Five Rivers MetroParks will host its annual fall service day, Make a Difference Day, from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 23. Register online by Friday, Oct. 22, at metroparks.org/make-a-difference.
People of all ages will work at more than 15 sites throughout the Dayton area, including:
Make a Difference Day projects help beautify the parks and prepare them for the winter season.
“Our dedicated volunteers are critical to helping us protect and maintain more than 16,000 acres of the region’s natural heritage,” said human resources and volunteer manager Jenny Hymans.
“Make a Difference Day is a great way to get some fresh, fall air while giving back with your family, friends or co-workers.”
Registration is required. 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. Additionally, MetroParks requires face coverings to be worn indoors in its facilities and encourages the use of face coverings anywhere six feet of social distance cannot be maintained.
“This is the first annual day of service MetroParks has been able to host in-person since the pandemic began,” said Hymans. “We’re incredibly happy to reengage volunteers in a way that encourages people to safely come together and give back to nature.”
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 200 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 like these during Service Saturdays and more at metroparks.org/volunteer.
Make a Difference Day is sponsored by Montgomery County Environmental Services, Keep Montgomery County Beautiful, Lexis Nexis and QEI Engineers Inc.