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.”
⚠️ Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued June 11 at 7:53PM CDT until June 11 at 8:45PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
⚠️ Tornado Watch issued June 11 at 2:02PM CDT until June 11 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
⚠️ Flood Watch issued June 11 at 12:39PM CDT until June 11 at 11:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Thu Jun 11
79° 60°
Sunny
Latest News Stories
Frankfort Township Board Denies Liquor and Gaming Permits for Two Restaurants
Article Summary: The Frankfort Township Board of Trustees denied special use permits for Dimitri Best Food and Kismet Restaurant, both of which were seeking ancillary liquor licenses with the intent to...
New Hires Approved for Summit Hill District 161
Article Summary: Summit Hill School District 161 approved the hiring of several new staff members, including a District Wide Gifted and Talented Coordinator and multiple paraprofessionals and custodians. The approvals were...
Frankfort Park District Approves $131,500 for Park Upgrades and Master Plan
Article Summary: The Frankfort Park District Board of Commissioners approved agreements totaling $131,500 with planning firm Design Perspectives to design and construct parking lots at two parks and to update master...
Hunter Prairie Park Redevelopment Moves to Next Phase as Demolition Finishes
Article Summary: The Frankfort Square Park District’s redevelopment of Hunter Prairie Park is progressing, with the demolition phase now complete and work beginning on grading, excavation, and the layout for...
Will County Board Approves New Fee Schedule for Recorder of Deeds
Article Summary: The Will County Board has approved a revised fee schedule for the Recorder of Deeds office, which will take effect on October 1, 2025. The changes, based on...
Frankfort Fire District Explores Tax Referendum, Moves to Hire Outreach Consultant
Article Summary: The Frankfort Fire Protection District is taking initial steps toward asking voters for a tax increase for the first time in 25 years, citing revenue challenges and the...
Summit Hill 161 Awards $115,905 Contract for Dr. Julian Rogus School Play Area
Article Summary: The Summit Hill District 161 Board of Education unanimously awarded a $115,905 construction contract to Schwartz Construction Group, Inc. for a new play area at Dr. Julian Rogus School....
Frankfort Fire District to Spend $92,000 on New Cardiac Monitors
Article Summary: The Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees was scheduled to approve the purchase of six new cardiac monitors and related accessories for $91,955 from ZOLL. The acquisition is...
Frankfort Fire District Reviews Tentative Budget for Fiscal Year 2025
Article Summary: The Frankfort Fire Protection District has taken the first step in its annual budgeting process with an initial review of the tentative budget for Fiscal Year 2025. District Accountant...
Will County Board Formally Opposes Heavier, Longer Trucks on National Roadways
Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously passed a resolution opposing any federal legislation that would increase the size and weight limits for commercial trucks on the nation's roadways. The...
Energy advocate applauds oil and gas commingling updates
By Tate MillerThe Center Square Oil and gas commingling rules have been updated in accordance with the Big Beautiful Bill in order to strengthen energy production and safety, with energy...
Will County Board Approves Permits for Landscaping Business and Restaurant Liquor Service in Frankfort Area
Article SummaryThe Will County Board unanimously approved three separate special use permits for businesses in the Frankfort area, allowing a landscaping operation in Green Garden Township to continue and two...
Board Approves Engineering Contracts for Mokena Road Widening
Article SummaryThe Will County Board approved over $1.1 million in supplemental engineering contracts to advance the ongoing 80th Avenue improvement project in Mokena. The additional funding addresses project delays and...
