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Volunteer Opportunities

Searching for an ongoing volunteer project or single day of service?  We are always looking for like-minded lovers of the parks and what they offer the community. Stark Parks has options for community and civic organizations, school groups, scouts, individuals, and church groups.

Natural Resources Volunteers    Wildlife Event Volunteer  FeLeap Mascot on hay bales with person

Long-term Volunteer Opportunities

Stark Parks utilizes long-term volunteers who are dedicated individuals looking to support us on a regular basis. We view our long-term volunteers as an extension of our staff and rely on them in many areas of park operation. Our volunteers maintain our trail systems, rehabilitate wildlife, and help protect important natural, historic, and cultural resources.

Interested in joining the team? Fill out an application today!  Applications are typically open from mid-Sept. to mid-March each year.  

Apply Now

Short-Term Volunteers

Stark Parks has short-term projects throughout the year that are perfect for groups, families, and individuals who would still like to volunteer but have limited time. Additionally, we accept scout proposals for those who would like to perform their Eagle Scout or Gold Award project with us. Fill out the form below and the Volunteer Coordinator will follow up to help match you with a project.

 

Existing Volunteers

Existing volunteers can use Volunteer Hub to sign up for opportunities, track hours, or update contact information.

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Adopt a Trail Groups

The Stark County Park District’s Adopt A Trail program is a volunteer program providing opportunities for community and civic organizations, school groups, scouts, and church groups to maintain trails and trailheads on a more regular basis. Volunteers can assist in the removal of small debris along the trail including sticks, rocks, limbs, and litter and report any safety problems or hazards. They also maintain flowerbeds and native garden areas at trailheads, parking areas, and facilities.
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  • Long-Term

Community Ambassadors

Support the parks and staff by being welcoming, knowledgeable, and helpful whenever and wherever possible.
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Corporate and Service Groups

Bring your group out for the day to learn about the parks and engage in team-building exercises to help us complete a project. The Volunteer Coordinator will match you with a project based on the group size, availability, and skill level.
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Event Assistance

Volunteers assist with the setup, tear down, and/or running of various types of Stark Park programs or events and to provide park visitors the opportunity to connect and appreciate the wonders found in Stark County.
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  • Long-Term

FeLeap the Frog Ambassador/Mascot

Volunteer to portray FeLeap the Frog, the (non-speaking) ambassador mascot of Stark Parks or serve as FeLeap’s assistant during Stark Parks’ events and at community requested appearances. FeLeap makes appearances all year including days, evenings, and weekends.
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Natural Resources

Participate in various monitoring projects, such as Bluebird and bumblebee monitoring, removing invasive species, and collecting/cleaning native seeds.
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  • Short-Term

Scout Projects

Visit a Stark Parks location to generate project ideas for an Eagle Scout or Gold Award project. Successful proposals identify an area of need to enhance our mission to acquire, preserve, and develop natural areas for passive recreation, conservation, education, and nature appreciation.  

 
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  • Long-Term

Trailblazers

Act as goodwill ambassadors and positive role models for park users while on foot, bicycle, horseback, or kayak. Trailblazers are also the eyes and ears of Stark Parks at various functions.
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  • Long-Term

Wildlife Conservation Center

Volunteers are the backbone of the Wildlife Conservation Center at Sippo Lake Park. Through observation and training, volunteers will learn cleaning and housekeeping protocols, species-specific diet preparation, hygiene and safety protocols, and species identification and facts.

Caring for wildlife is hard work, but very rewarding. Expect to be in all types of weather and physical activities like walking, bending, lifting, and kneeling.
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