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.”
⚠️ Tornado Watch issued June 11 at 2:02PM CDT until June 11 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
⚠️ Flood Watch issued June 11 at 12:39PM CDT until June 11 at 11:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Thu Jun 11
79° 60°
Sunny
Latest News Stories
Illinois quick hits: Illinois House members vote along party lines; More than 40% of CPS teachers missed 10 or more school days; State Treasurer says Bright Start earns gold
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Illinois House members vote along party lines Illinois U.S. House members voted along party lines as the chamber approved legislation to...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee for November 4, 2025
Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | November 4, 2025 The Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, reviewed a successful bond refinancing...
Glock: Judge’s OK of Chicago’s anti-gun lawsuit questionable, at best
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Firearms maker Glock is asking for permission to appeal a Cook County judge's ruling allowing the city of Chicago to continue its...
Illinois quick hits: DHS responds to migrant release order
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square DHS responds to migrant release order The U.S. Department of Homeland security issued a statement after a federal judge in Chicago...
Pritzker disagrees with Durbin on vote to end shutdown
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he is disappointed that Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin voted in favor of...
Pritzker open to conversation with Trump on alderman’s immigration proposal
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A letter from a Chicago alderman to President Donald Trump could lead to conversation with Illinois Gov....
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Mokena Community Public Library District Board of Trustees for September 2025
Mokena Community Public Library District Board of Trustees Meeting | September 2025 The Mokena Community Public Library District Board of Trustees centered its September 23 meeting on key financial planning,...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of Mokena Board of Trustees for October 27, 2025
Village of Mokena Board of Trustees Meeting | October 27, 2025 The Mokena Village Board took major action on finances and public safety during its meeting on Monday, October 27,...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Mokena Fire Protection District for September 2025
Mokena Fire Protection District Meeting | September 2025 The Mokena Fire Protection District Board of Trustees on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, made a major financial decision regarding its emergency fleet,...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee for November 2025
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | November 2025 The Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee on Tuesday approved a landmark agreement to consolidate the Central Will...
Will County Committee Members Debate Future Capital Priorities, Clash on Borrowing
Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | November 4, 2025 Article Summary: After learning Will County could borrow over $100 million for new projects, members of the Capital Improvements...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Planning and Zoning Commission for November 4, 2025
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | November 4, 2025 The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, considered a series of homeowner requests for...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Legislative Committee for November 4, 2025
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Legislative Committee for November 4, 2025 The Will County Legislative Committee met on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, to continue developing its 2026 state and...
