The Forest Preserves of Cook County is offering opportunities for volunteers to help keep area greenspaces thriving.
“Winter is the best time of year to remove aggressive shrubs like buckthorn and honeysuckle. The wood is placed in a brush pile burn, which also keeps everyone toasty warm,” said Emily Russell, a volunteer program coordinator with the Forest Preserves. “Volunteering is a great way to get outside and stay active in the colder months.”
Stewardship Days are a chance to enjoy meeting people, learning about nature and giving back to the community. Registration is required to receive exact meeting location at each site. Youth under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian. For more information and to register, visit fpdcc.com/volunteer.
Beaubien Woods
W. Doty Avenue S, southeast of E. 130th Street and S. Ellis Avenue.
Beaubien Woods is home to a mix of prairie, woodland and wetland habitats with Flatfoot Lake as the centerpiece.
- Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Monday, March 18, 9 a.m. to noon.
Eggers Woods
E. 112th Street and S. Ave E
The landscape at Eggers Grove moves from dry, wooded ridges where spring wildflowers thrive to long, narrow wetlands filled with sedges, marsh grasses, and waterfowl.
- Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Kickapoo Woods
14498 S. Halsted
From milkweed to goldenrod, Kickapoo’s native prairie plants need your help. Join an inspiring movement of volunteers gathering to restore this special site along the Little Calumet River.
- Saturday, February 24, 10am-1pm
- Saturday, March 23, 10am-1pm
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Ave., South Holland
The rare dune and swale topography at Sand Ridge Nature Center contains sand prairie, oak savanna, woodland, and marsh habitats that support a rich diversity of wildlife.
- Tuesday, Feb. 20, 9 am. to noon.
- Tuesday, Feb. 27, 9 am. to noon.
- Tuesday, March 5, 9 am. to noon.
- Tuesday, March 12, 9 am. to noon.
- Tuesday, March 19, 9 am. to noon.
- Tuesday, March 26, 9 am. to noon.
Whistler Woods
Forest View Avenue, east of S. Halsted Avenue, Riverdale
Whistler Woods contains oak trees up to 300 years old along the Little Calumet River. Our goal is to grow a community of people who will become caretakers through on-going education and training.
- Saturday, Feb. 17, 9 am. to noon.
- Saturday, March 16, 9 am. to noon.