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Volunteers must be 18 years or older to participate.Hike into 1,000 rolling acres of prairie, wetlands, savanna and shrubland, enjoying beautiful vistas and wildlife along the way. Join volunteers to restore habitat for many important threatened grassland birds. Activities include cutting invasive brush to protect bur oaks and native shrubs from being crowded out. Invasive species like white sweet clover and teasel are removed and native seed is collected to distribute within the grassland.
Schedule Slots Available!
12 Oct 2024
Restoration Workday
Meeting Place: 167th Street entrance just west of La Grange Road, Orland Park, IL
Contact: Pat Hayes
Phone: 7082209596
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sign Up Individual
26 Oct 2024
9 Nov 2024
23 Nov 2024
14 Dec 2024
28 Dec 2024
167th Street entrance just west of La Grange Road, Orland Park, IL
Contact person for opportunity
Contact person: Site Steward Pat Hayes ptihys@yahoo.com (708) 220-9596
Secondary contact: Bill Fath wfath@yahoo.com
Website:https://www.orlandgrassland.org
Requirements Volunteers must be 18 years or older to participate. 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. Important: Dress for success - be sure to dress for the weather and hiking in natural terrain in the great outdoors. It can be WINDIER AND COLDER on the prairie, so wear coats, hats, jeans and sturdy shoes. See "Dress for Success" on our website at www.orlandgrassland.org 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.