Our MetroParks need your help
In addition to Zoom and curbside pickup, these difficult times have been made less stressful thanks to the wonderful natural resources that are such an integral part of life in the Miami Valley.
For many of us, the connection with nature — a walk in our neighborhood, a visit to a beautiful garden — has been a nurturing part of our lockdown.
One afternoon, while walking through one of my favorite spots, Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark and its Children’s Discovery Garden, I struck up a conversation with folks who were obviously as enthralled with the gorgeous environment as I was. It turns out they were from Cincinnati and said they frequently drove to Dayton because they loved our public parks so much.
Here’s an easy way to help preserve and maintain the parks that have helped to calm and heal us during these challenging times. Volunteer!
National Make a Difference Day has been taking place for more than 20 years and has worked with millions of volunteers throughout the United States. Five Rivers MetroParks is a supporter of the event and has hosted projects over the last several years.
This year, Make a Difference Day at our MetroParks will be held from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Oct. 23. Volunteers of all ages are needed at 15 different sites throughout the Miami Valley including RiverScape, Carriage Hill, Cox Arboretum and Possum Creek.
“Giving back to your community, and more so to nature, is so vitally important to being connected to nature and just getting outside,” says Allie Zimmerman, MetroParks volunteer coordinator. “Individuals can register their entire family, friends, their work group and get everyone outside to make a difference.”
Although volunteers are needed year-round, she says the greatest needs are from April through October. On Make a Difference Day, volunteers will help clean up our parks and prepare for the winter season. It’s a great way to get outside, give back and spend some time with family and friends.
Examples of past projects include invasive plant removal, habitat restoration, edging landscape beds, cleaning up the river banks and recreation trails, tree planting and garden bed winterization and trash cleanup.
“Volunteers are an important part of our everyday operations at Five Rivers MetroParks,” says MetroParks Director of Parks and Conservation Chris Pion. “Events such as Make a Difference Day connect us to large numbers of volunteers in one day that allow us to plan and complete large-scale projects that would otherwise not be possible.”
You’ll need to register online at metroparks.org/ make-a-difference by Friday, Oct. 22.
Supplies will be provided, but it is suggested you bring working gloves and a refillable water bottle. If you’re indoors, you’ll need to wear a mask; it’s also suggested you wear a mask outside if you will not be able to maintain a social distance. Wear suitable clothing for the weather and boots or thick-soled shoes. Participants will not get in the water.
If you can’t make it on this day but are interested in volunteering at Five Rivers MetroParks, contact volunteer.services@metroparks or call 937-275-7275.
No experience is necessary, and your time commitment depends on you and your specific assignment. You can volunteer for a few hours or on a regular basis. Volunteers are often able to use skills they already have or learn new ones through professional training on a variety of topics. It’s a great chance to get some exercise, make new friends and interact with park visitors.