Are you interested in nature and the environment? Would you like to devote your time to a worthy cause? Are you looking for a place where you can meet new people, learn new things, and improve your community? If so, the Forest Preserve District of Will County is the place for you!

For more information about becoming a volunteer, joining in a workday or training, or adopting a preserve, please contact our Volunteer Supervisor at 815.722.7364 or rgauchat@fpdwc.org.

We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the year, and can work with you to provide projects that suit your interests. The following volunteer positions are especially needed right now:

We invite you to join in one of the following workdays, where you can get some fresh air and exercise, and enjoy the beauty of our preserves!

Groups of ten or more must register, and must have one adult for every five children to ensure safety. Remember to dress for the weather and outdoor work (i.e., long sleeves, pants, work/hiking boots). Water, work gloves, tools, and instruction are provided. Bringing a snack is recommended.

To reserve a spot or find out more information, please contact our Volunteer Supervisor at 815.722.7364 or rgauchat@fpdwc.org.

Seed Collection Workdays: For seed collection workdays, volunteers may meet at the Operations and Law Enforcement Facility (22606 S. Cherry Hill Road, Joliet) at 8:00 a.m. to carpool to the site, or meet at the site at 8:35 a.m. Seed collection days are tentative, as the seed must be collectible.

• Thursday, September 9 - 8:35 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Riverview Farmstead/Kropp Prairie, Naperville (Meet in Kropp parking lot, Book Road.)
• Thursday, September 23 - 8:35 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Riverview Farmstead/Kropp Prairie, Naperville (Meet in Kropp parking lot, Book Road.)
• Thursday, October 7 - 8:35 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Hickory Creek Preserve - Hickory Creek Barrens, New Lenox
• Tuesday, October 19 - 8:35 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve, Braidwood (Meet at grassy parking area on north side of Route 113.)

Restoration Management Workdays: For restoration management workdays, volunteers should meet at the designated preserve. Participants will be cutting, stacking, or hauling non-native brush. There is something for everyone to keep them busy!

• Saturday, September 11 - 8:00 a.m. to Noon - ShareFest Workday - Hickory Creek Preserve - Hickory Creek Barrens, New Lenox
• Saturday, September 25 - 9:00 a.m. to Noon - National Public Lands Day - Isle a la Cache Preserve, Romeoville
• Saturday, October 2 - 8:00 a.m. to Noon - Kankakee Sands Preserve/Shenk Grove, Braidwood
• Saturday, October 16 - 8:00 a.m. to Noon - Hickory Creek Preserve - Hickory Creek Barrens, New Lenox
• Sunday, October 24 - 8:00 a.m. to Noon - Joliet Junior College, Joliet
• Saturday, October 30 - 8:00 a.m. to Noon - Keepataw Preserve, Bolingbrook
• Saturday, November 6 - 8:00 a.m. to Noon - Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, Beecher (Meet southwest of the west parking lot.)
• Saturday, November 13 - 8:00 a.m. to Noon - Rock Run Greenway - Black Road Access, Joliet
• Saturday, November 27 - 8:00 a.m. to Noon - Hickory Creek Preserve - Hickory Creek Barrens, New Lenox (Meet at Brightway Prairie access parking lot.)
• Saturday, December 4 - 8:00 a.m. to Noon - Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, Beecher (Meet at the maintenance barn at the preserve entrance.)
• Saturday, December 11 - 8:00 a.m. to Noon - Hickory Creek Preserve - Hickory Creek Barrens, New Lenox
• Saturday, December 18 - 8:00 a.m. to Noon - Whalon Lake/Konicek Grove, Naperville
  

Upcoming Volunteer Workshops and Trainings

Come learn how you can assist in managing the forest preserves. Contact our Volunteer Supervisor at 815.722.7364 or rgauchat@fpdwc.org for more information.

Our Adopt-A-Preserve program allows you or your group to perform and assist in maintenance duties along a designated trail, section of trail, campsite, grove, or preserve.

Photographs Courtesy of Monica Johnson and Adam Oestmann