Cleveland Metroparks offers drop-in service opportunities to community members without the commitment of becoming an ongoing volunteer.
These seasonal one-time service projects are perfect for individuals, families or for students looking to fulfill school service hour requirements. Drop-in service projects generally last 2-3 hours. Our drop-in service projects typically take place between April - October. Please sign up for one of our service days below by clicking on the appropriate event registration link and completing the appropriate registration form for each participant. Any youth registrations must be completed by a parent or legal guardian. If a volunteer is under the age of 16, they must be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian. Registration is available for events 60 days into the future only.
Invasive Shrub Removal
Lend a hand and help with invasive plant management! The Natural Resources team will is seeking volunteer assistance in various reservations. Volunteers will be helping staff cut back and remove invasive shrubs. Come prepared with sturdy work boots, long pants, gloves, and plenty of water. Hand tools and hearing coverage will be provided. This is a physically demanding project and due to the nature of the tasks, is only permitted for adult volunteers (age 18+). Meeting location directions will be emailed one day before the project.
Tuesday, September 23; 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm @ Big Creek Reservation
Wednesday, September 24; 11 am - 1 pm @ Big Creek Reservation
Thursday, September 25; 9:30 am - 12 pm @ Brookside Reservation
Volunteer Recycling Program
Volunteers are needed to help sort through contaminated recyclables, rescuing valuable materials from the landfill and supporting sustainability across all 18 reservations. Join a passionate team of volunteers and be part of a gritty, hands-on effort to protect our parks and planet. Yes—it’s dirty. Yes—it can be stinky. But your work will make a real, measurable difference!
The Recycling Center is located at the Ohio & Erie Canal Management Center (6100 W. Canal Road, Valley View).
Wednesdays & Fridays in September; 9 - 11 am
Huntington Beach Cleanups
Join staff and volunteers as we pick up litter in Huntington Beach. Meet near Lake Shelter. All supplies are provided.
May - October | Saturdays | 7 am - 9 am August | 8 am - 10 am September
Trails Work Days
Help our Trails team with restoration across Cleveland Metroparks! Projects include digging, moving dirt, branches, and logs, clearing debris, and restoring natural areas around new trails. Come prepared with sturdy work boots, long pants, gloves, and plenty of water. Hand tools and snacks will be provided. Meeting location directions will be emailed one day before the project.
September 18, 2025; 9 am - 12 pm @ Plateau Picnic Area, Brecksville Reservation
September 24, 2025; 9 am - 12 pm @ Wolf Picnic Area, Huntington Reservation
Euclid Beach Cleanups
Help keep Euclid Beach free of debris. Meet near the Euclid Beach concession stand. All supplies are provided.
May - October | Sundays | 9 am - 11 am
Watershed Volunteer Program Public Events
If you are interested in attending one of our public volunteer events hosted by the Watershed Volunteer Program, please sign up via their Events page.