Description
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 areas cleared of invasive species, hand pulling invasive grasses and flowers, as well as nature walks to enjoy the preserve.
Are you a group? Please note!
Group leaders must always contact the site steward first before registering for workdays:
Laura Milkert: lmilkert@fieldmuseum.org
Take a virtual tour of Beaubien! We hope this will encourage you to visit Beaubien Woods and join us at our Stewardship Days!
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!
Frequency:
Saturday: Mornings, Season: Spring, Season: Fall, Season: Winter
Location
Beaubien Woods Forest Preserve
Chicago IL, 60633
Volunteers should meet at the forest preserve's only picnic shelter, which is adjacent to Flatfoot Lake. Take the Bishop Ford/I-94 to the Beaubien Woods Exit #69, just south of 130th Street. If you are coming from the south, exit at 130th Street and loop back onto the expressway so that you can get off at the Beaubien Woods Exit. After taking exit #69, turn right at the T and follow the road to the parking lot and picnic shelter.
Contact Info
Contact person for opportunity
Contact person:
Laura Milkert
lmilkert@fieldmuseum.org
(312) 665-7444
Secondary contact:
Catherine Hu
chu@fieldmuseum.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. 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.
To ensure enough tools and supplies can be provided, please RSVP to Laura Milkert at least two days before the event.
Are you a group? Please note!
Group leaders must always contact the site steward first before registering for workdays:
Laura Milkert: lmilkert@fieldmuseum.org
