—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 Jul 20
85° 61°
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Legislator seeks to exempt cap for Hollywood tax credits
By Robert MattesonThe Center Square Legislators fear California will become noncompetitive again in attracting major film and TV productions if changes aren’t made to the state budget. The $350 billion...
U.S. announces end to military operations in Iraq as conflict in Iran ramps up
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The U.S. is signaling a significant shift in the Middle East as President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth met with the Iraqi...
U.S. House votes to make daylight savings time permanent
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square U.S. House lawmakers voted 308 - 117 to pass a bill Tuesday making daylight savings time year-round, sending the legislation to the Senate. The Sunshine...
Congressional committee to hold hearing in Houston after ICE fatal shootings
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square A congressional field hearing is scheduled for the end of the month in Texas to address the fatal shooting of a Mexican national by U.S....
Feds: Chicago is key in trade fraud fight
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Federal officials came to Illinois this week to announce the results of a major crackdown on trade...
Democrats tank advance of national defense bill in U.S. Senate
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square U.S. Senate Democrats blocked a critical Pentagon funding authorization bill from advancing Tuesday, a show of rebellion against the Trump administration resuming military hostilities in...
Illinois Quick Hits: State officials launch court user survey
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Supreme Court and the Illinois Judicial Conference announced on Tuesday a statewide circuit court user...
Former CBO chief: Congress isn’t grappling with AI’s fiscal impact
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Former Congressional Budget Office Director Douglas Elmendorf says he's seen no sign Congress is grappling with AI's effect on federal taxes and spending, even as...
GOP hardliners lift U.S. House blockade, challenges remain
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square A group of Republican hardliners in the U.S. House finally lifted its blockade of the floor, allowing a critical national security funding bill to advance...
U.S. House passes 10 bills to strengthen homeland security, address terrorism
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The U.S. House has passed 10 bipartisan bills advanced by the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security, which the committee says will strengthen homeland security...
Gulf lawmakers aim to extend state borders to 9 miles offshore
By Alton WallaceThe Center Square A bipartisan coalition of Gulf Coast lawmakers is pushing to change a 73-year-old law that limits their states' maritime boundaries to 3 miles offshore, potentially...
Ongoing border security prosecution efforts: 23 extraditions in one month
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Border-crime related prosecutions are ongoing with extraditions playing a key role in prosecutions. The latest extradition to Texas was the 23rd in one month, FBI...
Graham: Man of great faith, fierce fighter for South Carolina, America
By Alan WootenThe Center Square From colleagues in both major parties to leaders of foreign nations, appreciation for the public service of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham has been overwhelming since...
