Published April 11, 2025
Calling on the next generation of volunteers
Fostering an appreciation of green spaces, conservation and sustainable practices among today’s youth is integral to the stewardship of our natural world in the future. While it’s understood that young people in high school and college care deeply about social and environmental issues, the time they spend volunteering has greatly decreased, according to The University of Maryland’s Do Good Institute.
From lack of transportation to availability of interesting opportunities, there may be barriers that young people face before committing to short- and long-term volunteer opportunities. However, as older adults become less active volunteers, the need for youth to engage in the community is more important than ever.
“At Five Rivers MetroParks, we’re proud to have hundreds of youth volunteers making a real difference in our community,” said MetroParks volunteer coordinator Allison Zimmerman. “These opportunities aren’t just about giving back; they’re about building skills, confidence, and a lifelong connection to nature. Youth bring fresh energy and new perspectives to everything we do, and their support is absolutely vital. We estimated the benefit of our volunteer’s service hours at over $850,000 in 2024.”
Meet Maya
Maya Behnke is a freshman at the Dayton Regional STEM School and spent time job shadowing MetroParks sustainability manager Kelly Bohrer. Bohrer has a multifaceted role at MetroParks, which frequently includes engaging volunteers.
During her time at MetroParks, Behnke learned a lot – not just about sustainability, but the importance of young people taking actionable steps to get involved with protecting the environment.
“People should spend time outdoors simply because it’s good to just get some fresh air,” said Behnke. “That being said, getting fresh air is nice but helping the environment is even more so. I mean, we are the future. We are going to have a lasting impact on the environment. I feel like getting used to ways we can help better the environment – like volunteering – is very important.”
Indeed, spending time outdoors is beneficial for people’s physical, mental and emotional health, regardless of your age. Additionally, spending time volunteering has benefits – for young adults, in particular.
According to Volunteer Match, students who volunteer can develop life skills and become more well-rounded individuals. Volunteering can also build social skills, fulfill service requirements and be an attractive quality to employers. Perhaps the best perk, volunteering allows young adults to foster a sense of community, make new friends and provide a mental health boost.
“Getting younger people out there will really help build a community of people they can rely on,” said Behnke.
Also integral to a healthy community, is a healthy environment. The World Economic Forum reports that 70% of youth ages 16 to 25 were either extremely or very worried about climate change. One way to address climate anxiety is to learn how to help combat climate change locally. Through many programs and volunteer opportunities, students can work alongside MetroParks professionals to make a difference in the parks and learn how to lessen their own carbon footprint.
“I think it’s important for young people to help protect the environment,” said Behnke. “I would like to see students getting involved – obviously as volunteers – but through education, as well. There are a lot of people who don’t truly understand the ramifications of not helping the environment, but doing their part for research might inspire them to go out and do something involving the environment.”
How should students get started?
Behnke suggests looking online at posts and joining groups that send out email notifications with volunteer opportunities. She suggests networking through friends, family and school resources is also a great opportunity.
Five Rivers MetroParks is always looking for volunteers to help protect the region’s heritage. People of all ages – including students – can search for opportunities by visiting MetroParks’ Get Connected volunteer site at metroparks.org/volunteer.
Students can also reach out to MetroParks’ volunteer coordinators by emailing volunteer.services@metroparks.org or by calling 937-275-PARK.
