Volunteering | MetroParks of Butler County

Our volunteer opportunities can be as different as the MetroParks themselves! You can get involved with various ongoing and one-time opportunities as an individual volunteer or as a team. Our opportunities offer experiences in projects and programs like invasive species removal, birding hikes, farm animal care, garden management, historical research, photography at events, nature playscapes, trail maintenance, and more.

Want to learn more about our volunteer opportunities? Submit an application or contact the Manager of Volunteer Resources, Elise Moeller, at emoeller@yourmetroparks.net or 513-867-5835 ext. 221!

Current Volunteer Opportunities

To learn more about or to register for these one-time events or ongoing positions, please emoeller@yourmetroparks.net or call 513-867-5835 ext. 221 unless other registration methods are listed in the opportunity descriptions!

One-time Volunteer Opportunities

Pioneer Life

"Step back in time to the early 1800s and witness the life of early Pioneers. Visit with interpreters dressed in traditional attire in the cabins around the Pioneer Village at Governor Bebb MetroPark. Experience the life of a blacksmith, learn a lesson or two in the schoolhouse, and watch as corn meal turns to cornbread during cooking demonstrations. Fun for the whole family, with free craft stations, live music, and more!"

Date & Duration: Saturday, October 1, 2022 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Shift 1: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Shift 2: 1:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Governor Bebb MetroPark, Pioneer Village (1979 Bebb Park Lane, Okeana, OH 45053)
How to Register: Please email emoeller@yourmetroparks.net for more information and to register!

The Howl

"'Bark' your calendars for a fun-filled day celebrating the cute canine friends in our community. Look forward to a costume contest, an obstacle course, vendors, and a trick-or-treat trail for you and your dog!"

Date & Duration: Saturday, October 15, 2022 from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Shift 1: 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Shift 2: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Shift 3: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.*
  - *After The Howl, we would like 2 volunteers to assist with the popcorn station at the movie screening of 101 Dalmatians!
Location: Voice of America MetroPark, Wiggly Field Dog Park (39.358428, -84.349143)

How to Register:
- Log in to your volunteer profile.
- Click the “My Schedule” tab.
- Click the “Help Wanted” button on Saturday, October 15.
- Then click the “Schedule Me” button to confirm your registration.

Volunteers can bring their dog(s) for free! Have a friend or family member watch your pup while you volunteer and then enjoy the event after or before your shift.

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities

Community Workdays

Each third Thursday of the month, volunteers can support MetroParks staff at Voice of America MetroPark! During these volunteer days, you will assist staff with various tasks around the park, such as weeding, mulching, picking up litter, and more.

Date & Duration: Third Thursday of the month (June through November) from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- October 20 & November 17, 2022
Location: Ronald Regan Lodge & Welcome Center at Voice of America MetroPark (39°21'59.4"N 84°21'32.2"W)
How to Register:
- Log in to your volunteer profile.
- Click the “My Schedule” tab.
- Scroll through the months and click the “Help Wanted” button on the day(s) you would like to register for that say “Community Workday”.
- Then click the “Schedule Me” button to confirm your registration.

Farm Caretaker

As a Farm Caretaker, you will care for our donkeys, goats, chickens, and rabbit! Farm animal care includes tasks like preparing feed and filling containers and hay racks, refreshing water, collecting eggs for distribution, cleaning coops and tanks, sweeping and washing paddocks, prepping bedding materials, and filling out daily animal care logs.

Dates & Duration: Flexible and intermittent (preferably available on a weekly basis); with a 6-month commitment to the position
Location: Chrisholm MetroPark, Historic Farmstead (2070 Woodsdale Road, Trenton, OH 45067)
How to Register: Email emoeller@yourmetroparks.net or call 513-867-5835 ext. 221 to learn more!

Educational Docent

Are you passionate about nature and/or history? Do you love sharing your knowledge with the community, especially the tiny future leaders of our world? If your answer is “yes” to both questions, become an Educational Docent with MetroParks of Butler County! As an Educational Docent, you will support MetroParks staff during Exclusive Park Experience programs for school groups, scouts, or other youth-based organizations.

Days & Duration: Mondays through Fridays during the mornings or afternoons
Locations:
- Pioneer History Programs: Governor Bebb MetroPark, Pioneer Village
- Natural History Programs & Conservation Programs: Rentschler Forest MetroPark, Indian Creek MetroPark, Elk Creek MetroPark, and additional locations
- Farm & Amish Mennonite Programs: Chrisholm MetroPark
Qualifications:
- Prior knowledge of or interest in natural history, cultural history, and/or Ohio’s flora and fauna
- Availability for 1 to 2 field trips a month on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., especially during the busy months of September, October, April, and May
- Willingness to attend program trainings, shadow field trips, and review program curriculum with staff in preparation for field trips
- Experience with public speaking Passion for working with kids
- Enthusiasm about the great outdoors and history
How to Register: Email emoeller@yourmetroparks.net or call 513-867-5835 ext. 221 to learn more!

Biking Monitor, Hiking Monitor, or Trail Steward | Trail Ambassador Program (TAP)

The MetroParks Trail Ambassador Program (TAP) is intended to provide an intergenerational opportunity for interested volunteers to contribute to the community by monitoring, maintaining, and promoting the use of MetroParks trail system. The three categories of Trail Ambassadors are Biking Monitors, Hiking Monitors, and Trail Stewards.