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.”
⚠️ Hydrologic Outlook issued June 8 at 12:44PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Mon Jun 8
86° 69°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Mokena Fire Board Appoints Surdel as Commissioner, Increases Office Coordinator Hours
Article Summary: The Mokena Fire Protection District Board of Trustees appointed Chris Surdel as a Fire Commissioner and approved increasing the hours for an office coordinator to full-time. The personnel...
Businesses brace for new tax challenges amid global tariff focus
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square U.S. businesses and their partners across the globe are looking to make sure they comply with the highest import duties in decades amid a worldwide...
Illinois takes over health insurance marketplace in 2026 amid skepticism
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois will fully take over operation of its health insurance marketplace in 2026, moving away from...
WATCH: IL state reps challenge IEMA-OHS responses to local agencies
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security officials are promising to be more responsive to...
Judge expands restraining order against ‘Beto’ O’Rourke, adds ActBlue
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square A judge has expanded a temporary restraining order against former U.S. Rep. Robert (Beto) O’Rourke and his organization, Powered by People, as well as ActBlue...
Executive Committee Members Decry Roadside Litter, Call for Action Against Garbage Haulers
Article Summary: Will County Executive Committee members expressed frustration over what they described as a worsening problem of litter blowing from garbage trucks across the county. Members called for better...
Mokena Fire District Invests in Station Upgrades, Modernizes Security with Digital Key System
Article Summary: The Mokena Fire Protection District is undertaking significant technology and infrastructure upgrades, approving a new $26,025 station alerting system for Station 2 and initiating a multi-year plan to...
Reversing Biden’s precedent, students complete FAFSA in minutes at beta-testing event
By Tate MillerThe Center Square President Donald Trump’s Department of Education is working to restore the student aid FAFSA form after the Biden administration made what should be a couple-minute...
Trump, Zelenskyy to meet Monday in steps toward peace with Russia
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Following a “successful” meeting in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Donald Trump said he is going straight for a “peace agreement” in a...
Possible ‘agreement’ reached in Trump-Putin meeting; more discussion likely
By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square It appears an “agreement” was reached in the Friday meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and American President Donald Trump, but the nature of that...
WATCH: Gun rights supporters celebrate 9th Circuit’s ruling against CA gun rationing law
By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square Gun rights supporters are celebrating what they call a significant victory after the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a mandate on Thursday overturning California’s...
Feds sue California over emission standards for trucks
By Jamie ParsonsThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Justice is suing California to stop what it calls “unlawful” emission standards for heavy-duty trucks. The California Air Resources Board is...
Illinois quick hits: ‘Lawsuit inferno’ bill takes effect after Pritzker signed 267 measures Friday
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square 'Lawsuit inferno' bill takes effect Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation which led the American Tort Reform Association to label Illinois...
