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.”
⚠️ Air Quality Alert issued July 19 at 12:50PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Today Jul 19
83° 70°
Smoke then Isolated Rain Showers
Latest News Stories
DHS thwarts Iranian terrorist threats at the northern border, World Cup ties
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Iranian terrorist threats continue at the northern border, this time the threat also is connected to the World Cup and the Iranian National Guard Corps....
Minnesota man ordered to pay $2.5M in fraud case, faces no criminal charges
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square A Minnesota court has ordered a man to pay nearly $2.5 million in damages, penalties and legal fees after a jury found he submitted nearly...
Everyday Economics: A new chair, a shorter statement, a Fed that stopped talking cuts
By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square The Federal Reserve left interest rates alone last Wednesday, holding its benchmark in the 3.50%–3.75% range for a fourth straight meeting – after standing pat...
Illinois congressmen worry as DHS Secretary seeks to ‘protect election integrity’
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A potential plan to deploy federal immigration agents to polling places this fall is illegal and would...
Poll: 70% of Americans ‘concerned’ AI will take jobs
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Roughly 70% of Americans said they were at least "somewhat concerned" that artificial intelligence could replace their jobs, according to a new poll. The Center...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for June 11, 2026
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | June 11, 2026 The Will County Board Executive Committee met Thursday, June 11, 2026, in Joliet, advancing a slate of items to the...
Will County Mental Health Board Touts Crisis Program in Quarterly Report
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | June 11, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Community Mental Health Board's quarterly report to the Executive Committee on Thursday, June 11, 2026,...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee for June 2, 2026
Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | June 2, 2026 The Will County Board Finance Committee took up a short slate of budget and appropriation items at its regular meeting...
Will County Coroner Reports Nearly 8,000 Death Investigations in 2025
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | June 11, 2026 Article Summary: Will County Coroner Laurie Summers presented her 2025 annual report to the Executive Committee on Thursday, June 11,...
Lawmaker says Pritzker reacted too quickly to Grant Park cross burning
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois state Rep. Chris Miller says Gov. J.B. Pritzker should address the political motivations behind a...
Sanders bill would give U.S. stake in AI companies; analyst calls idea ‘nutty’
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A U.S. Senate bill would give the federal government a 50% ownership stake in the largest artificial intelligence companies, creating a sovereign wealth fund its...
Poll: Most Americans don’t trust AI for news
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Most Americans say they do not trust artificial intelligence to provide accurate and unbiased information about politics and current events, according to a new poll....
Poll: 6 in 10 voters say country headed in wrong direction
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Six in 10 American voters say the country is heading in the wrong direction before this year's midterm elections, an increase from three months ago,...
