Hands-On Summer Volunteering Offered At Will County Forest Preserves

WILL COUNTY — The Forest Preserve District of Will County has announced summer volunteer opportunities for July, August and September.

The District offers a range of 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.

To stay up to date on current needs, email VolunteerServices@fpdwc.org. You will receive an autoreply 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.

Here are the 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.

Volunteers should wear clothes appropriate for the weather, getting dirty and being near a fire for brush control events. Bringing water and snacks is recommended. For more information on volunteering with the Forest Preserve District, visit the Volunteer page at reconnectwithnature.org/get-involved/volunteer/.