, weather appropriate clothes they don't mind getting dirty and water! Gardening tools provided.

Organization: Conservation

We need volunteers to help us in our gardens! Join us for a Garden Cleanup series starting end of April into May!

Conduct weeding and cutting old dead plants back from last season.

Volunteers just need to bring themselves, weather appropriate clothes they don't mind getting dirty and water! Gardening tools provided.

Organization: Conservation

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On May 28, 2026

Zip Code: 43406

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Garden Cleanup: Swallowtail Garden at JCR 5/21/26

We need volunteers to help us in our gardens! Join us for a Garden Cleanup series starting end of April into May!

Conduct weeding and cutting old dead plants back from last season.

Volunteers just need to bring themselves, weather appropriate clothes they don't mind getting dirty and water! Gardening tools provided.

Organization: Conservation

We need volunteers to help us in our gardens! Join us for a Garden Cleanup series starting end of April into May!

Conduct weeding and cutting old dead plants back from last season.

Volunteers just need to bring themselves, weather appropriate clothes they don't mind getting dirty and water! Gardening tools provided.

Organization: Conservation

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On May 21, 2026

Zip Code: 43551

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Garden Cleanup: WW Knight 5/14/26

We need volunteers to help us in our gardens!

Join us for a Garden Cleanup series starting end of April into May! Conduct weeding and cutting old dead plants back from last season.

Volunteers just need to bring themselves, weather appropriate clothes they don't mind getting dirty and water! Gardening tools provided.

Organization: Conservation

We need volunteers to help us in our gardens!

Join us for a Garden Cleanup series starting end of April into May! Conduct weeding and cutting old dead plants back from last season.

Volunteers just need to bring themselves, weather appropriate clothes they don't mind getting dirty and water! Gardening tools provided.

Organization: Conservation

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On May 14, 2026

Zip Code: 43551

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Garden Cleanup: Otsego Park 5/7/26

We need volunteers to help us in our gardens! Join us for a Garden Cleanup series starting end of April into May!

Conduct weeding and cutting old dead plants back from last season.

Volunteers just need to bring themselves, weather appropriate clothes they don't mind getting dirty and water! Gardening tools provided.

Organization: Conservation

We need volunteers to help us in our gardens! Join us for a Garden Cleanup series starting end of April into May!

Conduct weeding and cutting old dead plants back from last season.

Volunteers just need to bring themselves, weather appropriate clothes they don't mind getting dirty and water! Gardening tools provided.

Organization: Conservation

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On May 7, 2026

Zip Code: 43402

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Garden Cleanup: Cedar Creeks 4/30/26

We need volunteers to help us in our gardens! Join us for a Garden Cleanup series starting end of April into May!

Conduct weeding and cutting old dead plants back from last season.

Volunteers just need to bring themselves, weather appropriate clothes they don't mind getting dirty and water! Gardening tools provided.

Organization: Conservation

We need volunteers to help us in our gardens! Join us for a Garden Cleanup series starting end of April into May!

Conduct weeding and cutting old dead plants back from last season.

Volunteers just need to bring themselves, weather appropriate clothes they don't mind getting dirty and water! Gardening tools provided.

Organization: Conservation

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Apr 30, 2026

Zip Code: 43619

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Artistic Archery 4/25/26

Participants build archery skills in this registered program, eventually shooting at paint-filled balloons to create a splatter painting!

Volunteers may assist with registering participants, managing archery materials, safety monitoring, filling balloons with non-toxic paint, and providing a friendly and happy experience for participants.

Training provided before the program. Contact Craig Spicer with questions 419-661-1697x3 cspicer@wcparks.org.

Organization: Recreation

Participants build archery skills in this registered program, eventually shooting at paint-filled balloons to create a splatter painting!

Training provided before the program. Contact Craig Spicer with questions 419-661-1697x3 cspicer@wcparks.org.

Organization: Recreation

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 43402

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Shadow Experience: Growing Gardeners - Field Trip - International School (3rd grade)

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. 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.

Growing Gardeners Field Trip

School group size: International School

41 - 3rd grade w/ 4 chaperones (program 10-11:30 AM) Will be broken into smaller groups of students.

Tasks Welcome participants, assist with check-in, and help organize the group upon arrival. Help staff with program set-up & tear-down, including distributing program supplies. Assist with executing program objectives. Lead or assist in leading various stations within the specific field trip. Assist with guided hikes (1-to-3 miles) and participate with children in program activities. Provide excellent customer service to participants and visitors.

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

Additional Notes

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

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

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

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. 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.

Growing Gardeners Field Trip

School group size: International School

41 - 3rd grade w/ 4 chaperones (program 10-11:30 AM) Will be broken into smaller groups of students.

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

Additional Notes

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45415

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Shadow Experience: Growing Gardeners - Field Trip - International School (2nd grade)

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. 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.

Growing Gardeners Field Trip

School group size: International School

31 2nd-grade students w/ 4 chaperones (program 10-11:30 AM). Will be broken into smaller groups of students.

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

Additional Notes

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.

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

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. 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.

Growing Gardeners Field Trip

School group size: International School

31 2nd-grade students w/ 4 chaperones (program 10-11:30 AM). Will be broken into smaller groups of students.

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

Additional Notes

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45415

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Bike MS: Escape to the Lake 2026 – Butler County Volunteers Needed (June 13)

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

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

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

There are a wide variety of roles available, including:

Event set-up and start/finish line support Registration and packet pick-up Food & beverage and hospitality Route support (SAG drivers, rest stops, motorcycle marshals) First aid/medical and safety roles Bike support (mechanics, parking, loading/unloading) Volunteer check-in and greeters Luggage crew and shuttle support And more!

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

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

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

Organization: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society

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

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

There are a wide variety of roles available, including:

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

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

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

Organization: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Jun 13, 2026

Zip Code: 16051

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Skeeter's Seasonal Garden Prep Day

Would you like to be a part of building a space that connects families and youth to the enjoyment and benefits of what a garden has to offer? We are kicking off the season by getting our raised beds ready by cleaning up some of the debris and old soil, and refreshing them with new soil and compost. Join the knowledgeable education team in Skeeters' Garden, and learn what it takes to create raised beds that are pretty and productive.

Impact

Horticulture at Five Rivers MetroParks creates, maintains, and preserves green space and habitats for pollinators and native plants, as well as educates visitors on sustainable gardening practices and local food production. Volunteers help the staff create educational spaces for families to learn and grow strong plants at home. Thanks to volunteer support, these spaces are making it easy for families to see an example of what can be done at home.

Tasks

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

Assist the staff lead with seasonal tasks, including clearing out raised beds and containers of plant debris and old soil.Cut back perennials and remove any additional garden debris.Prepare the beds and containers with clean soil, and topdressing of compost Volunteers may utilize a variety of hand tools, including soil knives, spades, pruners, loppers, shovels, and rakes.Skeeter's garden is a popular family location, so volunteers should provide excellent customer service by assisting park visitors with questions and wayfinding.

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

Additional Notes:

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should arrive early to allow for parking and arriving on time. The Staff lead will orient volunteers to the gardens, the tasks, and other details to support this garden prep.Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors. Volunteers will participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear their MetroParks name badge and apparel.

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.

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

Program Support

Organization: Gardening

Impact

Tasks

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

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

Additional Notes:

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

Program Support

Organization: Gardening

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45414

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: CHRC Equestrian Arena Assistant

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

Retrieve horses from stalls or paddocks and lead to cross ties. Assist with grooming and tacking Help with checking tack, getting riders mounted, and adjusting stirrups Assist with aiding and maintaining safe spacing between the horses during the lesson Keep an eye on safety issues throughout the lesson.

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

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 14 and up an eligible background check), plus Barn Aide and Equestrian Arena Assistant Volunteer training. Simply click the blue RESPOND completing the required qualifications or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Meet the staff near the barn office. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last-minute or are running late, please call the Riding Center office cell phone number at #937-689-6939.Environment & Physical Demands: Volunteers should expect to work in outside weather conditions, year-round in a typical ban environment with exposure to cat and horse dander, dust, hay, and other environmental allergens.If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity.Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel if you have it to make you easy to identify as a volunteer.

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.

Organization: Programming

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

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45424

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Skeeter's Garden Caretakers

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

Impact

Tasks

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

Gathering supplies needed for a general garden clean-up. Volunteers will assist with simple tasks, working with the staff lead, to weed unwanted plants, plant additional plants, groom plants for best display, and harvest any ready items.Welcome and greet visitors, and provide wayfinding if needed.Engaging visitors in moments of discovery in the garden.Share gardening best practices and how-tos with visitors to Skeeter's garden.Getting materials to the compost area.Preparing materials for upcoming programs in the garden.

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should arrive early to allow for parking, check-in, and meeting with the staff lead. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda and other important information.Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Volunteers may be standing or walking for the majority of their shift. Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.), and seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.) Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear their MetroParks name badge and apparel.

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Impact

Tasks

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

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45414

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Program Support: Growing Peppers, Beans and Squash (Wegerzyn)

Teaching adults about garden plants can be an exciting journey when approached with hands-on, self-paced, and practical methods. Imagine digging into the soil, planting seeds, and watching them grow together while sharing stories and tips. This interactive approach allows learners to connect with nature, develop their gardening skills, and gain confidence in their abilities, all while having fun along the way. Participants have varying levels of knowledge and experience, and volunteers help create a more personalized learning experience for everyone. Help us cultivate not just plants, but a vibrant community of passionate gardeners! This session starts in Skeeter's Garden with a discussion of the peppers, beans, and squash, the different types, and how they are best grown. Volunteers will assist with planting demonstrations and using the different supports needed for the different varieties.
If you love plants and gardening and want to inspire others with this passion, we invite you to join us! Program Support volunteers do not need to be experts in the activities, but for this opportunity, should have some gardening knowledge, be enthusiastic about finding discoveries in the garden, and be able to hike the garden areas.

Impact

Engaging volunteers within our gardening programs not only enriches the learning experience but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration. Volunteers are the heart of our community, playing a vital role in engaging in gardening activities that transform our gardens into a lively classroom.

Tasks Assist with the setup and teardown of the program.Welcome and greet participants to the program. Distribute materials as needed Assist the staff lead with the planting demonstration. Assist with simple but essential tasks to support the staff lead and participants in the plant hike. Engage the participants in observing the plants of interest or in bloom.Share information of interest, and encourage volunteerism. May assist with documenting the event through photos. Eligibility

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

Learn more about the Programming opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

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

Garden Guide Virtual Training

Organization: Programming

Impact

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

Garden Guide Virtual Training

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45414

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Historic Interpreter - Historic Farm Weekday Demonstrations and Fieldtrip Support

Impact

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.

Tasks

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

Greet and welcome visitors to the historic farm. Share information about the farm, including the purpose of the buildings, daily farm tasks, special activities that may be offered, the animals on the farm, unique aspects of clothing worn, and how these things relate to modern life. Be an ambassador for Carriage Hill and share points of interest in the park and upcoming events with visitors. Assist staff with daily farm tasks in and around the historic homestead to help recreate life on the farm for visitors. Daily farm tasks may include sweeping the house, doing laundry, and dishes, starting the stove for hot water or making biscuits and cookies, harvesting from the heirloom garden as produce ripens, and general historic chores and crafts.On Tuesdays, volunteers will support a cooking demonstration, such as making biscuits, making butter, or preparing a period dish. On Thursdays, volunteers can support a craft demonstration such as sewing, knitting, rope making or broom making. When the weather allows, the heirloom garden may need tending and harvesting.A few School groups are coming on a different day. Please Note these additions:Wednesday, April 29 - 10 am - 12 pmWednesday, July 22 - 10 am - 12 pm Assist in hosting tours that come through during the week. Engage visitors in the activities on the farm when and where possible and safe to do so. Assist the staff lead during the program to create a better learning environment for this interactive program. Review additional materials, prepare for tour groups and visitors Link for Tour Information Guide for Men's Clothing Guide for Women's Clothing Natural Dyes of the 19th Century History of the Sewing Machine Eligibility

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

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up an eligible background check), plus Historic Interpreter training. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Historic Interpreter Qualification: Visit the Historic Interpreter page in our Training Library to see what training is required to become part of the Historic Interpreter volunteers. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers will meet at the Historic Farm. Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers arrive 15 minutes before the beginning of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda, review specific stations, and provide any additional information needed.Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place indoors and outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Dress: Period apparel is required. Volunteers who need to be fitted must contact the staff lead to set an appointment before the opportunity.

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

Organization: Programming

Impact

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.

Tasks

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

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

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up an eligible background check), plus Historic Interpreter training. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Historic Interpreter Qualification: Visit the Historic Interpreter page in our Training Library to see what training is required to become part of the Historic Interpreter volunteers. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers will meet at the Historic Farm. Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers arrive 15 minutes before the beginning of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda, review specific stations, and provide any additional information needed.Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place indoors and outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Dress: Period apparel is required. Volunteers who need to be fitted must contact the staff lead to set an appointment before the opportunity.

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

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45424

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Arena Fair @ Whimsy - Aug 22

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

Organization: Boardman Arts Park Inc

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Aug 22, 2026

Zip Code: 43015

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Symphony @ Whimsy - Aug 8

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

Organization: Boardman Arts Park Inc

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Aug 8, 2026

Zip Code: 43015

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Volunteer at TOPSS with Hillel

Join Hillel at Talawanda Oxford Pantry and Social Services to help those in need in Oxford.

Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACA729A4F8C70-63308381-topss

Organization: Miami University-Oxford

Join Hillel at Talawanda Oxford Pantry and Social Services to help those in need in Oxford.

Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACA729A4F8C70-63308381-topss

Organization: Miami University-Oxford

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Apr 11, 2026 through Apr 30, 2026

Zip Code: 45056

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Program Support: Spring Wildflowers Discovery Hike UDOLLI (Sugarcreek)

Teaching adults about garden plants is most effective when using hands-on, self-paced, and practical methods. Volunteers support the staff by enhancing these programs and discovery hikes, providing extra attention to participants' curiosity and individual learning speeds. Participants have varying levels of knowledge and experience, and volunteers help create a more personalized learning experience for everyone. Volunteers are the heart of our community, playing a vital role in engaging in gardening activities that transform our gardens into a lively classroom. These are walk-and-talk programs with the University of Dayton's Lifelong Learning participants. Topics will include native wildflowers and early blooming flowers, trees, and shrubs, highlighted examples in the hike.
If you love plants and gardening and want to inspire others with this passion, we invite you to join us! Program Support volunteers do not need to be experts in the activities, but for this opportunity, should have some gardening knowledge, be enthusiastic about finding discoveries in the garden, and be able to hike the garden areas.

Impact

Engaging volunteers within our gardening programs not only enriches the learning experience but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration.

Tasks Assist staff with any preparation needed to welcome the group.Welcome and greet participants to the program. Distribute materials as needed Assist with simple but essential tasks to support the staff lead and participants in the plant hike. Engage the participants in observing the plants of interest or in bloom.Share information of interest, and encourage volunteerism. May assist with documenting the event through photos. Eligibility

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

Garden Guide Virtual Training

Organization: Programming

Impact

Engaging volunteers within our gardening programs not only enriches the learning experience but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration.

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

Garden Guide Virtual Training

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45305

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Program Support: Spring Wildflowers Discovery Hike UDOLLI (Cox)

Impact

Engaging volunteers within our gardening programs not only enriches the learning experience but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration.

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

Garden Guide Virtual Training

Organization: Programming

Impact

Engaging volunteers within our gardening programs not only enriches the learning experience but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration.

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

Garden Guide Virtual Training

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45449

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Adventure Central Program Assistant 2026

Love kids? Spend your time hanging out with the most adventurous youth in Dayton! The after-school program at Adventure Central promotes positive youth development, education, and leadership skills using an environmental foundation in a welcoming, safe, fun, and active setting. These kids are just bursting with energy and excitement! Depending on where the greatest need is for the day, the Program Assistant may spend time helping in the homework room, assisting in the kitchen during mealtimes, or outdoors monitoring play time and getting roped into all sorts of shenanigans from playing in the creek to jumping rope, to gaga ball! Volunteers may also assist in the girl's or boy's group discussions and activities.

Impact

Volunteers will build trusting and positive relationships that strengthen values, build lasting life skills, and encourage an eagerness to explore life’s possibilities.

Tasks Interact with the kids - play, joke, chat! Monitor play for safety and harmony Assist staff in set-up and clean-up of program materials and equipment Assist in food prep, serving meals, cleaning up and organizing the kitchen after mealtime Support staff or lead designated activities during the programAssist staff with discussions during boy's group or girl's group

Eligibility

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

This opportunity is for ages 14 and older. Volunteers ages 14-17 must first be approved by a Volunteer Coordinator to Respond to this opportunity. Contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to request approval.Volunteers will have completed the virtual training located on the Adventure Central Training Resources page in our Training Library.
Additional Notes: Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wesleyan MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff inside Adventure Central, located at 2222 N James H McGee Blvd Dayton, OH 45417. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead, Ms. Lois, at 937-278-2601. Environmental & Physical Demands: This project takes place indoors and outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, ticks, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, reaching, walking, and may be lifting objects of 10lbs or more, etc. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their volunteer t-shirt and name badge, and bring a water bottle.

Visit the Adventure Central Training Resources page in our Training Library to see what training is required for this opportunity.

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

Organization: Programming

Impact

Volunteers will build trusting and positive relationships that strengthen values, build lasting life skills, and encourage an eagerness to explore life’s possibilities.

Eligibility

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

Visit the Adventure Central Training Resources page in our Training Library to see what training is required for this opportunity.

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

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45417

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Adventure Central Kitchen Support 2026

Do you enjoy being around kids? Know your way around a kitchen? Support our kitchen staff in preparing, serving, and cleaning up simple meals for the after-school program kids at Adventure Central.

Impact

Volunteers will provide nourishing meals and build positive relationships that strengthen values, build lasting life skills and encourage an eagerness to explore life’s possibilities.

Tasks Assist in food prep and plating meals. Assist in serving meals and providing friendly customer service to the Adventure Central program participants and staff. Assist in cleaning up and organizing the kitchen after mealtime.

Eligibility

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

Volunteers will have completed the virtual training located on the Adventure Central Training Resources page in our Training Library.
Additional Notes: Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wesleyan MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff inside Adventure Central, located at 2222 N James H McGee Blvd Dayton, OH 45417. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead, Lois Woods, at 937-278-2601. Environmental & Physical Demands: This project takes place indoors. Volunteers will need to work safely around hot ovens, sharp knives, and active children. Volunteers may participate in bending, kneeling, reaching, walking, and lifting objects of 10lbs or more, etc. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their volunteer t-shirt and name badge, and bring a water bottle.Kitchen Support volunteers are welcome to eat a free meal during their volunteer shift, and sometimes take home leftovers!

Visit the Adventure Central Training Resources page in our Training Library to see what training is required for this opportunity.

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

Organization: Programming

Impact

Volunteers will provide nourishing meals and build positive relationships that strengthen values, build lasting life skills and encourage an eagerness to explore life’s possibilities.

Eligibility

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

Visit the Adventure Central Training Resources page in our Training Library to see what training is required for this opportunity.

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45417

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Shadow Experience: Historic Blacksmith - Historic Farm

The interpretative purpose of the farm is to use the Arnold Family, who once lived at Carriage Hill Farm, as a guide to how a real conservative farm family is in real-time at a real place. 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.

Impact

Tasks

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

Greet and welcome visitors and school groups.Interpret and provide historic information specific to the Blacksmith Shop on the Daniel A Arnold Historic Farm.Demonstrate simple techniques and make a simple project.Work with staff lead, historic interpreters, and program assistants to provide an engaging event for the public participants. Help train new volunteers as needed Eligibility

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.

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up an eligible background check), plus Historic Interpreter check-off and completion of the Historic Blacksmith virtual training. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Historic Interpreter Qualification: Visit the Historic Interpreter page in our Training Library to see what training is required to become part of the Historic Interpreter volunteers. Historic Blacksmith Qualification: Visit the Historic Blacksmith page in our Training Library to see what training is required to complete the training as a Historic Blacksmith volunteer. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 30 minutes before the beginning of the opportunity. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's activities, including planned demonstrations and a historical clothing check. Volunteers will have time for a review of what can be demonstrated and other important information.Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. To start the forge, volunteers will be in an environment with coal, smoke, and fire. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather. Period apparel is not required for a shadow experience. If not yet fitted, the staff lead or volunteer coordinator will contact you to schedule a fitting.

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

Organization: Skilled Trades

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.

Impact

Tasks

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.

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

Organization: Skilled Trades

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45424

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Program Support: Garden Time for Kids

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

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

Impact

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

Tasks Assist with the setup and teardown of the program.Welcome and greet participants to the garden. Distribute materials as needed Assist with simple but essential tasks to support the various activities. Engage the kids in the gardening activity. May assist with documenting the event through photos. Eligibility

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

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check). Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive an hour before the start of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda and other important information.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Volunteers may be standing or walking for the majority of their shift. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, and wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt.

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

Adventure Central Program Assistant 2026

Organization: Programming

Impact

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

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

Adventure Central Program Assistant 2026

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45414

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Program Support: Textile and Fiber Arts Volunteer 2026 (Carriage Hill)

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.

Impact

Tasks Volunteers in the textile area will help with simple, but essential, tasks such as: Winding yarn from a skein into a ball Sorting buttons Winding modern thread onto wooden spools Cutting simple materials Assist in warping the looms for use Assisting staff with prep needed for an upcoming program If visitors come to the textile area, greet them and welcome them to Carriage Hill Share with visitors what is happening in the textile room when able Share information about the farm, the historical information on textile skills of the 1800s, and point out highlights of Carriage Hill Eligibility

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

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up an eligible background check). Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Please park and walk to the visitor center. Knock on the door, and the staff will greet you! Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers should arrive 15 minutes before the beginning of the opportunity. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda and other important information.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place indoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. There will be sharp objects, sewing machines, and other items that require you to be careful and work safely in a small space. Dress: Program Support volunteers do not need to wear period apparel. Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt.

Organization: Programming

Impact

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

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45424

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Teachers' Night Out: Ancient Seas of Ohio: Exploring Geology & Paleontology in Our Backyard (TVWC)

The program will take participants 450 million years into the past to explore the ancient marine world of Ohio and the evidence it left behind. Volunteers will support this hands-on professional development workshop specifically designed for educators. Molly E. Hunt, an educator with Ohio Rocks! and a geologist with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological Survey, will lead an engaging evening filled with interactive presentations, fossil identification activities, and curriculum-ready demonstrations. Volunteers will assist the speaker, help with the setup and teardown of the venue, and assist our staff with the refreshment setup. 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.

Impact

Volunteers help us achieve much more by assisting with simple activities, enabling demonstrators to take breaks, and engaging with participants about the activities while ensuring tasks are completed.

Tasks

Assist with the setup and teardown of the program. Assist with the food and drink buffet. Welcome and greet participants to the Twin Valley Welcome Center and Germantown MetroPark.. Direct teachers to the program location. Distribute materials as needed Assist with simple but essential tasks to support the various activities.May assist with documenting the event through photos.At least one knowledgeable gardening volunteer may assist in the garden activities Encourage volunteerism, and help direct to the website for information

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

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up an eligible background check). Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Germantown MetroPark. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive an hour before the start of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda and other important information.Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place indoors and outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Volunteers may be standing or walking for the majority of their shift Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear their MetroParks name badge and apparel.

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Impact

Tasks

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

Additional Notes

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45327

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Shadow Experience: Historic Interpreter

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.

Impact

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.

Tasks

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.

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up an eligible background check), plus Historic Interpreter training. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Historic Interpreter Qualification: Visit the Historic Interpreter page in our Training Library to see what training is required to become part of the Historic Interpreter volunteers. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers will meet at the Historic Farm. Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers arrive 15 minutes before the beginning of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda, review specific stations, and provide any additional information needed.Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place indoors and outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Dress: Period apparel is required. Volunteers who need to be fitted must contact the staff lead to set an appointment before the opportunity.

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

Organization: Programming

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.

Impact

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.

Tasks

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.

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up an eligible background check), plus Historic Interpreter training. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Historic Interpreter Qualification: Visit the Historic Interpreter page in our Training Library to see what training is required to become part of the Historic Interpreter volunteers. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers will meet at the Historic Farm. Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers arrive 15 minutes before the beginning of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda, review specific stations, and provide any additional information needed.Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place indoors and outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Dress: Period apparel is required. Volunteers who need to be fitted must contact the staff lead to set an appointment before the opportunity.

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

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45424

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Program Assistant: Loom with a View

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.

Impact

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.

Tasks Assist with set up and prep for the classVolunteers will provide support for the instructor and students new to weaving. Greet and welcome participants to class and get them signed in. Support and assist participants with getting acquainted with the loom, pick-up sticks, and creating their project.Assist participants through the instructions for creating a beautiful scarf. Assist the staff lead in creating a better learning environment for this interactive opportunity. Assist with the clean-up of the program.Eligibility

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.

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check) plus a completed textile qualification and a current annual textile check-off. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers walk from the parking lot to the Aull House, where the class is held. Please arrive 15 minutes early, so that you may park and get to your volunteer area. The staff lead will do a quick orientation to the workspace, introduce you to other volunteers, review the program, and orient you to the project and tasks for the program.Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.Environmental & Physical Demands: This program will be held indoors. Please bring a refillable water bottle for yourself. Volunteers may be asked to assist in moving supplies for the class and simple set-up tasks.. Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and, if you have one, your green or blue volunteer T-shirt.

Organization: Programming

Impact

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45414

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Passport to MetroParks: Climbing Wall Harness Fitting Assistant

Passport to MetroParks aims to build community awareness of what our MetroParks offers and will highlight various MetroParks' events, programs, and parks. Throughout the event, guests can visit vendor booths hosting games and activities featuring upcoming festivals and various recreation, education, conservation, and volunteer programs Five Rivers MetroParks offers. Program Support Volunteer will share their enthusiasm for Five Rivers MetroParks with diverse audiences. Help enhance the visitor experience by greeting and welcoming park patrons, answering questions, and assisting staff at this activity station.

The Outdoor Recreation team has the climbing wall as a "try it" activity within the event to help get participants active and excited about upcoming recreation programs and events. Volunteers will be program support, add individualized attention, and allow participants to learn more about the various ways to get active.

This activity, supervised by expert staff and/or vendors and is supported by volunteers. It provides an opportunity for an entry-level climbing experience and a chance to work on climbing skills. Volunteers help make this a safe and engaging experience for all participants.

Impact

Program Support volunteers are critical in ensuring we can provide high-quality, engaging programming like "try it" activities to the public. Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs for all interested in learning. They enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create a better skill-building environment. Volunteers help people make a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Tasks

Greet and welcome participants to the event and the Climbing Wall. Ensure all participants have signed a release waiver. Watch this video to learn more about our activity waivers. Review and ensure activity participants follow the posted safety guidelines.Assist staff lead in getting all interested participants to get fitted into a climbing harness, making sure to give them the correct size and they are properly worn and tightened. ***Please review this resource before arriving for your shift: How to Put on a Climbing Harness - Uncommon Path – An REI Co-op Publication. Assist with line management. Report any issues to the Event Staff or Recreation supervisor.Answer any questions to your ability, and direct participants to staff if unsure. Act as an Outdoor Recreation Department Ambassador, if the need arises for you to help with the Outdoor Recreation Booth .General knowledge of upcoming programs, assisting participants in signing waivers, and encouraging volunteerism to support outdoor recreation programming where appropriate. Help set up and tear down as needed. You are the face of MetroParks at this event...smile, be enthusiastic, and enjoy the event!

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

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Riverscape MetroPark. Volunteers should park at the Five Rivers MetroPark Main Office parking lot (409 East Monument Avenue, Dayton, OH 45402) or along E. Monument Ave. or S. Patterson Blvd. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage, then check in at the volunteer services booth located by the Riverscape Bike Hub (237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton, OH 45402). Volunteers arrive 30 minutes before the start of the event to allow for parking, checking in, going to their stations, and getting oriented to the activities. REMEMBER to have your parking pass on your dashboard or hanging on your mirror. If you do not have your volunteer parking hangtag, you can download the event permit here.Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number. Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors at an event - 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 10lbs or more. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt, long pants, closed-toe shoes, bring water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Impact

Tasks

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

Additional Notes

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45402

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Passport to MetroParks: Climbing Wall Attendant

This activity, supervised by expert staff and/or vendors, is supported by volunteers and provides an opportunity for an entry-level climbing experience and a chance to work on climbing skills. Volunteers help make this a safe and engaging experience for all participants.

Impact

Tasks

Greet and welcome participants to the event and the Climbing Wall. Ensure all participants have signed a release waiver. Watch this video to learn more about our activity waivers. Review and ensure activity participants follow the posted safety guidelines. Assist with line management, moving the participants from the line to the harness fitting attendants when a position becomes open. Report any issues to the Event Staff or Recreation supervisor. Answer any questions to your ability, and direct participants to staff if unsure. Act as an Outdoor Recreation Department Ambassador, if the need arises for you to help with the Outdoor Recreation Booth .General knowledge of upcoming programs, assisting participants in signing waivers, and encouraging volunteerism to support outdoor recreation programming where appropriate. Help set up and tear down as needed. You are the face of MetroParks at this event...smile, be enthusiastic, and enjoy the event!

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

Additional Notes

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Impact

Tasks

Greet and welcome participants to the event and the Climbing Wall. Ensure all participants have signed a release waiver. Watch this video to learn more about our activity waivers. Review and ensure activity participants follow the posted safety guidelines. Assist with line management, moving the participants from the line to the harness fitting attendants when a position becomes open. Report any issues to the Event Staff or Recreation supervisor. Answer any questions to your ability, and direct participants to staff if unsure. Act as an Outdoor Recreation Department Ambassador, if the need arises for you to help with the Outdoor Recreation Booth .General knowledge of upcoming programs, assisting participants in signing waivers, and encouraging volunteerism to support outdoor recreation programming where appropriate. Help set up and tear down as needed. You are the face of MetroParks at this event...smile, be enthusiastic, and enjoy the event!

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

Additional Notes

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45402

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: CHRC: Horse Show - Registration & Snacks

Support the annual Carriage Hill Riding Center Horse Show! Carriage Hill Riding Center is hosting a horse show to showcase what our riding lessons students have learned and give them the opportunity to ride in front of their family and friends. Registration Volunteers are needed to ensure a smooth and fun experience for all these students and their guests.

Registration & Snack Volunteers will greet the participants and their families, check in each participant, and distribute numbers and name tags, and assist with distributing snacks. Come on out and join the fun while making a difference!

Impact

Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from set-up to teardown.

Tasks

Greet the participants and their familiesCheck in each participant, and distribute numbers and name tagsExplain which classes the students are in and show them the diagrams of the patterns (which will be posted inside the barn).Assist with snacks.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to public volunteers, ages 18 and up. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Additional Notes:

Parking & Meeting instructions: ***Riding Center parking is reserved for handicapped parking only on the day of the Horse Show. Please park at the Carriage Hill Visitor Center lot and take the Shuttle to the Riding Center. Allow 20 extra minutes before your shift to catch the shuttle. Once you arrive at the Riding Center, meet staff near the office inside the first barn or find a staff member.
Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last-minute or are running late, please call the Riding Center office cell phone number at #937-689-6939.
Environment & Physical Demands: Volunteers should prepare to work in outdoor weather conditions with long periods of standing and walking.If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Dress for the weather and wear sturdy closed-toe shoes. Consider bringing a sun hat and sunglasses. Wear your Metroparks volunteer apparel and name badge if you have them. If not, volunteer vests will be available.

Organization: Special Events

Impact

Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from set-up to teardown.

Tasks

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to public volunteers, ages 18 and up. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Additional Notes:

Organization: Special Events

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45424

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Program Support: Paint A Park (Hills & Dales MetroPark)

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

Assist staff lead with preparing supplies and setting up for the program. Welcome participants and assist with getting them signed in. Distribute program supplies including Paint-A-Park kit materials. Assist with participant questions and help troubleshoot any minor problems. Take pictures of the art in progress and the completed art using the provided program IPAD. Collect supplies and assist with program clean up and tear down.

Eligibility

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

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up an eligible background check). Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Additional Notes

Environment & Physical Demands: Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.). Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs. or more. Parking & Meeting Instructions: Parking is available at Carriage Hill MetroPark. The program will take place in the Visitor Center.The volunteer shift is scheduled to start 30 minutes before the program begins to allow for parking, meeting up with the staff, and assisting with set up. Staff leads will provide a brief overview of the program and the tasks of the program support volunteer. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather. Please wear your volunteer name badge and your volunteer apparel if you have it.

Organization: Programming

Impact

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

Tasks

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45409

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Program Support: Paint A Park (Englewood MetroPark)

Impact

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

Tasks

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

Organization: Programming

Impact

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

Tasks

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45414

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Program Support: Paint A Park (Sugarcreek MetroPark)

Impact

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

Tasks

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

Organization: Programming

Impact

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

Tasks

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45305

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Program Support: Paint A Park (Cox Arboretum MetroPark)

Impact

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

Tasks

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

Organization: Programming

Impact

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

Tasks

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45449

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Program Support: Paint A Park (Huffman MetroPark)

Impact

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

Tasks

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

Organization: Programming

Impact

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

Tasks

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45424

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Wegerzyn Gardening Angels

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

Impact

Horticulture at Five Rivers MetroParks creates, maintains, and preserves green space and habitats for pollinators and native plants, as well as educates visitors on sustainable gardening practices and local food production. Gardening volunteers support the Horticulture and Outdoor Connections staff in a variety of gardening tasks.

Tasks

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

General garden maintenance such as weeding, edging, mulching, and keeping the gardens tidy; planting bulbs, annuals, perennials, and cannas; moving tropical plants in and out of the greenhouse; and providing excellent customer service by assisting park visitors with questions and wayfinding.Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth. Learn more about our types of service here. Youth Volunteers: Youth volunteers ages 14-17 are not required to complete a background check. If you are a new youth volunteer, contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to have your background check waived. This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours. Additional Notes: Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park in the Wegerzyn Gardens parking lot (1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, OH 45414) and meet staff at the front entrance of the building, near the Kiosk. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead, Payton Johnson, at (513) 292- 8303. Environment & Physical Demands: This project takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and can expect to participate in routinely bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more etc. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Gardening Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.

Organization: Gardening

Impact

Horticulture at Five Rivers MetroParks creates, maintains, and preserves green space and habitats for pollinators and native plants, as well as educates visitors on sustainable gardening practices and local food production. Gardening volunteers support the Horticulture and Outdoor Connections staff in a variety of gardening tasks.

Tasks

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

Organization: Gardening

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45414

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Program Support: Paint A Park (Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark)

Impact

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

Tasks

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

Organization: Programming

Impact

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

Tasks

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45414

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Program Support: Paint A Park (Possum Creek MetroPark)

Impact

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

Tasks

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

Organization: Programming

Impact

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

Tasks

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45417

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Build Connections between the Little Free Library organization and Independent Booksellers

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

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

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

Responsibilities:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Record your impact using Givepulse.

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

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

Qualifications:

Already a part of the Little Free Library network - either an LFL steward or Team LFL volunteer, or a visitor/fan of Little Free LibrariesLove Little Free Libraries and supporting book access!Have access to transportation to visit local booksellersOrganizedGreat communication skillsPolite and friendlyLive in the US

Organization: Little Free Library

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

Responsibilities:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Record your impact using Givepulse.

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

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

Qualifications:

Organization: Little Free Library

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Runs Until Jun 30, 2026

Zip Code: 45206

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: RiverScape and Urban Parks Garden Stewards

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

Impact

Horticulture at Five Rivers MetroParks creates, maintains, and preserves green space and habitats for pollinators and native plants, as well as educates visitors on sustainable gardening practices and local food production. Gardening volunteers support the Horticulture and Outdoor Connections staff in a variety of gardening tasks.

Tasks:

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

hands-on landscape and garden maintenance, including planting, watering, pruning, deadheading, mulching, weeding, edging, seasonal cutbacks, and general care of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees. helping create a positive park experience by keeping landscaped areas tidy and assisting park visitors with questions and wayfinding. Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth. Learn more about our types of service here. Youth Volunteers: Youth volunteers ages 14-17 are not required to complete a background check. If you are a new youth volunteer, contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to have your background check waived. This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours. Additional Notes: Please sign up for your volunteer shift at least 2 days in advance. Parking & Meeting Instructions: RiverScape and Urban Parks Garden Stewards support staff at a variety of downtown MetroParks. You will receive a weekly email from the staff lead with more information on where to meet. Volunteers support the following parks: RiverScape (237 E. Monument - park in a VISITOR SPOT at the Main Office) Deeds Point (510 Webster St - park in a VISITOR SPOT at the Main Office)Note: If visitor parking is not available, you must display your volunteer parking hang tag in your vehicle. Failure to display your volunteer parking hang tag may result in a parking ticket when parking in the Main Office parking lot. If you do not have a volunteer parking hang tag, please contact Volunteer Services. Island (101 E. Helena St.) 2nd St. Market (600 E. 2nd St.) Sunrise (50 S. Edwin C. Moses – contact staff lead for map) Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call project staff lead, Reagen Wylie, at (937) 459-0721. Environment & Physical Demands: This project takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (e.g., grass, pollen, bees). Volunteers can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching, and sometimes lifting objects 25 lbs or more in possibly shaded or direct sunlight. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Gardening Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.

Organization: Gardening

Impact

Horticulture at Five Rivers MetroParks creates, maintains, and preserves green space and habitats for pollinators and native plants, as well as educates visitors on sustainable gardening practices and local food production. Gardening volunteers support the Horticulture and Outdoor Connections staff in a variety of gardening tasks.

Tasks:

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

Organization: Gardening

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45402

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Cox Arboretum Gardening

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

Impact

Horticulture at Five Rivers MetroParks creates, maintains, and preserves green space and habitats for pollinators and native plants, as well as educates visitors on sustainable gardening practices and local food production. Gardening volunteers support the Horticulture and Outdoor Connections staff in a variety of gardening tasks.

Tasks

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

Landscape bed maintenance including pruning trees and shrubs, mechanical weed removal, edging, and mulching. A variety of seasonal gardening tasks as assigned. Provide excellent customer service by assisting park visitors with questions and wayfinding. Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth. Learn more about our types of service here. Youth Volunteers: Youth volunteers ages 14-17 are not required to complete a background check. If you are a new youth volunteer, contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to have your background check waived. This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours. Additional Notes: Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Cox Arboretum MetroPark. Volunteers should park at Cox Arboretum, located at 6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45449, and meet staff in the plaza between the Barbara Cox Center for Sustainable Horticulture and the Kettering Learning Lab. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact Todd Strong at (513) 658-0279. Environmental & Physical Demands: This project takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, ticks, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, reaching, walking, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more, etc. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See Gardening Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.

Organization: Gardening

Impact

Horticulture at Five Rivers MetroParks creates, maintains, and preserves green space and habitats for pollinators and native plants, as well as educates visitors on sustainable gardening practices and local food production. Gardening volunteers support the Horticulture and Outdoor Connections staff in a variety of gardening tasks.

Tasks

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

Organization: Gardening

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45449

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Aullwood Gardener

Do you enjoy gardening, or are you curious to learn more about native plants and sustainable horticulture? Join the knowledgeable staff and fellow volunteers at Aullwood Garden MetroPark and get hands-on experience caring for one of Dayton’s premier historic garden estates. Help bring Marie Aull’s vision to life by supporting gardening practices rooted in local conservation, all within a peaceful setting along the Stillwater River.

Impact

Horticulture at Five Rivers MetroParks creates, maintains, and preserves green space and habitats for pollinators and native plants, as well as educates visitors on sustainable gardening practices and local food production. Gardening volunteers support the Horticulture and Outdoor Connections staff in a variety of gardening tasks.

Tasks

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

garden and landscape bed clean-up, weeding, edging, mulching, and time-sensitive invasive plant removal preparing the garden beds, plant containers, and Aull House for seasonal programs and events, as needed caring for plants in the Aull House, as requested kneeling, stretching, and lifting 20 pounds will be required. be detail-oriented, follow instructions, and have a willingness to learn. utilize a variety of hand tools, including soil knives, spades, pruners, loppers, shovels, and rakes. provide excellent customer service by assisting park visitors with questions and wayfinding. Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Adults (ages 18 and older), Long-Term. Learn more about our types of service here. This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours. Additional Notes: Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Aullwood Garden MetroPark. Volunteers should park at the Aullwood Maintenance Building: 930 Aullwood Rd, Dayton, OH 45414. The turn-in for the Maintenance Building appears quickly as you round the curve on Aullwood Road - Drive slowly and safely. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead, Beth Langford, at 937-718-5658. Environment & Physical Demands: This project takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and can expect to participate in routine bending, kneeling, reaching, dragging, and lifting objects of 15lbs. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Gardening Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.

Organization: Gardening

Impact

Horticulture at Five Rivers MetroParks creates, maintains, and preserves green space and habitats for pollinators and native plants, as well as educates visitors on sustainable gardening practices and local food production. Gardening volunteers support the Horticulture and Outdoor Connections staff in a variety of gardening tasks.

Tasks

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

Organization: Gardening

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45414

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Carriage Hill Farm Chores

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.

Impact

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.

Tasks

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.

Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Adults (ages 18 and older), Short-Term and Long-Term. Learn more about our types of service here.Additional Notes: Parking & Meeting Instructions: Parking and meeting a staff lead at the Daniel Arnold Historical Farm - Meet at the big red barn: 7860 E. Shull Rd., Dayton, OH 45424. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead. Cancelation If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call the Park Manager, Nick Wheeler, at (937) 508-9833.Environment & Physical Demands: Allergy Alert: Farm Animal, Dust, and Hay. Requires routine walking, bending, kneeling, squatting, and lifting up to 25lbs. Dress: Dress for the weather, and must wear steel-toe boots. If signing up to support multiple shifts or returning to support this opportunity multiple times, volunteers will be asked to dress in period-correct clothing (provided by Carriage Hill MetroPark). Resources: Click here to learn more about the Daniel Arnold Historic Farm, and click here to review the Carriage Hill Interpretive Guide. Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Park Maintenance Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.

Organization: Park Maintenance

Impact

Tasks

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.

Organization: Park Maintenance

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45424

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: SAM Center, Serving Area Military and their Families Organization, Flags, and Spring Prep

Sam Center is partnering with Serve Ohio for Global Youth Service Day to work on our outdoor spaces, reset and build Flags with "Operation Flags for Freedom", build shelving for our attic space, and spend time reorganizing and restructuring our outdoor storage and our attic storage spaces.

Serving Area Military and Veterans depends on volunteers to serve our veterans, and we are excited to partner with the community for these events.

We are hosting multiple workdays between April 4 and April 25th for volunteers to come assist us with these projects for Global Youth Service Day.

Organization: SAM Center, Serving Area Military and Veterans

Serving Area Military and Veterans depends on volunteers to serve our veterans, and we are excited to partner with the community for these events.

We are hosting multiple workdays between April 4 and April 25th for volunteers to come assist us with these projects for Global Youth Service Day.

Organization: SAM Center, Serving Area Military and Veterans

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Apr 4, 2026 through Apr 25, 2026

Zip Code: 44614

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Service Saturday 2026: Possum Creek Garden Maintenance

Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty? Join us at Possum Creek MetroPark for a fun-filled volunteer opportunity in the Demonstration Garden! The Demonstration Gardens provide produce to those in need throughout Dayton and the Miami Valley. Our education staff needs your help in maintaining the gardens and flower beds at the farm. Together, we'll make the Possum Creek Demonstration Garden a beautiful and inspiring place for programming, school tours, and park patrons of all ages!

Impact

Horticulture at Five Rivers MetroParks creates, maintains, and preserves green space and habitats for pollinators and native plants, as well as educates visitors on sustainable gardening practices and local food production. Gardening volunteers support the Horticulture and Outdoor Connections staff in a variety of gardening tasks.

Tasks

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

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

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

Additional Notes:

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Arrive 5- 10 minutes before your shift start time for a brief introduction and orientation to the site and the volunteer project. Click here for a map of Possum Creek MetroPark. Volunteers should park in the parking lot near the Farm Shelter. Enter the park at 4790 Frytown Rd., Dayton, OH 45417, and follow the main park drive until it dead-ends into the farm parking lot. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact Kaitlyn Lowry, Education Coordinator, at 937-276-7053. Environmental & Physical Demands: This project takes place outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, ticks, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, reaching, walking, and lifting objects of 10lbs or more in possibly direct sunlight.Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottles, sunscreen, and bug spray.

Learn more about Garden opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

Organization: Gardening

Impact

Horticulture at Five Rivers MetroParks creates, maintains, and preserves green space and habitats for pollinators and native plants, as well as educates visitors on sustainable gardening practices and local food production. Gardening volunteers support the Horticulture and Outdoor Connections staff in a variety of gardening tasks.

Tasks

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

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

Additional Notes:

Organization: Gardening

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45417

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Passport to MetroParks: Program Support Family Activity Area

The Passport to MetroParks event aims to build community awareness of what our Metroparks offers and will highlight various MetroParks' events, programs, and parks. Program Support Volunteer will share their enthusiasm for Five Rivers MetroParks with diverse audiences. Help enhance the visitor experience by greeting and welcoming park patrons, answering questions, and assisting staff at this activity station.

Impact

Tasks

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

Volunteers will greet and welcome participants to the activity station. Encourage engagement in the activity, and support families in making their paper bag kites.Volunteers will help the kids attach ribbons and other items to their kite, Volunteers will cut ribbons to prepare for each project and keep supplies organized throughout the event for use by the participants. Share fun activity areas within MetroParks. Stamp participants' brochures at the booth during the Passport to MetroParks event. Assist with the set-up and tear-down of the activity

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

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and, for those 18 and up, an eligible background check). Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Riverscape MetroPark. Volunteers should park at the Five Rivers MetroPark Main Office parking lot (409 East Monument Avenue, Dayton, OH 45402) or along E. Monument Ave. or S. Patterson Blvd. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage, then check in at the volunteer services booth located by the Riverscape Bike Hub (237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton, OH 45402). Volunteers arrive 30 minutes before the start of the event to allow for parking, checking in, going to their stations, and getting oriented to the activities. REMEMBER to have your parking pass on your dashboard or hanging on your mirror. If you do not have your volunteer parking hangtag, you can download the event permit here.Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number. Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors at an event - 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 10lbs or more. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt, long pants, closed-toe shoes, bring water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Impact

Tasks

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

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

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

Program Support

Organization: Programming

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45402

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: SHADOW Experience: CHRC - Barn Aide

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

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

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

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

Impact

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

Tasks Clean stalls and paddocks Clean and refill water buckets Feed hay and/or grain Turn horses in and out Assist staff with general cleaning Groom horses Eligibility

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

Learn more about becoming a MetroParks volunteer and our volunteer service types here.

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

Additional Notes Commitment: This opportunity requires an ongoing commitment to service of at least 8 volunteer shifts per year.Parking & Meeting instructions: Meet near the office inside the first barn or find a staff member.
Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last-minute or are running late, please call the Riding Center office cell phone number at #937-689-6939.
Environment & Physical Demands:
Volunteers should prepare to work in outdoor weather conditions, year-round. In this work environment, volunteers will be exposed to cat and horse dander, dust, and other environmental allergens. Dress: Please dress for the weather and working in a barn environment. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes or work boots and clothes with long pants you do not mind getting dirty. No Steel Toe boots.Volunteers should wear their volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel if available. Note: Name badges are mailed out every 2 weeks for newly onboarded volunteers. If you have not received yours within this timeline, contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org. Volunteer apparel is distributed through our VIP program beginning at 25 hours. Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Animal Care Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.

Organization: Animal Care

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

Impact

Tasks Clean stalls and paddocks Clean and refill water buckets Feed hay and/or grain Turn horses in and out Assist staff with general cleaning Groom horses Eligibility

Learn more about becoming a MetroParks volunteer and our volunteer service types here.

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

Organization: Animal Care

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45424

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Service Saturdays 2026: Cox Arboretum Gardening

Looking to spend a Saturday morning doing something hands-on and meaningful? Join the team of knowledgeable staff and passionate volunteers at Cox Arboretum MetroPark. You’ll work alongside MetroParks staff and fellow volunteers on real, seasonal projects that help keep the gardens looking their best. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just curious to try something new, Service Saturdays are a fun, flexible way to give back, learn as you go, and be part of the work happening at Cox Arboretum.

Impact

Horticulture at Five Rivers MetroParks creates, maintains, and preserves green space and habitats for pollinators and native plants, as well as educates visitors on sustainable gardening practices and local food production. Gardening volunteers support the Horticulture and Outdoor Connections staff in a variety of gardening tasks.

Tasks

Volunteer will assist with a variety of seasonal garden maintenance projects, which might include weeding, planting, or mulching, depending on the weather and the conditions.

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

Additional Notes:

Parking & Meeting Instructions: click here for a map of Cox Arboretum MetroPark. Volunteers should park at Cox Arboretum, located at 6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45449, and meet staff in the plaza, between the Barbara Cox Center for Sustainable Horticulture and the Kettering Learning Lab. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact Staff Lead Todd Strong at (513) 658-0279. Environmental & Physical Demands: This project takes place outdoors. Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, ticks, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, reaching, walking, and lifting objects of 15 lbs or more, etc. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.

Organization: Gardening

Impact

Horticulture at Five Rivers MetroParks creates, maintains, and preserves green space and habitats for pollinators and native plants, as well as educates visitors on sustainable gardening practices and local food production. Gardening volunteers support the Horticulture and Outdoor Connections staff in a variety of gardening tasks.

Tasks

Volunteer will assist with a variety of seasonal garden maintenance projects, which might include weeding, planting, or mulching, depending on the weather and the conditions.

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

Additional Notes:

Organization: Gardening

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 45449

Allow Groups: Yes