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.
Exotic Mantid Removal
Help Natural Resources staff with the removal of non-native mantid species in Cleveland Metroparks! Two aggressive, non-native mantid species- the Chinese and European Mantids—are established throughout the area, preying on native bees and butterflies, including monarchs. Volunteers can help protect native insects by locating and removing their egg cases (oothecae) from the parks to reduce their populations.
Volunteers will work off trail through meadows and fields, carefully walking through tall grass and light brush to identify, collect, and remove exotic mantid egg cases. This role requires patience, attention to detail, and a drive to protect native species. Meeting location details will be emailed one day before the project.
Stay tuned for more dates coming soon!
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.