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 8
85° 72°
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Chicago office vacancy rates worsen, card swipe numbers offer hope
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As Chicago’s downtown office vacancy rate hits another record high, homeowners in the city can expect to...
Illinois Quick Hits: Illiois gas prices keep rising
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The average gas price in Illinois has risen 89 cents per gallon in the last month. According...
IL Supreme Court says it can remove Cook Co. judge for pro-Trump column
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square The justices on the Democrat-dominated Illinois Supreme Court are asking a federal judge to declare they have the constitutional authority to abruptly...
FBI: Illinois’ cyber crime losses reached $535M in 2025
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The FBI Internet Crime Report for 2025 ranks Illinois fifth in the U.S. for cyber crime complaints...
Minnesota, Illinois AGs challenge federal orders to keep coal plants running
By Elyse Apel | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is challenging the Trump administration over orders requiring coal-fired power plants in...
FBI finds Americans lose billions to cryptocurrency scams
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Americans lost more than $20 billion to cryptocurrency and other online scams in 2025, a 26% increase over the year before, according to the latest...
Illinois lawmakers seek to regulate, tax prediction markets amid federal lawsuit
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois may soon allow prediction markets to operate in the state, but lawmakers and the federal government...
Report: Teacher’s union gives nearly 2M to org that trains for May Day protests
By Tate MillerThe Center Square An education group has uncovered that teacher’s union the National Education Association has given nearly two million dollars in donations since 2020 to an organization...
Illinois Quick Hits: Downtown Chicago office vacancies hit another record high
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Downtown Chicago’s office vacancy rate has risen to a record high for the 15th consecutive quarter. Crain’s...
Trump issues dire warning to Iran as deadline looms
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” President Donald Trump warned the Iranian regime as the clock ticks toward the...
Report: Iran, inflation concern small businesses
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square U.S. small businesses reported reduced spending and hiring amid concerns over military strikes against Iran and looming inflation data, according to a new report. The...
U.S.-Israel-Iranian conflict escalating global energy, supply chain crisis
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The U.S.-Israel led attack against Iran continues to impact the global oil supply by cutting off Persian Gulf crude production and distribution. It’s not only...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Land Use & Development Committee for March 26, 2026
Will County Board Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | March 26, 2026 The Will County Board Land Use & Development Committee held a special workshop meeting on Thursday, March...
