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 5
87° 67°
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Facing appeals loss, activists withdraw suit that had frozen ICE
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square After winning a court order essentially forbidding federal immigration agents from responding with force against so-called “protestors” interfering with ICE operations and...
Abbott asks Treasury Department to suspend Islam group’s tax-exempt status
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Texas Gov. Greg Abbott took more action Tuesday against the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). Abbott on Tuesday requested the Treasury Department investigate CAIR for...
Controversial Vietnamese film being considered for Oscars
By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square A controversial Vietnamese film that depicts a long Vietnam War battle is under consideration for an Oscar nomination, according to California Assemblymember Tri Ta, R-Westminster....
IL, Chicago, suburbs to get up to $280M in Monsanto PCB deal
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Illinois' state government, as well as Chicago and nine North Shore suburbs, could be in line for as much as $280 million...
Survey: Teachers concerned about AI’s impact on students
By Esther WickhamThe Center Square K-12 educators say students are turning to artificial intelligence for emotional support, and many are concerned that current safeguards are insufficient, according to a new...
Los Angeles County board votes to ban masks for ICE officers
By Dave MasonThe Center Square Los Angeles County moved closer Tuesday to join the state of California in banning masks for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. But even as...
Illinois quick hits: Son of ‘El Chapo’ guilty; still above $3 a gallon
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Son of 'El Chapo' guilty A notorious gang leader’s son has been convicted on federal drug charges. Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman’s...
WATCH: Chicago mayor, ‘responsible stewards’ defend taxes, opponents say they’ve failed
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Mayor Brandon Johnson says he wants to make Chicago the safest and most affordable big city in...
WATCH: Pritzker encourages protests as feds challenge use of force lawsuit
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As the use of force challenge against the Trump administration’s enforcement of immigration law continues, Gov. J.B....
Attorneys general oppose pay cut for foreign farmworkers
By Dave Mason | The Center SquareThe Center Square Editor's note: This story has been updated since its initial publication to include a response from the U.S. Department of Labor....
WATCH: Pritzker signs vaccine law GOP doctor called ‘Trump Derangement’ bill
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation to expand vaccine access in Illinois, but a Republican lawmaker and...
Illinois, Chicago residents rank high taxes as state’s top issue
By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With the state now losing a resident to another state every nine minutes and more than...
Illinois quick hits: Biss criticizes university payout; more time in emergency rooms
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Biss criticizes university payout Evanston Mayor and former Democratic state lawmaker Daniel Biss says President Donald Trump’s administration “essentially blackmailed” Northwestern...
