Published April 11, 2024
Volunteer spotlight: Ed Stevenson
If you’ve helped at a Twin Valley Trail Workday, participated in the Twin Valley Trail Challenge or attended the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience, you’ve likely crossed paths with volunteer Ed Stevenson.
Stevenson joined MetroParks’ volunteer team in March of 2016 after his wife and he moved to the area to be closer to their grandkids.
“Five Rivers looked interesting, so I decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did,” said Stevenson.
In Stevenson’s eight years of service, he has volunteered over 2,100 hours! Stevenson primarily volunteers to support opportunities in conservation, park maintenance, and special events, prescribed burns, trail maintenance, MetroParks Volunteer Patrol and tram driving.
Stevenson has become synonymous with dependability, leadership and skill at MetroParks. He developed trail maintenance skills over time and is now one of MetroParks’ most experienced and respected trail team volunteers.
Trail Manager, Michael Cooper shared the following about Ed Stevenson:
“I have had the pleasure of working alongside Ed on numerous occasions and have witnessed firsthand his dedication, passion and tireless commitment to improving and maintaining our parks and our trails. His hard work and selfless efforts have had a significant impact on our agency, trails, and the community.”
Stevenson enjoys working with staff and other volunteers on different projects.
“When I volunteer, I am around positive people,” said Stevenson.
Fellow Trail Team volunteer, Jon Reed, enjoys working with Stevenson, as well.
“I work with him [Stevenson] on trail building/maintenance – now at Possum Creek MetroPark -but previously at Germantown & Twin Creek MetroParks,” said Reed. “He has been a right-hand man for the park and trail managers as much as a volunteer can be. I would say that he is exactly what you might hope to have and certainly what I aspire to do for Five Rivers MetroParks.”
Stevenson’s years of experience in a variety of opportunities have imbued him with a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Yet, despite his considerable achievements, he remains grounded in humility, approaching every task with grace and a deep understanding of his role and place at MetroParks. He is a shining example of what volunteerism should be: leading with the heart and wanting to make a difference.
Thank you, Ed, for your outstanding commitment, dedication, and service to Five Rivers MetroParks!
To learn more about how to become a Five Rivers MetroParks volunteer, visit metroparks.org/volunteer.
