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Volunteers must be 18 years or older to participate.Be a part of river and forest revitalization by joining an inspiring movement as North Branch Restoration Project volunteers gather to restore this special site along the Chicago River. Learn what it takes to restore diverse wildlife, trees, wildflowers, and health in our forest preserves and our river system. Our goal is to grow a community of people who will become caretakers and stewards through on-going education and training.Visit us on Facebook!
Ongoing Opportunity
Unlimited Positions available!
Frequency:
Description of location Parking is on Wilmette Ave, just east of Harms Road.
Contact person
Contact person:
Secondary contact: Stewardship Workday Leader Rett Donnelly rett.donnelly@gmail.com
Website:https://northbranchrestoration.org/
Requirements Volunteers must be 18 years or older to participate. 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.
This beautiful preserve is just one example of the rich diversity that once was the vast Illinois landscape. Its open savanna, oak woodland and river bluff ecosystems offer interesting views in all seasons. Join North Branch Restoration Project volunteers as we remove buckthorn and other weedy species, protecting these high quality natural areas.Visit us 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 The parking lot entrance is on the west side of Caldwell between Devon and Touhy, just opposite Tonty Street. For Bunker Hill workdays, we meet in the first section of the parking lot. For Oxbow Prairie workdays, follow the drive until it turns north, then park along the west side.
Contact person: Site Steward Erin Faulkner ehaase1@hotmail.com (708) 220-5606
Secondary contact: Rebecca Blazer rebecca_blazer@hotmail.com (773) 972-8080
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. 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. 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.
Join the North Branch Restoration Project to restore this oak woodland to its former beauty! This 76-acre site is new to restoration and will depend on the community of volunteers to remove invasive species, spread native seed, and much more. Large pin oaks are a unique feature of this preserve, which is also home to some beautiful spring ephemerals.
Visit us 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
Meet in the parking lot off of W Harts Road.
Contact person: Volunteer Steward Mike Andrews mike61950@aol.com
Secondary contact: Mike Bingaman bingaman@gmail.com
If you are a GROUP of 10 or more, please contact the steward before signing your group up for a workday. It helps ensure workdays that are safe and enjoyable for all. Thanks! 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. 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. 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.
Camp Pine contains a wide variety of natural areas, including sedge meadow, savanna, swamp white oak flatwoods, upland oak-hickory woodlands, and oak-maple forests. Join us as we monitor and restore this site.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 Meet at the farthest parking lot at Camp Pine Woods on Euclid/Lake Avenue between Des Plaines and Glenview, just east of the Des Plaines River. Enter from east bound, no left turn from west bound (turn around on River Road)
Contact person: Ken Schaeffer kenschaefer53@gmail.com
Harms Flatwoods is dominated by huge bur and swamp white oaks, with an understory of black ash, winterberry, hazelnut and other native trees and shrubs. Flatwoods communities are very wet in the spring and fall rainy seasons because a clay pan underlying the top layers of soil tends to hold water. Join North Branch Restoration Project volunteers in removing invasive species, allowing the rich understory of this unique ecosystem to thrive.Visit us 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 Meet at Forest Preserve Grove parking lot on the west side of Harms Road, directly west of Old Orchard Road where it ends on Harms Road.
Contact person: Steward Jette Thomassen jette@thomassen.us
Secondary contact: Steward Neil Peck npeck@snpeck.com
Join North Branch Restoration Project volunteers as we remove invasive European buckthorn, brush and weeds from this fine oak woodland situated along the North Branch of the Chicago River in the village of Glenview. Harms Woods is notable for its rich native flora. The plant list includes over 350 native species, over 40 percent of which are conservative species found almost exclusively in healthy, intact ecosystems.Visit us 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 Meet in the small parking lot on the west side of Harms Road, just south of Glenview Road. (The red FPDCC sign says Glenview Woods.) Please be sure to arrive on time. If you arrive after we have left the meeting place, you may not be able to find where we are working for the day.
Contact person: John Balaban balx2@comcast.net (847) 679-4289
Secondary contact: Jane Balaban balx2@comcast.net (847) 644-8184
Join North Branch Restoration Project volunteers as we remove invasive European buckthorn, brush and weeds from this fine oak woodland situated along the North Branch of the Chicago River in the village of Glenview.The woodland east of the River includes a mixture of upland woods, floodplain and wet woods. The close-by North Branch bike trail offers glimpses of the river interspersed with woodland vistas.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.Visit us on Facebook!
Description of location Meet in the South Harms Woods parking lot (groves 1 & 2), on the west side of Harms Road, first lot north of Golf Road. If the South parking lot is inaccessible, meet at the Central Harms Woods parking lot (groves 3 & 4), west side of Harms Road. Please be sure to arrive on time. If you arrive after we have left the meeting place, you may not be able to find where we are working for the day.
Contact person: Steward Karen Glennemeier kglennemeier@gmail.com
Kloempken Prairie contains a wide variety of remnant natural areas, including prairie, sedge meadow, savanna, swamp white oak flatwoods, upland oak-hickory woodlands, and oak-maple forests, all in about a 120 acre area. Join Kloempken Prairie restoration volunteers as we remove buckthorn and other invasive species, such as garlic mustard.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.Follow us on Facebook!
Description of location We park in a parking lot on the Oakton Community College Campus in Des Plaines. Turn north from Golf Road at the traffic light on to College Drive, just east of the Des Plaines River between Des Plaines River Road and East River Road. Turn right at the first stop sign, in front of the main buildings. Then turn right at another stop sign into Parking Lot C, which is surrounded by woods. We meet at the east side of the lot, past the Maintenance building
Contact person: Volunteer Steward Bob Hostettler prairiebob@msn.com
Requirements 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. 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.
Volunteer workdays are held two or more times a month at LaBagh. Contact labaghvolunteers@gmail.com to join our email announcement list.Located on the North Branch of the Chicago River, LaBagh is an important stopover point for birds during their spring and fall migration journeys. Most of LaBagh is made up of floodplain and savanna communities dominated by swamp white oak, which thrives in wet conditions. The floodplain contains ponds and marshes that were carved out by the river hundreds of years ago. The upland areas are drier, but often wet in the spring and fall due to poor-draining soils that allow standing water to accumulate. Join volunteers in restoring this special site along the Chicago River with a unique focus on planting native shrubs to provide bird habitat and food.Youth under age 18 must be accompanied by a legal parent/guardian or attend with a chaperoned organized youth group (school, scouts, faith-based). Volunteers under age 18 must have their volunteer waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Contact person: Linda Marton labaghvolunteers@gmail.com (773) 369-6036
Burn Call Sheet - Day Of
This 30 acre prairie has been impacted by agriculture, garbage dumping, and used for limestone spoil. North Branch Restoration Project volunteers have dedicated themselves to restoring this land and protecting the adjacent high quality prairie remnant, oak-hickory forest, and riparian areas from invasive species and other threats. Experience the beauty of its re-establishment and the return of wildlife.Visit us 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 Meet at Wayside Woods Prairie Forest Preserve parking lot on the west side of Lehigh Ave, a few blocks east of Waukegan Road and just north of Dempster.
Contact person: Site Steward John Thill john.c.thill@gmail.com (847) 966-0231
Linne Woods features a variety of spring and summer wildflowers with a canopy of oaks and hickories and an understory of ironwood and black cherry. Join North Branch Restoration Project volunteers as we remove buckthorn and other weedy species, protecting the native woodland ecosystem.Visit us 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 From the Edens Expressway, go west on Dempster street about 1.5 miles. The forest preserve entrance will be on the north side of the street directly across from McDonalds. Follow the winding road all the way back until it dead-ends at the turn-around circle.
Contact person: Marian Thill john.c.thill@gmail.com (847) 966-0231
Miami Woods and Prairie contain important remnants of the original grasslands and woodlands that formed the natural heritage of the greater Chicago area. From the bike path you can see and enjoy nature in the river, woodlands and the Miami Prairie. Join North Branch Restoration Project volunteers as we remove buckthorn and other weedy species, protecting the native woodland and prairie ecosystems.Visit us 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 The main parking lot is on Caldwell about 1/4 mile north of Oakton where there is easy access to the bike path which runs from Devon Avenue to the Botanic Garden.
Contact person: Nicholas Conde nicholasjconde@gmail.com
Seeds are the lifeblood of healthy woodlands and prairies. By growing successive generations of species, they help ensure resilient, self-renewing natural areas for years to come. Restoration volunteers hand collect seeds of many different species in Forest Preserve sites along the Chicago River North Branch, then distribute them to other less healthy North Branch sites.But some important native species are relatively rare at our sites. Others have seed that are difficult to collect in the wild. We grow some of these special plants in the North Branch seed garden, where we can better harvest their seed for restoration in North Branch sites. If you love getting your hands dirty and enjoy getting to know some of our native plants, please join the workdays at our North Branch seed garden in Niles.
Description of location Turn into the main driveway for the FPCC Maintenance facility then turn right into a small gravel parking area. Enter the enclosed garden area through a swinging gate.
Contact person: Cammy Fortuna tonyandcammy11@gmail.com
Secondary contact: Mike Andrews mike61950@aol.com
This old oxbow in the Chicago River's North Branch is a combination of low, wet prairie soils and slightly higher mesic prairie soils. A small open savanna lies northwest of Bunker Hill savanna. The mesic prairie had an abundance of Eurasion grasses, Queen Anne's lace, and tall goldenrod. With management, the more conservative prairie plants such as northern dropseed, stiff goldenrod, golden alexanders and big bluestem grass are returning. Join North Branch Restoration Project volunteers and enjoy a different view here.Visit us 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 The parking lot entrance is on the west side of Caldwell between Devon and Touhy, just opposite Tonty Street. For Bunker Hill workdays, we meet in the first section of the parking lot. For Oxbow Prairie workdays, follow the drive until it turns north, then park along the west side.If you are a GROUP of 10 or more, please contact the steward before signing your group up for a workday. It helps insure workdays that are safe and enjoyable for all. Thanks!
Contact person: Mike Andrews mike61950@aol.com
Secondary contact: Cammy Fortuna tonyandcammy11@gmail.com
Website:https://www.northbranchrestoration.org/index.html
Dwight Perkins Woods is the only Forest Preserve in Evanston. It is named for the originator of the Forest Preserve District, Dwight Perkins. It is a small 7.5 acre native woodland adjacent to Lincolnwood School. It is a popular birding spot and is distinctive for the beauty of its spring wildflowers. Invasive species removal of buckthorn, honeysuckle and garlic mustard, and cleanup, are our major workday activities.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.
Corner of Grant and Bennett
Contact person: Site Steward Libby Hill libbyhill@comcast.net (847) 475-2096
Schedule Slots Available!
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.
This opportunity has a schedule. Click view schedule belowon the left to see available times.
Description of location 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: 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
Somme Prairie Grove is a mosaic of prairie, savanna, and woodland. Flowers and grasses such as purple milkweed, cream gentian, bottlebrush grass, and wood reed grass contribute to its high quality. Rare butterflies, snakes and coyotes once again populate its prairies and groves. Join North Branch Restoration Project volunteers as we remove buckthorn and other weedy species, protecting the native ecosystems.Visit us 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 Somme Prairie Grove sits west of Waukegan Ave on the north side of Dundee Rd, while Somme Woods lies on the east side. The workday meeting place for both sites is the Forest Preserve parking lot on the north side of Dundee, just east of Waukegan.
Contact person: Site Steward Steve Packard info@sommepreserve.org
Join North Branch Restoration Project volunteers as we reclaim the sparkling prairie from the invasive brush at this hidden treasure in Northbrook. The work we do depends on the season and may be collecting seeds, pulling weeds or cutting woody invaders.Visit us 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 the westernmost of the three Somme sites. On workdays, we meet in the post office parking lot on the north side of Dundee Road, approximately a quarter mile west of the Metra tracks.
Contact person: Site Steward Laurel Ross laurelmross@gmail.com (773) 218-0850
Secondary contact: Lisa Musgrave Culp.lisa@gmail.com Co-Steward
Somme Woods, the furthest east of the Sommes, has bur and white oak woodlands with massive old oaks, open marshes, and ephemeral ponds. Rich with native plants and animals, they are being restored to their original beauty by North Branch Restoration Project volunteers. A resting bald eagle greeted a volunteer work crew here on one workday.Visit us 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.
Contact person: Linda Masters masters2001@comcast.net
Join North Branch Restoration Project volunteers at this fine oak woodland situated right in the City of Chicago. Ancient pin oaks dominate the wetter areas of this woodland. Tall bur oaks stand in the western part, their wide-spreading lower limbs attesting to the open-grown character of the woods in the past. Small ephemeral ponds are graced with lush green sedges. Hundreds of spicebush shrubs are covered with tiny yellow blossoms in early spring, giving way later to glossy red berries.Visit us 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 Meet at the maintenance road to the golf course, west side of Caldwell about halfway between the Billy Caldwell Golf Course & the intersection of Central and Caldwell. Volunteers disregard the "Do Not Enter" signage at maintenance yard.
Contact person: Steward Jonathan Sladek jonathansladek@mac.com (847) 858-2242
Website:https://www.northbranchrestoration.org
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. Instructions and supplies are provided by the steward. It is not necessary to pre-register, but if a group of more than 5 are planning to come, please let the steward know that, so that adequate supplies can be provided. Meet at the maintenance road to the golf course, west side of Caldwell about halfway between the Billy Caldwell Golf Course & the intersection of Central and Caldwell. Volunteers disregard the "Do Not Enter" signage at maintenance yard.
From the bike path you can see and enjoy nature in the river and woodlands. Join North Branch Restoration Project volunteers as we remove buckthorn and other weedy species, protecting our native ecosystems.Visit us 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.
Secondary contact: Chris Parson parsonchris@hotmail.com
Requirements Volunteers must be 18 years or older to participate. 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
This site sits along the south bank of the Chicago River. The woodland is dominated by majestic ancient Bur Oaks and filled with wild hyacinth in the spring. An adjacent old field is being restored to prairie. Join the North Branch Restoration Project volunteers as they work to protect the site from weedy invasive species and other threats.Visit us 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 The driveway into the site is on the east side of Central Ave, just south of the North Branch of the Chicago River. Proceed all the way east to the end of the driveway to the parking area.
Contact person: Steward Jonathan Sladek IRWfriends@gmail.com (847) 858-2242
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
