Malabar Farm State Park: Ohio State Parks

Volunteer At Malabar Farm State Park

Application

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Return Form To:
Malabar Farm State Park
C/O: Volunteer Coordinator
4050 Bromfield Road
Lucas, OH 44843

Volunteers are an important asset to the Ohio State Park system. Those who enjoy the outdoors, want to acquire new skills and interests and would like to contribute their knowledge and talents should consider the Volunteer-in-Parks program sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation. In Ohio State Parks, volunteers are encouraged to make the most of their skills and interests through one of the three VIP program categories: Groups, individuals, and families.

Maintenance and Beautification
Volunteers may become involved in trail construction and maintenance; flower, vegetable, or herb gardening; litter clean-up; renovation projects., etc. After training, volunteers may be asked to assist the park staff in a variety of outdoor projects.

Adopt-a-Trail
The Ohio State Parks offer one of the finest trail systems in the nation with more than 480 miles of hiking trails and over 350 miles of bridle trails. Malabar Farm offers 16 miles of trails open to hiking with 12 of those miles open to horseback riding as well

Volunteers receive training and instruction in proper trail maintenance techniques. All necessary tools and equipment are provided. Volunteers, after being trained, will be expected to clean up litter, and to prune, trim and control vegetation on designated trails on a regular basis.

Farm Host
If you enjoy working with and meeting people, you can assist in providing information about activities and facilities.

Following an orientation / training program, Farm Hosts greet visitors and help them have a great experience. Farm Hosts gather information about the experience our visitors have through casual contact and simple written surveys. They might be asked to help with frequent school group visits to the Big Barn and adjacent livestock areas.

Education and Interpretation
Identifying wildflowers, helping school children learn about goats, pigs and cows or providing a horse-drawn wagon ride around the farm all can be a part of positive experience for our visitors.

After completing training in interpretive techniques, volunteers may lead guided walks, provide tours, and present programs independently or in conjunction with a member of the park staff.

In addition, the park is very interested in obtaining the services of those persons trained through the Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalists (OCVN) program offered by OSU Extension.