Programs for scouts, youth groups, companies and individuals
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County invites fans of the forest preserves to celebrate Earth Day in April by helping to remove litter and enhancing the environment at several volunteer workdays.
Individuals and families as well as school and church groups, Scout troops and other organizations are invited to work together for the benefit of visitors and wildlife alike. Participants should dress to work outdoors, wear layers and bring hats and gloves.
“Volunteers can have such a huge impact in supporting the plants and animals in DuPage County by removing litter and collecting and planting seeds,” said Forest Preserve District Commissioner Linda Painter, District 3.
“Habitat restoration workdays this time of year can be particularly effective because it’s easy to spot invasive plants for removal and to maneuver through natural areas without damaging native species,” said Forest Preserve District of DuPage County President Joe Cantore.
Volunteer workdays include:
● Cache In, Trash Out Restoration Workday, April 1, 10 a.m. ‒ noon, Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook. Step into the woods with your fellow geocachers to help remove weedy brush. Ages 4 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Register online or at 630-850-8110.
● Spring Into Volunteering, April 8, 9 a.m. ‒ noon, Spring Creek Reservoir, Bloomingdale. Show the earth a little kindness and help rangers clean up the shorelines, roadsides and trails at this popular event for Scout troops and families. All ages; under 14 with an adult. Register at 630-933-7233.
● Helping Hands at Herrick Lake, April 15, 9 a.m. ‒ noon, Herrick Lake, Wheaton. Celebrate Earth Day by removing litter from the shorelines, roadsides and trails at this popular event for Scouts and families. Register at 630-933-7233.
● Volunteer Workday at the Nursery, April 29 and May 8, 13, 19, 24, 8 ‒ 11 a.m., Blackwell. Lend a hand weeding, watering or collecting and cleaning seed from native grasses and flowers. Ages 12 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Register online or at 630-206-9630 at least five days in advance. Students fulfilling requirements and groups of five or more must register by phone 10 days in advance.
● Volunteer Restoration Workdays
Help improve a forest preserve prairie or woodland by collecting seeds or removing nonnative plants. Ages 8 and up; under 18 with an adult. Register online or at 630-206-9630 at least five days in advance. Students fulfilling requirement and groups of five or more must register by phone 10 days in advance.
For information about other volunteer opportunities at the District, visit the website dupageforest.com or call Volunteer Services at 630-933-7681.
