Ecological Stewardship in the Forest Preserves of Cook County

Volunteer to help increase native biodiversity and protect threatened plant and wildlife habitat at an ecological stewardship workday in the Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC). Whether you are a long-time steward or first-time volunteers, these workdays are a chance to build community, learn new skills, and make a lasting impact on our local ecosystems.

Join for a volunteer-led workday supported by Friends of the Chicago River at two FPCC sites:

• Whistler Woods along the Little Calumet River in Riverdale
• Forest Glen Woods along the Lower North Branch of the Chicago River in Chicago

Activities vary through the seasons. Common tasks include cutting and burning invasive woody plants, collecting and distributing native seeds, and removing invasive brush and weeds. All tools, gloves, and training are provided. 

Find an Ecological Stewardship workday in a forest preserve site near you!

Centennial Volunteers

Friends continues to assist the volunteer recruitment, training, and stewardship efforts at Forest Glen Woods and Whistler Woods; these forest preserves were part of the original Centennial Volunteer project which was a partnership program that ran from 2017 to 2021 between Friends of the Chicago River, the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Friends of the Forest Preserves, The Field Museum, and the Chicago Ornithological Society. The program sought to build community in our natural areas, provide access to training in restoration practices, and improve and protect our preserves. Over 8,471 volunteers worked across eight river-edge sites throughout the watershed to lead restoration efforts across 123 total acres and remove over 93 acres of invasive plants.