Description
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 invasive species.
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Youth under 18 must be accompanied by a legal parent/guardian or attend with a chaperoned organized youth group (school, scouts, church). Volunteers under age 18 must have their volunteer waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Schedule
Unlimited Positions available!
Location
Watersmeet Woods, Winnetka Road
Northfield IL, 60093
This site is located in the village of Northfield. From the Edens Expressway exit at Lake Avenue West. Go west to Wagner Road, turn north and take Wagner to Winnetka Road, go east on Winnetka 3/4 mile. Park on the north side of Winnetka or on a side street to the north. We meet at the picnic tables near the Forest Preserve sign, at the northwest corner of the site.
Contact Info
Contact person for opportunity
Contact person:
Site Steward Eileen Sutter
ehsutter@gmail.com
(773) 706-4533
Secondary contact:
John Berg
kerg111@aol.com
Website:
https://northbranchrestoration.org/
Requirements & Documents
Requirements
Requirements
All volunteers need to complete the volunteer agreement and waiver form in order to participate. Be prepared for variable weather, uneven terrain, standing and/or walking for two or more hours, working near a fire, and hazardous insects and plants.
What to Expect
Stewardship volunteers help to restore natural habitat by performing seasonal restoration tasks. The work may include removing weeds and invasive vegetation, cutting and burning invasive woody plants, collecting and spreading native seed, and collecting trash. These tasks may incorporate the use of tools, including hand saws, loppers, pruning shears, trowels, shovels, rakes, and other hand tools (manual). All necessary tools, supplies, gloves, and training will be provided.
Safety
While we strive to create the safest environment possible, it is impossible to eliminate all potential hazards when working outside in nature. Volunteers are advised to wear long pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes and other seasonally appropriate clothing that can get dirty. Bring a water bottle. Hazards may include stinging or biting insects, poison ivy, walking on uneven terrain, a fire to burn cut brush, and inclement weather.
All individuals should consider their level of risk for the COVID-19 virus prior to engaging in any volunteer service. Review the Forest Preserve's COVID-19 page each day before volunteering for important updates and safety precautions. DO NOT attempt to volunteer if in the last 14 days you: 1. have any of the symptoms related to COVID-19 as identified by the Centers for Disease Control 2. have traveled to any foreign country or states with a high incidence of COVID-19 infections
