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HELP KEEP THEM AWESOME.
Love the Metroparks? Enjoy time in the Metroparks? Want to know more about the Metroparks? Then consider volunteering at the Metroparks. It’s a wonderful way to do good for the community while having a great time in 25,000 acres of woods, water and recreational facilities. Learn more below, then sign up soon.
VOLUNTEERING
We’re going to be real honest: The Huron-Clinton Metroparks relies on volunteers. After all, those 25,000 acres under our care need a lot of attention. And while we have a lot of paid staff, both full and part time, it’s our volunteers who make it possible to give the 13 Metroparks as much attention and TLC as they need … and deserve.
The great thing about volunteering at the Metroparks is there’s something for everyone. Love animals? Help out at our Nature Centers and Farm Centers. Got a green thumb? Help us care for natural flora and fight invasive species. Into golf? We’ve got eight courses you can volunteer at.
Springtime is particularly important when it comes to volunteering. It’s when we get ready for the summer months ahead. Volunteer workdays are held both on weekdays and on weekends, typically for two to four hours, all year long. And don’t forget, volunteering can be an excellent team-building exercise: Volunteer workdays can be specially scheduled for organizations, businesses and other groups.
The daily park entrance fee is waived for volunteers on the day of service. And you’re welcome to enjoy the park when your shift has concluded. A liability waiver is required; if under 18, a parent/legal guardian must sign as well.
And don’t worry. When you volunteer at the Metroparks, we supply all the tools and equipment you’ll need.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Every year thousands of volunteers donate countless hours to the Huron-Clinton Metroparks. Become an invaluable member of the team by joining efforts to preserve the Metroparks and enhance the environment for generations to come.
Community & Scout Projects
Looking for a one-of-a-kind group activity for your company, club, neighborhood association, or church group? Collaborating with the Metroparks on a special volunteer project can make for an unforgettable experience.
Scouts – and scouting groups – can also make the most of volunteering at the Metroparks. A number of volunteer projects can qualify for merit badges and help earn rank as an Eagle Scout.
If you have any questions or to learn more about available projects, please contact our Volunteer Services Supervisor, Alison Lum at alison.lum@metroparks.com
Company & Organization Volunteering
We invite companies and organizations to to volunteer! Think team-building activity or a great way to spend the day at the park giving back by removing invasive species, collecting native seeds, picking up liter, building picnic tables or helping at events.
Typically, we hosts corporate groups of 5 to 25 people, but we can accommodate larger groups. On average, volunteer days range from two to six hours in length. Materials and tools needed are provided for volunteer days, but volunteers are asked to bring work gloves, and dress to be outdoors, wearing closed to shoes.
To set up a volunteer day is easy. Simply contact Volunteer Services Supervisor, Alison Lum at alison.lum@metroparks.com and she will work with you to coordinate a date, time and activity.
Public Workdays
Saturday, March 21 – Garlic Mustard Pull
Invasive species can be troublesome, but you can help! Learn about this invasive species, how to identify and remove it. Afterwards will head out to the nature trails where we will pull this plant and dispose of it properly. Tools and necessary equipment will be provided to participants.
Ages: 15 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Time: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Location: Lake St. Clair Metropark, Nature Center
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program. Click here to register.
Saturday, April 4 – Garlic Mustard Pull
Invasive species can be troublesome, but you can help! Learn about this invasive species, how to identify and remove it. Afterwards will head out to the nature trails where we will pull this plant and dispose of it properly. Tools and necessary equipment will be provided to participants.
Ages: 15 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Time: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Location: Lake St. Clair Metropark, Nature Center
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program. Click here to register.
Saturday, April 18 – Earth Day Shoreline Cleanup: Lake Erie
Earth Day is a time to reflect on your impact on the planet and work towards more sustainable practices and efforts that support a healthy environment for all of us. In celebration of Earth Day, help keep Lake Erie Metropark clean by joining us as we clean along the picnic areas and shoreline of the park. You or your group will be assigned an area to help clean. We will join back up at the Food Bar around noon for lunch consisting of hot dogs, chips, and a drink. Individuals, families, and groups welcome. You will receive free daily park entry as a volunteer.
Ages: Fun for all ages! Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Time: 10 a.m. – Noon
Cost: Free!
Location: Lake Erie Metropark, Food Bar
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program. Click here to register.
Saturday, April 18 – Earth Day Cleanup: Stony Creek
Earth Day is a time to reflect on your impact on the planet and work towards more sustainable practices and efforts that support a healthy environment for all of us. Litter and plastic can be dangerous to animals and unsightly to look at in the parks. We need your help to keep Stony Creek Metropark beautiful and safe for people visiting and for the wildlife that live here. Check in at the park Office to pick up your tools (trash bags and gloves), and directions/map to your assigned cleanup area. Registered volunteers will also get into the park for free that day.
Ages: Fun for all ages! Children 14 and under muse be accompanied by a registered adult
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Location: Stony Creek Metropark, Park Office
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. one week (7 days) before the program. Registration link coming soon.
Sunday, April 19 – Earth Day Cleanup: Lake St. Clair
Join us for an Earth Day Cleanup! Volunteers will help us keep our park beautiful and safe for people and wildlife! Individuals, families, and corporate groups are all welcome to participate. Volunteers will be assigned to different areas of the park at check-in at the Nature Center. All necessary tools, gloves and bags will be provided. Volunteers will receive free entry into the park on clean-up day. All members of a group must be registered to participate and properly assign tasks. Snacks and water will be provided. Volunteers will be working independently of staff after initial orientation.
Ages: 6 and up. Children under 14 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Location: Lake St. Clair Metropark, Nature Center
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program. Click here to register.
Saturday, April 25 – Earth Day Cleanup: Oakwoods
Help us in our efforts to keep Oakwoods looking clean and beautiful. Sign up for our Earth Day Clean-up. You will be assigned a section within our Nature Study Area to clear debris, remove unwanted branches and pick-up any litter that may be around. After the clean-up, join us for hot dogs, chips and a water; and learn a little bit more about the up-coming happenings within the park.
Ages: Fun for all ages! Children under 14 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Time: 10 a.m. – Noon
Cost: Free!
Location: Oakwoods Metropark, Nature Center
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program. Click here to register.
Golf Volunteers
If you love the great game of golf (like we do), you’ll find all kinds of ways to volunteer at the Metroparks. We ask our golf volunteers to make a commitment of one shift per week and – of course – have prior knowledge of the game. Some responsibilities of a golf volunteer can include:
- Maintaining pace of play
- Filling divots
- Repairing ball marks
- Moving tee marks
Our golf volunteers also have the perk of FREE golf! To sign up to volunteer, download and complete the application and volunteer waiver forms by clicking on the button below and then return to the course where you would like to volunteer:
- Kensington Metropark: Matt Park, Matt.park@metroparks.com
- Hudson Mills Metroparks: Don Naggie, Don.Naggie@metroparks.com
- Huron Meadows Metroparks: ALL VOLUNTEER POSITIONS ARE CURRENTLY FULL
- Indian Springs Metroparks: Larry Paffi, Larry.Paffi@metroparks.com
- Willow Metropark: Jeff Potratz, Jeff.Potratz@metroparks.com
- Lake Erie Metroparks: Jan Newboles, Jan.Newboles@metroparks.com
- Stony Creek Metroparks: Ron Paschal, sc.golf@metroparks.com
Natural Resources Volunteer Days
Volunteers are an essential part of our fight against invasive plant species and the continued work of restoring and conserving our natural areas. We’re always looking for volunteers to help with ecosystem management and restoration. Without the work of our volunteers, many native plants, wildflowers and animals would be crowded out.
The Metroparks Natural Resources Department typically holds two to four volunteer events each month from March to November.
When you volunteer, please be sure to dress for working outdoors and in areas that may include poison ivy (long pants, long sleeves, closed-toe shoes, rain gear, bug spray/sun screen, etc.). If you have favorite work or gardening gloves, bring them. If not, we will provide some.
To volunteer, download and complete the application and volunteer waiver by clicking on the button below and return to naturevolunteer@metroparks.com.
Remote or Self-Guided Volunteering
Your Metroparks value the work and impact that volunteers bring to our park system. We are excited to offer remote or self-guided volunteer opportunities this year. Groups, families, individuals, and companies are encouraged to participate.
Volunteer to Make Nest Boxes
The Metroparks are inviting volunteers to, remotely, help make nest boxes to be used at the Farm and Nature Centers throughout the Metroparks. Nest boxes are used by birds and bats for seasonal nesting, roosting and storing prey year-round.
Volunteers will sign up to make a specific type of nest box for a specific Metropark Farm or Nature Center. Volunteers will use the instructions provided to build your nest box. After your box is complete, arrange drop off to the specific Farm or Nature Center for staff to install boxes. To sign up, please contact Alison Lum at alison.lum@metroparks.com
Please note, volunteers are responsible for purchasing all materials and should follow the instructions provided. If volunteers have their own plans, they will need to seek approval to use those plans.
Nest Box Instructions
| Screech Owl Boxes: | Kestrel Boxes: | Bat Boxes: | Native Bee Houses: |
Ready to volunteer? Simply, download and complete the volunteer application and volunteer waiver. You can return it via email to our Volunteer Services Supervisor, Alison Lum at alison.lum@metroparks.com.
VOLUNTEER WORKDAYS
Join the Metroparks Natural Resources crew to help fight invasive species or plant trees or gather native seeds, there are opportunities all year long to get out and volunteer.
Volunteer Workday: Kensington Metropark - February28
Join the Natural Resources Crew to improve ecosystems around Kensington Metropark. We will remove invasive shrubs to preserve a prairie or forest habitat, and volunteers will learn about how their work enhances natural areas around the park.
All necessary tools and equipment will be provided. We will provide gloves, but feel free to bring your favorite pair! Please be sure to dress for working outdoors and off-trail in areas that may include poison ivy (long pants, layered clothing, closed-toe shoes, rain gear, hat, sunscreen, etc.). Don’t forget to bring a bottle of water too!
Ages: 12 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult
Time: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Location: Kensington Metropark, Nature Center parking lot
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. three days before the program.
Volunteer Workday: Oakwoods Metropark - March 21
We are inviting volunteers to come help remove invasive shrubs, to preserve natural areas within the park. You will learn about the plants and wildlife that can be found here, and how your efforts help preserve these vital ecosystems.
All necessary tools and equipment will be provided. We will provide gloves, but feel free to bring your favorite pair! Please be sure to dress for working outdoors and off-trail in areas that may include poison ivy (long pants, layered clothing, closed-toe shoes, rain gear, hat, sunscreen, etc.). Don’t forget to bring a bottle of water!
Ages: 12 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Time: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Location: Oakwoods Metropark, Nature Center
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. three days before the program.
Volunteer Workday: Wolcott Mill Metropark - April 25
Join the Natural Resources crew to celebrate Earth Day at Wolcott Mill Metropark! Get outside and help remove invasive species like garlic mustard from a beautiful forest ecosystem. Keep an eye out for spring wildflowers!
All necessary tools and equipment will be provided. We will provide gloves, but feel free to bring your favorite pair! Please be sure to dress for working outdoors and off-trail in areas that may include poison ivy (long pants, layered clothing, closed-toe shoes, rain gear, hat, sunscreen, etc.). Don’t forget to bring a bottle of water!
Ages: 12 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Time: 10 a.m. – Noon
Cost: Free!
Location: Wolcott Mill Metropark, Historic Center parking lot
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. three days before the program.
Volunteer Workday: Kensington Metropark - May 23
Join the Natural Resources Crew to improve ecosystems around Kensington Metropark. We will remove invasive shrubs to preserve a prairie or forest habitat, and volunteers will learn about how their work enhances natural areas around the park.
All necessary tools and equipment will be provided. We will provide gloves, but feel free to bring your favorite pair! Please be sure to dress for working outdoors and off-trail in areas that may include poison ivy (long pants, layered clothing, closed-toe shoes, rain gear, hat, sunscreen, etc.). Don’t forget to bring a bottle of water too!
Ages: 12 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult
Time: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Location: Kensington Metropark, Nature Center parking lot
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. three days before the program.
Volunteer Workday: Hudson Mills Metropark - June 6
Join natural resources staff at Hudson Mills Metropark as we work to remove invasive plants from a high-quality ecosystem. Volunteers will get a chance to learn about the wetlands and woodlands we can find in this park.
All necessary tools and equipment will be provided. We will provide gloves, but feel free to bring your favorite pair! Please be sure to dress for working outdoors and off-trail in areas that may include poison ivy (long pants, layered clothing, closed-toe shoes, rain gear, hat, sunscreen, etc.). Don’t forget to bring a bottle of water!
Ages: 12 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Time: 10 a.m. – Noon
Cost: Free!
Location: Hudson Mills Metropark, Pineview Parking Lot
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. three days before the program.
Volunteer Workdays are great opportunities for families and friends or companies and teams! All necessary tools and equipment will be provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to apply to be a volunteer?
Yes, volunteers must fill out a volunteer application and a liability waiver. No previous experience is necessary. Workday leaders will orient volunteers to the procedures and safety precautions of each activity.
How fit do I need to be?
If you are in good physical health and can handle carrying or dragging 10 – 25 lbs., walking on uneven terrain and bending or stooping, you should have no trouble with our workday activities. If you need accommodations for your volunteer workday, please contact Katie Kowalski at katie.kowalski@metroparks.com.
Do I have to sign up or can I just show up?
Pre-registration is required for all workdays. We ask that you pre-register so we can provide the number of tools for everyone expected to be in attendance. This also helps us adjust the activity to the number of volunteers and make sure that your valuable time is not wasted. For help with registration, please contact Katie at katie.kowalski@metroparks.com.
What do I need to bring to the workday?
Please come dressed for outdoor work. This means long pants, closed-toe shoes or boots (waterproof shoes in wet conditions), layers for varying weather conditions, a hat to protect from the sun, etc. While the Metroparks will provide water, it is always smart to bring your own water or reusable container.
Is there a minimum age limit?
Volunteers of all ages are welcome, however, volunteers under 14 will need a parent or adult to volunteer with them. Some activities are more appropriate for young children than others. For example: Garlic mustard pulls and native seed collections are appropriate for all ages, while invasive shrub removal involves using sharp tools, herbicide and handling thorny plants and is better suited for older volunteers. Please use discretion or ask a Volunteer Coordinator before bringing young volunteers to workdays.
How do you decide whether to cancel a workday?
If there is impending inclement weather, we may decide to cancel a workday. Also, if very few volunteers register, it may not be effective to go through with the workday. In the event that a workday is canceled, look for a cancellation email to registered volunteers.
Do I have to stay for the whole workday?
No. We are grateful for any amount of time you can volunteer. If you cannot stay the entire time, we do ask that you arrive on time and leave early. We often hike a short distance to our worksite from the parking area. If you arrive late, you may not be able to find the group.
Will there be bathrooms at the workday site?
Workdays are almost always scheduled at sites with restrooms within walking distance.
Can I get community service credit for volunteering at workdays?
Yes. Workday leaders are happy to sign any papers required to give volunteers community service credit. If you are expecting credit for the full duration of the workday, please stay until the end.
How do you decide where workdays take place?
Our workday sites are chosen based on volunteer accessibility, restoration need and ecosystem quality. Because there are so many sites that need volunteer attention, we try to get volunteers out to as many of our Metroparks as possible. You can always be sure that the area you are working in is in need of restoration help and that the work you are doing will be lasting.
Can we do a workday on a different day/time than is listed on the schedule?
Yes. We are flexible in scheduling special workdays for groups or organizations. If you are interested in scheduling a workday for your group, contact Alison Lum at alison.lum@metroparks.com
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