Volunteer

Conservation Club is an opportunity for high school students who are interested in careers in Natural Resources, Park Services, and Outdoor Recreation to learn skills and career development from Metroparks Staff. Come trek into the wilds to learn current land management practices, as well as participate in stewardship and restoration projects! Venture into the parks to learn how to build and maintain our public areas! Experience exciting outdoor recreational programs such as kayaking and tree climbing!

Being a Conservation Club member is an excellent way to earn service hours, gain valuable hands-on career experience, and build friendships with others who have similar interests.

Exciting Activities and Hands on Experiences!

Conservation Club members help with a variety of activities including habitat restoration, tree planting, invasive plant removal, building trails, vehicle maintenance, and more- all the while learning proper field techniques from Metroparks Natural Resources and Park Services Staff. Members will also have opportunities to learn outdoor skills activities such as camping, tree climbing, and kayaking.

Requirement and Commitment: Conservation Club participants must be between the ages of 13 and 18 at the time of application. This program is aimed for individuals interested in a career in natural resource management, park operations, and/or outdoor recreation so individual interests will be evaluated during the application and interviewing process.

There will be a total of 13 Conservation Club sessions beginning in September 2026 and ending in June 2027. Members are expected to attend at least 9 sessions in order to go on the multi-day excursion offered at the end of the program.

Training: Metroparks provides on-site training for all Conservation Club members.

The Application Process.

To ensure the quality of the program and maximize the program participants experience, this program has a cap of 15. We encourage only participants who are confident they will be able to attend the majority of the sessions to apply.

If interested, apply by HERE or by contacting Meredith Busic (information below). Applications will be reviewed and we will be in communication with you about signing up for an informal interview.

Applications are due by July 31, 2026. Informal interviews will be held on August 9, 10, and 12- signups will open when your application is submitted. Applicants will be contacted by Monday, August 24 wither they have or had not been accepted to the program.

Questions? Contact Meredith Busic, meredith.busic@metroparkstoledo.com, 419-262-8826.

2026 - 2027 Conservation Club Schedule

The Excursion

Conservation Club members who attend 9 of the offered sessions will be able to participate in a free multi-day excursion. This will be a chance to utilize the skills learned over the course of the year and to gain more knowledge about other area industries related to natural resource management and conservation as well as park management. Activities will include a mix of outdoor recreation and education opportunities.

At the end of the 2026 – 2027 year from June 21 thru June 24, Conservation Club members will get to travel to the stunning Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Upper Michigan! More information on the awesome adventures that await participants is to come!