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 18
77° 58°
Sunny
Latest News Stories
Trump’s call for federal oversight intensifies clash over Michigan elections
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square As the 2026 election season ramps up, tensions are rising over oversight of Michigan’s elections as state and federal leaders clash over election integrity. President...
Siri class action lawsuit greenlit, billions at stake
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A judge has cleared the way for as many as 3 million Apple device users in Illinois to be included in a...
California attorney general cites success in tackling fraud
By Dave MasonThe Center Square Editor's note: This story has been updated since its original publication to include a comment from the White House. California has recovered nearly $2.7 billion...
Illinois Quick Hits: Reward offered in Chicago shooting
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Cook County Crime Stoppers are offering a reward up to $10,000 for information that leads to the...
‘Ridiculous:’ Republicans reject Dems’ 10 demands for DHS reforms
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square With a partial shutdown looming, U.S. lawmakers have eight days to broker a deal on the Department of Homeland Security’s annual budget. Progress, however, remains...
Legal scholars clash over climate lawsuits against energy companies
By Nolan MckendryThe Center Square A panel of legal scholars and lawyers argued Thursday over what a growing wave of climate lawsuits really represents: a legitimate use of courts to...
WATCH: Bessent spars with lawmakers over tariffs, Trump lawsuits
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Lawmakers grilled Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on the Trump administration’s tariff policies and high profile lawsuits in the administration. Bessent, speaking before the Senate Banking,...
WATCH: Senate Dems: ‘We in Illinois need to tax’
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Senate Democrats are pushing for higher taxes on digital advertising, billionaires and corporations. At the Illinois...
Illinois senator seeks immediate expulsions for student sexual assault
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois state senator is renewing a push to change state law to require the immediate...
HBO Max Orders Cop Drama Pilot ‘American Blue’ to Film in Joliet
Article Summary: HBO Max has ordered a pilot for a new police drama titled "American Blue," with production scheduled to begin in Joliet and Chicago this April. Starring Milo Ventimiglia...
Illinois Quick Hits: Ex-sheriff employee ordered to repay $35,000
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A judge has ordered a former Cook County Sheriff’s office employee to pay more than $35,000 in...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Monee Township Board for December 18, 2025
Monee Township Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 The Monee Township Board held a swift, 27-minute meeting on Thursday evening to close out the year's business. Led by Supervisor Donna...
Will County Public Works Advances $1.9 Million Improvement for Wilmington-Peotone Road
Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee has authorized a nearly $2 million contract for Phase I...
Monee’s Provision Market Brings Dignity to Food Assistance with ‘Client Choice’ Model
Article Summary: Provision Market in Monee is transforming the traditional food pantry experience by allowing neighbors to shop for their own groceries in a retail-style setting. The nonprofit emphasizes dignity...
