Forest Preserve Seeks Volunteers for Clean-ups

Fall is the time for seed collection, and many of the Forest Preserve District’s upcoming Volunteer Morning programs involve this activity. Volunteers are especially needed in southern and eastern parts of the county. (Photo by Forest Preserve staff | Anthony Schalk)

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.

Volunteers are especially needed for preserves in the less populated areas of the county, said Emily Kenny, the Forest Preserve’s Volunteer Services coordinator. For instance, help is needed for Volunteer Morning programs in the Braidwood, Wilmington, Crete and Monee areas.

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.

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.