Volunteer Morning Planned At Hidden Oaks Nature Center

BOLINGBROOK, IL — The Forest Preserve District of Will County has announced its volunteer morning dates for the first quarter of 2023. Volunteers are needed to lend a hand as the preserve works to protect and enhance natural areas in Will County, according to the preserve.

Volunteer mornings are planned throughout the county, including at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook. The clean-up date is on March 4.

Volunteers must fill out a waiver and can then register for their chosen date. Space is limited, so register early to reserve a spot.

All volunteer morning sessions are held from 9 a.m. to noon and participants will be removing invasive woody plants. The volunteer sessions are for ages 10 and older, and anyone under the age of 16 needs to have their guardian, with a waiver, on-site too.

Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear clothes that can get dirty or smoky from a brush-burning fire. Bringing water and snacks is recommended, the preserve said.

The ground will also be uneven and covered with vegetation or snow, so everyone should wear sturdy footwear.

Other volunteer mornings are scheduled for Jan. 31 at Alessio Prairie, in Crest Hill; Feb. 5 at Sugar Creek Preserve in Joliet; Feb. 11 at Hickory Creek Preserve – LaPorte Road Access in Mokena; Feb. 14 at Hadley Valley Preserve – Bruce Road Access in Homer Township, Feb. 23 at Evans-Judge Preserve in Custer Township; March 2 at Old Plank Road Trail (Wolf Road) in Frankfort Township; March 19 at Monee Reservoir in Monee Township; March 25 at Whalon Lake in Naperville.