Jack Schoenberger is a graduate of the first MetroParks’ Master Naturalist Class, a 13-week course that teaches participants about the wonders of Mother Nature, and how to give her a little something back.

His enthusiasm and love of nature is most apparent when he is showing someone the beauty of a snow trillium or sharing the Germantown Nature Center with a visitor.

Yet Jack is not one to keep the wonders of MetroParks a secret. “These parks are treasures and people need to get outside and learn more about them,” says Schoenberger, a Miamisburg resident.

After graduating from the Master Naturalist course in 2004, he immediately began to spread the word about Five Rivers MetroParks. As a bus driver for Miamisburg Senior Center, Jack even created a nature tour of Germantown MetroPark with seniors from Miamisburg.

“The trip was very successful,” laughs Jack. His photos of the trip encouraged more ventures to other MetroParks. Seniors from Miamisburg Senior Center, Germantown Senior Center and Aspen Waterford Retirement Village were treated to Schoenberger’s tours of Germantown MetroPark, Twin Creek MetroPark, Possum Creek MetroPark and Cox Arboretum MetroPark over subsequent years.

Jack’s innovative ideas and outreach to the community made him a prime candidate for the Siebenthaler Bridge to Tomorrow Award, which he received in 2006. Jack actively volunteers at Germantown MetroPark and loves to lead Discovery Tours of the park. “The best part is just allowing nature to happen, discovering what’s out there,” he says.

“I love working with Jack,” shares Doug Horvath, a Naturalist at Germantown MetroPark. “When Jack is hosting our guests in our Nature Center, he gets out a snake and gently introduces it to students of all ages. Jack is also great with folks on the trails. He just appreciates the parks so much. I can count on him to help us get the word out to the public to come visit and have a wonderful experience.”