Volunteer

Your help is needed to restore, enhance and preserve all the historic Frederick Law Olmsted Parks. No matter how many hours or days you volunteer your help will strengthen and revitalize our community. Opportunities range from working in the parks, to the office, or at neighborhood festivals.

Individuals, families and groups can join us as we root out invasive plants, rebuild trails, restore native plants and renew structures in our Frederick Law Olmsted Parks! We provide the gloves, tools, refreshments and guidance; you just need to dress for the weather and working outdoors.

Adoption Partner Spotlight:  Gresham, Smith and Partners! Learn More!

Please visit our Events page for a list of upcoming opportunities.

To schedule a week day project in the parks, or to discuss other volunteer opportunities, please contact us.

Please complete these Volunteer Forms prior to joining us for the first time.

Meet Matt Spalding!

If you have volunteered in the Olmsted Parks you have met Matt Spalding, our Volunteer Coordinator! Matt is known for his enthusiasm, ability to get and hold the attention of 100+ volunteers in a matter of seconds (We once witnessed him get the attention of an entire school, Bloom Elementary, during their Field Day at Tyler Park!), and his love of the Olmsted Parks.

Matt grew up in Louisville and considered Cherokee Park “his park”. Like many Louisvillians, Matt reports while learning to drive as a teenager he got lost on a regular basis driving through the park. There is no longer any chance of Matt getting lost in Cherokee (or any other Olmsted Park) which he knows inside and out after working for the Conservancy for almost 5 years.

Matt studied English and Critical Theory at the University of Louisville. His past experiences include a conservation internship focused on invasive plant management in upstate New York and working as the Program Director at Camp Piomingo supervising 60 camp counselors.

Matt enjoys working in the parks because the job is so diverse. In addition to being our Volunteer Coordinator, Matt is also a Biological Technician. In this role he has the opportunity to engage in plant driven scientific field work. Matt enjoys the physical nature of his job, which includes hard physical labor and operating heavy machinery, all in the peaceful setting of the parks. Matt says April is his favorite time of the year in the parks because this is when the spring ephemerals (perennial woodland wildflowers) are blooming.

Thanks to Metro United Way

Metro United Way Volunteer Connections helps Olmsted Parks Conservancy connect with service-minded individuals and groups. We couldn’t do it without the help of their considerate and dedicated staff or the volunteers they send our way. Thanks Metro United Way!