MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Ohio — Across the western side of Ohio, the Five Rivers MetroParks is seeking hundreds of volunteers for its largest service day.

The park is hoping to recruit more than 300 people for its annual day of service, Adopt-A-Park. The day of service is on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to noon across the county.

What You Need To Know

  • Five Rivers MetroParks is hosting its annual day of service on April 26

  • There are 23 projects across the Montgomery County

  • Last year, there were 287 volunteers that served nearly 70 hours in total

  • Registration for the Adopt-A-Park is required

Volunteers will work alongside MetroParks staff to clean up green spaces and tackle projects to protect parks and waterways county-wide. 

There are 23 projects at 16 different sites, Five Rivers said in a news release. Volunteers of all ages, accessibility levels and backgrounds are needed. Of the projects, eight would be suitable for families, according to the release.

“Many of the projects this year are open to volunteers ages 14 and older, so Adopt-A-Park is a great chance for families and youth groups to spend some time together outside giving back to nature,” said MetroParks Volunteer Coordinator Allison Zimmerman. “It’s the perfect way to celebrate Earth Day.”

Projects include gardening, planting trees, and shrubs and collecting litter. Other projects range from fence maintenance, mulching and removing invasive species and restoring habitat areas.

In 2024, during Adopt-A-Park, there were 287 volunteers that served 699.19 service hours, during which:

  • 200 pounds of landfill litter and debris were collected from the parks and riverways
  • 5.5 acres of invasive plants were removed
  • 102 trees/shrubs were planted
  • 60 Adopt-A-Park Service Kits were distributed

The service kits are pre-assembled for participants to be safe while cleaning green spaces. A limited amount will be offered to groups of volunteers tackling their own local litter removal projects. 

“MetroParks staff manage nearly 16,000 acres of land, including 35 facilities, 191 miles of natural surface trails and large amounts of the region’s river corridor,” said Jenny Hymans, MetroParks human resources and volunteer manager. “MetroParks staff truly need help from volunteers in order to support the region’s natural heritage during Adopt-A-Park and year-round.”

Those who wish to volunteer can register as an individual, family or group. Groups are encouraged to register early. Five Rivers MetroParks said all the projects are outdoors, so it is important for colunteers for dress for the weather, and volunteers may want to bring gloves and a reusable water bottle as well.

For volunteers, it is required to be registered to partake in the projects. To register, or for more information, click here.