Volunteer Opportunities:
Are you able to lend a hand? Whatever your interest or the amount of time you have to devote, there is a place for you as a Metroparks Volunteer. Time commitments vary depending on your chosen area; some positions require a regular schedule, others are flexible, even seasonal. From pouring tea to planting trees, our volunteers lend a hand.
- Cavity Nesting Birds Program: Help Metroparks staff keep tabs on local cavity nesting bird populations. Monitor one or more nesting boxes on Metroparks property, check your box(es) weekly, record your findings and report the data to the land management staff. Results are compiled and compared annually. Spring to Summer. Krista Underwood, Volunteer Coordinator, (419) 407-9841, krista.underwood@metroparkstoledo.com
- Native Seed Nursery: Volunteers help operate a native seed nursery, located at Blue Creek Conservation Area. Learn more about native plants through this hands-on experience. Activities include transplanting, weeding and seed collecting. May through November Krista Underwood, Volulnteer Coordinator, (419) 407-9841, krista.underwood@metroparkstoledo.com
- Plant Monitor: With guidance and training from Metroparks staff, the volunteer will assist with locating, identifying, measuring and counting rare plant species within Metroparks in order to maximize efforts to protect these species and their habitats. Spring to Summer. Krista Underwood, Volulnteer Coordinator, (419) 407-9841, krista.underwood@metroparkstoledo.com
- Oak Openings Horse Corps: The Oak Openings Horse Corps provides a volunteer opportunity for the horse riders that enjoy the horse trails at Oak Openings to help maintain and preserve park areas and trails for the enjoyment of all park visitors. Year round Lori Miller, Volunteer Coordinator, (419) 407-9713, lori.miller@metroparkstoledo.com
- Garden Keepers: Work hand-in-hand with the staff horticulturist to assist in garden maintenance. Duties include assisting with planting, irrigating, trimming grass, removing invasive plants, edging beds, and more. This opportunity is great for volunteers looking to perform physical work, while helping to maintain the gardens of the park district. Spring to Fall Lori Miller, Volunteer Coordinator, (419) 407-9713, lori.miller@metroparkstoledo.com
- Special Event Volunteer: Each year, volunteers are needed for a variety of opportunities at the Metropark’s special events. These events include MetroBarks, Happy Trails 5K, and more. Year round Nancy Jomantas, Volunteer Coordinator, (419) 407-9840, nancy.jomantas@metroparkstoledo.com
- Volunteer Trail Patrol: Volunteer Trail Patrol assists Metroparks by providing customer service to park visitors. These dedicated volunteers walk or ride the trails, answering questions and contacting park rangers when necessary. Trail Patrol volunteers receive training regarding visitor assistance, park rules, first aid and CPR, and are able to patrol on bicycle, foot or horseback. While contributing to the public’s enjoyment of the Metroparks, Trail Patrol members enjoy the benefits of being active outdoors in an environment they love. May to April. Lori Miller, Volunteer Coordinator, (419) 407-9713, lori.miller@metroparkstoledo.com
- Counselor in Training (CIT’s): The CIT program gives teens, ages 14-18, the opportunity to develop leadership skills, earn service hours, and gain experience in outdoor education while interacting with campers, ages 3-15. Come spend part of your summer assisting staff and campers, playing games, making crafts, fishing, canoeing, swimming, and more. Recruitment for CIT’s runs annually, January through March. Nancy Jomantas, Volulnteer Coordinator, (419) 407-9840, nancy.jomantas@metroparkstoledo.com
- Volunteer Internships: These meaningful learning experiences are available throughout the year in a wide variety of departments. Interships may include experiences at the Canal Experience, Camp, with Land Management, and Special Events. Trish Hausknecht, Volunteer Services Manager, (419) 407-9703, patricia.hausknecht@metroparkstoledo.com
- Marketing Photography Assistants: Take photographs or videos during park events and programs that may be used for Metropark publications and websites, social media, advertising and presentations. Use your own camera. Basic orientation & training provided. Year round Trish Hausknecht, Volunteer Services Manager, (419) 407-9703, patricia.hausknecht@metroparkstoledo.com
- Eagle Scouts: For decades, local Boy Scouts have completed service projects in the Metroparks as part of the requirements for advancement to Eagle Scout. The park district and those who enjoy the parks are grateful for their work, ranging from building boardwalks and bridges to planting native plants and removing invasive species. Year round Krista Underwood, Volunteer Coordinator, (419) 407-9841, krista.underwood@metroparkstoledo.com
- Bat Monitor: In partnership with Bowling Green State University, Metroparks is keeping an “ear” out for bat activity in the Oak Openings region. Using a device called the Anabat, volunteers are able to record and hear bat echolocation as they walk through Wildwood, Secor and Oak Openings. These sound recordings can be used to identify bat species active in the area – an important finding to help learn more about declining bat populations in the region. Summer Krista Underwood, Volunteer Coordinator, (419) 407-9841, krista.underwood@metroparkstoledo.com
- Mascot Corp: Attend a variety of Special Events in the Park and in the community as Otis the Oak Leaf, Owlberta the Barred Owl, or Boggs the Leopard Frog. Must be at least 18 years of age and have an outgoing personality. Mascot Handlers, who speak and interact with the public during a Mascot appearance, are also needed. Year round Nancy Jomantas, Volunteer Coordinator, (419) 407-9840, nancy.jomantas@metroparkstoledo.com
Mission:
The mission of Metroparks of the Toledo Area is to conserve the region’s natural resources by creating, developing, improving, protecting, and promoting clean, safe, and natural parks and open spaces for the benefit, enjoyment, education, and general welfare of the public.
Location:
5100 West Central Avenue
Toledo, OH 43615
United States
Primary Contact:
Trish Hausknecht
419-407-9700
http://patricia.hausknecht@metroparkstoledo.com