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 12
87° 61°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Florida to crack down on H-1B visas, following Trump’s lead
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square American graduates will be prioritized by the state public university system in Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday. The second-term Republican said he is directing...
Expert: Arizona’s 2026 budget faces Big Beautiful Bill impact
By Zachery SchmidtThe Center Square The biggest impact on Arizona's 2026 budget will come from the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, according to Glenn Farley, the Common Sense Institute’s...
Research institute to Congress: Prioritize American healthcare over noncitizens
By Tate MillerThe Center Square The American First Policy Institute is calling on Congress to prioritize American patients over illegal aliens and expressed its disapproval toward the illegal alien-favoring proposal...
Illinois beef producers say Trump’s Argentina beef plan hurts farmers
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois beef producers express frustration over President Donald Trump’s plan to expand beef imports from Argentina,...
Illinois quick hits: Bailey family announces memorial services; digital currency scam losses
By The Center SquareThe Center Square Bailey family announces memorial services Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey has announced details of memorial services for his family members who died in a...
WATCH: Expect tax and fee increases for veto; Democrats want more sanctuary policies
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop reviews the prospects...
Will County Health Department Pleads for $1 Million to Avert ‘Weakened Public Health System’
Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | October 21, 2025 Article Summary: Leaders and board members from the Will County Health Department made an impassioned plea for $1 million in county...
Judge: Benefits of feeding babies beat risk claims in NEC lawsuits
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Saying trial lawyers have not yet shown evidence of an alternative to cow's milk-based infant formula that would not leave tens of...
Illinois quick hits: Raoul joins SNAP benefits lawsuit; disaster declaration denial appealed
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Raoul joins SNAP benefits lawsuit Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a coalition of 26 attorneys general and governors in filing...
WATCH: Democratic attorneys general sue feds to release food benefits
By Dave MasonThe Center Square Democratic officials from California and 25 other jurisdictions sued the Trump administration Tuesday to continue Supplemental Food Assistance Program benefits in November despite the federal...
WATCH: GOP lawmaker: Pritzker-backed energy omnibus will lead to higher bills
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers are debating an energy omnibus bill during the final days of fall veto session, but...
Illegal border crossings in September historically low
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Illegal border crossings in September were historically low, representing a 92.4% drop from a record high reported in September 2023. Last month, 26,002 illegal border...
Vance says U.S. troops will get paid Friday despite shutdown
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Vice President J.D. Vance said Tuesday that 1.3 million U.S. troops will get a paycheck on Friday despite a congressional funding lapse and stalemate that...
