Calling all volunteers! Paddling offers a great way to connect to nature while being active in the parks. Help Metroparks staff introduce new paddlers to the sport while providing a safe, enjoyable experience on the water. Volunteer Paddle Specialists help Metroparks staff setup for programs, assist with safety during paddling programs, and help cleanup equipment post program.

This training covers paddling safety for both you and the participant, program equipment for kayaking, canoeing, and stand up paddleboarding (SUPs), and necessary paddling skills such as safety considerations, fitting personal floatation devices, rescues, and basic strokes. This training is held on land and in water.

Volunteer Paddle Specialist Requirements:
• Previous paddling experience with a canoe, kayak and/or SUP
• Be able to carry boats weighing up to 50 lbs with assistance
• Successfully complete a mandatory skills check-off per boat type
• All skills needed to volunteer are covered during this course
• Volunteers can choose to complete the check-off process for all or select boat types, but may only volunteer for programs with the specific boat type they are checked-off on

Adults
Meet at Blue Creek Metropark, Nona France Quarry Pond boat launch

We recommend you bring a change of clothes and a towel. Dress to get wet and wear synthetic clothing (nylon, spandex, or polyester, no cotton). Wear old tennis shoes, water shoes, or sandals with a heel strap (no flip flops). Bring water and sun protection. Please leave all valuables at home. We will provide all boats, life jackets and other gear. This program runs rain or shine., Please bring a reusable water bottle filled with water.

Metroparks Toledo is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Staff can adapt many programs to be accessible to anyone who would like to participate. Please tell us your needs at the time of registration, but no later than 72 business hours prior to the program. For additional information or questions, please contact Metroparks staff by calling 419-407-9700 or by using the 'contact us' form at MetroparksToledo.com.

Take your existing biking knowledge and learn the essentials and fundamental skills of mountain biking to shred the trail! Join Metroparks certified bike instructors to practice and gain the skills necessary to increase your confidence and competence while riding. This program will progress from riding flat surfaces to applying skills as we master features of the FitPark: Ride skills course, brought to you in a wellness partnership by Mercy Health.
Metroparks now has rental bikes available for programs. Please contact Alissa Caple to reserve your bike for the program. 419-280-9235 or [email protected]. Rentals are $10 per program, in addition to registration fee. On site credit card payment only.
3 Kids Bikes: Cannondale Cujo 20” wheels, 2 Specialized Riprock 24” wheels
Adult Bikes:
• 1 Extra Small Bike - Cannondale Trail Eight 27.5” wheels
• 1 Small Bike - Cannondale Trail Five 27.5” wheels
• 2 Medium Bikes - Specialized Rockhopper Comp 29” wheels, Specialized Rockhopper 27.5” wheels
• 1 Large Bike - Specialized Rockhopper 29” wheels

Adults and 8+
Meet at Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, Beach Ridge Area

Please bring a bike (helmet required, available to borrow), and a full water bottle. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Ready for adventure? Take your love for nature to new heights with our fun and safe tree climbing program! Participants will use harnesses and climbing ropes to get to the tree tops. All equipment provided.

Adults and 8+
Meet at Secor Metropark, Walnut Grove Parking Lot

Participants will be using harnesses and climbing ropes to get to the tree-tops. All equipment provided. Please dress for the weather and wear closed-toed shoes.

Ready for adventure? Take your love for nature to new heights with our fun and safe tree climbing program! Participants will use harnesses and climbing ropes to get to the tree tops. All equipment provided.

Adults and 8+
Meet at Secor Metropark, Walnut Grove Parking Lot

Participants will be using harnesses and climbing ropes to get to the tree-tops. All equipment provided. Please dress for the weather and wear closed-toed shoes.

Paddle 14.6 river miles on our very own Maumee River, a State Scenic River, by paddling from Providence Metropark to Side Cut Metropark on the Maumee River Water Trail with a naturalist. Learn about the wildlife that make the Maumee River and floodplain their home and the parks that protect this crucial natural resource along the way. Stop midway for an amazing lunch of chicken salad or chickpea curry wraps, cheese and crackers, and cookies. This paddle involves multiple rapids and strenuous paddling. This is not for beginner paddlers. Lunch provided.

Adults
Meet at Providence Metropark, Kuhlman's Landing boat launch

We recommend you bring a change of clothes and a towel. Dress to get wet and wear synthetic clothing (nylon, spandex, or polyester, no cotton). Wear old tennis shoes, water shoes, or sandals with a heel strap (no flip flops). Bring water and sun protection. Please leave all valuables at home. We will provide all boats, life jackets and other gear. This program runs rain or shine.

Metroparks Toledo is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Staff can adapt many programs to be accessible. Adaptive equipment is available upon request. Please tell us your needs at the time of registration, but no later than 72 business hours prior to the program. For additional information or questions, please contact Ashley Smith at 419.265.2920 or [email protected].

Enjoy hiking around the newest section of the marsh and take a step toward your fitness goals while you're at it! The focus of these hikes will be exercise, but we'll make occasional nature stops. These hikes are brought to you by Metroparks volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Hike Leader, please contact Alissa Caple at [email protected] or 419-280-9235.

Adults and 16+
Meet at Howard Marsh Metropark, Phase 2 Parking Lot

These programs run rain or shine. Please dress for the weather. Please bring a reusable water bottle filled with water.

This fitness, friendship, and outdoor exploration program will include a guided movement class with Amazing Athletes and opportunities for social development and relationship building with supported free play component.

Suggested Ages 1-5.
Meet at Swan Creek Preserve Metropark near the Airport Highway Playground.

These programs run rain or shine. Please dress for the weather. Please bring a filled reusable water bottle.
Minors must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.

Celebrate Blue Week and join our partner, Bonita Bead Boutique, to create your own Lapis Lazuli gemstone bracelet. Lapis Lazuli means "blue stone" and represents self-expression, self-confidence, and self-love. Show the Oak Openings region some TLC and learn the fundamentals of bead stringing, working with Beadalon string (a strong, flexible wire cable, coated with nylon!) and a sterling silver clasp. All materials provided,

Adults and 8+
Meet at Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, Mallard Lake Area, Buehner Center

Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Discover all things blue during this year’s Blue Week! Celebrate the diversity of the Oak Openings region as we look for Wild Blue Lupine, Blue Jays, Blue Birds, Blue Racer snakes and more. Bring binoculars, some will be available to borrow.

Adults and 12+
Meet at Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, Mallard Lake Area

Minors must be accompanied by an adult. These programs run rain or shine.

Connect to the healing elements of nature as you turn your intention to relaxing and observing, while we hang out in the designated hammocking location among the pines. Hammocks are available to borrow.

Adults and 12+
Meet at Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, The Spot (Designated Hammocking Area)

These programs run rain or shine. Please dress for the weather. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Discover spring ephemerals and early summer wildflowers that carpet Oak Openings trails as the season progresses. Register for one or all of these bi-weekly walks led by Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalists, Chris and Randy Haar.

Adults and 12+
Meet at Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, Mallard Lake Area

This program runs rain or shine. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

"Join us for a short hike through one of the rarest regions in search of an equally rare pigment. Then, take that pigment home with you! Make an all-natural chalk pastel using water, pigment, and limestone powder (also found in our region!) for Blue Week, a celebration of all things blue in our unique Oak Openings region.

Adults and 12+
Meet at Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, Lodge

Minors must be accompanied by an adult. These programs run rain or shine.

Glass City, Glass City Pavilion Event Lawn
Wednesday, May 22, 8 p.m.

You and your family are invited to the dedication of the Field of Histories art installation by Artist Bryony Roberts. Gather at 9 p.m. with a dedication and first lighting at sunset. Reservations Required. Please RSVP by May 20.

Metroparks Toledo hosts the biggest annual event of the year at Side Cut Metropark. Metroparks is for everyone and Outdoor Expo invites the community to try tree climbing, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, Kids Zone and much more. Metroparks outdoor skills experts will be on hand to guide you as you discover your next outdoor passion--regardless of ability.

This is an inclusive event and staff are trained and ready to make accommodations. A low sensory zone will be available at the Lamb Center. Adaptive equipment will be readily available.

Food trucks and music will be on site, so plan to make it a day in the outdoors at the Expo.

#GetOutsideYourself



Volunteer Opportunity for Outdoor Expo
Side Cut Metropark
May 18, 2024: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 1 to 4 p.m. or 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Volunteers are needed to assist with outdoor skills including archery, mountain biking, rock climbing, tree climbing, paddling and in the kid’s zone. Assistance is also needed with set-up and teardown. If you are interested in this opportunity, please connect with Hannah Calandra at [email protected] or by phone at 419-407-9840. No experience required!

Join us for an evening of music on the Manor House Front Lawn at Wildwood Preserve Metropark.