COOK COUNTY, Ill. (February 11, 2024) – Looking for a unique way to show some love for nature and the Forest Preserves of Cook County this season? Consider joining a volunteer workday to help our natural greenspaces thrive. Throughout the Calumet region, ecological stewardship volunteers are busy taking care of the Forest Preserves all winter long.
“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,” says 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.”
Come to a Stewardship Day to enjoy meeting people, learning about nature, and giving back to your 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 & S Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL 60827
Beaubien Woods is home to a mix of prairie, woodland, and wetland habitats with Flatfoot Lake as the centerpiece. Join us to restore this ecosystem back to health.
- Monday, February 12, 9am-12pm
- Saturday, March 2, 10am-1pm
- Monday, March 18, 9am-12pm
Eggers Woods
E 112th Street & S Avenue E, Chicago, IL 60617
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, 10am-1pm
Kickapoo Woods
14498 S Halsted, Riverdale, IL 60827
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 Avenue, South Holland, IL 60473
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, February 13, 9am-12pm
- Tuesday, February 20, 9am-12pm
- Tuesday, February 27, 9am-12pm
- Tuesday, March 5, 9am-12pm
- Tuesday, March 12, 9am-12pm
- Tuesday, March 19, 9am-12pm
- Tuesday, March 26, 9am-12pm
Whistler Woods
Forest View Avenue, east of S Halsted Avenue, Riverdale, IL 60827
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, February 17, 9am-12pm
- Saturday, March 16, 9am-12pm
