During the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in the stressful whirlwind of travel and hectic gift shopping. Instead, consider slowing down, avoiding the holiday crowds and volunteering for a good cause! What better way to spread holiday cheer than giving back to your community? Grab a friend and check out these great volunteer events happening in YOUR neighborhood Cincinnati Parks!
OUTDOOR STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Bundle up and get outdoors! These stewardship events will get you out and moving in the parks. Dress for the weather, bring work gloves and a (reusable) water bottle. We recommend wearing durable, layered clothing including long pants and long sleeves. Close-toed shoes are required for these events.
“Treeforestation” Project – Walnut Woods
November 23 and/or December 7 | 9am-12pm
Cincinnati Parks, the Civic Garden Center and Walnut Hills High School students are collaborating on a large habitat restoration project located on park property in front of the high school. This is a long term project with an end goal of controlling invasive plant species, planting native plants, creating nature trails and establishing a designated space for environmental education within the community.
Register online.
Eradicating Alien Invaders – Avon Woods Nature Preserve
December 7 | 10am-12pm
Help “Explore Nature!” staff remove harmful invasive plants such as winter creeper and honeysuckle and learn about nature along the way.
Register online.
Trail Clearance – Badgley Run
December 7 | 9am-12pm
Work with Parks staff and Northside Greenspace members to help remove honeysuckle. This is an effort to open up clearance on the trail and control invasive species in this greenspace.
Register online.
Habitat Restoration – Avon Woods Nature Preserve
December 14 | 9am-12pm
Volunteers will primarily be working to remove Parks’ archenemy, honeysuckle, and other invasive species from the preserve. These invasive plants choke out native plants that provide a healthy under story and a habitat for local wildlife.
Register online.
INDOOR EVENT OPPORTUNITIES
Looking to stay cozy and warm? There’s a volunteer opportunity for that! Bring the family and help out with these special indoor park events.
Winter in the Woodlands – California Woods Nature Preserve
December 6, 6-8pm
This festive event is a Cincinnati Parks winter celebration that’s fun for families and friends! Volunteers can assist Parks staff with the cookie decorating or craft stations, monitoring the luminaria-lit trail (outdoors) or with set-up and break-down. Contact Gia at 513-231-8678 to sign up.
Krohn Conservatory – Eden Park
Ongoing opportunities November-January | 10am-5pm
The Krohn Conservatory Holiday show is a Cincinnati tradition! Get out of the cold and spend some time in the Conservatory assisting staff on a variety of projects. Spots fill quickly! Consider signing up now to volunteer in January. Contact Hannah Fancher for volunteer opportunities at: [email protected]