Veterans can help group restore Volo Bog

Illinois veterans interested in working on a volunteer basis on projects to restore the state’s natural habitats can join the Veterans Conservation Corps forming at Volo Bog State Natural Area and Moraine Hills State Park & McHenry Dam.

The inaugural meeting is 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 1. To register for the VCC team or the first meeting, or to learn more, contact Stacy Iwanicki at (815) 344-1294 or dnr.volobog@illinois.gov.

Many veterans want to continue to serve their community even after their military duties are completed. By becoming a member of the VCC, volunteers become part of a team dedicated to protect Illinois’ natural resources.

VCC volunteers gain new skills and knowledge, work with natural resource professionals and connect with people who have the same interests. The Veterans Conservation Corps is a joint program from the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The VCC is forming a combined group at Volo Bog State Natural Area in Ingleside and Moraine Hills State Park & McHenry Dam in McHenry. The first project is a Leave No Child Inside-inspired habitat project at Volo Bog. The inaugural session will also include group development aimed to allow the VCC team a level of autonomy and self-determination on future projects while working within the IDNR’s restoration goals and guidelines.

Volo Bog is an IDNR site on Brandenburg Road, west of Route 12 between routes 120 and 134, in Ingleside. For program reservations, contact (815) 344-1294 or dnr.volobog@illinois.gov

Moraine 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 (815) 344-1294 or dnr.volobog@illinois.gov. For information on the park, call (815) 385-1624.