If you’re looking for a fun, easy way to give back to nature and help the environment, participating in citizen science can be the perfect answer....
Conservation Leaders
Fostering growing advocates for the protection of nature through exploration, discovery, and action leading to deepened connections with nature.
Being a teen isn’t always easy, but it can also be an exciting time as you explore and identify your own unique interests, form lasting friendships with like-minded people, explore potential careers, and gain a growing level of independence and confidence. The Conservation Leaders program works to support older youth, ages 10-17, as they navigate these new obstacles.
There are three unique ways to take part in the Conservation Leader program. You can choose to take part in just one or all three!
Program Overview
Conservation Leader Programs
Fostering a growing network of teen conservationists
Conservation Leader programming fosters a deepened connection with nature and sparks curiosity as older youth grow their knowledge of the natural world through purposeful exploration of Dayton’s local ecology. Programs are centered around identification, skill building or topic exploration
Conservation in Action Volunteer Opportunities
Become a force of nature as you develop a sense of ownership and a deeper understanding of local environmental issues and the role they play.
Older youth who choose to become official MetroParks volunteers can take part in Conservation in Action Volunteer Opportunities working alongside MetroParks skilled and dedicated Conservation Staff Members on a variety of active conservation projects aimed at improving biodiversity across the parks.
Conservation Kids Program Support
Develop and strengthen your confidence and leadership skills
Older youth who choose to become official MetroParks volunteers can volunteer, with the guidance of a staff member, to provide program support at Conservation Kids programs for families with youth ages 3-13. Conservation Kids programming provides children and families inspiration and knowledge to get outside, play in and explore nature.
Hear From Current Conservation Leaders
Conservation Leader Projects and Impacts
Cattail Removal, July 6, 2024
Written by Conservation Leader NorahÂ
“The Conservation Leaders were busy last Saturday! We worked at Spring Run Conservation Area removing the seed heads from invasive cattails to help prevent them from out-competing the native species. Each seed head can produce 250,000 seeds that may remain viable for up to 100 years! https://www.oipc.info/background-information.html As always we had a great time working and found lots of cool plants and animals. A huge thank you to Erin and the FRMP Conservation team for giving us this opportunity. May the forest be with you, always.