Student Groups

Poplar Creek Prairie Stewards is always happy to host school and youth groups interested in hands-on environmental restoration.

Bringing students to a workday is a meaningful way to connect classroom learning with real-world conservation. Students participate in supervised habitat restoration activities such as seed collection, invasive species removal, and prairie or woodland management — all while learning about native ecosystems and stewardship.

For groups that include minors:

  • The student-to-adult ratio may not exceed 10:1 students per adult leader
  • Each student must bring a Volunteer Agreement & Waiver Form signed by a parent or legal guardian
  • Unaccompanied minors are not permitted per Forest Preserve District rules

Teachers and group leaders are expected to remain with and supervise their students throughout the workday.

Planning Your Visit

If you are bringing a group of more than five participants, please contact us in advance so we can properly prepare.

In your message, please include:

  • The workday date you would like to attend
  • The approximate number of volunteers in your group
  • The age range of participants (younger children, older children/teens, adults, or mixed ages)
  • Your name
  • Your email address
  • A phone number where you can be reached
  • How you heard about us

This information allows us to plan for enough work leaders, tools, safety equipment, and refreshments for your group.

What to Expect

  • All tools, safety equipment, and training are provided
  • Experienced stewards supervise all activities
  • Activities vary seasonally and are adapted to group size and age
  • View our Volunteer page for more details.

No prior experience is necessary — all experience levels are welcome. 

Preparing Your Group

Please ensure your group:

  • Arrives on time
  • Plans to stay for the full workday
  • Brings water
  • Is dressed appropriately for outdoor restoration work with close-toed shoes, long pants and long sleeve

All participants should review the What to Wear guidelines in advance. For safety reasons, volunteers who are not properly dressed may be turned away.

Questions?

If you have additional questions or would like to schedule your group, please send us a message.

We look forward to working with your students and sharing the restoration story of Poplar Creek.