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 11
80° 60°
Sunny
Latest News Stories
P&Z Commission: Peotone Area Variances Forwarded for Garage and Pole Barn
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | December 2, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission approved variance requests for two properties in Peotone Township, allowing...
Peotone License Plate Camera Renewal Sparks Privacy Debate in Public Works Committee
Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | December 2, 2025 Article Summary: A renewal of an agreement allowing license plate reading (LPR) cameras in Peotone passed the Public Works Committee,...
Joliet Unity Movement Criticizes Board’s Handling of Cannabis Tax Revenue
Will County Board Meeting | December 4, 2025 Article Summary: During public comment, the Joliet Unity Movement denounced a recent board vote that redirected cannabis tax revenue away from community...
Safety Upgrades Planned for Wilmington-Peotone Road; Gas Line Proposal Rejected
Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | December 2, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Public Works Committee approved a $1.9 million engineering contract for improvements to a dangerous stretch...
Tensions Flare as Board Members Clash Over Budget Process and Protocol
Will County Board Meeting | December 4, 2025 Article Summary: A special meeting intended to fix a budget error turned contentious as board members traded accusations regarding transparency, meeting conduct,...
Will County Board Approves $2.7 Million Reserve Draw to Finalize 0% Tax Levy
Will County Board Meeting | December 4, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously voted to transfer approximately $2.78 million from cash reserves to balance the fiscal year 2026...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Township for October 2025
New Lenox Township Meeting | October 2025 The New Lenox Township Board of Trustees took decisive action to address the growing needs of its food pantry during its meeting on...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Public Library District for October 2025
New Lenox Public Library District Meeting | October 20, 2025 The New Lenox Public Library District Board of Trustees on Monday, October 20, 2025, reviewed a draft of its new...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of New Lenox for Nov. 24, 2025
Village of New Lenox Meeting | Nov. 24, 2025 The New Lenox Village Board met on Monday, November 24, 2025, to handle a consent agenda of routine business and several...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 for November 20, 2025
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | November 20, 2025 The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education held a busy meeting on Thursday, November 20, 2025,...
Lincoln-Way Board Approves Tutoring Service for Hospitalized Students
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | November 20, 2025 Article Summary: Lincoln-Way District 210 has entered into an agreement with LearnWell to provide tutoring services for students who are...
New Lenox Becomes First Community to Adopt “Tribute to Valor” Resolution
Village of New Lenox Meeting | Nov. 24, 2025 Article Summary: The Village of New Lenox formally partnered with the Tribute to Valor Foundation, an organization connecting Medal of Honor...
New Lenox Township Explores Options to Expand Maplewood Cemetery
New Lenox Township Meeting | October 2025 Article Summary: New Lenox Township is considering ways to increase burial capacity at Maplewood Cemetery, including a potential land acquisition from the adjacent...
