Description
Dan Ryan Woods is the last remaining undeveloped portion of Blue Island, one of the highest points in Chicago and once an island in ancient Lake Chicago. The site preserves remnants of woodland and savanna plant communities. Volunteer groups have turned more attention from the playfields to the wilder parts of the preserve. The volunteers are removing invasive species, promoting native trees and wildflowers and restoring eroding slopes.
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!
14 Dec 2024
Stewardship Volunteer Days
Meeting Place: 91st St. parking lot
Contact: Benjamin Cox
Phone: (773) 398-1178
Available Positions: 15
11 Jan 2025
Stewardship Volunteer Days
Meeting Place: 91st St. parking lot
Contact: Benjamin Cox
Phone: (773) 398-1178
Available Positions: 15
8 Feb 2025
Stewardship Volunteer Days
Meeting Place: 91st St. parking lot
Contact: Benjamin Cox
Phone: (773) 398-1178
Available Positions: 15
Location
2198 W. 87th St.
Chicago IL, 60620
Dan Ryan Forest Preserve is a mix of deep woods with a closed canopy that keeps much from growing in the understory, more open edges where oaks preside over a mix of native and non-native grasses and flowers, and small wetlands. In the best woodland communities (found south of 87th street) grow wild geranium, jack-in-the-pulpit, Virginia waterleaf, and other spring ephemerals. The area also contains wood-chipped trails and a paved bike trail. Meet in the Dan Ryan Woods East parking lot, 2 blocks west of Damen on the north side of 87th.
Contact Info
Contact person for opportunity
Contact person:
Site Steward Benjmain Cox
benjamin@fotfp.org
(773) 398-1178
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.
