Volunteering Naturally - Winter / Fall 2014

Fall/Winter 2014

UPCOMING EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES SEPTEMBER 7

Backyard Biodiversity Bash WEST CREEK RESERVATION WATERSHED STEWARDSHIP CENTER

SEPTEMBER 14

Cedar Valley Settlers Celebration ROCKY RIVER RESERVATION

SEPTEMBER 20

Ledges to Lake Adventure Race

HINCKLEY RESERVATION

SEPTEMBER 28

OCTOBER 11

FallFest

BRECKSVILLE RESERVATION – MEADOWS PICNIC AREA

Outdoor Odyssey

OHIO & ERIE CANAL RESERVATION

OCTOBER Boo at the Zoo 16-19 & 23-26 CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO OCTOBER 18 NOVEMBER 1-2

Nature at Night

NORTH CHAGRIN RESERVATION

Reflections of Nature Quilt Show ROCKY RIVER RESERVATION

DECEMBER 31

Noon Year’s Eve

CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO

Please contact Millie at 440-253-2145 or Lisa at 440-253-2143 if you are interested in assisting at or attending any of these events.

Cleveland Metroparks 100th Anniversary Open House In 2017, Cleveland Metroparks will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary. We are in the planning stages now and would like to get your input as to ideas you may have. Join us for an Open House to share your thoughts.

Drop by anytime between the hours of 6-8 p.m. on the following dates and locations.

Can’t make it? Feel free to e-mail us your thoughts.

Wednesday, October 22 | 6-8 p.m.

Rocky River Nature Center Wednesday, October 29 | 6-8 p.m.

Look About Lodge Carl Casavecchia Special Project Manager Cleveland Metroparks 100th Anniversary ~ 2017 216-881-8141 x3007 cjc@clevelandmetroparks.com

Cleveland Metroparks Volunteer Services 2277 West Ridgewood Drive Parma, OH 44134

Volunteer Homework

Cleveland Metroparks continues to experience tremendous growth. Over the past couple years we have seen significant land acquisitions, a new strategic direction and creative marketing and event developments. This trend is not showing any signs of slowing down, as we welcome the opportunity to acquire even more properties along the Lakefront in the coming months and are planning for many new and exciting events and activities in 2015. With so much happening, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep everyone updated! So, you may need to do some homework to keep up to date!

As I hope you know, you will continue to receive this Volunteering Naturally newsletter three (3) times per year (Winter/Spring, Summer, Fall/Winter). For those with email, the Volunteer Connection update is shared monthly. For many volunteers, your site has a site-specific newsletter that is distributed to keep you up-to-date with site happenings (i.e. Zoo newsletter, nature center newsletters). Even if your site does not provide a site newsletter you most likely have a volunteer board/space where copies of newsletters should be posted for your review.

Even with all of that information, it is difficult to keep up with the changes that happen daily! The homework that I alluded to is your opportunity to decide what is the best communication method for you! Below is a list of options on Cleveland Metroparks website that you can use as a resource for information.

Cleveland Metroparks clevelandmetroparks.com Cleveland Metroparks Zoo clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo On the website you may: Sign up for E-News Like CM on Facebook Follow on Twitter Subscribe on YouTube Join on Pinterest Sign up to receive the “Emerald Necklace” publication online or as a hard copy Click on “About Us” to review Board Meeting minutes or review the Strategic Plan With so many resources available, I hope you find something that works best for your schedule and lifestyle! I appreciate your continuing donation of service to and enthusiasm for Cleveland Metroparks!

Heather Triplett Director of Volunteer Services

Volunteer ID Numbers

Every registered Cleveland Metroparks volunteer has a volunteer ID number! You may need this number to sign in at certain sites, sign up for events (i.e. annual volunteer picnic) or check your volunteer record. In most cases, your on-site volunteer coordinator can look up your volunteer ID and provide it to you. If not, please contact Volunteer Services at volinfo@clevelandmetroparks.com or 440-253-2145 to request your ID number.

Once you receive your ID number please keep it handy. You may even consider writing it on the back of your volunteer name badge! (Note: ID numbers are being written on the back of new volunteer badges).

Use your ID number to access your volunteer record by following these instructions: Go to: cmp.civicore.com (this needs to be typed into your brower’s address bar and should NOT include “www”) Input your Volunteer ID Input your Password (your last name)- this is case sensitive.

Click “login” Click on “My Information” on the left which will display your contact information and volunteer hours.

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BRECKSVILLE NATURE CENTER Brecksville Nature Center has a wonderful, dedicated group of volunteers.

The cold winter months were warmed up by the smiling faces of visitors during the annual Handfeed a Chickadee program, greeted and given instruction by friendly volunteers. As the days (and nights) started to warm slightly, patient but cold and wet volunteers greeted visitors that came to witness the annual migration of frogs and salamanders. The buzzards were welcomed back by visitors, volunteers and staff at the annual Buzzard Day in Hinckley. Spring was full of programs including hikes, family programs, school programs and garlic mustard pulls. Volunteers began monitoring bluebird boxes in Brecksville and Hinckley reservations. Hungry participants ate a delicious breakfast prepared by volunteers at the first Breakfast in the Park of the year. As spring fades into summer, the programs continue.

Many children enjoyed hiking, crafts, games and learning about nature during summer camps lead by naturalists and volunteers.

Volunteers and staff informed many people about our wonderful programs at the booth at Brecksville’s Home Days. A few volunteers assisted with the capturing, measuring, recording and releasing snakes for a snake survey. Preparations are underway for FallFest (Sept 28). Approximately 100 volunteers, share their time and talents to help make this event a great success! Thank you for your help and support throughout the year!

CANALWAY CENTER Currently, CanalWay Center is experiencing changes in staff and programs/events, so volunteer needs are low. CanalWay Center staff would like to thank volunteers for all their help so far this year. The new volunteer coordinator, Angelec Hillsman looks forward to meeting all of the volunteers and assisting them in any way. As things settle down, Angelec plans on increasing the number of volunteers at CanalWay Center. She is working on a new volunteer newsletter and new job descriptions to aid in the process. There may be some volunteer opportunities with the opening of the Lorenzo Carter Cabin so keep your eyes and ears open. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Angelec at 216-206-1000 or anh@clevelandmetroparks.com.

NATURE SHOPS If you like retail and love meeting new, friendly folks, please consider volunteering at one of our four shops. Each shop is unique and very specific to its location, which presents different 2

volunteer opportunities at each store. Hinckley Lake Boathouse and Store offers volunteers a chance to help boaters and fishermen follow their passion. Volunteers at our newest shop at West Creek Stewardship Center can help welcome visitors to the building. If you volunteer at the shops in Rocky River and North Chagrin Nature Centers, you can choose to be a part of many of the special events offered at the centers.

A wonderful, new retail opportunity for you is helping at our Holiday mall kiosks. This experience allows you to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the season while representing Cleveland Metroparks.

No matter where you choose to offer your time, skills and enthusiasm, all Cleveland Metroparks Nature Shop volunteers are able to interact with customers, ring up sales, work with new products, maintain a clean shop, control inventory, help at our unique events……..AND get a 15% discount!! Come join us!!

YOUTH OUTDOORS Youth Outdoors (YO) provides youth who live in the City of Cleveland the opportunity to experience nature and gain valuable life skills through outdoor adventure recreation. Activities include hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, camping, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, nature exploration and service projects.

Adult volunteers are an essential part of Youth Outdoors, providing assistance on outings and encouraging youth success.

Event volunteers are also vital to the annual Children’s Fishing Derbies (held in May) and Outdoor Odyssey (to be held on October 11, 2014 at Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation). Outdoor Odyssey reaches out to youth and families that may not be aware of all the recreational opportunities available within Cleveland Metroparks.

YO welcomes volunteers who have a passion for helping youth discover nature and develop outdoor skills that last a lifetime.

Committed volunteers also have the opportunity to participate in training activities to enhance their skills and leadership abilities.

For more information about volunteering with YO clubs and events, contact Greg at Youth Outdoors, 216-206-1010 or gmy@clevelandmetroparks.com.

Youth Volunteer Options with Cleveland Metroparks YOUTH - SHORT TERM

YOUTH - LONG TERM

Do you know of a high school student who is interested in exploring the various opportunities throughout Cleveland Metroparks? Volunteer Services coordinates a variety of short-term projects for individual volunteers with staff throughout most of our reservations, centers, golf courses and divisions like natural resources or trail maintenance.

Did you know we are expanding our opportunities for anyone under the age of 18 who is willing to make a long term commitment? For any youth interested in becoming an ongoing volunteer, please ask them to complete an application directly online. We would love to meet during an interview to brainstorm what might be a good fit.

The most popular time for these experiences is typically in March for a few days of shadowing, or in May for a longer senior project. In 2013, we were able to match over a dozen high school seniors throughout the Park District. Each student worked with staff to identify an area of need and contributed 50 - 120 hours to a unique service project.

The decision making process takes into account a variety of factors such as maturity level, areas of interest, and most of all, the current needs at the requested location. As you may be aware, seasonality plays a key part in exploring if there is a good opportunity for a young person to work directly on park initiatives. Applications are taken on a rolling basis and placements are made based on the site’s needs and staff availability. Sometimes we are able to make worthwhile connections at an applicant’s first choice, while other times we need to re-direct their volunteer request to a meet a greater demand elsewhere.

We work really hard to ensure these opportunities are customized to the student’s areas of interest, preferred locations and are a good match for staff availability. The guiding goal is to meet a specific need in the park, so these opportunities are limited and filled on a rolling basis, usually months in advance. Therefore, to research the most meaningful connections, we ask that students submit their information as early as December for the spring semester.

Recently, we interviewed a young lady who was 11 years old and made a match at Rocky River Nature Center. She heard about volunteering from her grandmother, a Cleveland Metroparks volunteer. We were able to make a match with special events and assisting with programs at that same location.

These experiences may help young people build awareness of environmental issues, explore career options, and enhance college applications. Please consider connecting this next generation with Cleveland Metroparks through volunteerism! For additional information and/or to access the online volunteer application, please visit or refer inquiries to clevelandmetroparks.com/volunteer.

Lisa Fellows Volunteer Services Specialist

High school senior, Becky Haluska, completed her required Senior Project at CanalWay Center by assisting staff with education programs and other projects.

Selected Zoo Crew teens (13-17 years) participate in conservation education-based activities from June through August at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

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PRSRTS TD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Cleveland, Ohio Permit No. 2911

4101 Fulton Parkway, Cleveland, OH 44144 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED DATED MATERIAL DO NOT DELAY

GARY DUNBAR

VOLUNTEER SITES Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Volunteer Vista The Volunteer Vista section provides an opportunity to get to know fellow Cleveland Metroparks volunteers. On-site volunteer coordinators submit suggestions for which volunteer to highlight.

From those suggestions, volunteer names are selected at random.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH CLEVELAND METROPARKS? Gary worked for almost 36 years in various positions, the last 23 as a programmer with AT&T. After retiring in 2010, Gary got more involved with the AT&T Pioneers; industryspecific employees and retirees dedicated to community service. Gary learned about volunteering at the Zoo through some Pioneers volunteers. He attended orientation and training in 2012 to become a service volunteer. Currently, Gary is volunteering full-time between both organizations!

FAVORITE ACTIVITY Gary’s favorite service volunteer activities include the information booth and the Australian Adventure Boomerang Railroad.

Gary states, “I like to keep busy and to people watch. Both the information booth and the railroad are perfect for this. Also, the Guest Services staff at the railroad is great to work with!” A new favorite volunteer activity is the Zoo’s new Carousel of Wildlife where Gary can ensure that visitors are safe and will have a pleasant experience at the Zoo’s newest exhibit!

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MOST MEMORABLE VOLUNTEER MOMENTS Gary has two moments that stand out amongst dozens during his time as a service volunteer.

The first was at the 2012 “Noon Year’s Eve” event at the Zoo. Gary shares, “The energy from all the visitors, especially all the kids, as the ball dropped gave me goose bumps!” The second moment occurred during The Cleveland Foundation Day at the Zoo in April 2014.

On this Saturday, The Cleveland Foundation, in recognition of its 100th Anniversary, arranged for the Zoo to be free to Clevelanders for the day!

Gary was stationed in the Welcome Plaza to help welcome the 38,000+ people who visited that day. He could not believe the quantity of people who visited the Zoo and how long they were willing to wait to be part of the celebration!

WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER? Gary likes to try different things! In addition to his regular service volunteer activities, Gary is a service volunteer mentor and volunteer day captain. The option of getting involved in a variety of activities is one reason for volunteering. However, Gary shares that his main reason for volunteering is that, “I want to help and give back to the community. Also, so many people are appreciative of the service volunteers provide!”

COMMENTS FROM PROGRAM/SITE STAFF Comments from Lynn Charles, Manager of Zoo Volunteer Services. “Gary has been a Service Volunteer since April 2012, and in the short time he has more than made his presence felt.

He currently serves as a Day Captain (clerical support for the volunteer program) and also served as a Service Mentor this year. Gary stepped up so often to work with our new volunteers, I almost lost track of how many he actually mentored. Whenever there was need, Gary was quick to respond. Just this morning a Zoo staff member from the Operations Division stopped by my desk to share what he called a great experience with a volunteer. Seems a family was at the Zoo to ride our new Carousel on Monday, but did not have an adult to ride with a youngster, who of course was very sad.

Gary Dunbar was volunteering at the Carousel at the time, and offered to ride as a “spotter” with the young guest.

Operations said if the family had purchased an all day pass for the Carousel, he believed Gary would have taken on the responsibility to ride all day with the guest. Just another example of Gary’s willingness to step up and assist with our Cleveland Metroparks goals of insuring the best and most memorable experiences for our guests.”