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Do a good deed while enjoying nature with our Volunteer Mornings this fall

9/20/2023
A Forest Preserve volunteer carrying brush.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)

With cooler temperatures arriving, fall is the perfect time to sign up for a Volunteer Morning program with the Forest Preserve District. 

The 2023 fourth quarter program dates have been released and there are ample opportunities for you to get involved at sites throughout Will County. Once you sign up, you will work with the Forest Preserve’s conservation department to mostly remove invasive species. Some programs involve seed collection.

Volunteer Mornings are from 9 a.m. to noon and for ages 10 and older unless otherwise noted. Participants younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult.  Volunteers are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing for outdoor work including sturdy shoes. Bringing water and snacks is recommended.

Space is limited and registration is required. To get started, complete a waiver online. For questions, contact volunteer services supervisor Emily Kenny at 815-722-7364 or [email protected].

Here are the October through December programs: 

  • Tuesday, Oct. 3: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monee Reservoir. Seed collection. Ages 8 and older.
  • Thursday, Oct. 5: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Kankakee Sands. Seed collection. Ages 8 and older. 
  • Sunday, Oct. 8: Joliet Junior College. Brush control. 
  • Tuesday, Oct. 17: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Plum Valley Preserve. Seed collection. Ages 8 and older. 
  • Sunday, Oct. 22: Hadley Valley – Gougar Road Access. Brush control. 
  • Saturday, Oct. 28: Keepataw Preserve. Brush control. 
  • Thursday, Nov. 2: Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve. Fence removal. Ages 16 and older.
  • Sunday, Nov. 5: Rock Run Preserve – Black Road Access. Brush control. 
  • Sunday, Nov. 12: Riverview Farmstead Preserve. Brush control. 
  • Saturday, Nov. 25: Hickory Creek Preserve – LaPorte Road Access. Work off the turkey; brush control.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 5: Sugar Creek Preserve, Joliet. Brush control. 
  • Saturday, Dec. 9: Hadley Valley – Bruce Road Access. Brush control. 
  • Thursday, Dec. 14: Keepataw Preserve. Brush control. 
  • Sunday, Dec. 17: Whalon Lake, Naperville. Brush control. 
  • Tuesday, Dec. 19: Riverview Farmstead Preserve – Kropp Prairie. Brush control. 
Two people hauling branches and armfuls of brush.
(Photo by Chad Merda)
A person carrying loppers and cut brush while working alongside a paved trail.
(Photo by Chris Cheng)
Three work gloves set atop three sets of loppers propped up on the ground.
(Photo by Chad Merda)
A person handing a just removed plant to a person carrying an armful of cut vegetation while standing in a grassy area near water.
(Photo by Chris Cheng)
A man working on a chainsaw at the back of a pickup truck loading with gear.
(Photo by Chad Merda)
A person holding an armful of cut branches while three other people work on cutting brush in the background.
(Photo by Chad Merda)
A person throwing brush on a burn pile while a person works in the background.
(Photo by Chad Merda)

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