Published April 14, 2025
National Volunteer Month Spotlight: Deb Kozar
Deb Kozar, second from the right
In celebration of National Volunteer Month, your Five Rivers MetroParks is spotlighting its volunteers. Deb Kozar has been volunteering with MetroParks since 2018.
Kozar moved to Dayton in spring of 2016 after living in Germany for 28 years. She found a job as a substitute teacher with a daycare center and, while developing a summer camp program, she discovered the many wonderful parks in the Dayton area, their programs and resources, especially those geared for educators. She began attending programs on composting, Project Wild and No Child Left Inside curriculum training, and Teacher’s Night Out programs. It was at these programs that Kozar discovered volunteer opportunities with MetroParks’ school programs. These combined Kozar’s love for the outdoors, her passion for teaching, and the joy of bringing both together for children in nature.
Today, Kozar continues to lead school programs throughout our MetroParks. Her staff lead Pam Lyons-Gromen says, “Deb embodies our mission to connect students to nature through hands-on exploration. She has been called the “Swiss Army Knife” volunteer. Her backpack is always packed and ready with engaging props and activities. She is quick with fun facts and memorable rhymes: “Hairy vine, itchy friend of mine.” I am so grateful for her contagious joy and energy!”
Kozar also helps mentor new volunteers and provides program support for a variety of MetroParks programs, including Paint-a-Park and hiking programs. She has also volunteered as a judge for the local Outstanding Teacher Awards. Staff lead Mary Beth Hobson shared, “Deb is a dedicated and kind person. She puts her whole heart into whatever task she is doing and it shows. She is creative and I can always depend on her to add great ideas and solutions to the program she volunteers for. I adore working with her.”
Kozar’s reason for volunteering? To encourage and show people all the opportunities that can be experienced outdoors. She shares, “Outdoors is more than watching out for poison ivy – one of my favorite plants by the way. I want to share how we all have a part in maintaining the sustainability of the world around us.”
Kozar enjoys each of the MetroParks and likes that they each have their own distinct specialty. When she is not working or volunteering, she enjoys knitting, cooking, gardening, and “anything to get me outside.” With so many great opportunities to experience the outdoors, Kozar says she needs more than 24 hours in a day to fit it all in!
Find more volunteer spotlights, head to MetroParks’ volunteer site, Get Connected. Learn more about volunteering in your Five Rivers MetroParks by visiting metroparks.org/volunteer.
