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
82° 70°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
WATCH: GOP governor candidates forum highlights; Pritzker talks taxes increase, Bears
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square's Greg Bishop provides highlights from Monday...
Illinois ‘RIFL’ act sparks fierce debate as lawmakers return to Springfield
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As Illinois lawmakers convene for the 2026 legislative session, House Bill 3320, Responsibility in Firearm Legislation...
SCOTUS declines to hear felony firearms cases
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to take up two cases over whether individuals with felony records can be permanently disarmed under the Second...
Illinois Quick Hits: No injuries reported in Tuesday earthquake
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – No injuries have been reported after the U.S. Geological Survey reported a magnitude 3.8 earthquake near the...
One year in: Reviewing Trump’s inaugural promises
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square One year ago Tuesday, President Donald Trump told the nation its “golden age” had arrived, promising to spend his second term restoring stability at home...
Lincoln-Way Plans New Turf Field at Central and Courts at West for 2026
Lincoln-Way 210 Board of Education Meeting | Jan. 15, 2026 Article Summary: District 210 administrators presented a $4.5 million capital projects plan for Summer 2026, headlined by a new auxiliary...
Frankfort Township Road Commissioner Warns County Panel Against Low-Speed Vehicles
Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | Jan. 13, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee moved forward with a ban on low-speed vehicles on...
GOP hopefuls seek support, blast Pritzker at IL gubernatorial candidate forum
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – All four Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidates have no shortage of criticism for current Gov. J.B. Pritzker. 2022...
Illinois lawmaker questions IDHS over years-long data breach
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker slammed the state agency as “incompetent” after the Department of Human Services revealed...
Draft County Federal Agenda Opposes Sharing Medicaid Patient Data with ICE
Article Summary: A proposed federal policy platform presented to the Will County Board takes a hard line against a federal agreement that allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to access...
Northern Builders Development Brings Changes to Laraway and Gougar Roads in New Lenox
Will County Board Meeting | January 15, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved access permits for a new development by Northern Builders at the intersection of Laraway Road...
Manhattan 114 Approves Insurance Renewal Amidst Cost Increases
Manhattan School District 114 Meeting | Jan. 14, 2026 Article Summary: The Manhattan School District approved a renewal of its comprehensive insurance package despite a substantial increase in premiums. The...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee for January 6, 2026
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Meeting SummaryThe Will County Board Public Works & Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to discuss...
