If you’re thinking of making a New Year’s resolution to volunteer more, the Forest Preserve District has a spot for you.

The first quarter of Volunteer Morning programs for 2025 has been released and it consists of 12 opportunities to give back to the community. 

Those who participate can meet other environmentally oriented individuals and get some exercise while removing invasive species and making the preserves more hospitable for native plants and animals. 

The first quarter lineup includes a Volunteer Morning for the Martin Luther King Jr. Special Day of Service, which is designed to honor King’s legacy by encouraging more people to volunteer. 

Space is limited at the Volunteer Morning programs, and registration is required. To get started complete a waiver online. For information, contact Emily Kenny at 815-722-7364 or [email protected].

Programs are from 9 a.m. to noon and for ages 10 or older. 

Here is the schedule:

January

• Tuesday, Jan. 7: Evans-Judge Preserve, Custer Township.
• Sunday, Jan. 12: Forked Creek Preserve – Butcher Lane Access, Florence Township.
• Sunday, Jan. 19: Rock Run Preserve – Black Road Access, Joliet. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. 
• Thursday, Jan. 30: Romeoville Prairie Nature Preserve, Romeoville. 

February

• Saturday, Feb. 8: Hickory Creek Preserve – Hickory Creek Junction, Frankfort Township. 
• Thursday, Feb. 13: Hadley Valley – Route 6 Access, Joliet.
• Tuesday, Feb. 18: Rock Run Preserve – Paul V. Nichols Access, Joliet.
• Sunday, Feb. 23: Hickory Creek Preserve –  LaPorte Road Access, Mokena.

March 

• Tuesday, March 4: Keepataw Preserve, DuPage Township. 
• Saturday, March 8: Monee Reservoir, Monee Township.
• Sunday, March 16: Sugar Creek Preserve, Joliet Township. 
• Saturday, March 29: Riverview Farmstead Preserve, Naperville.