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
Today Jun 10
84° 58°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Report: IL public schools show low academic proficiency, higher taxpayer funding
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The CEnter Square) – The latest education statistics indicate stagnant proficiency for public school students in Illinois, despite dramatic increases in...
Watchdog: Special interest group paid legislators’ $25,000 resort bill
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square A government watchdog group has filed ethics complaints against more than a dozen Democratic legislators in Colorado. Common Cause alleges the legislators had $25,000 in...
Commission Grants Green Garden Solar Farm Project Variance Extension
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | November 4, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission granted a 180-day extension for two variances related to a commercial...
Union Pacific to ask appeals court for biometrics lawsuit exemption
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Though he has said he believes the company's position would lead to legally "absurd" results, a federal judge will still allow freight...
Illinois quick hits: Notices of affected flights; injunction issued over ICE force
By The Center SquareThe Center Square Notices of affected flights Chicago-based United Airlines is promising to let passengers know “as soon as possible” if their flights are affected by the...
Evers, Grisham fly to Brazil for climate change summit as government remains shut down
By Tate MillerThe Center Square In the midst of the ongoing government shutdown, a number of Democrat governors, mayors and other officials are flying to Brazil climate change convenings. Founder...
Upcoming mass flight cancellations worry U.S. air travelers
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square With dozens of major U.S. airports reducing their flight volumes starting Friday, travelers will see droves of flights cancelled nationwide for the duration of the...
Mokena Library Board Delays Tax Levy Vote, Cites Need for Future Renovation Funds
Mokena Community Public Library District Board of Trustees Meeting | September 2025 Article SummaryThe Mokena Community Public Library District Board of Trustees has postponed a decision on its tentative tax...
Pritzker watching redistricting debate as GOP grapples with filibuster
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In the aftermath of Tuesday’s elections in other parts of the country, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is...
Trump administration finds SNAP fraud
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Amid the ongoing government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking to root out fraud in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as...
WATCH: Trump says tariffs may cost Americans ‘something’ but keep U.S. safe
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump said Thursday Americans should be thankful for his tariffs, which he said he has used to end wars that Americans would otherwise...
Chicago mayor: IL legislature has ‘more work to do’ on tax increases
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson wants to see more tax increases from the Illinois General Assembly, but a...
White House secures deal on weight loss drugs
By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square The White House has secured another deal with major pharmaceutical companies, this time to offer popular weight loss drugs for less in some cases. On...
