Friends of the Forest Preserves

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Join us to help restore this unique prairie and woodland ecosystem back to health! Trained leaders show you how to identify plants that don’t belong and demonstrate how to safely use hand tools to remove them. Depending on the season, workdays may also include native seed collection for dispersal in areas cleared of invasive species, hand pulling invasive grasses and flowers, as well as nature walks to enjoy the preserve.

All the necessary tools and work gloves are provided. All participants should be dressed for a day of outdoor work. Please wear covered shoes (hiking boots or tennis shoes) and long pants. Clothing should be made of natural fibers such as cotton or wool (no synthetic clothing) as workdays often have brushpile burns and stray embers can “burn” clothing. Please wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty and your own drinking water. Depending on the season, a hat, sunscreen, or insect repellent may be good items to bring to a workday.

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Join us to help restore this unique prairie and woodland ecosystem back to health! Trained leaders show you how to identify plants that don’t belong and demonstrate how to safely use hand tools to remove them. Depending on the season, workdays may also include native seed collection for dispersal in areas cleared of invasive species, hand pulling invasive grasses and flowers, as well as nature walks to enjoy the preserve.

All the necessary tools and work gloves are provided. All participants should be dressed for a day of outdoor work. Please wear covered shoes (hiking boots or tennis shoes) and long pants. Clothing should be made of natural fibers such as cotton or wool (no synthetic clothing) as workdays often have brushpile burns and stray embers can “burn” clothing. Please wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty and your own drinking water. Depending on the season, a hat, sunscreen, or insect repellent may be good items to bring to a workday.

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The Poplar Creek Prairie Stewards have transformed agricultural fields and farm homesteads into healthy native habitats including tallgrass prairie, oak woodland, savanna and wetland. Their efforts have seen native plants, birds and animals thrive. They also protect a jewel on the site: the Shoe Factory Nature Preserve, a remnant gravel hill prairie formed thousands of years ago by glacial deposits. Volunteers receive training and tools for all activities and are supervised by knowledgeable personnel. You just need a willingness to get involved and learn!

Dressing the right way for workdays will make your experience a lot more enjoyable. Keep in mind that during the fall, winter, and early spring, it can be colder on the prairie than it is at home. Usually, though, temperatures warm as the morning progresses, dress in layers that you can remove or add as needed.

Minimum clothing for cold weather includes: long pants, long sleeves, gloves, warm socks, boots, warm coat, and hat or hood.

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The Poplar Creek Prairie Stewards have transformed agricultural fields and farm homesteads into healthy native habitats including tallgrass prairie, oak woodland, savanna and wetland. Their efforts have seen native plants, birds and animals thrive. They also protect a jewel on the site: the Shoe Factory Nature Preserve, a remnant gravel hill prairie formed thousands of years ago by glacial deposits. Volunteers receive training and tools for all activities and are supervised by knowledgeable personnel. You just need a willingness to get involved and learn!

Dressing the right way for workdays will make your experience a lot more enjoyable. Keep in mind that during the fall, winter, and early spring, it can be colder on the prairie than it is at home. Usually, though, temperatures warm as the morning progresses, dress in layers that you can remove or add as needed.

Minimum clothing for cold weather includes: long pants, long sleeves, gloves, warm socks, boots, warm coat, and hat or hood.

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Remove invasive species, collect native seed, and spread seed, among other activities. Join a group of all ages that share a common interest in restoring and protecting our local natural areas. No experience is necessary.

Dressing the right way for workdays will make your experience a lot more enjoyable. Sturdy footwear is essential, preferably hiking boots.

Minimum clothing for COLD weather includes: long pants, long sleeves, gloves, warm socks, boots, warm coat, and hat or hood. Dress in layers and wear old clothing made of natural fibers.

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Remove invasive species, collect native seed, and spread seed, among other activities. Join a group of all ages that share a common interest in restoring and protecting our local natural areas. No experience is necessary.

Dressing the right way for workdays will make your experience a lot more enjoyable. Sturdy footwear is essential, preferably hiking boots.

Minimum clothing for COLD weather includes: long pants, long sleeves, gloves, warm socks, boots, warm coat, and hat or hood. Dress in layers and wear old clothing made of natural fibers.

9 a.m – 12 p.m.

Whistler Woods is in Riverdale.

Whistler Woods contains oaks up to 300 years old, but invasive brush prevents their acorns from sprouting. Come join a volunteer crew that will cut back the invasives and improve the habitat at this preserve. Learn what it takes to restore diverse wildlife, trees, wildflowers, and health in our forest preserves and our river system. Our goal is to grow a community of people who will become caretakers through on-going education and training.

All the necessary tools and work gloves are provided. All participants should be dressed for a day of outdoor work. Please wear covered shoes (hiking boots or tennis shoes) and long pants. Clothing should be made of natural fibers such as cotton or wool (no synthetic clothing) as workdays often have brushpile burns and stray embers can “burn” clothing. Please wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty and your own drinking water. Depending on the season, a hat, sunscreen, or insect repellent may be good items to bring to a workday.

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Be a part of river and forest revitalization by joining an inspiring movement as North Branch Restoration Project volunteers gather to restore this special site along the Chicago River. Learn what it takes to restore diverse wildlife, trees, wildflowers, and health in our forest preserves and our river system. Our goal is to grow a community of people who will become caretakers and stewards through on-going education and training.

Tools and instructions are provided by the steward. It is not necessary to pre-register, but if a group of more than 5-6 are planning to come, please let the steward know that, so that adequate supplies can be provided. Dress for the weather and the outdoors. We strongly encourage boots/sturdy shoes and clothes that can get wear and tear. Natural fabrics are best, especially when brushpiles may be burned.

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Be a part of river and forest revitalization by joining an inspiring movement as North Branch Restoration Project volunteers gather to restore this special site along the Chicago River. Learn what it takes to restore diverse wildlife, trees, wildflowers, and health in our forest preserves and our river system. Our goal is to grow a community of people who will become caretakers and stewards through on-going education and training.

Tools and instructions are provided by the steward. It is not necessary to pre-register, but if a group of more than 5-6 are planning to come, please let the steward know that, so that adequate supplies can be provided. Dress for the weather and the outdoors. We strongly encourage boots/sturdy shoes and clothes that can get wear and tear. Natural fabrics are best, especially when brushpiles may be burned.