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 4
83° 66°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for April 9, 2026
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | April 9, 2026 The Will County Board Executive Committee met on Thursday, April 9, 2026, to process a diverse agenda featuring major strategic,...
On the road to 100 years: How the Forest Preserve District expanded
As the Forest Preserve District approaches its centennial year in 2027 with a total of nearly 24,000 protected acres, it’s a good time to reflect on how the District grew...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee for April 14, 2026
Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | April 14, 2026 The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee held a highly efficient meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026,...
Executive Committee Advances Sweeping Updates to Adult Entertainment and Wireless Facilities Ordinances
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | April 9, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee advanced two major ordinances completely rewriting the county's regulations for Adult Entertainment...
Ad-Hoc Committee: County Lowers Air Rifle Age to 13, Finds Airsoft Guns Beyond Local Regulatory Reach
Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | April 14, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee advanced updates to its public peace ordinances, lowering the...
Executive Committee Approves Local Fire District Appointments, Faces Pushback Over Delayed Elwood Seat
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | April 9, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Executive Committee approved a slate of appointments for several fire protection districts, including Manhattan and...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee for April 7, 2026
Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 The Will County Board Finance Committee met on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, to review and finalize the county's 2025...
Ad-Hoc Committee: County’s Lack of Home Rule Stifles Effort to Ban Kratom and Non-Nicotine Vapes
Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | April 14, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee approved updates to its tobacco and alternative nicotine...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Public Health & Safety Committee for April 2, 2026
Will County Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | April 2, 2026 The Will County Board Public Health and Safety Committee met on Thursday, April 2, 2026, to review comprehensive...
Indiana Man Faces Federal Indictment, Potential Death Penalty for Momence Bar Owner’s Murder
Article Summary: State prosecutors have officially transferred the first-degree murder case against Julius Burkes to the U.S. Department of Justice. The 47-year-old Indiana man now faces federal charges, including the...
Ad-Hoc Committee: New State Laws Force Shift in How Police Handle Student Cannabis and Tobacco Violations
Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | April 14, 2026 Article Summary: As Will County updates its drug offense ordinances to align with changing state cannabis laws, officials...
Peotone Township Homeowner Secures Porch P&Z Variance Despite Local Objection
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a street yard setback variance for an unpermitted...
Manhattan Township Property Owners Secure Zoning P&Z Approvals for Pole Barn Addition, Parcel Consolidation
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved two separate zoning requests in Manhattan Township, granting...
