Watersmeet Volunteer Workday

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. The east and middle forks of the Chicago River come together to give Watersmeet its name. The rich mix of trees, shrubs, sedges, grasses and wildflowers found here will thrive with your help. Help the North Branch Restoration Project volunteers rescue the prairies, savanna and woods from buckthorn and other […]

Beaubien Woods Volunteer 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 […]

Kickapoo Woods Volunteer Workday

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 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. Learn to restore diverse wildlife, trees, wildflowers, and health in our forest preserves and our river systems. Our goal is to grow a […]

The Hidden Life of the Forest Preserves: Calumet Region with Gloria Orozco, Field Organizer

This event has passed, but you can see a recording of this webinar on our  YouTube channel. The resilience of the Calumet region is incredible. After having been heavily impacted by industrialization, the southeastern part of Cook County boasts remarkable ecological diversity, including wetland habitats that are important for people and for wildlife. Join Gloria Orozco, Calumet […]

The Hidden Life of the Forest Preserves: North Branch with Derek Ziomber, Field Organizer

This event has passed, but you can see a recording of this webinar on our  YouTube channel. The forest preserves along the North Branch of the Chicago River have survived as strongholds for native plants, wildlife, and migrating birds, despite being surrounded by densely populated urban and suburban areas. This is largely thanks to volunteer restoration efforts […]

The Hidden Life of the Forest Preserves: Palos Preserves

*WATCH THE RECORDING OF THIS WEBINAR* The Palos region is the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s largest contiguous area, with more than 14,000 acres of land. Within its boundaries, visitors can see a diversity of habitats, including wetlands, woodlands and prairies; a variety of plants, and abundant wildlife. Due in part to the size and […]

Spring Creek Wednesday Evening Seeds ‘n Sunsets

Meeting Location: Penny Road Pond Come volunteer to collect and distribute ripe seed in local natural areas. Enjoy nature, relax, learn basic plant identification skills and responsible seed collecting techniques, and help your local forest preserve. No previous experience is necessary. Each volunteer day will have a knowledgeable leader who will explain the steps in […]

Kickapoo Woods Seed Collecting Workday

9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.Meeting Location: Main parking lot by the picnic grove Come volunteer to collect and distribute ripe seed in local natural areas. Enjoy nature, relax, learn basic plant identification skills and responsible seed collecting techniques, and help your local forest preserve. Come for one session or all! No previous experience is necessary. […]

Whistler Woods Seed Collecting Workday

12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.Meeting Location: End of parking lot Come volunteer to collect and distribute ripe seed in local natural areas. Enjoy nature, relax, learn basic plant identification skills and responsible seed collecting techniques, and help your local forest preserve. Come for one session or all! No previous experience is necessary. Each volunteer day […]