Lend a hand this spring at Volunteer Morning programs
April 15, 2026/
Volunteers are being sought for spring programs that help spruce up the preserves by removing invasive species, controlling brush and planting native plants.
Here are the spring Volunteer Morning programs. (Unless otherwise noted, programs are from 9 a.m. to noon and for ages 10 and older.)
April
- Saturday, April 18: Joliet Junior College, Joliet. Brush control.
- Tuesday, April 21: Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, Crete Township. Fence removal. Ages 16 and older.
- Thursday, April 30: Old Plank Road Trail – Wolf Road Access, Mokena. Brush control.
May
- Sunday, May 3: Hickory Creek Preserve – LaPorte Road Access, Mokena. Brush control.
- Tuesday, May 5: Evans-Judge Preserve, Custer Township. Brush control.
- Sunday, May 10: Hickory Creek Preserve – Hickory Creek Junction, Mokena. Brush control.
- Thursday, May 21: Hammel Woods Preserve – DuPage River Access, Shorewood. Brush control.
- Thursday, May 28: Rock Run Preserve – Paul V. Nichols Access, Joliet. Brush control.
June
- Sunday, June 7: 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Monee Reservoir, Monee Township. Brush control.
- Thursday, June 11: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, Crete Township. Seed collection. Ages 8 and older.
- Tuesday, June 16: Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Channahon. Plug planting. Ages 10 and up.
- Thursday, June 18: Prairie Bluff Preserve, Crest Hill. Plug planting.
- Saturday, June 27: 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Riverview Farmstead Preserve, Naperville. Invasive weed control.
For more information and to fill out a volunteer application and waiver, visit the Volunteer Page. To see current openings, send an email to [email protected].
Building relationships
Volunteers can sign up for one program or multiple programs.
“You don’t need to make a long-term commitment or donate hundreds of hours to get involved as a volunteer with the Forest Preserve,” said Emily Kenny, the Forest Preserve District’s volunteer services supervisor. “But for those who enjoy pitching in, we hope they return for future opportunities throughout the year.”
Others choose to become Prairie People Volunteers, which involves additional training for roles that may require independent work or specialized skills.
“It’s important to match the right person with the right assignment,” Kenny said. “Volunteering is more than just a transaction; it’s about building relationships that create a positive experience for everyone involved.”
Today Jun 6
83° 68°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Illinois lawmaker welcomes possible Marine deployment after Supreme Court ruling
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker praised as a “win” a U.S. Supreme Court ruling temporarily preventing President...
Lincoln-Way Officials Warn of $400,000 State Funding Shortfall
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: Assistant Superintendent Michael Duback informed the Board of Education of a significant reduction in state funding due...
County Board Approves Women’s Residential Treatment Center in Joliet
Will County Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously approved zoning changes to allow the Existential Counselor Society to open a women’s residential treatment...
Library Board Reallocates Maturing CD and Debt Certificate Funds
Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District Meeting | November 24, 2025 Article Summary: The Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District Board voted to shift funds from a maturing Certificate of Deposit and debt certificates into...
White business owners are biggest share of Illinois’ diversity-preferred contract group
By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois' initiative to boost the amount of state contract money it awards to businesses owned by racial...
Filings delayed in convicted ex-Illinois House speaker’s appeal
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – While former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan spends the final days of 2025 behind bars, the next...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Fire Protection District for Nov. 17, 2025
Manhattan Fire Protection District Meeting | Nov. 17, 2025 The Manhattan Fire Protection District Board of Trustees met on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Fire Station #81 to adopt the...
Jackson Township Approves America 250 Resolution and Dial-A-Ride Agreement
Jackson Township Board Meeting | Nov. 12, 2025 Article Summary: The Jackson Township Board approved a resolution supporting the upcoming America 250 commemoration and signed off on an intergovernmental agreement...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board for December 18, 2025
Will County Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 The Will County Board held its regular meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, focusing heavily on land use, transportation infrastructure, and public...
2025 illegal entries in Texas: Nearly half the gotaways reported in previous years
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square In President Donald Trump’s first year in office, illegal border crossers in one year in Texas totaled nearly half of gotaways reported in previous years...
Nashville speaker maker plans to move overseas to avoid tariffs
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The owner of a storied Nashville speaker company says he'll pay lower taxes by moving overseas, rather than trying to build in the U.S. It's...
Supreme Court could redefine 14th Amendment application
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court will decide a case in 2026 challenging President Donald Trump’s authority to end birthright citizenship. Trump v. Barbara challenges Trump’s executive...
Missouri year in review: capital gains eliminated, Medicaid increased
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square In 2025, Missouri lawmakers passed legislation to eliminate its capital gains tax, phase out the state income tax and expand Medicaid legislation. The Club for...
