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 4
79° 69°
Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
WATCH: GOP AG candidate: IL’s triplex of Democrat statewide offices ‘fails the people’
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Republican vying for the party’s nomination for Illinois attorney general says he has the experience to...
WATCH: Homan targets Chicago; Freedom Caucus responds to Pritzker’s ‘move out’ comment
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares some of...
Everyday Economics: Why weak jobs data trumps inflation concerns for Fed policy
By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square The August jobs report delivered a shocking blow, revealing an economy teetering on the edge of a jobs recession. Just 22,000 jobs were added in...
EXCLUSIVE: Secret Service spent $11 million on Hunter Biden travel detail
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The Biden administration spent more than $10 million over three years on a security detail and related expenses for former First Son Hunter Biden after...
Proposed federal funding bill doles out nearly $16M for electric, hydrogen buses
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Nearly $16 million taxpayer dollars are set aside for zero-emission buses and charging stations across the country in one of Congress’ proposed annual government funding...
WATCH: Democrats ‘hate’ Trump more than they ‘love’ their communities, Homan says
By Greg BishopThe Center Square Trump administration border czar Tom Homan says Democrat leaders in sanctuary states and cities hate President Donald Trump more than they care for their communities....
Bipartisan group of lawmakers aim to increase migrant physician jobs
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square A bipartisan group of Congressional lawmakers wants to expand a program that allows noncitizens to fill physician vacancies in rural areas of the United States...
WATCH: Border czar Homan considered turning Trump’s offer down
By Greg BishopThe Center Square Tom Homan, President Donald Trump's border czar, addressed the State Freedom Caucus Foundation Friday night in Dallas.
WATCH: DeSantis addresses State Freedom Caucus Foundation
By Greg BishopThe Center Square Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis addressed the State Freedom Caucus Foundation Friday night in Dallas.
Higher ed spending up as enrollment plummets at Illinois universities
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A former state lawmaker says Illinois is now tops in the nation on per-student spending in higher...
World’s largest retailer struggles to keep costs down as tariffs hit
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The world's largest retailer says it's doing everything it can to keep prices low as its costs increase each week due to the tariffs at...
Northwestern president steps down amid federal funding cuts
By Esther Wickham | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) - Northwestern University President Michael Schill resigned this week amid the federal funding freeze by the Trump administration....
Push to ban stock trading by Congress follows IL rep’s reported violations
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – After an Illinois congressman reportedly broke the law with late disclosures of stock trades, another member of...
