Volunteer Opportunities – We Nurture Nature
**Current volunteers may report service hours here
The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County provides unique and enriching opportunities for local citizens to explore and learn about our natural areas and the wildlife that inhabit them. Whether you assist at a one-time event, or commit to a long-term project, our volunteer program offers flexible opportunities that appeal to a wide variety of interests – for individuals and groups alike!
R.E.A.P. Volunteer Workdays (Restoration.Education.Appreciation.Preservation.)
Volunteer workdays are held on the third Saturday of each month at various forest preserves from 9 a.m. until Noon. There is no commitment (only a waiver is needed to join in the fun)! No experience is necessary and all ages are welcome. Participant names are entered into a drawing for a chance to win a prize!
2019 R.E.A.P. Volunteer Workday Schedule (9 a.m. until Noon)
Saturday, May 18th – Rockford Rotary Forest Preserve (5390 Rotary Road, Cherry Valley, IL) – brush removal with guided walk to the gorges
Saturday, June 15th – Deer Run Forest Preserve (5691 River Road, Cherry Valley, IL) – seed collection and canoe trip (advance registration required)
Saturday, July 20th – Severson Dells Resource Center (8274 Montague Road, Rockford, IL) – nursery work and guided hike to the Dells
Saturday, August 17th – Kieselburg Forest Preserve “SCOUTS DAY” (5801 Swanson Road, Roscoe, IL) – seed collection and guided bumblebee hike
Saturday, September 21st – Cedar Cliff Forest Preserve (7901 Kishwaukee Road, Stillman Valley, IL) – planting nursery plugs and guided hike to the cliffs
No experience? No problem! Our natural resource experts offer hands-on ecological restoration training consisting of invasive plant removal and native seed collection, plus enriching conservation activities when our work is done.
Volunteer Trainers Justin and Steve Mike Groves, Natural Resource Manager
Join those who help protect our land, air and water
Take a look at the many volunteer opportunities we offer, and apply here!
The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County is excited to partner with Severson Dells, Boone County Conservation District, Byron Forest Preserves, Dekalb County Forest Preserves and the Natural Land Institute to offer opportunities for AmeriCorps volunteers to engage in environmental education, habitat restoration and citizen science!
AmeriCorps Volunteer Opportunities