Celebrate Earth Day by helping local environment

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County invites nature fans to celebrate Earth Day in April by helping to remove litter and enhance the environment during several upcoming volunteer workdays.

Individuals and families as well as school and church groups, Scout troops and other organizations are invited to work together for the benefit of visitors and wildlife alike. Participants should dress to work outdoors, wear layers and bring hats and work gloves.

"Volunteers can have such a huge impact on the environment by removing litter and collecting and planting seeds," said Joe Cantore, president of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.

"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," District 4 Commissioner Tim Whelan said.

Here's a look at some of the upcoming volunteer work days.

Helping Hands at Herrick Lake: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 14, at Herrick Lake, Wheaton. Celebrate Earth Day by removing litter from this popular preserve. Youth groups and Scouts are welcome. All ages may participate; those younger than 14 must be with an adult. Free. Register: (630) 462-8707.

Spring Into Volunteering: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 21, at Spring Creek Reservoir, Bloomingdale. Show the Earth a little kindness as you help clean up a popular preserve. Youth groups and Scouts are welcome. All ages may participate; those younger than 14 must be with an adult. Free. Register: (630) 462-8707.

Earth Week Forest Preserve Pick-Me-Up: Celebrate Earth Day and pick up your mood as you help pick up litter or remove invasive nonnative plants at the following preserves. Ages 8 and older may participate; those younger than 18 must be with an adult. Free. Register online or at (630) 206-9630 at least five days in advance; groups of five or more must register by phone at least 10 days in advance.

• 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, April 22, at Pioneer Park in Naperville

• 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 22, at Springbrook Prairie in Naperville

• 4 to 6 p.m. Monday and Thursday, April 23 and 26, at Goodrich Woods in Naperville

• 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Friday, April 24 and 27, at Burlington Park in Naperville

• 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, at Pioneer Park in Naperville

• 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, at Springbrook Prairie in Naperville

Volunteer Restoration Workdays: Help improve a prairie or woodland by collecting seeds or removing nonnative plants. Ages 8 and older; those younger than 18 must be with an adult. Free. Register online or at (630) 206-9630 at least five days in advance (10 days by phone for groups of five or more).

• 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, April 6, at Danada

• 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays, April 7 and 14, May 5 and 19, and June 9, at Maple Grove

• 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays, April 7, 14 and 28; Sunday, May 6, and Saturday, June 30, at Springbrook Prairie

• 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays, April 21, May 5 and 19, and June 9, at Churchill/Glacial

• 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays, April 21, May 19 and June 9, at West Chicago Prairie

• 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays, May 9 and 23, at St. James Farm

• 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 12, West DuPage Woods

Volunteer Workdays at the Nursery: Help weed, water or collect and clean seeds from native grasses and flowers. Ages 12 and older; those younger than 18 must be with an adult. Free. Register online or at (630) 206-9630 at least five days in advance (10 days by phone for groups of five or more).

Work sessions are 8 to 11 a.m. at the nursery at Blackwell on these dates: Saturday, April 28; Saturday, May 5; Friday, May 11; Wednesday, May 16; Monday, May 21; Friday, May 25; Saturday, June 2; Friday, June 5; Wednesday, June 13; Monday, June 18; and Saturday, June 30.

For information, call (630) 933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org.