Lend a hand this spring at Volunteer Morning programs

April 15, 2026/

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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.”