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 9
91° 72°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
WATCH: Governor suggests ending nuclear ban as lawmaker files pro-nuclear bill
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – After an Illinois state senator filed legislation to streamline permits for nuclear energy projects, Gov J.B. Pritzker...
Kratom byproduct in gummies, candies, ice cream ruled same as herion, LSD
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Found in gummies, candies and ice cream, a concentrated substance known as 7-OH has been classified as a Schedule 1 substance alongside heroin and LSD...
‘Liberation Day’ reignites D.C. statehood debate
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square As the National Guard begins patrolling the streets of Washington, D.C., after President Donald Trump announced their deployment in support of making the city safer,...
Trump to meet with Democratic leaders to discuss govt funding bills
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square With government funding progress halted and a government shutdown deadline looming, President Donald Trump is reaching across the aisle to Democratic congressional leaders to discuss...
WATCH: Illinois Democrats blast Trump, Republicans at state fair
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) − Illinois Democrats say their party will win across the United States in 2026, with the Land of...
Social Security’s 90th anniversary sparks debate over how to address insolvency
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square On the day before Social Security’s 90th anniversary, fiscal watchdogs are urging Congress to seriously address the program’s impending funding shortfalls – particularly in light...
Colorado ranks eighth nationally for battling antisemitism
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square The Anti-Defamation League recently named Colorado one of nine states “leading the way” on combatting antisemitism. The Jewish Policy Index was conducted by the ADL...
Trump speaks with Zelenskyy, European leaders ahead of Putin meeting in Alaska
By Caroline BodaThe Center Square President Donald Trump met virtually with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other European leaders before flying to Alaska for a U.S.-Russia...
Texas House Democrats may return after first special session is over
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square After the Texas House didn’t reach a quorum on Tuesday, the Texas House Democratic Caucus said absconding House Democrats would return after the first special...
Illegal border crossings reach lowest level in recorded US history in July
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Illegal border crossings nationwide dropped to their lowest level in recorded history in July, according to the latest U.S. Customs and Border Protection data. “CBP...
WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Wednesday Aug. 13th, 2025
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 comments from...
Illinois law empowers officials to crack down on predatory towing
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Beginning Jan. 1, a new Illinois law cracks down on predatory towing by letting the Illinois...
Illinois quick hits: Former Chicago schools dean sentenced for sexual assault
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Former Chicago schools dean sentenced for sexual assault A former Chicago public school dean has been sentenced to 22 years in...
