Invest in the planet and celebrate service at a local volunteer workday
(April 14, 2023) Combine your Earth Week and National Volunteer Week by helping at an upcoming Forest Preserve District of DuPage County volunteer workday.
The Forest Preserve District invites individuals and families as well as school, Scout, church, and other organized groups to work together for the benefit of natural areas, visitors, and wildlife. Participants should dress to work outdoors, wear layers, and bring hats and gloves.
“The theme of this year’s Earth Week is ‘Invest in Our Planet,’ and we have quite a few opportunities for residents to do just that at our nature workdays next week,” said Karie Friling, executive director for the Forest Preserve District. “It’s also National Volunteer Week, so celebrating both in the forest preserves seems fitting.”
At Volunteer Restoration Workdays, volunteers help improve a forest preserve prairie or woodland by collecting seeds or removing nonnative plants. The workdays are appropriate for ages 8 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers should register online or at 630-206-9630 at least five days in advance (10 days by phone for groups of five or more).
Volunteer Restoration Workdays will be offered at the following dates, times, and locations:
April 15: 8:30 – 11 a.m., Churchill Woods
April 15: 9 a.m. – noon, Churchill Woods/Glacial Ridge
April 15: 9 a.m. – noon, West Chicago Prairie
April 16: 8:30 – 11 a.m, Churchill Woods
April 19: 9 a.m. – noon, Oldfield Oaks
April 22: 8:30 – 11 a.m., Churchill Woods
April 22: 9 a.m. – noon, Churchill Woods/Glacial Ridge
April 22: 9 a.m. – noon, Fullersburg Woods
April 22: 9 a.m. – noon, Maple Grove
April 22: 9 a.m. – noon, Willowbrook
Also next week, people can lend a hand weeding, watering, or collecting and cleaning seeds from native grasses and flowers at the Volunteer Workday at the Nursery on April 22 from 9 a.m. to noon at the District’s native plant nursery at Blackwell. This workday is for ages 12 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. People can register online or at 630-206-9630 at least five days in advance (10 days by phone for groups of five or more).
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been connecting people to nature for more than 100 years. More than 6.2 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, seven education centers, and scores of programs each year. For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter and Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok pages.
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