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Crabtree Nature Center is home to more than a thousand acres of rolling, glacier-formed landscape in northwest Cook County, and features a variety of habitat including woodland, wetland and prairie. Put on some gloves and join us to remove invasive species that threaten the health of these ecosystems. Tools and eye protection provided. Long sleeves and sturdy shoes recommended. Learn about your local environment from dedicated staff while helping the Preserves.
Ongoing Opportunity
Unlimited Positions available!
Frequency:
Description of location
Contact person
Contact person: Crabtree Nature Center Staff Meredith.Rice@cookcountyil.gov (847) 381-6592
Website:http://fpdcc.com/nature-centers/crabtree-nature-center/
- Volunteers must dress to be outdoors and wear long pants, sturdy shoes, and gloves -Natural fiber clothing (wool or cotton) works best, multiple layers on cool days allow you to shed a layer as the day warms. - We provide tools and eye protection. -Children ages 8+ welcome with an adult
Litter threatens the health and beauty of our natural areas. Show that you care and inspire others to care by cleaning up your favorite grove, trail or shoreline."Litter Hot Spots" Click here for our list!
Description of location eCoordinator description of location
Contact person: Airis Cervantes airis.cervantes@cookcountyil.gov
Secondary contact: Linda Loranger linda.loranger@cookcountyil.gov
* This is your self-led project- you may lead your group on any day and at any open Forest Preserves site. * Customize your day by adding fun group educational & recreational activities * Once you apply for this Opportunity, a staff member will contact you to confirm details of your group workday and where you can pickup your disposable gloves and bags. Be prepared to tell us: 1. Date and time of your workday: 2. Estimated number of volunteers: 3. Forest Preserve location: 4. Project leader name: 5. Project leader cell number: 6. If you would like to request disposable gloves and bags
What to wear/bring
This is for any individual Forest Preserves volunteer, new or experienced, to record their hours for picking up litter at any site and at anytime the Forest Preserves are open. The "Buddy System" is encouraged...bring along a friend/family member. Link to Litter Hotspots List
Contact person: Linda Loranger linda.loranger@cookcountyil.gov (773) 631-1790
Secondary contact: Airis Cervantes airis.cervantes@cookcountyil.gov
*The "Buddy System" is encouraged...bring along a friend/family. * Review the Forest Preserve's COVID-19 page each day before volunteering for closure information, important updates, safety precautions, and bathrooms. Stay 6 ft away from others. * FOR VOLUNTEER SAFETY: Park only in Forest Preserves lots; walk only on Forest Preserves property; avoid moving traffic; Stay at least 20 feet away from roadsides. * If you encounter non-emergency issues at a site call the Forest Preserve police at 708.771.1001 or in case of emergency, 911. Do not confront visitors. * Collection of plants and animals is strictly prohibited. This includes harvesting firewood; collecting mushrooms, wildflowers or other wild plants and their seeds; and otherwise removing or damaging any plants or trees. * Bring your own snack and water bottle. * Place trash in Forest Preserves trash bins in parking lots. If blue recycling bin present, use it. If bin is overflowing, please find another trash can to dispose of litter. * Please bring your own supplies; gloves, bags, and pick-up tools, if you have them. Get creative! Old salad or barbecue tongs work! * Please record your volunteer hours online in your profile after each volunteer visit.
Swallow Cliff is a landscape of hills, ravines, lakes, and marshes created by the retreat of the last glaciers to cover the area. Volunteers strive to restore the natural biodiversity that existed prior to settlement and the proliferation of non-native plants. Restoration activities include the removal of invasive species like honeysuckle and buckthorn, and the collection and distribution of seeds of desirable native 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.
Description of location Park at Swallow Cliff Woods South lot, on the west side of LaGrange Road opposite 119th Street in Palos Park.
Contact person: Jan Pietrzak janaugust@sbcglobal.net
Website:https://www.restorepalos.com/
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 Staff and volunteer leaders will implement protocols to ensure physical distancing, glove and mask usage, and tool sanitizing. Wear all essential personal protection equipment (PPE) including a face mask. Always keep a minimum distance of six feet from other volunteers. Plan accordingly, as many public restrooms are closed. Bring your own gloves, snack, water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, and hand sanitizer. * Wear long sleeves, long slacks or jeans, and sturdy shoes. * Natural fiber clothing (wool or cotton) works best, especially when burning brush piles. * Multiple layers on cool days allow you to shed a layer as the day warms. * We provide gloves and the necessary tools, as well as snacks.
Management Schedule
The east and middle forks of the Chicago River come together to give Watersmeet its name. The rich mix of trees, shrubs, sedges, grasses and wildflowers found here will thrive with your help. Help the North Branch Restoration Project volunteers rescue the prairies, savanna and woods from buckthorn and other invasive species.
Follow Watersmeet Woods Restoration on Facebook!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.
Description of location This site is located in the village of Northfield. From the Edens Expressway exit at Lake Avenue West. Go west to Wagner Road, turn north and take Wagner to Winnetka Road, go east on Winnetka 3/4 mile. Park on the north side of Winnetka or on a side street to the north. We meet at the picnic tables near the Forest Preserve sign, at the northwest corner of the site.
Contact person: Site Steward Eileen Sutter ehsutter@gmail.com (773) 706-4533
Secondary contact: John Berg kerg111@aol.com
Website:https://northbranchrestoration.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
