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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).
Schedule Slots Available!
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.
This opportunity has a schedule. Click view schedule belowon the left to see available times.
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.
Brushcutter Training is a class for experienced FPCC Ecological Stewardship Volunteers. 30+ hours of reported stewardship experience or the recommendation of FPCC staff or a Site Steward is required for enrollment. 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.
Dates: 15 May 2014 - 18 Dec 2017
* Class attendance and a written exam are required for certification * Wear sturdy leather boots and outdoor clothing to the training * MUST HAVE RECORDED AT LEAST 15 HOURS ONLINE 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 Brushcutter Training wait 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).
Chainsaw Maintenance is a class for experienced FPCC Ecological Stewardship Volunteers who are either a Feller I or II. This is a hands on class that will focus on how to properly care for your chainsaw, including: sharpening, mechanics and inspection. This a perfect opportunity to ask questions and get to know your fellow saywers.
*Bring your FPCC issued chainsaw and any associated maintenance tools FPCC will provide necessary tools and supplies to repair chainsaws
Chainsaw Operator Assistant training is a class 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. * Training provides an overview of safe and effective chainsaw operation at FPCC Stewardship Sites and basic maintenance *
* The Classroom portion will certify you as a Chainsaw Safety Assistant * MUST HAVE RECORDED AT LEAST 15+ HOURS ONLINE or have a recommendation from a Site Steward or FPCC staff To sign up for the class, click "SIGN UP INDIVIDUAL". Chainsaw Safety Assistant should sign up for the "Class Only" option below. 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 Chainsaw Training wait list. You will then receive notification when the next date is posted.
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 on October 4th & 5th, Thursday and Friday and October 13th & 14th Saturday and Sunday.
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.
Frequency:
National Safety Council First Aid/CPR training class for Forest Preserve staff and volunteers with at least 15 hours of service
Secondary contact
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).
These gatherings are an opportunity to provide Volunteer Leaders to meet with their Regional Ecologist, Project Management and Volunteer Resources staff. The plan is to gather for about an hour to talk about regional common issues and answer questions, etc. Afterwards, we will then walk the site with the local Site Steward and the Ecologist to further discuss specific site issues, successes, and volunteer accomplishments. This is a great opportunity to learn more about a specific Forest Preserve and enjoy it amongst volunteer colleagues. We hope that you can make it to your regional meeting and you are more than welcomed to attend other regional meetings as well!
*Must sign up online *Must be a current Forest Preserve Stewardship Volunteer *Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Sunscreen, water, and insect repellent are recommended.
Are you interested in becoming certified and licensed to use herbicides on public lands? The Forest Preserves of Cook County hosts Herbicide test sessions 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 order manuals and workbooks, see the attachment "Supply Request form" in the Requirements tab. The books will then be delivered to a supply pick-up location. Manuals need to be ordered in advance as we cannot guarantee when we will be able to deliver them".
* To order manuals and workbooks, see the attachment "Supply Order Form" above * Light refreshments will be provided during registration * MUST HAVE RECORDED AT LEAST 15 HOURS ONLINE
Supply Request Form
This is the Notification List for the Pesticide License Test and Test Prep class offered in November and December, a training opportunity for experienced FPCC Ecological Stewardship Volunteers.We will holding Review Sessions and Testing sessions on: Thursday, November 1st and Saturday, November 3rd, 2018At the Volunteer Resource Center - 6100a N. Central Avenue, Chicago, IL 60646. Right next to the Edgebrook Golf Course. 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).
In partnership with the Morton Arboretum and their Woodland Stewardship Program, we are proud to bring you the Managing Invasives class online! Registration for this class will be opened from September 19th through September 30th. Registrants will be given access to the class on October 4th, and will have until October 25th to complete the class. Please register for the October 4th schedule slot. The Managing Invasives 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.Field Observations will be conducted at the volunteer site.
* 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.
This is the Notification List for the Practical Herbicide class, a training opportunity which provides an overview of herbicide application in natural areas for licensed Herbicide Operators or Applicators.
This class is typically offered in the Spring. To see if there are any available dates, click on the website at the bottom of this page. 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 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).
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).
In partnership with the Morton Arboretum and their Woodland Stewardship Program, we are proud to bring you the Managing Invasives class online! Registration for this class will be opened from September 19th through September 30th. Registrants will be given access to the class on October 4th, and will have until October 25th to complete the class. Please register for the October 4th schedule slot. The Volunteer Leadership 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 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 online training and passing the online test. * Fulfills one of the three class requirements to become a Stewardship Workday Leader * Must be a current Stewardship Volunteer * MUST HAVE RECORDED AT LEAST 15 HOURS ONLINE
