Volunteer Opportunities | Inquire Online | Friends Talk Newsletter
Volunteer Opportunities
Members
of the Friends of Metro Parks in Lorain County, Inc. are people who show their support for the Lorain County Metro Parks through their membership in this organization. Those members that choose to volunteer with the Lorain County Metro Parks have the opportunity to serve their fellow citizens.
Friends of Metro Parks works with park staff, an efficient and hard working group of employees dedicated to giving the citizens of Lorain County the finest possible park system. Working with paid staff and often representing the parks makes us proud of their trust in our abilities, and aware of the responsibilities that we are given.
We hope you will start a rewarding Adventure in Volunteering as a member of Friends working with the Lorain County Metro Parks.
Mission Statement
The Friends of Metro Parks in Lorain County, Inc. is an independent, non-profit organization that supports the Lorain County Metro Parks through volunteer staffing, materials, and financial assistance. Members are provided opportunities in volunteering, education and social activities.
We look forward to your continued interest and support of the Lorain County Metro Parks. As a volunteer, how, when and where you serve is up to you. The Metro Parks offers Friends countless opportunities. We know that you will enjoy exploring the many facets of volunteering that are available.
Friends Organization
The Friends of Metro Parks in Lorain County, Inc. was formed in 1983 and is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees consisting of 11 members elected by the general membership. Each member serves a three year term. Officers are elected by the Board of Trustees following the annual meeting of the general membership in June.
Volunteer Opportunities
Conservation Corps
Assist in the development and implementation of the Natural Resource Management Plan and other conservation projects throughout the Metro Parks.
Columbia Reservation
A wide range of opportunities exist including assisting with natural resource and other projects within the park, hike the trails and answer peoples questions about the park, programs and area wildlife, and assist with park programs.
French Creek Nature Center
A wide range of volunteer opportunities exist, including answering phones, greeting the public, staff the Nature Nook and more!
FriendsTalk Newsletter Staff
Every other month Friends communicates with its membership through FRIENDSTALK. Enthusiastic volunteers to write articles, do mailing, etc.
Lakeview Park
Volunteer opportunities at this park include assisting with programs, helping with the maintenance of the rose garden and assisting and answering questions at the Rose Desk located in the Rose Café.
Nature Nooks
Friends operates three different gift shops throughout the park district. They are located at the Carlisle Visitor Center, French Creek Nature Center and Schoepfle Garden Visitor Center. You will assist park visitors with park information as well as with any purchases they make.
Public Information Corps
Be a Goodwill Ambassador for the Metro Parks at community events including health fairs, festivals, and Lorain County Fair!
Raptor Center
Assist with the care of the Raptors at the Raptor Center housed at the Carlisle Visitor Center.
Sandy Ridge Reservation
Friends lend a hand as tram drivers during the summer months, building hosts handing out literature and answering questions, and conducting public programs including hikes and indoor programs.
Schoepfle Garden Visitor Center
Volunteers can assist in the garden center, staff the Nature Nook Gift Shop and/or work outside and assist with seasonal gardening tasks.
Teen Corps
A volunteer opportunity for teens (13-17 years old) to work at a variety of vents as well as the mascot (Chip E. Monk) for the park and as puppeteers at a variety of programs.
Special Events
You can help out at major events including Holiday Lights, Halloween Fair, Maple Sugaring, etc. Each event presents different opportunities to volunteer and are a fun time to interact with visitors and other volunteers.
Vermilion River Reservation Volunteer
Serve an important role as office support. Meet and greet weekend visitors, answer questions, and if interested, help in the Benjamin Bacon Museum.
Wellington Reservation
There are many opportunities to volunteer at this park including helping with paddle boat rentals, answering questions about the park and assisting with park programs.
Wildlife Observation Area
Greet the public, hand out binoculars and field guides, answer questions about birds, and staff the Gift Shop. This is a great learning opportunity.
This is a quick overview of the opportunities available for volunteers with Friends of Metro Parks in Lorain County, Inc. Orientations for new volunteers are held every other month at the Carlisle Visitor Center (January, March, May, July, September and November). Call Becky Voit at 1-800-LCM-PARK for more information and the date of the next orientation!
