Looking to make a difference while spending time in nature? 

The Forest Preserve District offers a range of volunteer opportunities that allow individuals to contribute their time, energy and skills – often with just a few hours of commitment.

“Most of our roles are short-term and easy to join, but they still make a meaningful impact,” said Emily Kenny, the Forest Preserve’s volunteer services supervisor.

These include helping at public programs and events, as well as weekly Habitat Management Mornings, which offer hands-on stewardship opportunities. Space is limited for all events, so early registration is encouraged.

Seasonal, large-scale events also need volunteers for a variety of roles.

“Because demand is high for all our volunteer opportunities, we’ve created a volunteer waiting list to give more people a chance to get involved,” Kenny said.

To stay up to date on current needs, email [email protected]. You will receive an auto-reply with available openings, a volunteer waiver and information on partner organizations seeking help.

“Volunteering in the forest preserve isn’t just about giving back – it’s also about personal growth and community connection,” Kenny said. 

Whether you want to help once or dive deeper into conservation through the Prairie People Volunteers, there’s a place for everyone.

Here are volunteer opportunities for July through September:

July

• Tuesday, July 1: 8-11 a.m. Hickory Creek Preserve — Hickory Creek Barrens in New Lenox Township. Invasive weed control. Ages 10 and older.
• Tuesday, July 8: 8-11 a.m. Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve in Reed Township. Invasive weed control. Ages 10 and older.
• Sunday, July 13: 8-11 a.m. Sugar Creek Preserve in Joliet. Invasive weed control. Ages 10 and older.
• Saturday, July 26: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Kankakee Sands Preserve in Custer Township. Seed collection. Ages 8 and older.
• Thursday, July 31: 8-11 a.m. Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve in Crete Township. Brush control. Ages 10 and older.

August

• Saturday, Aug. 9: 8-11 a.m. Hickory Creek Preserve — Hickory Creek Junction in Frankfort Township. Brush control. Ages 10 and older.
• Thursday, Aug. 14: 8-11 a.m. Evans-Judge Preserve in Custer Township. Brush control. Ages 10 and older.
• Tuesday, Aug. 19: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Riverview Farmstead Preserve in Naperville. Seed collection. Ages 8 and older.
• Sunday, Aug. 24: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Kankakee Sands Preserve in Custer Township. Seed collection. Ages 8 and older.
• Thursday, Aug. 28: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve in Reed Township. Seed collection. Ages 8 and older.

September

• Thursday, Sept. 4: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Kankakee Sands Preserve in Custer Township. Seed collection. Ages 8 and older.
• Thursday, Sept. 11: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Theodore Marsh in Crest Hill. Seed collection. Ages 8 and older.
• Sunday, Sept. 14: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve in Monee Township. Seed collection. Ages 8 and older.
• Saturday, Sept. 27: 8 a.m.-noon National Public Lands Day. Hickory Creek Preserve – LaPorte Road Access in Mokena. Brush control. Ages 10 and older.
• Tuesday, Sept. 30: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve in Reed Township. Seed collection. Ages 8 and older.

Please wear clothes appropriate for the weather, getting dirty and being near a fire for brush control events. Bringing water and snacks is recommended.