Darke County Parks relies upon volunteer involvement
in all aspects of our operations, from programs to maintenance. Descriptions of volunteer opportunities are listed on this page. After basic training, and the required paperwork, volunteers can set up a customized work schedule. Completed volunteer applications should be mailed to the Nature Center. For more info, contact our Volunteer Coordinator or fill out an application on the left.
Volunteer in the Spotlight- Autumn 2023
For several years the Park District has hosted a living history encampment to support the Gathering at Garst which is one of the museum’s best fundraising events. A loyal group of period re-enactors assist a park district organizer in keeping this event alive. The encampment at the Gathering at Garst portrays a timeline of history from ancient Native American cultures to the Civil War Period. Many of the participants have spent many years or a lifetime studying history and learning how to do historical crafts or skills or just storytelling to teach about history. They are an amazing group of people who want to share their knowledge with you! They purchase/make their own clothing and tools of the trade, research on their own and such that add to their story telling. The Park District is very lucky to have this group in support of the historical part of its mission statement. They not only volunteer their time but their talents, skills and knowledge as well. This month we would like to recognize these volunteers: Dudley and Barbie Hansbarger, Lee Wise, Andy Kenworthy, Gary Moore, Bob Besecker, Larry Young, Tom Smith, Diana Kozuh, Pam Brown, John & Karen Burkett. I know they invite you to join them in their quest to teach history in an exciting way! Being at least 200 years old or more, they are all tired and looking for young pioneers to join their ranks!
“When you have worn out your shoes, the strength of the shoe leather has passed into the fiber of your body. I measure your health by the number of shoes and hats and clothes you have worn out”