Youth volunteers play an important role in many of our programs and can also earn community service hours through a variety of programs and activities. Your support makes a difference!
On this page:
Youth Volunteer Opportunities
For volunteers under age 18, a parent or legal guardian must always sign the Volunteer Agreement & Waiver and provide emergency contact information. For many programs, youth must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Please note: Schools and other organized youth groups are encouraged to participate together in youth volunteering activities. For more information on group opportunities, visit our Group Volunteering page.
Litter Cleanups
Litter cleanup is open to all ages. It’s a satisfying way for individuals, families or groups to make a positive impact in the Forest Preserves. Youth may participate with parental discretion.
Learn more on our Litter Cleanups page.
Tree Trimming Love & Care (Tree TLC)
Learn to care for picnic grove trees through mulching and pruning activities. The minimum recommended age for Tree TLC is 13 years old. Youth under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian or attend with a chaperoned organized youth group.
Learn more on our Tree Trimming Love & Care page.
Ecological Stewardship
Restore the land to health through stewardship activities including invasive brush removal, weeding and seed collection. Age and chaperone requirements vary by stewardship site and will be posted on the registration page. The minimum recommended age for stewardship volunteering is 13 years old. Youth under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian or a chaperoned organized youth group, with some exceptions at nature centers:
Crabtree Nature Center:
- Youth ages 8 to 15 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
- Youth ages 16 and 17 may volunteer without a parent or legal guardian.
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center:
- Youth ages 15 to 17 may volunteer without a parent or legal guardian.
River Trail Nature Center:
- Youth ages 10 to 14 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
- Youth ages 15 to 17 may volunteer without a parent or legal guardian.
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center:
- Youth ages 12 to 15 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
- Youth ages 16 and up may volunteer without a parent or legal guardian.
Sand Ridge Nature Center:
- Youth ages 14 and up may volunteer without a parent or legal guardian, but a parent or legal guardian must be present on-site to sign the required waiver.
Trailside Museum:
- Youth ages 12 and up must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Please note: All nature centers welcome youth groups for educational programming including service learning and ecological stewardship field trips.
Learn more on our Ecological Stewardship Days page.
Community Science
Community Science is a meaningful way for youth to contribute to scientific research at the Forest Preserves. Opportunities open to youth monitors include:
- Project Budburst: Youth under age 18 may be a volunteer monitor with the permission of a parent/legal guardian.
- BeeSpotter: Youth under age 18 may be a volunteer monitor with the permission of a parent/legal guardian.
Other community science opportunities may include Odonate, Dark Sky, Butterfly and Calling Frog monitoring. Parents/guardians may choose to have youth accompany them on monitoring routes and participate in listening, looking, and identifying. Most programs require advanced training and that the primary volunteer monitor is an adult.
Learn more on our Community Science page.
Eagle and Gold Award Scout Service Projects
The Forest Preserves partners with Scouts on service projects. Reach out to Joe Swano at joe.swano@cookcountyil.gov to learn more about Scout opportunities.
Youth Outdoor Ambassador Program
The Youth Outdoor Ambassador program is a paid internship provided by the Forest Preserves for youth ages 16 to 22 years old. Participants engage in hands-on conservation service and nature education throughout the 10-week summer program.
Learn more on our Youth Outdoor Ambassador Program page.
Request a Community Service Letter
Youth may request a community service letter by following the below steps:
- Create a volunteer profile.
- Register for an approved program (listed above)
- Volunteer with your selected program
- Log your hours/impacts on your online profile.
- When you have completed and reported the number of hours/impacts required, email us at volunteer.fpd@cookcountyil.gov to ask for a report on Forest Preserves of Cook County letterhead. Please allow two business days to receive your report.