Published September 23, 2024
Hundreds of volunteers needed to help support fall projects in MetroParks
Five Rivers MetroParks will host its annual fall service day, Make a Difference Day, from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 26. Register online by Friday, Oct. 25, at metroparks.org/make-a-difference.
People of all ages will work on 18 projects across 13 sites throughout Montgomery County and assist with many important projects, from planting trees to trail maintenance. Project highlights include:
- Litter removal at RiverScape and Possum Creek MetroParks
- Reforestation efforts at Carriage Hill MetroPark
- Invasive species removal in the Twin Valley; Adventure Central; and Taylorsville, Hills & Dales, Cox Arboretum, Sugarcreek and Englewood MetroParks
- Trail maintenance at MetroParks Mountain Biking Area (MoMBA)
- Gardening and mulching at Cox Arboretum, Possum Creek and RiverScape MetroParks
- Prairie planting and leaf cycling at Island and Aullwood Garden MetroParks
Participants can sign up as an individual, family or group. Registration is required via MetroParks’ volunteer site, Get Connected. Learn more and sign up at metroparks.org/make-difference-day.
“This day of service is a fun, hands-on way to connect with nature and your neighbors while making a real difference in your parks,” said MetroParks volunteer coordinator Allie Zimmerman. “MetroParks welcomes more than 2 million visitors a year and is a community asset that supports quality of life in our region. It’s incredibly important to take care of what we have, and we definitely need helping hands to support our staff with large projects.”
Participants should dress for the weather and the activity in which they will participate. Supplies will be provided depending on the project, but individuals may want to bring gloves and a refillable water bottle.
MetroParks hosts two large annual days of service: Adopt-A-Park in April to celebrate Earth Day and Make a Difference Day in October. This fall, MetroParks hopes to register approximately 250 volunteers for Make a Difference Day.
MetroParks volunteers are needed year-round for a variety of tasks. Learn more about becoming a volunteer for other projects and more at metroparks.org/volunteer.
Make a Difference Day is sponsored by Montgomery County Environmental Services, Keep Montgomery County Beautiful, ServeOhio and QEI Engineers, Inc.
