Opportunities From: Wood County Park District

Help plant, maintain, and harvest seed from the native plants in the nursery. All tools provided. Training will be provided at the beginning of the program.

Leader: Sanja Jennings

Help Stewardship staff load plants from the Greenhouse at J.C Reuthinger to take to the Fall Native Plant Sale happening that friday!

Learn more about the plant sale here: https://wcparks.org/nativeplantsale/

Meet WCPD Staff at W.W Knight Nature Preserve to set up for the Fall Native Plant Sale! We will be setting up tables, chairs, and staging. 

Heavy items may be moved, please be mindful of this when signing up to volunteer!

Join us at W.W Knight Nature Preserve after the Fall Native Plant Sale and help clean up tables, chairs and other signage used! 

Some heavy lifting may be needed. Please be mindful of this when signing up to volunteer!

Friends of the Wood County Parks private signup to help track hours!

Help plant, maintain, and harvest seed from the native plants in the nursery. All tools provided. Training will be provided at the beginning of the program.

Leader: Sanja Jennings

Help us give some much needed TLC to the paddle craft that makes our programming possible. Cleaning, applying protectant, replacing decals, and cleaning lifejackets are all on the docket, and we could use some extra hands! 

Protective equipment and FOOD will be provided! Come for as long as you're able. Contact Craig Spicer for details: 419-661-1697x3 | cspicer@wcparks.org 

Help plant, maintain, and harvest seed from the native plants in the nursery. All tools provided. Training will be provided at the beginning of the program.

Leader: Sanja Jennings

Participants of Family Open Bouldering head down into the quarry anytime 4:00 – 6:30pm to do some low-level rock climbing! Volunteer duties may include registering participants, managing climbing shoes or other equipment, and promoting a positive program environment! Wear clothing appropriate for the outdoors, and sturdy shoes for walking around the rocks

Participants decorate their bikes with lights, glowsticks, and decorations before embarking on a short, family-friendly nocturnal bike ride down the Slippery Elm Trail and back. Volunteer may be responsible for assisting decoration of bikes, registering participants, riding along with the group, and positive public interaction! Decorating 7-7:30pm. Ride begins shortly after 7:30pm. Must bring own bike if riding, along with a properly fitted helmet.

Help plant, maintain, and harvest seed from the native plants in the nursery. All tools provided. Training will be provided at the beginning of the program. Celebrate the close of another month by bringing a dish to share during a potluck near the end of the program.

Leader: Sanja Jennings

Join staff at Carter Historic Farm in preparing for Heritage Farm Fest! A staple of our farm to table meal is the German potato salad. Come out and help clean and chop the potatoes required for this dish.

Volunteer shift is from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm. This might be shorter or longer depending on how long it takes to handle the potatoes.

Join staff at Carter Historic Farm in preparing for Heritage Farm Fest! Join staff in a variety of tasks ranging from setting up tables and chairs, to decorating the farm with pumpkins. This volunteer position will involve a variety of tasks that may including lifting and kneeling.

To cut down on cooking time on the grill, we are parboiling the bratwurst. This helps keep the line moving and ensures everyone has a delicious bratwurst! This position involves handling raw meat, standing and carrying the cooked bratwursts out to the grill.

Be a part of the Heritage Farm Fest! We will be serving a free farm to table meal to the public and need help. Assist staff in ensuring the line keeps moving and everyone gets to taste the harvest.

Greatly encouraged: Dress in historically accurate clothing of the 1930s! Reach out for a info sheet on appropriate clothing information.

Be a part of the Heritage Farm Fest! This position involves sitting at the welcome booth and counting how many come in. You will be provided a clicker for counting.

Greatly encouraged: Dress in historically accurate clothing of the 1930s! Reach out for a info sheet on appropriate clothing information.

Be a part of the Heritage Farm Fest! Help maintain the fire and coffee supplies throughout the day for our over the fire cooking demo of coffee.

Greatly encouraged: Dress in historically accurate clothing of the 1930s! Reach out for a info sheet on appropriate clothing information.

Be a part of the Heritage Farm Fest! Welcome guests at the welcome booth and provide direction of food and activities.

Greatly encouraged: Dress in historically accurate clothing of the 1930s! Reach out for a info sheet on appropriate clothing information.

Be a part of the Heritage Farm Fest! Help the naturalists run the Hay-Day games. The games are located back by the schoolhouse and provide activity for all ages.

Greatly encouraged: Dress in historically accurate clothing of the 1930s! Reach out for a info sheet on appropriate clothing information.

Be a part of the Heritage Farm Fest! Help us provide family-fun with wagon rides at the Carter Historic Farm. Volunteers will be stationed at the wagon ride stops to assist guests with access to the wagon. A chair will be provided.

Greatly encouraged: Dress in historically accurate clothing of the 1930s! Reach out for a info sheet on appropriate clothing information.

Be a part of the Heritage Farm Fest! Help us provide instruction and interpretation of the traditional corn-shelling machine. You will be briefed on the machine before the event! 

Greatly encouraged: Dress in historically accurate clothing of the 1930s! Reach out for a info sheet on appropriate clothing information.

Be a part of the Heritage Farm Fest! Help park guests and keep the flow of traffic at farm fest moving. This position involves standing and directing traffic.

Greatly encouraged: Dress in historically accurate clothing of the 1930s! Reach out for a info sheet on appropriate clothing information.

Be a part of the Heritage Farm Fest! Keeping an eye on trash left behind, wiping down tables, and helping with recycling are some important ways we can help keep our park clean. This position will be in the shade with chairs available.

Greatly encouraged: Dress in historically accurate clothing of the 1930s! Reach out for a info sheet on appropriate clothing information.

Help plant, maintain, and harvest seed from the native plants in the nursery. All tools provided. Training will be provided at the beginning of the program.

Leader: Sanja Jennings

Help plant, maintain, and harvest seed from the native plants in the nursery. All tools provided. Training will be provided at the beginning of the program.

Leader: Sanja Jennings

Participants carve their own pumpkin-target or use arrows to make a “holey” jack-o’-lantern for a scary-good time! All pumpkins, carving tools, and archery gear provided. Volunteer duties may include assisting with archery equipment handout, managing pumpkins and carving tools, cleaning, serving as a safety spotter during shooting, and adding to the positive vibes! Archery range is covered but open-air, so dress for the weather.

Help plant, maintain, and harvest seed from the native plants in the nursery. All tools provided. Training will be provided at the beginning of the program.

Leader: Sanja Jennings

Join us at our 7th Habitat Heroes volunteer project! Become a hero for the environment by working with our stewardship department to create more sustainable and quality habitat for the benefit of nature and people alike. We will be continuing to remove the invasive tree buckthorn from the grounds. Tools, training, and snacks will be provided.

Help plant, maintain, and harvest seed from the native plants in the nursery. All tools provided. Training will be provided at the beginning of the program. Celebrate the close of another month by bringing a dish to share during a potluck near the end of the program.

Leader: Sanja Jennings

Help clean native plant seeds that have been harvested from Park District properties. This is an indoor, sit-down activity. All instruction and materials provided.

Leader: Alex Helwig

Participants take aim at our life-size 3D animal archery targets while learning the role of hunting as a part of a healthy environment. All targets and archery gear provided. Volunteer duties may include assisting moving 3D targets, handling archery materials, serving as a safety spotter during shooting, and adding to the good archery vibes! Archery range is covered but open-air, so dress for the weather.

Join Sanja Jennings from the Stewardship Department in this hands-on workshop to discover essential techniques for treating native seeds for improving germination and supporting habitat restoration. This program will guide participants through seed cleaning, stratification, and storage methods, with a focus on species native to our region. Whether you're a restoration volunteer, home gardener, or conservation enthusiast, this is a great opportunity to deepen your knowledge and connect with others passionate about native plants. All materials will be provided. Dress for the weather and come ready to get your hands dirty!

Help clean native plant seeds that have been harvested from Park District properties. This is an indoor, sit-down activity. All instruction and materials provided.

Leader: Alex Helwig

Join us at our 8th Habitat Heroes volunteer project! Become a hero for the environment by working with our stewardship department to create more sustainable and quality habitat for the benefit of nature and people alike. We will be removing the invasive shrub honeysuckle from the hillside leading to the river. Tools, training, and snacks will be provided. 

Leader: Stewardship Staff

Help clean native plant seeds that have been harvested from Park District properties. This is an indoor, sit-down activity. All instruction and materials provided.

Leader: Alex Helwig

In this ongoing project, volunteers have the opportunity to assess native plant bloom times and populations within select Wood County Park District parks. This project allows volunteers to play a vital role in identifying both native and invasive species and determine where those species are, allowing the stewardship department to create better management plans. 

The Native Plant Monitoring program runs through October 1st, 2025, and all hours spent volunteering will need to be recorded by December 1st, 2025. 

For more information or any questions, contact Restoration Specialist, Alex Helwig - ahelwig@wcparks.org

Join citizen scientists around the world to count wintering birds. A presentation about how to identify and count the birds will be followed by a practice session at the feeders. This informational session will train volunteer interested in doing Bird Monitoring for an ongoing volunteer opportunity.  

Our native plant gardens need your help!

Gain valuable gardening experience while helping your local parks and community! Sign-up to be part of a team of people who design, implement and care for the native plant gardens. Staff will meet you in the spring to get you started. You choose the day and time to visit and tend to the garden. We will supply the plants and tools you need for a successful garden.

Sign-up to be care for a native plant gardens. You choose your schedule. Coordinate with park district stewardship staff before beginning: Hayley Barrett, hbarrett@wcparks.org, 419-661-5113.

Park District main office: (419) 353-1897 office@wcparks.org   

Register and log your hours.

Expectations

Gain valuable gardening experience while helping your local parks and community! Sign-up to be part of a team of people who design, implement and care for the native plant gardens. Staff will meet you in the spring to get you started. You choose the day and time to visit and tend to the garden. We will supply the plants and tools you need for a successful garden.

Adopt-A-Garden locations :

Our native plant gardens need your help!

Gain valuable gardening experience while helping your local parks and community! Sign-up to be part of a team of people who design, implement and care for the native plant gardens. Staff will meet you in the spring to get you started. You choose the day and time to visit and tend to the garden. We will supply the plants and tools you need for a successful garden.

Sign-up to be care for a native plant gardens. You choose your schedule. Coordinate with park district stewardship staff before beginning: Hayley Barrett, hbarrett@wcparks.org, 419-661-5113.

Park District main office: (419) 353-1897 office@wcparks.org   

Register and log your hours.

Expectations

Gain valuable gardening experience while helping your local parks and community! Sign-up to be part of a team of people who design, implement and care for the native plant gardens. Staff will meet you in the spring to get you started. You choose the day and time to visit and tend to the garden. We will supply the plants and tools you need for a successful garden.

Adopt-A-Garden locations :

Our native plant gardens need your help!

Gain valuable gardening experience while helping your local parks and community! Sign-up to be part of a team of people who design, implement and care for the native plant gardens. Staff will meet you in the spring to get you started. You choose the day and time to visit and tend to the garden. We will supply the plants and tools you need for a successful garden.

Sign-up to be care for a native plant gardens. You choose your schedule. Coordinate with park district stewardship staff before beginning: Hayley Barrett, hbarrett@wcparks.org, 419-661-5113.

Park District main office: (419) 353-1897 office@wcparks.org   

Register and log your hours.

Expectations

Gain valuable gardening experience while helping your local parks and community! Sign-up to be part of a team of people who design, implement and care for the native plant gardens. Staff will meet you in the spring to get you started. You choose the day and time to visit and tend to the garden. We will supply the plants and tools you need for a successful garden.

Adopt-A-Garden locations :

Our native plant gardens need your help!

Gain valuable gardening experience while helping your local parks and community! Sign-up to be part of a team of people who design, implement and care for the native plant gardens. Staff will meet you in the spring to get you started. You choose the day and time to visit and tend to the garden. We will supply the plants and tools you need for a successful garden.

Sign-up to be care for a native plant gardens. You choose your schedule. Coordinate with park district stewardship staff before beginning: Hayley Barrett, hbarrett@wcparks.org, 419-661-5113.

Park District main office: (419) 353-1897 office@wcparks.org   

Register and log your hours.

Expectations

Gain valuable gardening experience while helping your local parks and community! Sign-up to be part of a team of people who design, implement and care for the native plant gardens. Staff will meet you in the spring to get you started. You choose the day and time to visit and tend to the garden. We will supply the plants and tools you need for a successful garden.

Adopt-A-Garden locations :

Our native plant gardens need your help!

Gain valuable gardening experience while helping your local parks and community! Sign-up to be part of a team of people who design, implement and care for the native plant gardens. Staff will meet you in the spring to get you started. You choose the day and time to visit and tend to the garden. We will supply the plants and tools you need for a successful garden.

Sign-up to be care for a native plant gardens. You choose your schedule. Coordinate with park district stewardship staff before beginning: Hayley Barrett, hbarrett@wcparks.org, 419-661-5113.

Park District main office: (419) 353-1897 office@wcparks.org   

Register and log your hours.

Expectations

Gain valuable gardening experience while helping your local parks and community! Sign-up to be part of a team of people who design, implement and care for the native plant gardens. Staff will meet you in the spring to get you started. You choose the day and time to visit and tend to the garden. We will supply the plants and tools you need for a successful garden.

Adopt-A-Garden locations :

Park Ambassadors greet visitors, attend the trails, pick up trash, and report items to park staff. 

Parks with nature centers may have a nature craft station that park ambassadors maintain.

Specific training is required for all Park Ambassadors. 

The Friends of the Parks is a non-profit affiliate organization that support park activities. The volunteer Board of Trustees participate in numerous engaging activities throughout the year. For more information on the Friends of the Wood County Parks, please visit wcparks.org/friends.  

Our native plant gardens need your help!

Gain valuable gardening experience while helping your local parks and community! Sign-up to be part of a team of people who design, implement and care for the native plant gardens. Staff will meet you in the spring to get you started. You choose the day and time to visit and tend to the garden. We will supply the plants and tools you need for a successful garden.

Sign-up to be care for a native plant gardens. You choose your schedule. Coordinate with park district staff before beginning: Hayley Barrett, hbarrett@wcparks.org, 419-661-5113.

Park District Headquarters: (419) 353-1897 office@wcparks.org   

Register and log your hours.

Expectations

Feeding, cleaning, handling, and general care and upkeep of the Animal Ambassadors and their enclosures. These positions are worked out ahead of time with Naturalist Craig Spicer, 419-575-8074. If you are interested in possible openings, please contact him.

Help around the farm in a myriad of ways. We are thankful for the great work our farm volunteers do at the farm. Everything from construction to gardening and animal care. 

Park Ambassadors greet visitors, attend the trails, pick up trash, and report items to park staff. 

Parks with nature centers may have a nature craft station that park ambassadors maintain.

Specific training is required for all Park Ambassadors. 

Park Ambassadors greet visitors, attend the trails, pick up trash, and report items to park staff. Parks with nature centers may have a nature craft station to maintain.

Specific training is required for all Park Ambassadors. 

Adopt-a-Heritage Garden

Assist the Carter Historic Farm by helping on the heritage gardens.

This is an important part of our cultural preservation and education.

This is an outdoor and on-going volunteer position.

Most of the produce is donated to the Brown Bag Food Pantry

Program Guidelines

​Project Coordinator: Anna Cotterman, acotterman@wcparks.org, (419) 353-1897

Volunteer Services: Jamie Sands, jsands@wcparks.org, (419) 353-1897

Location: Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Road, Bowling Green, OH 43402

Duration: summer to autumn (May – October)

Days and times: Choose your own schedule during park hours: 8 am – 30 minutes past sunset.

Expectations of the volunteer(s)

Expectations of Wood County Park District staff

Requirements

Registration process

Things to Know

Adopt-a-Seed Collecting Bed

Assist the Stewardship Department by maintaining a specific native plant bed. This is an important part of our conservation efforts and is an outdoor and on-going volunteer position.

*Anyone can volunteer, but having native plant knowledge is very helpful. 

Program Guidelines

​Project coordinator: Sanja Jennings, sjennings@wcparks.org, (419) 509-9695

Stewardship Coordinator: 

Location: Reuthinger Memorial Preserve, 30730 Oregon Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551

Duration: summer to autumn (June – October)

Days and times: Choose your own schedule during park hours: 8 am – 30 minutes past sunset.

Expectations of the volunteer(s)

Expectations of Wood County Park District Stewardship staff

Requirements

Registration process

Things to Know

Help us maintain the most active trail in Wood County! Small sections of the trail are adopted by volunteers to conduct refuse pick-up and to report back with any concerns.  

Your support and involvement are important and appreciated. Please use this listed volunteer opportunity to record all of your hours with the Adopt-a-Trail: Slippery Elm Trail program. This is a good activity for a group. 

Before you start, be sure to reach out to Park Police officer Mark Wagner to register and receive all the details. 419-575-7335, mwagner@wcparks.org

This is a place to log hours for the ongoing History of the Parks Committee. 

To join the committee, please email jwalton@wcparks.org to be placed in contact with the committee chair with the Friends of the Parks. 

Volunteering is conducted on the volunteers own time and in their own space, but may include visits to Park district Headquarters for meetings and libraries, or other locations containing primary resource materials. 

Our native plant gardens need your help!

Gain valuable gardening experience while helping your local parks and community! Sign-up to be part of a team of people who design, implement and care for the native plant gardens. Staff will meet you in the spring to get you started. You choose the day and time to visit and tend to the garden. We will supply the plants and tools you need for a successful garden.

Sign-up to be care for a native plant gardens. You choose your schedule. Coordinate with park district staff before beginning: Zeb Albert, Stewardship Coordinator zalbert@wcparks.org, 419-661-5113. (419) 353-1897 office@wcparks.org   

Register and log your hours.

Expectations

Gain valuable gardening experience while helping your local parks and community! Sign-up to be part of a team of people who design, implement and care for the native plant gardens. Staff will meet you in the spring to get you started. You choose the day and time to visit and tend to the garden. We will supply the plants and tools you need for a successful garden.

Adopt-A-Garden locations :

Assisting the Stewardship Department with the native plant program by transplanting seedlings and performing other tasks in the warmth of the greenhouse.

Help us with construction projects. 

This opportunity is for pop-up needs of the Park District. It may involve in office administrative work, fieldwork, or anything in between. Volunteers communicate with staff members to determine what is needed, when, and where. 

To assess butterfly populations along transects within designated Wood County Park District parks. This ongoing project allows volunteers to play a vital role by informing the stewardship department of what species are being seen in parks and their relative numbers, and also in contributing to the picture of butterfly populations around the state in submitting the data to Ohio Lepidopterists. 

For more information or questions contact:

Emma Taylor

Program Naturalist

etaylor@wcparks.org

419-661-1697 ext 4

Help tend the heritage gardens at the Carter Historic Farm. We will donate most of the produce to the Brown Bag Food Pantry and the remainder will be utilited to teach programming in traditional life skills 

This is a sign-up for ongoing park beautification, maintenance, and help with special projects.

Are you looking for a service project with the Wood County Park District?

Step 1: Reach out to Park Staff to coordinate your project. office@wcparks.org  (419) 353-1897

Step 2: Create a Galaxy Digital Account and log your project's volunteer hours.

Step 3: Conduct your project and ask about presenting to the Friends of the Parks about possibly support.

Step 4: Follow up and reporting. Be sure to share hours and media-allowed images with park district staff.

Penta Students / BGSU /  any outside organizations volunteering their time to assist the Stewardship Department at Wood County Park District with a variety of conservation related tasks.

All Friends of the Wood County Park District members, please log any extra volunteer hours here that may not fall under another opportunity or board meeting.