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 Jul 24
76° 69°
Areas Of Drizzle
Latest News Stories
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee for October 2, 2025
The Will County Public Health & Safety Committee on Thursday, October 2, 2025, heard a mix of alarming and encouraging public health news, as officials reported a dramatic 50% drop...
Will County Shapes 2026 Federal Agenda, Prioritizing Health, Housing, and Workforce Funding
Will County Legislative Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Legislative Committee on Tuesday began finalizing its 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda, formally adopting key priorities that include...
WATCH: Trump: Pritzker should beg for help with public safety in Chicago
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – President Donald Trump says he doesn’t want to use the Insurrection Act to help with public safety...
L.A. congresswoman insists on health insurance tax credits
By Dave MasonThe Center Square Democrats won’t reopen the federal government if America’s health care remains at risk, U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Los Angeles, told thousands of people at AIDS...
Newsom threatens university funding over Trump’s education deal
By Esther WickhamThe Center Square California Gov. Gavin Newsom warned state universities that signing the Trump administration's education agreement would put them in direct conflict with his administration. Newsom issued...
Former Los Angeles schools chief runs against city’s mayor
By Dave MasonThe Center Square Andrew Beutner, former superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, announced Monday he’s running against Mayor Karen Bass. Beutner, 65, launched his campaign during...
Illinois quick hits: WARN report layoffs total 1,689; Powerball winners in Rochelle and Colona
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square WARN report layoffs total 1,689 According to the latest Illinois Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) notice, 1,689 employees across...
No ethics reform in sight as ex-speaker’s scheduled prison term begins
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As his predecessor’s scheduled 7.5-year prison term for public corruption begins, the speaker of the Illinois House...
Trump losing ground on economy, poll finds
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Donald Trump rode a poor economy back to the White House during his 2024 campaign, but seven months into his second term, most voters aren't...
Major tech company to cut H-1B visas amid Trump pressure, fee
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Tata Consultancy Services, a large employer of H-1B visa holders in the United States, will stop using the program due to new fees from the...
US, India to hold new round of trade talks, with focus on energy
By Alton WallaceThe Center Square India and the United States will resume trade talks this week in Washington, with the Trump administration seeking increased purchases of U.S. oil and gas...
Johnson: Republicans ‘have plans’ to ‘fix’ Obamacare
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square As the ongoing government shutdown enters its third week, Republican leaders are reminding Democrats that by blocking the House-passed funding bill, they are also delaying...
Illinois House Speaker: ‘Mr. Trump, tear down this fence!’
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The speaker of the Illinois House has compared a fence outside U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in...
