—Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock
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.”
⚠️ Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued June 10 at 4:07PM CDT until June 10 at 4:15PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
⚠️ Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued June 10 at 2:40PM CDT until June 10 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Today Jun 9
90° 69°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Los Angeles County considers creating ICE-free zones
By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Editor's note: This story has been updated since its initial publication to include a comment from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Los Angeles County...
States sue feds over gender ideology rules on health grants
By Dave MasonThe Center Square New York, California and Oregon are leading 12 states suing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services over allegedly threatening to withhold billions of...
Johnson expects on-time passage of all govt funding bills as two more head to floor
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Congress has less than a month to pass the remaining appropriations bills providing fiscal 2026 funding for federal agencies, but House Republicans are convinced it’s...
WATCH: Advocates urge action on trans sports ban
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square While justices in the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday over whether state laws banning transgender people from participating in women’s sports were unconstitutional, advocates...
Advocacy groups praise Trump admin’s healthcare price transparency commitment
By Tate MillerThe Center Square The Trump administration’s commitment to healthcare price transparency has been met by praise from advocacy groups, with the organizations stating such a move is “imperative”...
Trump: Chicago crime is down in spite of ‘incompetent’ Pritzker
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – President Donald Trump says crime in Chicago would go down virtually 100% if not for Gov. J.B....
‘Put politics aside’ to support no tax on tips, Illinois Democrat says
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Democratic state legislator is looking to bring the federal no tax on tips policy to the...
Former ‘Vegas’ coroner seeks county administrator job after journalist’s murder
By Arthur KaneThe Center Square Retired Clark County Coroner P. Michael Murphy, who was brought in to fix the county's public administrator's office right before the then-administrator murdered a newspaper...
WATCH: U.S. Supreme Court weighs trans sports ban
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in two cases over whether biological males can participate in women's and girls’ sports. Little v. Hecox and...
House Republicans unveil framework for second ‘big, beautiful bill’
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Just six months after Republicans in Congress passed their mammoth budget reconciliation bill, House Republicans are publicly pushing for a second ‘big, beautiful bill.’ Confirming...
Beecher Board Appoints Abbink as New Village Clerk
Village of Beecher Board Meeting | January 12, 2026 Article Summary: The Beecher Village Board formally appointed Denise Abbink as the new Village Clerk. Abbink took the oath of office...
Pritzker: State will not build stadium for Bears
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says the state will not build a stadium for the Chicago Bears. Pritzker...
California doctor indicted in Louisiana for sending abortion pills
By Nolan MckendryThe Center Square Louisiana has indicted a California physician with allegedly sending abortion pills to the state and is seeking his return to face charges, Attorney General Liz...
