VOLUNTEER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER | AUGUST 2023 |
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Cleveland Metroparks has launched a new Volunteer Recycling Program in an effort to better sort our recyclables collected across all 18 park reservations.
With sustainability as one of Cleveland Metroparks core values, recycling is encouraged throughout our reservations and Zoo through the placement of recycling bins. Sometimes the wrong items end up in these designated bins, contaminating the recyclables. When this happens, our recycling partners are forced to send the bags directly to landfills and oftentimes, charge us for this service. When bags of recyclables collected throughout the Park District are sorted properly (removing trash and non-recyclables), we benefit not only by positively impacting the environment and leaving less of a carbon footprint, but we also receive financial compensation for things such as paper and cardboard, aluminum cans, and other metals. These funds are used to help support new and existing Cleveland Metroparks sustainability initiatives.
With the help of select Clean Team volunteers, our pilot Volunteer Recycling Program, which launched in July, has already saved 2,200 pounds of recyclables from landfills!
Even though the Volunteer Recycling Program is still in the pilot phase, we decided to open up the opportunity to all of our ongoing volunteers to gauge interest in the program and continue fine-tuning the process. With your assistance, we will continue gathering valuable information which will help us expand the program in the coming years.
The initial sorting station is located at Ohio & Erie Canal Management Center, where volunteers sort the contents of recycling bins collected throughout the Park District. Sorting categories include aluminum cans, plastic bottles/jugs, glass bottles/jars, unsoiled paper and cardboard, and trash. We provide you with personal protective equipment and tools for your safety. While this is a dirty job, the program has the potential to truly make a positive impact on how we recycle in the parks.
Please let us know if this program interests you by emailing Molly Tarase at [email protected]. We currently have limited shifts available, but gauging your interest in sorting recyclables will help us tremendously in future program expansions. Thank you, volunteers, for your support of this exciting new initiative!
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VOLUNTEER PROGRAM UPDATES |
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Welcome to our New Volunteer Services Staff Members |
Meet Molly Tarase, Volunteer Services Specialist
Molly Tarase earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Science Health Promotion from Cleveland State University in May 2020. Prior to joining the Cleveland Metroparks Volunteer Services Team, Molly held various administrative roles at both private healthcare practices and the Cleveland Clinic. She is a Cleveland native and looks forward to connecting different groups across Northeast Ohio with our park system.
In her free time, Molly enjoys reading, walking, crafting, serving ice cream, and spending time with her family. She grew up with weekly trips to both the Zoo and Rocky River Reservation and is excited to explore the rest of the Park District, especially as it continues to grow and evolve.
Molly will be assisting her manager, Madi Howard, with the coordination of all group volunteer activities as well as overseeing the Clean Team Program. Her office is located at the Park Operations Administrative Building in Rocky River Reservation and can be reached at (440) 331-8569 or [email protected].
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Meet Macy Salem, Volunteer Services Specialist
Macy Salem earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology from the University of Mount Union in Alliance, OH. She gained experience while working for Scene75 Entertainment and Target Corporation before beginning her career with Cleveland Metroparks. Within the organization, she started as a seasonal employee at the Hinckley Lake Boathouse, advanced to a part-time position at the Rocky River Nature Shop, and now is full-tim in Volunteer Services. Macy worked closely with the volunteers of the Rocky River Nature Shop and looks forward to working with volunteers across all 18 reservations.
In her free time, Macy enjoys playing the clarinet, cooking, watching live music, and spending time with her cat, Miso. She grew up going to the Hinckley Reservation with her family, and she looks forward to exploring the beauty that the rest of the Park District has to offer.
Macy will be managing the volunteer onboarding process, assisting volunteers with any questions or concerns, and supporting the Trail Ambassador Program alongside her manager, Kelley Sadosky. Her office is located at the Park Operations Administrative Building in Rocky River Reservation and can be reached at (440) 331-8237 or [email protected]. |
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Save the Date: Charitable Gift Planning for Conservation Enthusiasts! |
Cleveland Metroparks and the Cleveland Zoological Society will host a special breakfast for volunteers on Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 9 – 11 AM at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The morning will focus on current charitable gift planning trends with several local professionals. Tiffany Mayo, Lead Animal Keeper, and Jon Cepek, Wildlife Ecologist, will also share an update on trumpeter swan conservation efforts and success at the Zoo and within Cleveland Metroparks. A separate invitation will be sent in September. Please contact Karen Kannenberg, principal giving director at 216-635-3217 or [email protected] with any questions.
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CLEVELAND METROPARKS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES |
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The Watershed Stewardship Center in West Creek Reservation is hosting a Backyard Nature Bash on Saturday, August 12th and is in need of volunteers! Guests will enjoy live music and wagon rides, shop the native plant sale, create take home crafts, and get tips from experts on how to install rain gardens that attract pollinators. Volunteers are needed to help run the indoor craft and activity stations in the afternoon from 1:00 - 4:15 PM.
If you're available and able to help this weekend, please contact Jake Kudrna to get signed up!
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Help keep our Watershed Stewardship Center looking great while allowing plants to thrive. Volunteers are needed on a regular basis to help maintain plant and flower beds surrounding Nature Centers. Opportunities are available throughout the spring, summer, and fall months.
The Watershed Stewardship Center's gardening schedule fluctuates days, but will take place in the mornings. Volunteers may need to bend, kneel, dig, and lift in this role. If interested, please contact Jake Kudrna.
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The Watershed Stewardship Center is looking for a skilled, experienced woodworker that can construct a three-sectioned compost bin for the Nature Center! This volunteer will utilize their own tools and equipment, but all necessary building materials will be supplied.
The project needs to be completed over the next few months and the volunteer can create their own schedule during the Nature Center's open hours. Please reach out to Jake Kudrna to discuss your experience and availability if you're interested in helping make the Watershed Stewardship Center even more sustainable!
Image source: helpmecompost.com
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Friendly volunteers are needed to help greet guests, answer general questions in person or over the phone, hand out literature, and help with crowd control. No experience necessary, just a smiling face!
Help is currently needed on weekends, particularly Sunday afternoons, at the Brecksville Nature Center and on Saturdays at the Rocky River Nature Center.
If interested, please contact the corresponding staff below.
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WATERSHED VOLUNTEER PROGRAM |
Cleveland Metroparks' Watershed Volunteer Program (WVP) is an effort to engage Northeast Ohio residents in protecting their local watersheds. The program offers activities in learning, monitoring, restoration, and outreach.
Volunteers will have the opportunity to customize their own Watershed Steward journey by choosing projects and activities that reflect their interests in watershed science, the ability to complete an optional Watershed Stewardship Certification, and opportunities to pursue independent projects to further their involvement.
Please contact the WVP team if you're interested!
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Lend a hand and help build sustainable trails within a variety of reservations! Throughout the month of August, the Trails team will be hosting volunteer days in Brecksville Reservation. Projects include digging, moving brush and leaves, and restoring natural areas around new trails. Come prepared with sturdy work boots, long pants, gloves, and plenty of water. Hand tools and snacks will be provided. See you on the trails!
Where: Oak Grove Picnic Area, Brecksville Reservation
When: August 16, 23 & 29 from 9AM - 12 PM
Sign up in Volgistics under the Trails Work Days [All/Park Wide] assignment. Family and friends can register through our website under Drop-In Service Days.
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Lights Out Cleveland is part of a growing international movement to prevent migratory bird collisions with buildings. Every spring and fall, millions of birds migrate through Ohio on their way between their breeding and overwintering grounds. During these migrations, birds are injured as a result of collisions with reflective glass. Lights Out Cleveland and Cleveland Metroparks are looking for help during migratory bird seasons to gather data in small groups during the early morning hours.
Volunteers are needed to survey downtown Cleveland to record and collect deceased birds and safely capture injured birds for rehabilitation by the Lake Erie Nature Science Center. Monitoring birds and other wildlife species is an important aspect of Cleveland Metroparks conservation efforts. Data collected through Lights Out Cleveland provides information to understand the causes of bird-building collisions. Rehabilitated birds provide opportunities to understand migration patterns and how birds use Cleveland Metroparks, and the Cleveland metropolitan area.
Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one shift per week during the migration season. If you are interested in this assignment, please contact Cleveland Metroparks Wildlife Ecologist, Jon Cepek, for more information.
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Help keep our Lake Erie shores free of debris while getting exercise and enjoying the beautiful view from our beaches. All Cleveland Metroparks volunteers and family and friends are welcome!
Euclid Beach:
Sundays | 9 - 11 am
Sign up in Volgistics under the Euclid Beach Cleanup [All/Park Wide] assignments. Family and friends can register through our website under Drop-in Service Days.
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CLEVELAND METROPARKS NEWS & EVENTS |
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Blood Drive at Cleveland Metroparks |
Cleveland Metroparks Police Headquarters and the American Red Cross are hosting an upcoming blood drive on September 5th. Please join our lifesaving mission and schedule an appointment today! Enter sponsor code: Metroparks
Drive Details:
Site: Cleveland Metroparks Police Headquarters
Address: 4600 Valley Parkway, Fairview Park, OH, 44126
Room Name: Hickory Room
Date: Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us will need blood in our lifetime. Thank you for supporting the American Red Cross blood program!
Immediate Need for Donors! Give 9/1 - 9/8 for a t-shirt (quantities limited) and a haircut coupon courtesy of Sport Clips!
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4500 Valley Parkway, Fairview Park, OH 44126 |
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