—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
88° 70°
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
Illinois business group warns of ‘backbreaking’ progressive income tax
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Manufacturers say legislators at the Illinois State Capitol have done enough damage and a progressive tax would...
Illinois tops U.S. in pumpkin production despite recent decline in value
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Despite a recent decline in production value, Illinois is far and away the leader when it comes...
Congress moves to restore federal union powers, critics warn of higher costs
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The U.S. Congress is set to vote on House Resolution 2550, a bill that would restore...
Illinois quick hits: Chiropractor sentenced for fraud; fatal airport shooting investigation
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Chiropractor sentenced for fraud A Chicago chiropractor has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison for billing a private...
Committee Grants Lenox Solar Farm Project Six-Month Variance Extension
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | November 18, 2025 Article Summary:The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission has approved a 180-day extension for variances tied to a commercial...
Speed Limits Lowered in Green Garden and Frankfort Neighborhoods
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board adopted ordinances to establish new, lower speed limits in specific areas of Green Garden and Frankfort Townships....
Engineering Firm Hired for Gougar Road Bridge Replacement
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board authorized a $301,000 contract for the design of a new bridge carrying Gougar Road over the Canadian...
Unpermitted Log Cabin and Stage Prompt Rezoning in Beecher
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a zoning map amendment and variances for a property in Beecher to bring existing unpermitted structures...
Federal court blocks Trump from dismantling four agencies
By Dave Mason | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A federal court has issued a permanent injunction stopping the Trump administration from dismantling four federal agencies...
State reps: Pritzker turns ‘blind eye’ to Chicago’s public safety crisis
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – After Gov. J.B. Pritzker said President Donald Trump was amplifying crime in Chicago, Illinois House Republicans said...
Illinois quick hits: Medicaid coverage for parental home visits; ‘Trouble in Toyland’ report
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Medicaid coverage for parental home visits The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has launched new Medicaid coverage of home...
Potential data center in Illinois village raises local concerns
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Residents voice concerns about heavy power use, water demands and the impact of a potential data...
New Lenox to Host Large Pollinator-Friendly Solar Farm
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously approved a special use permit for a commercial solar energy facility spanning approximately 63 acres in...
