The Forest Preserve District’s Volunteer Services Department offers year-round Volunteer Morning programs where participants spend time in preserves removing invasive species and other activities. 

Program participants get fresh air and exercise and they enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded individuals who want to make a difference in their communities. 

The second quarter 2024 program list has been released. April and May programs are 9 a.m. to noon and June programs are 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. All Volunteer Morning programs are listed two months in advance on the Event Calendar.

Here are the second quarter Volunteer Morning programs.

April
•    Sunday, April 7, Sugar Creek Preserve, Joliet (brush control)
•    Saturday, April 20, Riverview Farmstead, Naperville (brush control)
•    Tuesday, April 23, Hadley Valley – Bruce Road Access, Homer Township (brush control)
•    Sunday, April 28, Joliet Junior College Restoration Day, Joliet (brush control and City Nature Challenge)
 
May
•    Thursday, May 2, Messenger Woods, Homer Glen (invasive weed control-garlic mustard)
•    Tuesday, May 7, Whalon Lake, Naperville (invasive weed control-garlic mustard and/or brush control)
•    Saturday, May 11, Hadley Valley – Gougar Road Access, Joliet (brush control)
•    Tuesday, May 14, Hickory Creek Preserve – LaPorte Road Access, Mokena (invasive weed control-garlic mustard)
•    Sunday, May 19, Hickory Creek Junction, Frankfort Township (brush control)
•    Thursday, May 30, Keepataw Preserve, DuPage Township (brush control)
 
June
•    Sunday, June 2, Rock Run Preserve – Black Road Access, Joliet (invasive weed control-sweet clover and/or brush control)
•    Thursday, June 6, Evans-Judge Preserve, Custer Township (brush control)
•    Saturday, June 15, Hickory Creek Junction (invasive weed control-sweet clover)
•    Tuesday, June 18, Kankakee Sands Preserve, Custer Township (fence removal)
•    Sunday, June 30, Hickory Creek Junction (invasive weed control-sweet clover)

The June 18 fence removal is for ages 16 or older. The other programs are open to ages 10 or older.    

Space is limited and an RSVP is required for all individuals and groups. Those interested in volunteering who have not completed a waiver should first do so online at ReconnectWithNature.org/Get-Involved/Volunteer. 

Please write in the volunteer morning(s) you would like to attend in the opportunity box of the waiver form. Once you submit the completed waiver, you will be contacted with more information. 

Those who already have a waiver on file with the Forest Preserve should contact Emily Kenny, volunteer services supervisor, at 815-722-7364 or [email protected] to reserve your spot.

Please wear clothes appropriate for the weather, getting dirty and being near a fire. The ground will be uneven and covered with vegetation. Long pants, sturdy shoes and socks covering the ankles are recommended. Bringing water and snacks is also recommended.