at Five Rivers MetroParks

metroparks.org

Make a Difference in Your coMMunitY!When you volunteer at Five Rivers MetroParks, you provide an important public service: You get to educate and engage park visitors in the protection and stewardship of the natural and cultural heritage of the Miami Valley. More importantly, you can share your passion for nature with future generations. Service learning programs offer a unique opportunity to get specific training while donating your time as a volunteer. Read on to learn more.

We make a living by what we do, but we make

a life by what we give.

- Winston Churchill

Five Rivers MetroParks’ service learning programs are designed to give volunteers training and hands-on learning in a variety of topics. As a service learning participant, you will receive specific training from MetroParks staff and local professionals. Courses are designed to develop a skilled volunteer corps that is trained in a specialized area of expertise. After the classroom learning is complete, students will get the opportunity to put their new skills to work and gain first-hand experience by donating between 25 and 50 hours of volunteer service to MetroParks.

What is service Learning?

Service learning courses are designed to develop knowledge and skills that prepare volunteers for a higher level of volunteer service. Graduates work side by side with MetroParks staff, serve as leaders in the volunteer program, and become assets to the community.

Volunteer schedules can be flexible to fit your schedule. Volunteer projects also will vary with each program and some include partnership volunteer opportunities. Be sure to read the enclosed syllabus for details.

Some service learning courses offer an opportunity to recertify annually. This allows volunteers to build on their knowledge through additional training and stay current within their course area. Refer to the individual course syllabus enclosed for recertification opportunities and criteria.

Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of

community you want to live in.

- Marjorie Moore

voLunteer coMMitMent

horticuLture

Organic Methods Gardener CourseOrganic Methods Gardener students will be exposed to a variety

of environmentally safe concepts in gardening and traditional

concepts in horticulture. This 18-week, in-depth program includes

quizzes, exams, a project and 50 hours of volunteer service.

In addition to classroom presentations, students will have the

opportunity to attend hands-on field studies and observations.

Offered annually beginning in January. Fee $140.

Your Best Vegetable CourseThis five-session course in basic vegetable gardening covers

composting and soils, planning, planting, pests and preserving

your harvest. Course highlights include making homemade

fruit preserves, a field trip to a small working farm, and garden

layout tips. Offered annually in late winter. Twenty-five hours of

volunteer service required. Fee $20.

avaiLabLe PrograMsMetroParks offers a variety of course choices in the areas of horticulture, conservation, and natural and cultural history. No matter what your interest, there’s a service learning program that’s just right for you. Please see the individual course syllabus in the back of this publication for more details.

Shady Business: Shade Garden PrimerThis six-session course will be an introduction to shade gardening,

soils for successful shade gardening, care and maintenance, design

techniques, and examples of woodland gardens. Participants will

gain exposure to the ever-expanding palette of annuals, perennials,

trees and shrubs suitable for the shade garden. New in spring 2012.

Twenty-five hours of volunteer service required. Fee $25.

conservation

Master Recycler CourseThis course is designed to provide a basic background in effective

waste management techniques. Course participants will be

exposed to a variety of activities involving recycling, reduction

and reuse. Students are invited to participate in community

recycling events, such as the Great American Clean Up, and

MetroParks’ annual Adopt-A-Park. Past students have started

recycling programs at churches, schools and workplaces. Offered

annually in late winter. Twenty-five hours of volunteer service

with Montgomery County Solid Waste District or Five Rivers

MetroParks required. Fee $10.

MetroParks Volunteer PatrolVolunteer while doing what you love by joining MetroParks

Volunteer Patrols (MVPs)! Join one of four patrols: bike,

hike, mountain bike, or horse. You must provide your own

equipment (bike, helmet, horse, etc.). MVPs provide trail

users with information, communicate trail conditions to park

personnel, and foster positive public interactions. Training

begins in January/February with additional trainings offered

during the spring. Courses will be offered as volunteers

are needed for each patrol. An interview and 50 hours of

volunteer service are required.  No fee.

Master Silviculturist Local forests face unprecedented challenges due to invasive

pests, such as the emerald ash borer. This course instructs

nature lovers to become silviculturists, trained in the art

of forest creation and maintenance. Students will receive

in-depth knowledge of the forest types of the Miami Valley,

invasive species impacting our forests, collection and

propagation of native trees and shrubs, and techniques for

successful reforestation. Most classes will be conducted in a

classroom setting, but the course will include tours of current

propagation projects and a field lab. Students will propagate

seedlings, plant newly acquired lands with native trees

and shrubs, and lead groups of volunteers. Offered twice

annually; in late summer and early spring. Twenty-five hours

of volunteer hours required. Fee $25.

cuLturaL anD naturaL historY

19th Century Life Skills CourseIn this modern era, we are starting to find that many of

the sustainable practices of the past can easily be applied

today. Join us for a class entirely devoted to developing

19th Century skills. Participants may choose from an array

of available sessions they would like to attend each week.

Topics covered include canning, butter and cheese making,

blacksmithing, woodworking, and sausage making and

smoking. Offered annually in the fall. Fifty hours of volunteer

service required. Fee $35.

Don’t miss these opportunities to receive specialized training and get hands-on practice working alongside seasoned MetroParks staff through volunteering. For more information about service learning programs at Five Rivers MetroParks, visit metroparks.org/volunteer or contact volunteers services at (937) 275- PARK (7275).

get invoLveD

Without community service, we would not have a strong quality of life. It’s

important to the person who serves as well as the recipient. It’s the way in

which we ourselves grow and develop.

- Dr. Dorothy I. Height

metroparks.org

Administrative Office1375 E. Siebenthaler Ave.Dayton, OH 45414

(937) 275-PARK

www.metroparks.org

Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.

- Elizabeth Andrew