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This is the Notification List for the Brush Pile Building & Burning Class, a training opportunity for experienced FPCC Ecological Stewardship Volunteers with 15+ hours of reported stewardship experience or the recommendation of FPCC staff or Site Steward.To register for the Sunday, February 17 class click here.
Ongoing Opportunity
Unlimited Positions available!
Contact person for opportunity
This class is offered several times throughout the year. To see if there are any available dates, click on the website at the bottom of this page. * Learn how to properly construct, safely ignite, monitor and secure brush piles * Learn the pre and post-burn communication requirements * Learn how to utilize weather data and to make site observations that will inform decisions at workdays * This class, a written test and two field observations are required to become a Brush Pile Burn Boss * Fulfills one of the three class requirements to become a Stewardship Workday Leader * MUST HAVE RECORDED AT LEAST 15 HOURS ONLINE AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION Click "SIGN UP" to be put on a wait list and you will be notified when a class is posted and you can sign up for it (about 45-60 days before the class date).
The Brush Pile Building & Burning Class is a training opportunity for experienced FPCC Ecological Stewardship Volunteers. 15+ hours of reported stewardship experience or the recommendation of FPCC staff or a Site Steward is required for enrollment. * Learn how to properly construct, safely ignite, monitor and secure brush piles * Understand the pre and post-burn communication requirements * Become confident in utilizing weather data and to make site observations that will inform decisions at workdays.
To become a Brush Pile Burn Boss requirements are: *Attend this class, *Complete a written test *Complete two field observations This class is also one of the three class requirements to become a Stewardship Workday Leader. To sign up for the class, click "SIGN UP INDIVIDUAL". And you MUST HAVE RECORDED AT LEAST 15 HOURS ONLINE or have a recommendation from a Site Steward, Workday Leader or FPCC staff. If you cannot make the class date or the date does not show up below (because it is full), click on the website at the bottom of this page and sign up for the Brush Pile Building & Burning Class Notification list. You will then receive notification when the next date is posted.
This is the Notification List for Brushcutter Training, a training opportunity for experienced FPCC Ecological Stewardship Volunteers with 30+ hours of reported stewardship experience or the recommendation of FPCC staff or a Site Steward.
This class is typically offered in January, July and October * There will be a classroom review of safety issues, proper maintenance, including blade changing and sharpening and a field portion demonstrating proper operation, followed by practice time for each participant * Wear sturdy leather boots and outdoor clothing to the training * MUST HAVE RECORDED AT LEAST 30 HOURS ONLINE To see if there are any available dates, click on the website at the bottom of this page. Click "APPLY" to be put on a wait list and you will be notified when a class is posted and you can sign up for it (about 45-60 days before the class date).
This is the Notification List for Chainsaw Training - Safety Assistant, a training opportunity for experienced FPCC Ecological Stewardship Volunteers with 15+ hours of reported stewardship experience or the recommendation of FPCC staff or a Site Steward.
* Classroom and fieldwork experience provide an overview of safe and effective chainsaw operation at FPCC Stewardship Sites and basic maintenance * Feller I sawyers may fell trees up to 6" DBH when expressly permitted in a site's management schedule * The Classroom portion and a written exam will certify you as a Chainsaw Safety Assistant * Feller I position requires a FPCC Resource Management-administered field observation and skills test * Kevlar boots and other PPE will be provided for the field observation * MUST HAVE RECORDED AT LEAST 30 HOURS ONLINE AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION To see if there are any available dates, click on the website at the bottom of this page. Click "APPLY" to be put on a wait list and you will be notified when a class is posted and you can sign up for it (about 45-60 days before the class date).
The Forest Preserves of Cook County offers many educational opportunities. Classes are taught by district employees and most offer the opportunity to earn certified arborist CEUs.November: Getting Familiar with Forested WetlandsDecember: Winter Tree and Shrub ID
Frequency:
November: Getting Familiar with Forested Wetlands Come and learn the basics of wetland delineation as tailored to forested wetlands. We will discuss the types of forested wetlands within the Preserves, and their native associates. The outdoor component for this class will delve into hydric soils and hydrology indicators. December: Winter Tree and Shrub ID Winter is a great time for brush removal and restoration work- and for improving your woody plant id skills! This class will focus on how to identify native and non-native trees and shrubs by taking a closer look at the bark, seeds, and buds. The second portion of this class will be held outside as we practice tricks to identify trees & shrubs without their leaves.
Schedule Slots Available!
National Safety Council First Aid/CPR training class for Forest Preserve staff and volunteers with at least 15 hours of service
This opportunity has a schedule. Click view schedule belowon the left to see available times.
Secondary contact
Weekday classes are typically offered once per month. Saturday classes in 2019 will be: March 30, May 18, September 14, and October 26 You can sign up for a class 90 days ahead of time. * MUST BE FPCC STAFF OR A VOLUNTEER WITH AT LEAST 15 HOURS RECORDED ONLINE * Bring your own lunch - 1/2 hour lunch break * Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
This is the Notification List for the Pesticide License Testing typically given in November and December, a training opportunity for experienced FPCC Ecological Stewardship Volunteers.We will holding testing session on December 12th at Salt Creek Resource Management at 500 Ogden Avenue, Western Springs, IL. REGISTER HERETo find out about other local testing options visit www.pesticidesafety.illinois.edu. You will have to pay the $15 fee for each category you would like to test in. We highly recommend taking the General Standards & Right-A-Away.
The Forest Preserves of Cook County hosts Pesticide test sessions and Pesticide Test Prep classes every November and December to help experienced FPCC Ecological Stewardship Volunteers earn an Illinois Pesticide (Herbicide) License. 15+ hours of reported stewardship experience or the recommendation of FPCC staff or a site steward is required for enrollment. This license is required for Ecological Stewardship Volunteers who want to apply herbicide at restoration sites To see if there are any available dates, click on the website at the bottom of this page. See the attachment "document" above for details of other ways to get certified. Click "APPLY" to be put on a wait list and you will be notified when a class is posted and you can sign up for it (about 45-60 days before the class date).
The Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network is a diverse group of volunteers who identify and count butterflies on more than 400 routes on sites in Illinois. Volunteers collect data that are valuable to scientists, researchers and land managers in evaluating how restoration practices and other changes affect butterfly populations.Website: bfly.orgThese training workshops are recommended for new butterfly monitors and monitors needing to review protocol and identification.
Registration is required.
The Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network is a diverse group of volunteers who identify and count butterflies on more than 400 routes on sites in Illinois. Volunteers collect data that are valuable to scientists, researchers and land managers in evaluating how restoration practices and other changes affect butterfly populations.Website: bfly.orgThese training workshops are recommended for butterfly monitors interested in advancing beyond the beginner's checklist and monitors needing to review protocol and identification.
The Illinois Odonate Survey seeks greater knowledge of the distribution and abundance of dragonfly and damselfly species in the Chicago region and eventually to expand the network across Illinois and beyond. Take the first step towards becoming a dragonfly monitor by attending a training workshop! Workshops are free and open to anyone interested in monitoring dragonfly and damselfly populations in the Chicago Wilderness Region, but space is limited and registration is required. Workshops are held in early spring each year throughout the Chicago Region.
New monitors must attend one workshop.
This is the Notification List for the Managing Invasives class, a training opportunity for experienced FPCC Ecological Stewardship Volunteers with 15+ hours of reported stewardship experience or the recommendation of FPCC staff or a Site Steward.To register for the Managing Invasives IN-PERSON class on February 17, 2019, register here.
This class is typically offered in Spring and Summer. To see if there are any available dates, click on the website at the bottom of this page. * Learn the difference between native, non-native and invasive plants * Learn how to identify invasive plants commonly encountered at stewardship sites * Learn best management practices and how to effectively treat invasive species * Training includes classroom experience and outdoor field component * Certification requires passing a written exam and two field observations * Fulfills one of the three class requirements to become a Stewardship Workday Leader * MUST HAVE RECORDED AT LEAST 15 HOURS ONLINE AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION Click "SIGN UP" to be put on a wait list and you will be notified when a class is posted and you can sign up for it (about 45-60 days before the class date).
The Managing Invasive Class is a training opportunity for experienced FPCC Ecological Stewardship Volunteers. 15+ hours of reported stewardship experience or the recommendation of FPCC staff or a Site Steward is required for enrollment. * Learn the difference between native, non-native and invasive plants * Learn how to identify invasive plants commonly encountered at FPCC sites * Learn best management practices and how to effectively treat invasive species.The class is three hours long and is followed by an optional one-hour field portion for those volunteers wishing to complete one of the field observations.
Dates: 6 Feb 2014 - 5 Jan 2020
* Training includes classroom experience and outdoor field component * Certification requires passing a written exam and two field observations * Fulfills one of the three class requirements to become a Stewardship Workday Leader * MUST HAVE RECORDED AT LEAST 15+ HOURS ONLINE This class is typically offered in April and May. To sign up for the class, click "SIGN UP INDIVIDUAL". If you cannot make the class date or the date does not show up below (because it is full), click on the website at the bottom of this page and sign up for the Managing Invasives Class wait list. You will then receive notification when the next date is posted.
Be a part of our rapidly-growing community of Trail Watch Volunteers. Attending a Trail Watch New Volunteer Training session is required to be a Trail Watch Volunteer for 2018. Learn about the program, meet Police and Volunteer Resource Staff and socialize with fellow volunteers.
Dates: 1 Sep 2013 - 1 Feb 2021
Become additional eyes and ears of our Law Enforcement Department. Be a visible presence to help make our preserves welcoming and inviting to all visitors, as you are out enjoying the preserves. A background check is required, see the attached document for a full Trail Watch Volunteer position description. This new Volunteer Training will be taught in January, April, July and October. New training dates coming soon!
Position Description
This is the Notification List for the Trail Watch - New Volunteer Training. You can also see if there are any currently scheduled classes.Be a part of the Trail Watch Volunteer Program. Attendance at a Trail Watch Volunteer New Volunteer Training session is required to be a Trail Watch Volunteer for 2018. Learn about the program, meet key people and socialize with fellow volunteers.
The 2018 classes will be offered in January, April, July and October. Become additional eyes and ears of our Law Enforcement Department. Be a visible presence to help make our Preserves welcoming and inviting to all visitors, as you enjoy your favorite outdoor activities. A background check is required. See the attached document for a full Trail Watch Volunteer position description.
Turnbull Woods oak woodland ecosystem is being restored to new health! Invasive shrubs have been removed bringing needed sunlight to wildflowers, grasses and oak seedlings. We will look for the ripening seeds of native wildflowers under the oaks. Help us "close the loop" between invasive species removal and native species renewal.
All participants should dress for a day of outdoor walking. Please wear shoes/boots that may get muddy and long pants. Some binoculars will be available or bring your own. Please pre-register. Thank you!
This is the Notification List for the Group Leadership Class, a training opportunity for experienced FPCC Ecological Stewardship Volunteers with 15+ hours of reported stewardship experience or the recommendation of FPCC staff or Site Steward.To register for the Online Volunteer Leadership Class for October 4th - click here.
This class is typically offered in April, August and November. Class Description and Requirements: * Learn the fundamentals of planning and leading successful volunteer projects * Learn how to take on a leadership role * Learn about the policies and procedures relevant to volunteer leadership in the forest preserves * Training includes classroom experience; certification requires passing a written exam * Fulfills one of the three class requirements to become a Stewardship Workday Leader * Must be a current Stewardship Volunteer * MUST HAVE RECORDED AT LEAST 30 HOURS ONLINE AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION Click "Sign Up" to be put on a wait list and you will be notified when a class is posted and you can sign up for it (about 45-60 days before the class date).
