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° 56°
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board for February 19, 2026
Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Meeting SummaryThe Will County Board meeting on Thursday, February 19, 2026, was marked by significant zoning decisions, including the unanimous rejection of...
Board Approves Joliet Township Clean Fill Facility Despite Environmental Objections
Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a map amendment and special use permit for a Clean Construction and Demolition Debris (CCDD) facility...
Will County Board Unanimously Rejects Controversial Solar Farm in Troy Township
Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously rejected a special use permit for a commercial solar energy facility near Shorewood following strong opposition...
WATCH/EXCLUSIVE: Supreme Court backs parents in CA gender policy
By Esther WickhamThe Center Square Editor's note: This story has been updated to add videos. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6–3 this week that parents challenging a California policy allowing...
Gas prices climb in U.S., Southwest during war with Iran
By Liam HibbertThe Center Square The U.S. and Israeli war with Iran has already inflated prices at the gas pump for people across the Southwest and the rest of America....
Oil cos. ask to pause Chicago climate ‘deception’ suit til SCOTUS weighs in
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Saying the U.S. Supreme Court will decide soon if the lawsuit is even allowed, a group of oil and gas companies have...
Illinois quick hits: Ex-Carlyle Police Chief faces federal embezzlement charges;
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Ex-Carlyle Police Chief faces federal embezzlement charges Former Carlyle Police Chief Mark Pingsterhaus is facing federal charges for allegedly embezzling more...
Lawmaker proposes property tax credits as housing debate continues
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As state and local officials sound off on housing proposals at the Illinois Capitol, a state senator...
Illinois municipalities push for local fuel tax as gas prices rise
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Some Illinois municipal leaders are pushing for the ability to impose local fuel taxes at a time...
Illinois lawmaker supports EPA rollback; AG opposes
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker is praising the Environmental Protection Agency under President Donald Trump for repealing the...
Illinois Quick Hits: Report shows Illinois with highest U.S. tax rates
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new survey says Illinois has the highest tax rates in the country. According to a WalletHub...
Committee Approves $740,000 Compressor to Boost RNG Plant Uptime
Will County Landfill Committee Meeting | February 10, 2026 Article Summary: The Landfill Committee approved the purchase of a fourth feed compressor for the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) facility to...
County Approves $1.9 Million for Wilmington-Peotone Road Engineering
Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board authorized nearly $2 million in Motor Fuel Tax funds to begin Phase I design engineering for improvements...
