Volunteer

Join Us for a Workday – Year Round!

When you volunteer with the Poplar Creek Prairie Stewards, you become part of a restoration story that began in 1989 and continues to grow today. Each year, hundreds of volunteers contribute thousands of hours, restoring native habitat and strengthening biodiversity across our prairies and woodlands.

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All experience levels are welcome. 

Our volunteer age minimum is 13, and all participants under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian unless participating as part of a chaperoned organization or school group approved by PCPS in advance.

No registration is required—simply show up ready to help. You’ll sign a waiver when you arrive.

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Working with a School or Corporation?

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Workday Activities

Our workdays combine hands-on restoration with learning, fresh air, and community. 

Our work varies by season, but here are some examples:

• Fall: seed collecting, planting, processing and mixing
• Winter: Invasive brush removal and burning
• Spring: planting, removal of invasive plants, monitoring of plant and animal species, brush removal
• Summer: removal of invasive plants, seed collecting, monitoring of plant and animal species, brush removal

All tools, safety equipment, and activity training are provided. Experienced leaders supervise each workday—you just bring a willingness to learn.

There will be a mid-morning break with snacks provided (please bring water), and many volunteers grab lunch together afterwards at a nearby casual eatery.

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What to Wear

Workdays take place outdoors in prairie and woodland environments, so please wear long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy, closed-toe shoes even on warm days, and bring water. In warm months, sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended; in cooler and cold months dress in warm layers for changing weather. For full seasonal guidance and safety details, please review our complete What to Wear page before attending.

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Students and Minors

Our volunteer age minimum is 13.  Message a steward if you have questions.

Minors must:

• Be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
• OR
• Participate as part of a chaperoned organization or school group approved by PCPS in advance

Unaccompanied minors are not permitted per Forest Preserve District rules.

Learn more about Student Service Hours
Learn more about Student Group volunteering

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Leadership & Certifications

Ready to take your impact to the next level? Many volunteers choose to grow into leadership roles over time—serving as greeters, workday leaders, brush pile burn bosses, chain sawyers, or certified stewards. Together with the Forest Preserves of Cook County, we provide free mentorship and training for those ready to take on more responsibility. 

Learn more about leadership and certifications.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I arrive late or leave early?

Yes, but it is much better if you arrive on time and leave with everyone else.  We do leave signs for people to find us, but we are often in remote parts of the forest preserve, away from trails, which can make finding your way difficult.

Is this physically demanding?

You will be on your feet for 3 hours.   Some days we walk a half mile or even a bit more from the parking lot to the work site.  Once we get to the work site, all work is done off -trail.  The work itself is as physically demanding as you want to make it.  

Is there a restroom? 

There are portable toilets in the parking lot at each site which are cleaned twice per week.

Is there parking?

Yes, there are parking lots at both sites.

How will I find the group?

Go to the point designated oin the map, find the people standing around, find the one with a clipboard signing people in, and ask if they are the Poplar Creek Prairie Stewards.  We are typically the only group in the lot at 9:00.

Can I bring a friend?

Absolutely. New volunteers are always welcome, and bringing a friend is a great way to get involved. Ask them to review the Workday Activities and What to Wear information in advance so they’re prepared for the day.