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 7
82° 70°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
Will County Committee Forwards Overhauled Purchasing Code Amid Debate on Local Contractor Preference
The Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee advanced a major overhaul of the county's purchasing code Tuesday, but only after a split vote and a pointed debate over a separate,...
Finance Officials Clarify How Will County Tracks Assets, From Vehicles to Desks
Will County finance officials on Tuesday detailed the policies governing how the county tracks its physical and digital assets, explaining the $5,000 threshold for items that are formally capitalized and...
Will County Treasurer Confirms Free Online Tax Payment Option, Warns Against High Credit Card Fees
Will County Treasurer Tim Brophy confirmed Tuesday that property owners have a free online payment option available and advised residents to avoid the high convenience fees associated with using credit...
Committee Highlights ‘Lack of Teeth’ in County Code Enforcement Process
While the Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee quickly approved minor updates to its administrative adjudication ordinance Tuesday, the action sparked a broader discussion about resident frustration over the enforcement...
Committee Highlights ‘Lack of Teeth’ in County Code Enforcement Process
While the Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee quickly approved minor updates to its administrative adjudication ordinance Tuesday, the action sparked a broader discussion about resident frustration over the enforcement...
Meeting Briefs: Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee for July 22, 2025
AI Policy Discussion Urged: Chair Jackie Triner called for the county to develop a comprehensive policy on the use of Artificial Intelligence. Citing a recent conference, Triner noted the potential benefits...
Township Approves Funding for Youth Track Club and Support Services
Monee Township Board Meeting | June 19, 2025 Article Summary: The Board of Trustees approved social service agreements totaling nearly $7,000, with the bulk of the funding directed toward the Illinois...
Monee Township Board Restructures Food Pantry to Secure Non-Profit Status
Monee Township Board Meeting | June 19, 2025 Article Summary: The Monee Township Board has initiated the creation of a separate legal entity for its food pantry to achieve 501(c)(3) status....
Monee Zoning Board Recommends Approval for Sheepdog Firearms After Environmental Safety Review
Sheepdog Firearms, a gun shop and shooting range that has operated in the village for eight years, received a unanimous favorable recommendation for a special use permit from the Monee...
Crete Township Wins Approval for New Digital Sign at Community Center
Crete Township received approval from the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday for a new digital sign at its community center, a project that required a special use...
Crete-Monee Board Debates Arming Security Director, Hears Comprehensive Safety Update
CRETE, IL – A comprehensive update on school safety at Crete-Monee School District 201-U on Tuesday culminated in a board-level debate over whether the district’s director of safety and security...
Will County Planners OK Oversized Garage Near Naperville, Overriding Staff Recommendation
The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday approved variances for a new oversized accessory garage in Wheatland Township, siding with a homeowner and builder over a staff recommendation...
Crete-Monee to Name New Softball Field for Hall of Fame Coach Sue G. Antonio
CRETE, IL – A true Crete-Monee legend will be permanently honored at the district’s new athletic complex after the Board of Education unanimously voted Tuesday to name the softball field...