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Join Shedd Aquarium for a Great Lakes Action Day to make a positive difference for amphibians and other wildlife by restoring local habitats. We use hand tools to cut and burn invasive brush to make room for native flora and fauna. All ages and experience levels are welcome. For group request please reach out directly to: GreatLakesActionDays@sheddaquarium.orgYouth 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 Slots Available!
5 Oct 2024
Stewardship Day
Meeting Place: Just north of the picnic grove on Forestway Drive, about 1 mile
Contact: Maggie Cooper
Phone: (630) 863-8172
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sign Up Individual Sign Up Group
16 Oct 2024
Stewardship Volunteer Days
Meeting Place: Meet at the Forest Way Picnic Grove, parking along the road.
Phone: 630-863-8172
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
2 Nov 2024
20 Nov 2024
7 Dec 2024
18 Dec 2024
Meeting place/work area at the pavilion along the west side of Forestway Drive, approximately 1 mile north of Tower Road/0.5 miles south of Dundee Road.Coordinates of the meeting place are 42.129053, -87.774613 You can park on the gravel shoulders along Forestway Drive
Contact person for opportunity
Contact person: Conservation Stewardship Manager Maggie Cooper mcooper@sheddaquarium.org
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