Group volunteering in the Forest Preserves of Cook County is ideal for school or youth groups, corporations, faith-based groups, scout groups and more.
On this page:
Ecological Stewardship
Work together to make a difference for nature at an ecological stewardship day. Tasks depend on the season and may include cutting and burning invasive shrubs, hand-pulling weeds or collecting native seeds. Learn about different ecosystems and how to keep them healthy from our experienced volunteer leaders.
Key details about stewardship days:
- Tools, gloves and safety glasses are provided.
- Onsite training and supervision are provided by site leaders certified by the Forest Preserves.
- Locations are limited to current stewardship sites.
- Scheduling is available year-round, depending on site leader availability.
- Best for groups of five to 25 people.
- The minimum age for participation is 13.
- For youth groups, a chaperone ratio of 1:10 is required and the parent or guardian must sign the Student Restoration Field Trip Waiver.
Safety information: 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 fire, walking on uneven terrain, poison ivy, stinging or biting insects and inclement weather.
Questions, suggestions or concerns? If you need help choosing a site or date, please reach out to Volunteer Resources at volunteer.FPD@cookcountyil.gov.
Litter Cleanups
Litter Cleanups can be a a perfect opportunity for friends, families or organized groups like service organizations, faith communities, schools or corporate groups. We’ll support you with gloves and bags, and you can choose your preferred preserve.
Key details about litter cleanups:
- Schedule a cleanup at any time at almost any preserve.
- All ages are welcome to volunteer.
- Groups larger than ten are required to register the details of their litter cleanup event.
- We provide gloves, bags and trash grabbers upon request.
- Your group leader organizes and leads the cleanup themselves, including arranging supervision and chaperones (if needed).
- Forest Preserves staff are not on site for the workday.
Questions, suggestions or concerns? If you need help choosing a site or date, please reach out to Volunteer Resources at volunteer.FPD@cookcountyil.gov.
Volunteer Voyager Bus
Each year, the Forest Preserves of Cook County sets aside a limited amount of funding from our budget to help organizations volunteer in the Forest Preserves by providing buses.
Since funds are limited, we want to ensure that organizations receiving buses are using them to their full potential. To be considered for bus funding, please complete the Volunteer Voyager Bus Application. Completing the application does not guarantee a bus. A group may seek funding for multiple volunteer trips within a calendar year.
To be considered for a bus, the applicant must:
- Complete the bus application form at least two weeks before the proposed trip date.
- Ensure their group will be at least 15 people.
- Be based in Cook County and serve primarily Cook County residents.
- Have an annual operational budget under $2 million.
Questions, suggestions or concerns? If you need help choosing a site or date, please reach out to Volunteer Resources at volunteer.FPD@cookcountyil.gov.