Mokena Woman Named Forest Preserve Volunteer Of The Year

MOKENA, IL - Phyllis Schulte of Mokena has been recognized as the Forest Preserve District of Will County's 2017 Volunteer of the Year. Schulte was presented with the honor during a banquet at the Joliet Country Club earlier this month.

"I’m very grateful," Schulte said. "All of the volunteers do such an outstanding job of giving of themselves, it seems impossible to think that one person could be considered separately."

Schulte has volunteered with the Forest Preserve since 1991, when she saw an article about a "cleanup" event at the Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve. Soon later, she started volunteering at the Hickory Creek Preserve in New Lenox.

"I have seen some areas of Hickory Creek Barrens transformed completely as a result of the work that has been done," she said.

While honored with the distinction, Schulte said in reality no reward is needed.

"The reward is the work itself," she said.

Photo by Forest Preserve staff