Volunteer with Friends
Find a volunteer workday now!
The health and future of our natural areas depend upon a diversity of individuals who contribute their hard work, talents, and love for nature through volunteering.
Ecological restoration volunteers help care for nature by getting outside and doing the physical work of removing invasive trees, weeding, planting, seed collecting, trail fixing, and more. All of these activities help nature thrive and provide volunteers with numerous benefits, such as quality time outdoors, a sense of community, and new discoveries into the lives of the animals and plants in Cook County’s forest preserves. All ages and levels of experience are welcome.
It takes a village – come join us!
For more information, contact Gloria Orozco, Community-based Conservation Manager, at gloria@fotfp.org.
Additional opportunities with Partner Organizations
Skills Training and leadership classes (highly recommended!)
Friends’ Trailblazer Hiking Program
The Trailblazer volunteer program aims to enhance visitor experience of the forest preserves by increasing user engagement and connectivity through themed walks. We’re looking for dedicated and driven individuals interested in a leadership role within the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Our Trailblazers can choose their topics/themes and frequency of their walks. You don’t have to be an expert, you just have to have passion. We’re currently looking for Trailblazers to lead walks! For questions and inquiries, please fill out this form and email Sydney Armstead, Engagement Program Manager, at sydney@fotfp.org.
Corporate Team Building Days
Spending time together outdoors while doing good things for the environment offers unrivaled physical, intellectual, and creative team-building experiences that invigorate company morale and performance. Employees renew a sense of partnership and determination as they roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty to restore oak savannas, prairies and wetlands to health.
If you are representing a business and would like to set up an event for your employees, please fill out this brief questionnaire. You can also contact Frances Kane, Grants Manager, at frances@fotfp.org or call 312-356-9990.
Administrative and Event Volunteer Opportunities
Join Friends staff in the office or at our special events to lend a hand with event planning and execution, digital scanning, envelope stuffing, tabling, and other critical tasks that help us make a difference for the preserves. Email Alex Bravo, Development Operations Manager, at alex@fotfp.org if you are interested.
