Friends of the Metro Parks in Lorain County, Inc.

Assist in the development and implementation of the Natural Resource Management Plan and other conservation projects throughout the Metro Parks.  Tasks usually include planting seedlings, building birdhouses and grooming trails.

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.

A wide range of volunteer opportunities exist, including answering phones, greeting the public, animal care and more! If you are interested in the arts, members of Friends can also assist with theatrical and concert productions with TrueNorth Cultural Arts which is located at French Creek.  You can assist with the concession stand, box office, ushers or in the art gallery.

Every four months, Friends communicates with its membership through FRIENDS TALK. Enthusiastic volunteers are needed to write articles, contact corps leaders for information and help pick up and deliver the newsletter.

Assist with programs and trail monitoring at this metro parks located in Avon Lake.

Volunteer opportunities at this park include assisting with programs and special events, helping with the maintenance of the rose garden and assisting and answering questions at the Rose Desk located in the Rose Café.

Miller Nature Preserve is a bustling place to volunteer.  If you enjoy greeting visitors, answering phones and working in a gift shop, volunteer in the Nature Nook Gift Shop.  If you are a plant lover, learn more about the tropical plants displayed inside and outside by helping out in the conservatory and outside gardens doing plant care. There are also opportunities to assist with programs.

Friends operate three different gift shops throughout the park district (Carlisle Visitor Center, Miller Nature Preserve and Schoepfle Garden Visitor Center) and one small gift cart (Splash Zone). You will assist park visitors with park information as well as with any purchases they make.  Opportunities also exist for managers and inventory control assistance.

Be a “Goodwill Ambassador” for the Metro Parks as you greet the public and answer questions about the parks and Friends at various special events such as health fairs, festivals, and Lorain County Fair!

The Metro Parks maintain an excellent Raptor Center at Carlisle Visitor Center to house birds of prey which have been permanently injured.  These birds are used as educational ambassadors for their species.  After extensive training, volunteers assist with the care of the Raptors.

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.

The Schoepfle Garden combines formal European-style gardens with nature trails along the Vermilion River.  Volunteers can enjoy an indoor experience working the desk in the visitor center and Nature Nook gift shop.  Other opportunities include assisting with programs, helping in the Children’s Garden with the carousel, driving tram or working with the horticulturalist with weeding, pruning and planting.

Teens (13 -17 years old) are welcomed to volunteer and gain experience and knowledge of nature and our parks.  Teens volunteer at a variety of events as well as bringing the park mascot – Chip E Munk – to the public and also performing puppet shows.  They have opportunities to enjoy social events, special projects with park staff and events planned just for teens. Download an application here.

It’s not a train per se, but “Choo” is our drivable tram that runs along our Children’s Nature Discovery Trail at Carlisle Visitor Center.  Open for special events and summer weekends, assistance is needed in driving and assisting passengers on and off.

Tram drivers drive an electric tram along paved sections of selected trails for those who might not otherwise be able to enjoy the park.  Along the ride, volunteers provide information on points of interest for public tours and requested programs.  We currently provide trams at Black River Reservation (by appointment only), Sandy Ridge Reservation, and Schoepfle Garden.

Lorain County Metro Parks has several major events throughout the year and each event presents different opportunities to volunteer and is a fun time to interact with visitors and other volunteers. It doesn’t matter which corps you work with regularly, all are welcomed to volunteer for these events!

The Carriage Barn is located at the Vermilion River Reservation. Volunteers serve an important role as office support greeting visitors, answering questions and staffing the reception desk.  Volunteers can also assist with programs.  The Benjamin Bacon Museum is located here as well and tour guides are always needed.

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.

Located at the Carlisle Visitor Center, this volunteer opportunity has you greeting the public, handing out binoculars and answering questions about our local birds.  In addition, you will be working in the Nature Nook gift shop that is a part of the viewing area.  If you enjoy gardening, the park staff is always in need of help to make the observation area a joy to view and a place to view wildlife.