2018 First Place Winner - "Solitary sandpiper in reflection" by Gary Henle at Carl R. Hansen Woods in Hoffman Estates

Additional Volunteer Opportunities

Friends’ partners offer many other volunteer opportunities all around Cook County. 

Ecological Stewardship

Forest Preserves of Cook County – Search by zip code, County zone, or key word on the website to find opportunities near you. 

Palos Restoration Project

Orland Grassland Volunteers

Des Plaines River Valley Restoration Project

Community Science

Embrace your inner scientist and contribute valuable information to our understanding about local birds, plants, frogs, insects, and more.  If you like learning, exploring, identifying species, and science – you have what it takes to become a community scientist! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned naturalist – training sessions with experts will equip you with the right information to get you started. 

Trail Watch 

Trail Watch volunteers provide extra eyes and ears in the forest preserves to ensure that they are safer and more enjoyable for visitors. If you’re a regular trail user – or looking for motivation to become one – this is a great opportunity to get outside and make a difference at the same time.