At the March 20 meeting, the board of commissioners for Metroparks Toledo received an update on volunteerism through the park district.
Shannon Hughes, director of education and programs, was quick to commend the volunteers.
“We could not do what we do without these volunteers. We appreciate everything they do for us at Metroparks.”
Ms. Hughes pointed out that Metroparks receives assistance from 2,000 volunteers who have logged 37,548 hours of service over the past year.
Volunteers serve the park system in a number of ways, she explained. They include trail patrol, garden keepers, hike leaders, native seed nursery planters, facility hosts, research monitors and at Manor House events.
As research monitors, volunteers assist in three ways. The park district has 12 volunteers who logged 418 hours working closely with staff to find and assess rare plant species in Oak Openings.
In addition to plant monitors, raptor monitors assist staff with documentation of nesting raptor species in Oak Openings. In this program, the park received help from 58 volunteers who put in 480 hours this past year.
Staff at the native seed nursery at Blue Creek appreciate the help they receive from 44 volunteers, said Ms. Hughes.
The volunteers put in 890 hours helping with every step of the process from separating seeds to scrubbing plant containers, she explained.
The Manor House is a popular destination, especially during the holiday season, with 29,300 visitors in 2023.
“Volunteers provide over 1,000 hours annually for events such as tea, holidays and tours,” she added.
The program director said one group of volunteers came together in 1996 to form Friends of Side Cut park in Maumee.
Their mission is to assist in maintaining the natural beauty and preservation of that park, as well as promote educational programs, she explained.
Through their efforts, funds have been raised to improve the window on wildlife, enhance park signage and structures, maintain an awardwinning perennial garden and host nature-based educational program, Ms. Hughes pointed out.
She also commended the volunteers who serve as hike leaders, 10, 149 hours; garden keepers, 33, 912 hours; trail patrol, 242, 10,653 hours, and facility hosts, 12, 243 hours.
“Think of all the work we could not accomplish were it not for these dedicated volunteers,” she said.
Ms. Hughes concluded by expressing appreciation to the park board, noting that each board member’s service is voluntary.
Not only do the five members volunteer to serve the board, they also volunteer their time in other areas of the park district, she said.
She described the quintet as “the most engaged board” she has worked with in her 18 years with Metroparks.
“Like our volunteers, we share that feeling of being a part of something special,” said Scott Savage, board president. “It’s hard to describe, but we want to thank everyone– staff and volunteers–for all you do.”
To become a volunteer, visit metroparkstoledo.com/ volunteer Other Business
In other business, the park board:
•Approved the disposal by internet auction of items declared as surplus because they no longer serve a useful purpose or meet the needs of the park district.
•Continued a contract with Fastenall through Sourcewell for green cleaning/janitorial products and vending inventory management solutions at a cost not to exceed $160,000.
“We have been really pleased with everything since we engaged with Fastenal last year,” said Nate Ramsey, chief operations officer, adding that the company meets the Metroparks standards for sustainable, ecologically certified cleaning products.
•Authorized access to park property as requested by the Ohio Department of Transportation.
ODOT is preparing to replace an existing 1930s culvert at State Route 64 and Springbrook Lake, which lies in both their right of way and Metroparks’ property.
•Amended the revenue and appropriations, $93.41 million and $73.33 million respectively, to reflect updates pertaining to grants and programs.
•Approved bills for February totaling $3.03 million.
The next park board meeting will be at 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 24. The location has yet to be determined. ~Jane Maiolo
