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 14
74° 55°
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Illinois quick hits: Migrant youth allegedly murdered homeless Chicago man
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Migrant youth allegedly murdered homeless Chicago man Three juvenile Venezuelan migrants are part of a group that allegedly attacked, murdered, and...
Vance to visit Fort Campbell before Thanksgiving
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Vice President J.D. Vance will visit Fort Campbell in Kentucky ahead of Thanksgiving to celebrate with Army service members. Vance, 41, and his family will...
WATCH: Trump calls Pritzker a ‘fat slob,’ Illinois governor blasts president
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – President Donald Trump has revived his criticism of Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker over crime, and Pritzker has...
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser won’t seek reelection
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser announced she will not be seeking reelection. The Democratic mayor has served as the second female mayor of the nation’s...
Peotone School Board Approves Tentative Tax Levy, Advances $4.9M Bond Issuance
Peotone School Board Meeting | November 17, 2025 Article Summary:The Peotone School District 207-U Board of Education on Monday, November 17, 2025, approved a tentative $15.66 million tax levy and...
Illinois business group warns of ‘backbreaking’ progressive income tax
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Manufacturers say legislators at the Illinois State Capitol have done enough damage and a progressive tax would...
Trump’s ACA tax credit extension proposal delayed after GOP pushback
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square After facing backlash from Republican leaders, the White House is backing away from its proposal to extend the enhanced Obamacare Premium Tax Credit for two...
EXCLUSIVE: Texas rep calls on Trump to get Texan released from Mexican prison
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Texas state Rep. Jay Dean, R-Longview, is calling on President Donald Trump, Gov. Greg Abbott, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and...
Illinois tops U.S. in pumpkin production despite recent decline in value
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Despite a recent decline in production value, Illinois is far and away the leader when it comes...
Congress moves to restore federal union powers, critics warn of higher costs
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The U.S. Congress is set to vote on House Resolution 2550, a bill that would restore...
Warriors’ Defense Stifles Blue Devils in Lopsided Loss
PEOTONE — The Peotone Blue Devils endured a tough shooting night Friday, falling 52-20 to the Crete-Monee Warriors in non-conference girls basketball action. The Blue Devils (0-3) connected on just...
Illinois quick hits: Chiropractor sentenced for fraud; fatal airport shooting investigation
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Chiropractor sentenced for fraud A Chicago chiropractor has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison for billing a private...
Lincoln-Way 210 Receives Clean Audit, Financial Profile Score Downgraded to ‘Review’
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | November 20, 2025 Article Summary: Lincoln-Way District 210 received a clean, unmodified opinion for its Fiscal Year 2025 audit, the highest rating possible....
