Help your community by signing up for a fall Volunteer Morning program where you can gather seeds for future restoration efforts or clear brush to give native plants room to grow. 

The Forest Preserve District’s Conservation Department will be hosting 15 fall Volunteer Morning programs from October through December.

"Each season offers unique and specialized opportunities," said Emily Kenny, the Forest Preserve's Volunteer Services coordinator. "For the next month, seed collecting is a high priority activity in the Conservation Department."

Kenny said she is especially seeking volunteers for the less populated areas of the county, which are still home to unique and important preserves. 

"If you live in the southern or eastern parts of Will County, the Forest Preserve has a variety of ways you can get involved," she said. "Join us in preserving and enhancing the Forest Preserve properties in your area. Sign up today and be a part of something special in your community!" 

In addition to signing up for Volunteer Mornings, there are also opportunities to get involved in fall-themed programs and events organized by the Visitor Services department.

"Whether you have just a few hours to spare or are interested in more regular involvement, the Forest Preserve has something for everyone," Kenny said. "From one-time events to ongoing projects, your time and effort will make a meaningful impact in our beautiful natural spaces. Time is a valuable resource, and I am excited to match volunteer opportunities with peoples' schedules and locations."

Here is the fall schedule for Volunteer Mornings. Unless otherwise noted, seed collection programs are from 10 a.m. to noon and brush control activities take place from 9 a.m. to noon. 

October

• Thursday, Oct. 3: Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve, seed collection
• Sunday, Oct. 6: Joliet Junior College, brush control, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
• Tuesday, Oct. 8: Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve, seed collection
• Thursday, Oct. 17: Kankakee Sands Preserve, seed collection
• Saturday, Oct. 19: Hadley Valley – Gougar Road Access, brush control
• Tuesday, Oct. 29: Riverview Farmstead, brush control

November

• Saturday, Nov. 2: Rock Run Preserve – Black Road Access, brush control
• Tuesday, Nov. 5: Evans-Judge Preserve, brush control
• Sunday, Nov. 17: Monee Reservoir, brush control
• Saturday, Nov. 23: Hickory Creek Preserve – Hickory Creek Junction, brush control
• Saturday, Nov. 30: Hickory Creek Preserve – LaPorte Road Access, “Work Off the Turkey,” brush control

December

• Tuesday, Dec. 3: Keepataw Preserve, brush control
• Sunday, Dec. 8: Theodore Marsh, brush control
• Saturday, Dec. 14: Whalon Lake, brush control
• Thursday, Dec. 19: Lake Chaminwood Preserve, brush control 

Registration is required to participate in a Volunteer Morning. To get started, complete a waiver online. For information, contact Emily Kenny at 815-722-7364 or [email protected]. The programs are for ages 10 and older.