Published April 29, 2022
Making a Difference in your MetroParks
Heads up! This article was published 2 years ago.
As National Volunteer Month comes to an end, Five Rivers MetroParks wants to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all our volunteers. Whether you’ve volunteered during special service days or regularly spend time in a park, you have helped MetroParks protect the region’s natural heritage and provided outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.
Five Rivers MetroParks couldn’t fulfill our mission without our dedicated volunteers. To MetroParks’ staff, they are part of the MetroParks family. Meet a few volunteers below and learn how you can become a MetroParks volunteer yourself:
Carol Williamson: If you’ve been to the 2nd Street Market or a special event, such as The Adventure Summit, you may have talked to long-time volunteer Carol Williamson. Carol has been volunteering with MetroParks since 2008 and regularly to greet guests at the 2nd Street Market and provides administrative support to our outdoor recreation staff.
“Carol has always been a great support over the years,” said outdoor recreation program manager Brent Anslinger. “Her support has helped our team focus on other tasks and she always shares a smile and a kind word.”
Ed Gellar: Ed Geller’s volunteer journey began in 2017, when he was looking for ways to give back and stay active. Geller is willing to help out wherever he is needed, from conservation projects to removing litter around lakes and ponds as part of MetroParks Pond Patrol.
“Ed is a dependable volunteer and a kind soul,” said MetroParks education coordinator Kate Lowry. “He cares so much for Five Rivers MetroParks and volunteers his time to help us provide a beautiful space for the public to enjoy. We are so lucky to have him on our volunteer team.”
Steve McNew: Volunteering since 2019, Steve McNew is a newer volunteer, but brings a wealth of expertise to the historical farm at Carriage Hill MetroPark. McNew works to keep the farm in tip-top shape and does demonstrations for visitors to watch. He volunteers at the historical farm because it reminds him a lot of the farm his grandfather used to own.
“Steve is as willing to learn as he is to teach, and is always (and in all ways) willing to lend a hand,” said education specialist Deb Spencer.
Dianne Frimel: For years Dianne Frimel has been assisting MetroParks with land cover mapping, an essential tool that provides information to our parks and conservation and planning staff. Frimel has so much experience with cover mapping, she welcomes new volunteers with an interest in it to learn from her.
“Dianne freely and enthusiastically shares her knowledge from years of experience with newer volunteers,” said MetroParks conservation technician Ben Crusoe. “Her detailed attention to data collection and reporting is very appreciated. She is proficient and assertive while offering directives in keeping the cover mapping team focused on data reporting while in the field.”
David Saelens: A little dirt never hurt, especially when it comes to David Saelens. Volunteering since 2016, Saelens is a superlative gardener and regularly helps with a variety of conservation projects at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. The work he does allows MetroParks staff to accomplish so much more each day.
“David is our most regular volunteer,” said lead horticulture technician Franz Kirchner. “Prior to the pandemic, he rarely missed a Tuesday Gardening Angels spot and came back during a short time in 2020 when things began to reopen. In 2021, David volunteered multiple days during the week all season and has helped nearly every area of the garden. We can count on David to be here – often early – and help us in the gardens while discussing whatever book he is reading at the time”
Phil Bush: For nearly 10 years, Phil Bush has been volunteering in a variety of capacities, from conservation projects to outdoor recreation programs. Bush loves fishing and teaching others with help from MetroParks outdoor recreation specialists.
“Sometimes just touching a warm fish can be really scary,” said outdoor recreation specialist Kelly Kingery. “Phil has a very calming effect and usually can get them [program participants] to at least try it and find it’s not so bad!”
Keeping his volunteer work on the water, Bush also volunteers to support MetroParks conservation projects, most recently the tree sinking at Eastwood Lake.
“Phil is a very dedicated conservation caretaker and participates in many other volunteer events that support the agency’s conservation efforts,” said regional conservation manager Grace Dietsch. “is a very generous individual and always brightens our day with his big smile and positive attitude.”
A year in review:
In 2021, 572 volunteers dedicated nearly 12,00 hours to your Five Rivers MetroParks and the community. Read more volunteer stand-out stories in our 2021 Annual Report and back issues of ParkWays magazine.
MetroParks also includes volunteer spotlights, photos, stories and opportunities on its Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn pages, in addition to a monthly blog on the Get Connected volunteer site.
Become a Five Rivers MetroParks volunteer:
Five Rivers MetroParks has plenty of volunteer opportunities to suit your availability and interest, from working with farm animals to being a part of special event celebrations. To view all available volunteer opportunities, visit MetroParks’ Get Connected volunteer site.
New in 2021-22
Service Saturdays: These new public volunteer days are an easy, convenient way to support your MetroParks and make a difference. Volunteers of all ages and abilities will help with a variety of projects from 9 a.m. to noon on select Saturdays during the summer. Register online starting May 9 at metroparks.org/volunteer.
- Saturday, June 18
- Saturday, July 16
- Saturday, Aug. 20
- Saturday, Sept. 17
