
Volunteer
Monitoring our natural resources.
Bat Monitor
Using a device called the Anabat, volunteers are able to record and hear bat echolocation as they walk through various Metroparks. These sound recordings can be used to identify bat species active in the area. June through August; Various parks
Breeding Raptor Monitor
Search for signs of hawks, owls and other raptors in the Oak Openings Region. On designated dates throughout the season, volunteers survey and record raptor occurrences. March through May; Oak Openings
Butterfly Monitor
Butterfly Monitors will assist with locating and identifying butterfly species. This effort is part of a larger, statewide long term monitoring project in which data can reveal long term population trends. April through October; Various parks
Cavity Nesting Birds Program
Help Metroparks keep tabs on cavity nesting bird populations. Monitor nesting boxes on Metroparks property, check your box(es) weekly, record your findings and report the data to staff. April through August; Various parks
Frog Survey
Learn to distinguish frogs simply by hearing their calls. Team up with a fellow volunteer or two to participate in this night time count of breeding frog and toad species. March through May; Oak Openings
Plant Monitor
Assist with locating, identifying, measuring and counting rare plant species within Metroparks in order to maximize efforts to protect these species and their habitats. April through September; Various parks
Vernal Pool Monitor
Investigate the biodiversity of these unique habitats by identifying aquatic life. Volunteers work as part of a team to survey a vernal pool. Spring to Fall; Various parks
Water Quality Monitor
Assist staff in the use of biological monitoring to determine the water quality of streams and rivers in and near Metroparks. May through October; Various parks