Description
Come and explore the natural communities of Bemis South, which include remnant oak woodlands on a terrace above the floodplain forest lining Salt Creek. Help dedicated volunteers cut brush, pull weeds or collect seeds depending on season and weather. All levels of experience welcome.
Find us on Facebook!
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
Schedule Slots Available!
7 Dec 2024
Restoration Workday
Meeting Place: West end of parking lot
Location Description: On Ogden Avenue between Wolf Rd. and I-294. Enter on north side of Ogden; bear left at entrance and follow driveway all the way to the farthest west parking lot; look for "Volunteers" signs.
Contact: Dave Lloyd
Phone: (708) 937-1264
Available Positions: 25
4 Jan 2025
Restoration Workday
Meeting Place: West end of parking lot
Location Description: On Ogden Avenue between Wolf Rd. and I-294. Enter on north side of Ogden; bear left at entrance and follow driveway all the way to the farthest west parking lot; look for "Volunteers" signs.
Contact: Dave Lloyd
Phone: (708) 937-1264
Available Positions: 25
1 Feb 2025
Restoration Workday
Meeting Place: West end of parking lot
Location Description: On Ogden Avenue between Wolf Rd. and I-294. Enter on north side of Ogden; bear left at entrance and follow driveway all the way to the farthest west parking lot; look for "Volunteers" signs.
Contact: Dave Lloyd
Phone: (708) 937-1264
Available Positions: 25
1 Mar 2025
Restoration Workday
Meeting Place: West end of parking lot
Location Description: On Ogden Avenue between Wolf Rd. and I-294. Enter on north side of Ogden; bear left at entrance and follow driveway all the way to the farthest west parking lot; look for "Volunteers" signs.
Contact: Dave Lloyd
Phone: (708) 937-1264
Available Positions: 25
Location
Bemis Woods South
Proviso IL, 60558
On Ogden Avenue between Wolf Rd. and I-294. Enter on north side of Ogden; bear left at entrance and follow driveway all the way to the farthest west parking lot; look for "Volunteers" signs.
Contact Info
Contact person for opportunity
Contact person:
Volunteer Coordinator Dave Lloyd
davidplloyd@comcast.net
(708) 937-1264
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. 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.
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.