—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.”
Today Jun 9
90° 68°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Chicago Flips Red calls for audit after public schools report
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A grassroots Chicago group is calling for a forensic audit of the city’s entire public school system...
Capital Imp Committee: Begins Drafting Policy to Regulate Artificial Intelligence in County Government
Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary:The Will County Board Capital Improvements and IT Committee began formulating a comprehensive policy regarding the use of Artificial...
Public Health Committee Chair Demands Animal Control Agreements for Crete, Monee
Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | January 7, 2026 Article Summary: During the January 7, 2026, Public Health and Safety Committee meeting, Chair Daniel Butler demanded...
Public Works Committee Considers Taking Over Kankakee County Line Road to Expedite Bridge Repairs
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Division of Transportation (WCDOT) is exploring a jurisdictional transfer of a section of...
Peotone Man Charged With Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Damage at New Lenox Target
A 45-year-old Peotone man has been charged with disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property following an incident at a New Lenox Target store, according to police. New Lenox police...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher School District 200U Board for December 10, 2025
Beecher School District 200U Board Meeting | December 10, 2025 The Beecher School District 200U Board met on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the Beecher High School Library. The meeting...
Executive Committee: Update to Land Resource Management Plan; Solar Farms and Rural Zoning Dominate Discussion
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | January 8, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Executive Committee initiated the first major update to the county’s Land Resource Management Plan since...
Will County Committee Adds Path to Citizenship Support to Federal Agenda
Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Legislative Committee voted on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to amend its federal legislative agenda...
Health Department Outlines Major Reduction in Consensus Vaccine Schedule
Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | January 7, 2026 Article Summary: Will County Health Department Executive Director Elizabeth Bilotta clarified changes to the childhood immunization schedule,...
Board Approves Safety Funding Amendment, Hires Bus Driver
Beecher Board of Education Meeting | Jan. 7, 2026 Article Summary: The Beecher School Board approved a necessary amendment to its Health Life Safety plan to facilitate a state grant...
Public Works Committee Forwards Condemnation Proceedings for Francis and Marley Road Improvements
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: The committee authorized the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office to proceed with condemnation cases to acquire...
Finance Committee: Scholarship Tax Credit Discussion Halts
Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: A heated procedural debate erupted at the Will County Board Finance Committee meeting when a member attempted to...
Will County Health Department Reports Rise in Respiratory Illnesses, Updates on Facility Issues
Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | January 7, 2026 Article Summary: At the January 7, 2026, meeting, Executive Director Elizabeth Bilotta reported a spike in respiratory...
