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 – Natural Resource Restoration 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
It is important to remember:
- Proper off-trail outdoor workday attire recommended – long pants, long sleeves & sturdy, waterproof shoes (no sandals or flip-flops, please)
- Light snack & work gloves provided – bring your water bottle – wear your insect repellent & sunscreen
- In case of extreme weather (storms, excessive heat, etc.) our workday will be canceled – check our website and Facebook page for event cancellation information
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 Trainer Steve Hornbeck Mike Groves, Natural Resource Manager
Citizen Science
Become a part of a growing group of volunteers who observe and record information about the natural world in collaboration with professional scientists! Our Citizen Science programs are designed for people of all ages and backgrounds utilizing easy methods with excellent training. Regional experts, FPWC staff and experienced Citizen Scientists work closely with volunteers to prepare and support them in species identification and documentation. No experience is necessary! Current monitoring projects include:
These educational sessions are free and open to anyone interested in learning about Winnebago County wildlife; however, those interested in volunteering as an official Citizen Science Monitor will need to register as a volunteer (see application link at the bottom of this page). Stay tuned for group Field Study sessions that will be held throughout the season!
Neil McLaughlin, FPWC Bluebird Nestbox Monitor and Mentor
Special Events
Serve on a short-term planning committee or just support the activities of the day…the choice is yours! Special Event volunteers enjoy welcoming the public to nature by assisting with greeting visitors, special event activities, games, kids crafts and more!
Hooked on Fun! at Four Lakes Forest Preserve – Saturday, June 8, 2019 (9am-Noon)
Forest Quest Scavenger Hunt After-Party – Saturday, September 28, 2019 (8am-4pm)
Trail Stewardship
While workday volunteers care for the larger ecological health of our natural areas, a Trail Steward “adopts” a forest preserve trail and focuses on keeping it safe and pleasant for our visitors. Activities include litter control, clearing brush and debris from trails after storms, and reporting any inappropriate uses of the trail to the designated Area Manager. On-going training and education is provided.
Native Nursery
Our Native Plant Nursery is located at our Resource Center near Severson Dells Forest Preserve. Volunteers weed and water plant beds, install plugs, monitor and inventory plants, collect and clean seed, learn plant propagation techniques and more! We meet at 9 am each Thursday morning.
AmeriCorps
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!
Click here for details about AmeriCorps
Discover the many other volunteer opportunities we offer
Join those who help protect our natural areas