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.”
Thu Jun 11
80° 61°
Sunny
Latest News Stories
New Lenox School Board Awards $5.2 Million in Contracts for Tyler School HVAC Upgrades
New Lenox School District 122 Board Meeting | December 16, 2025 Article Summary: The Board of Education approved three major construction contracts totaling over $5.2 million to overhaul the HVAC...
Will County P&Z: Wilton Township Wedding Venue Secured for 2026 Season
Will County P&Z Commission Meeting | Jan. 20, 2026 Article Summary: For the third consecutive year, the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission has approved a temporary use permit for...
New Lenox Library Finance Committee Reviews Bank Account Consolidation
New Lenox Public Library District Finance Committee Meeting | December 15, 2025 Article Summary: The Finance Committee discussed restructuring expense accounts and consolidating bank accounts to improve audit alignment. New...
Chicago FOP boss: Mayor’s ICE on Notice order is ‘piece of toilet paper’
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order directing members of the city’s police department to...
Steve Friant Appointed to New Lenox Township Board Following Kaupas Resignation
New Lenox Township Board Meeting | December 11, 2025 Article Summary: Following the resignation of Trustee Barbara Kaupas, the New Lenox Township Board appointed Steve Friant to fill the vacant...
New Lenox Fire District Approves $2.5 Million Station 2 Budget and Construction Bids
New Lenox Fire Protection District Meeting | Dec. 15, 2025 Article Summary: The New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees authorized a budget of over $2.5 million for Station...
Lawmaker, officer: ‘Blue Envelope” could help navigate autism during stops
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker who also serves in law enforcement says proposed legislation creating a “Blue Envelope”...
Will County P&Z Grants Variances for Unpermitted Structures in Crete and Manhattan
Will County P&Z Commission Meeting | Jan. 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Planning and Zoning Commission approved variances for property owners in Crete and Manhattan who built agricultural structures without...
Village Approves Land Sale for Hotel, Signs $1.2 Million Deal with Perfect Game
Village of New Lenox Meeting | January 26, 2026 Article Summary: The New Lenox Village Board advanced the commercial viability of the Crossroads Sports Complex by approving a land sale...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Landfill Committee for Jan. 13, 2026
Will County Landfill Committee Meeting | Jan. 13, 2026 The Will County Board Landfill Committee met on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, to address operational improvements at the Prairie View Landfill...
Monee Police warn residents of phone scammers impersonating officers
MONEE, Ill. – The Monee Police Department issued a community alert this week regarding a resurgence of telephone scams in which fraudsters are impersonating police officers to solicit money from residents....
New Lenox Files Legal Objection Against Proposed Gas Station on Parker Road
Village of New Lenox Meeting | January 26, 2026 Article Summary: The New Lenox Village Board voted unanimously to file a legal objection with Will County regarding a proposed gas...
Will County P&Z Approves Mokena Scrap Drop-Off Despite Municipal Objections
Will County P&Z Commission Meeting | Jan. 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission granted a special use permit for an outdoor recyclable material drop-off facility...
