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.

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.

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

• Thursday, September 9 - 8:35 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Seed Collection - Riverview Farmstead/Kropp Prairie, Naperville (Meet in Kropp parking lot, Book Road.)
• Saturday, September 11 - 8:00 a.m. to Noon - ShareFest Workday - Hickory Creek Preserve - Hickory Creek Barrens, New Lenox
• Thursday, September 23 - 8:35 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Seed Collection - Riverview Farmstead/Kropp Prairie, Naperville (Meet in Kropp parking lot, Book Road.)
• Saturday, September 25 - 9:00 a.m. to Noon - National Public Lands Day - Isle a la Cache Preserve, Romeoville
• Thursday, October 7 - 8:35 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Seed Collection - Hickory Creek Preserve - Hickory Creek Barrens, New Lenox
• Tuesday, October 19 - 8:35 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Seed Collection - Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve, Braidwood (Meet at grassy parking area on north side of Route 113.)
  

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