How to help the forest preserves for Earth Day
Fans of DuPage County's forest preserves can help celebrate Earth Day this month by helping to remove litter and enhancing the environment at several volunteer workdays.
The forest preserve district is seeking individuals and families - along with church and school groups, Scout troops and other organizations - to work together for the benefit of both visitors and wildlife.
Participants should dress to work outdoors, wear layers and bring hats and gloves.
"Habitat restoration workdays this time of year can be particularly effective because it's easy to spot invasive plants for removal and to maneuver through natural areas without damaging native species," forest preserve President Joe Cantore said.
Volunteer workdays include:
• Cache In, Trash Out Restoration Workday from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 1, at Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook. Step into the woods with fellow geocachers to help remove weedy brush. Ages 4 and older; younger than 18 with an adult. Free. Register online or at (630) 850-8110.
• Spring Into Volunteering from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 8, at Spring Creek Reservoir, Bloomingdale. Show the Earth a little kindness and help rangers clean the shorelines, roadsides and trails. All ages; younger than 14 with an adult. Register at (630) 933-7233.
• Helping Hands at Herrick Lake from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 15, at Herrick Lake, Wheaton. Celebrate Earth Day by removing litter from the shorelines, roadsides and trails. Register at (630) 933-7233.
• Volunteer Workday at the Nursery from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 29, and May 8, 13, 19 and 24 at Blackwell. Lend a hand weeding, watering or collecting and cleaning seed from native grasses and flowers. Ages 12 and older; younger than 18 with an adult. Free. Register online or at (630) 206-9630 at least five days in advance. Students fulfilling requirements and groups of five or more must register by phone 10 days in advance.
For information about other volunteer opportunities, visit the district website or call Volunteer Services at (630) 933-7681.