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
Commission Overrides Staff Recommendation, Approves Manhattan Township Barn Expansion
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | February 17, 2026 Article Summary: A Manhattan Township homeowner received unanimous approval for three variances to expand a pole barn, despite county...
Community violence intervention advocates tout crime reduction, taxpayer funding
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With more than $100 million of assistance from state taxpayers, community violence intervention advocates are touting lower...
Pritzker’s social media fee plan faces cost, legality questions
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An internet freedom advocate says Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed social media platform fee will raise costs for...
Investigation: Wisconsin’s DPI took uncommon approach with Dells conference
By Jon StyfThe Center Square Wisconsin’s K-12 education leadership group said that its $368,000 standards-setting meeting in 2024 at a waterpark in the Wisconsin Dells was a "common approach" for...
Motion to disqualify prosecutors in Robinson’s trial is denied
By Dave MasonThe Center Square A judge Tuesday rejected defense lawyers’ motion to disqualify the Utah County Attorney’s Office as the prosecution team in the case of Tyler James Robinson,...
Chicago tourism rises; visitors ignore Trump’s condemnation
By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association President Michael Jacobson is proud to call Chicago an outlier when...
CMS proposes 0.09% Medicare Advantage advanced rate, raising alarms
By Tom JoyceThe Center Square The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has proposed a 0.09% advance rate for Medicare Advantage plans in 2027, a figure analysts say falls short...
U.S. Supreme Court to hear Michigan foreclosure case on Wednesday
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square A Michigan family’s decades-long fight over a property seizure will be before the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday for oral arguments. This marks the latest...
DHS silent on number of agents remaining in Twin Cities
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square In the wake of Operation Metro Surge in the Twin Cities, it is still unclear how many federal immigration agents remain in the area. In...
Supreme Court strikes down court error in baby food case
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, struck down a lower court's decision preventing parents from suing a baby food manufacturer over tainted products....
Illegal border crosser apprehensions drop 96% at southwest border in a year
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square In one year, illegal border crossings dropped by 96% at the southwest border, an historic shift from record highs during the Biden administration. In January,...
Group says Congress must stop U.S. strikes on suspected drug boats
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A human rights group called for Congress to stop U.S. military strikes on suspected drug boats, a tactic that President Donald Trump says is saving...
Supreme Court halts mail delivery lawsuit
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, upheld a law that shields the United States Postal Service from liability when mail is intentionally not...
Illinois quick hits: Chicago man faces charges in road-rage shooting; migrant accused of murdering church volunteer; Illinois Liquor Control Commission launches new system
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Chicago man faces charges in road-rage shooting A Chicago man is facing aggravated firearm charges after an alleged road-rage shooting on...
Executive Committee Advances “Project Northwinds”: 2,475 Jobs and $346 Million Investment Proposed for Former Caterpillar, Lion Electric Sites
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee moved forward a resolution supporting a massive manufacturing project that promises nearly 2,500...