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.”
⚠️ Hydrologic Outlook issued June 8 at 12:44PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Mon Jun 8
85° 69°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Answers wanted to ‘pathetic’ state procurement issues
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Lawmakers say Illinois-based businesses are getting work in other states but struggling to get business in their...
Report paints dismal picture of California’s jobs market
By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square New research shows California is the Not-So-Golden State when it comes to jobs. Pacific Research Institute, a Pasadena-based, nonpartisan free market think tank, went as...
Report: U.S. added $1.2 trillion to national debt in six months
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The U.S. government added $1.2 trillion to the national debt over the past six months, borrowing $163 billion during March alone, the Congressional Budget Office...
Illinois House pushes through bill restricting ICE detention centers in state
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – After heavy debate and Republican opposition, the Illinois House passed a bill that would all but ban...
Cheaper gas could take time amid tentative ceasefire
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Americans hoping for cheaper gasoline after the U.S.-Iran ceasefire will need to be patient, as oil prices and other economic factors continue to work against...
Trump says military remains in place as talks with Iran set to begin
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square President Donald Trump says that increased military assets in the Middle East will remain in place and ready as the U.S. and Iran embark on...
Illinois Quick Hits: Ex-nonprofit exec sentenced for state, federal grant fraud
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A former Chicago-area nonprofit executive has been sentenced to a year in federal prison for misappropriating nearly...
Will County Prepares for Route 66 Centennial with $3.4 Million in Grant Projects
Will County Board Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: Will County is gearing up to be a central hub for the 100th anniversary of Route 66, backed by $3.4...
Lawmaker calls for department reform supporting Illinois families with disabled children
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Republican state representative in Illinois is continuing his push for simpler and less burdensome paths to...
Lawyers’ ‘misleading statements’ hang cloud over college finaid class action
By Scott Holland | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A federal judge won’t stop a class action alleging some of the country’s top higher education institutions colluded when awarding financial aid...
Ceasefire impact holds across markets despite varying reports on the Strait of Hormuz
By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Stock markets soared and oil prices plummeted after the start of a two-week ceasefire with Iran, despite conflicting reports regarding the Strait of Hormuz. After...
SEC chairman returns ”first principles’ to public markets, supports Texas exchange
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square At a Texas Stock Exchange roundtable in Miami, Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Paul Atkins outlined his plan to return “first principles” to public markets....
Complaint filed against AMA Foundation for racially discriminatory scholarships
By Tate MillerThe Center Square Medical group Do No Harm filed a complaint with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) against the American Medical Association Foundation, questioning whether the organization should...
