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
Manhattan Board Approves Purchase of New Plow Truck Chassis Following Engine Failure
Village of Manhattan Board of Trustees Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: The Manhattan Village Board unanimously approved the purchase of a new 2027 International truck chassis to replace...
Residents Raise Concerns During Earth Rise Solar Energy Presentation
Manhattan Township Board Meeting | November 11, 2025 Article Summary: A representative from Earth Rise Solar Energy presented a preliminary plan for a new solar development in Manhattan Township, sparking...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Park District Board for Nov. 2025
Manhattan Park District Board Meeting | Nov. 2025 The Manhattan Park District Board of Commissioners met on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Hansen Community Center to address financial levies,...
Homer Glen Man Charged with Reckless Discharge, Battery to Deputy Following Standoff
Article Summary: Michael Farrell, 52, was arrested after firing over a dozen shots from his home, triggering a SWAT response and a shelter-in-place order for neighbors on December 28. Deputies...
Park Board Standardizes Job Descriptions for 2026
Manhattan Park District Board Meeting | Nov. 2025 Article Summary: The Board of Commissioners approved a comprehensive slate of updated job descriptions for district leadership and staff. The new descriptions,...
Islamic civil rights group says nothing about civil unrest in Iran
By Johnny EdwardsThe Center Square America’s largest Muslim advocacy group speaks out regularly about Israel’s alleged abuses in Gaza. But it has yet to say anything about ongoing human rights...
Ohio debate over potential child care facility fraud heats up
By J.D. DavidsonThe Center Square The debate over taxpayer-funded child care facilities across Ohio has intensified since State Rep. Josh Williams, R-Sylvania Township, called for an investigation earlier this week....
As Illinois ends grocery tax locals can replace, food inflation debate continues
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois congressman’s warning that Americans are paying more for groceries is drawing pushback from economists...
North Carolina NYE terror attack foiled by FBI, several police departments
By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square The FBI and several police departments foiled another New Year’s Eve terror plot, this time in North Carolina, officials announced on Friday. The FBI apprehended...
Beecher bids farewell to Chief Lemming following retirement
BEECHER – The Village of Beecher is officially bidding farewell to Police Chief Lemming, who retired effective New Year’s Eve following four and a half years of service to the community....
DeWine defends fraud safeguards at Ohio child care facilities
By J.D. DavidsonThe Center Square Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is defending the state’s child care spending, saying longtime safeguards are in place that help prevent widespread fraud uncovered in Minnesota....
Illinois quick hits: State keeps more tax revenue, locals get less
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square State keeps more tax revenue, locals get less Across Illinois, local governments have lost more than $10.9 billion in state income...
U.S. House contests to decide control of Congress in 2026
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The 2026 midterm elections promise to bring fierce competition as Democrats and Republicans battle for control of Congress. All 435 seats in the U.S. House...
