Volunteers sought for Volo Bog, Moraine Hills and McHenry Dam

Volo Bog State Natural Area in Ingleside and Moraine Hills State Park and McHenry Dam in McHenry are seeking volunteers for the following positions:

Ÿ Docent/Interpretive Office Support (Wednesdays). Docents greet visitors, answer a variety of questions regarding Volo Bog and general nature, and staff the Friends of Volo Bog’s Tamarack Shop. The Interpretive Office Support track involves tasks related to the interpretive program, including computer data entry, copying, filing, maintaining education materials, etc. A minimum commitment of one year is desired.

Ÿ Bluebird Monitors. Both sites have openings for bluebird monitors who check the progress of nesting birds in bird houses from late March through mid August. This involves light to moderate off-trail walking in a variety of weather conditions. Monitors turn in data at the end of the nesting season. Bluebird monitoring is ideal for individuals, friends, couples or small family. A minimum six-month commitment is necessary.

Ÿ Prairie and Native Gardeners. Gardeners tend the native demonstration gardens throughout the parks beginning with spring clean up. Each year, some new plants are planted followed by weed control (hand pulling) throughout the growing season. Fall involves seed collecting. A minimum commitment of eight months (through mid-November) takes the volunteer gardener through the complete growing season.

Volunteers must have a passion for nature and the environment and enjoy interacting with people. The ideal volunteer is an outgoing self-starter and a motivated learner. Training and mentoring provide the information and skills needed.

For information, to request an application, and to set up an interview, contact Natural Resources Coordinator Stacy Iwanicki at (815) 344-1294 or Volo Bog State Natural Area is an Illinois Department of Natural Resources site in Ingleside on Brandenburg Road west off Route 12 between routes 120 and 134. For program reservations, contact (815) 344-1294 or dnr.volobog@illinois.govMoraine Hills State Park and McHenry Dam are an IDNR complex, south of McHenry on River Road between routes 120 and 176. For reservations for programs at Moraine Hills, contact Volo Bog at (815) 344-1294 or dnr.volobog@illinois.gov For information on the park, call (815) 385-1624.">dnr.volobog@illinois.gov