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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 Brush Pile Burning Class on May 19th at Camp Reinberg, sign-up with this link: https://path-to-stewardship-camp.eventbrite.com
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 30 HOURS ONLINE AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION 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 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).
Schedule Slots Available!
The Calling Frog Survey is a citizen science program based at Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. This program trains volunteer monitors to identify the 13 species of northern Illinois frogs by call and by sight. Monitors work with program coordinators to establish call survey routes on publicly-managed land and conduct evening surveys to record observations of calling intensity during three rounds of frog breeding activity between Feb. 28 and July 10. These frog call observations serve as a metric of breeding activity for local populations, and help us track changes in distribution of populations, and frog response to changes in habitat. No prior experience is necessary. You may attend any of our workshops and you may opt to monitor with a partner. Monitors conduct a minimum of three evening surveys per season.For more information go to: http://frogsurvey.org/ and http://www.naturemuseum.org/nature-and-science-in-action/citizen-science.
This opportunity has a schedule. Click view schedule belowon the left to see available times.
Secondary contact
Volunteers that have attended the training class collect and submit data each spring. The level of commitment is: Attend one winter workshop 3 site visits per season for multiple seasons Each site visit lasts for about an hour Learn the calls of 13 frogs and toads
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).
**Register for this training via Morton Arboretum HERE** Chicago Wilderness will offer the Midwest Ecological Prescription Burn Crew Member Training class. Based on the National Wildfire Coordinating Group's (NWCG) S-130 and S-190 courses, this training covers the basics of such topics as fire behavior, controlled burn techniques, and smoke management. The objective is to provide participants with the background necessary to safely participate on the crew of a controlled burn.
Please be aware that although the training is accepted by many of the natural resource management agencies in the CW region as the minimum training required for a participant on a burn crew, it does not carry the official NWCG certification.
SCHEDULE AND LOCATION: The Midwest Ecological Prescription Crew Member training will be held at the Morton Arboretum: Arbor Room, Thornhill Education CenterSection A: Thursday, January 31, and Friday, February 1, 2019, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.Section B: Thursday, February 14, and Friday, February 15, 2019, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.Section C: Saturday, February 16, and Sunday, February 17, 2019, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
FEES AND ADMISSION: $75.00 REGISTRATION INFORMATION HERE * IF REGISTERING MORE THAN ONE PERSON please call the Registrar at 630-719-2468. **Please Register via Morton Arboretum**
This training is required to become a FPCC Prescription Burn Volunteer. Volunteer: Must attend and complete the Chicago Wilderness Prescription Burn Training. Then upload certificate to FPCC Volunteer profile. Sign-up for Prescription Burn Volunteers.
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.
National Safety Council First Aid/CPR training class for Forest Preserve staff and volunteers with at least 15 hours of service
NOTE: Weekend classes are offered: January 27, March 24, May 12, September 15, and October 20. Click on the website at the bottom of this page and sign up for the First Aid/CPR Class Notification List to receive notification when the next weekend date is posted. Weekday classes are offered once per month. * 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 To sign up for the class, click "SIGN UP INDIVIDUAL".
This is the Notification List for the First Aid/CPR training offered on weekends.The 2018 weekend dates are: January 27, March 24, May 12, September 15 and October 20
Weekend classes in 2018 will be: * January 27 * March 24 * May 12 * September 15 * October 20 To see if there are any available dates, click on the website at the bottom of this page. TO ATTEND THE CLASS, YOU MUST BE FPCC STAFF OR HAVE RECORDED AT LEAST 15 HOURS ONLINE 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 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).
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 ONLINE class on October 4th, 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 "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).
Herbicide applications are an important tool to managing invasive species and improving the ecological health of our Forest Preserves. The Practical Herbicide Class offered with the Forest Preserves of Cook County covers herbicide application in natural areas and aims to provide licensed herbicide applicators and operators with the practical knowledge to make good herbicide decisions. If you have become licensed for the first time or if you are an Applicator/Operator needing a refresher, this class is for you. You must be currently licensed by the State of Illinois as an Applicator or Operator or be interested in obtaining an Alternative License which enables you to apply herbicide under an Applicator who brings herbicide to your site.
This training will cover: Controlling invasives with herbicides Management Schedule and Plans State Licensing, Testing and Renewal Overview of types of herbicides available from FPCC Herbicide application methods Overview of application tools and supplies available from FPCC Storage, transportation, mixing and disposal Herbicide labels and Safety Data Sheets Environmental safety and personal safety Signage and recordkeeping This training will also include a field portion - please dress appropriately for the weather. PREREQUISITE: You need to be placed in the Herbicide Operator or Herbicide Applicator opportunity or interested in the Alternative license to be able to sign up
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 - 31 Jan 2019
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).
