Volunteers needed to help spruce up two DuPage forest preserves

Volunteers of all ages are invited to help local habitats by removing litter at two DuPage County forest preserves.

Both cleanups are scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon. The first is on Make a Difference Day Oct. 26 at the East Branch Forest Preserve near Glendale Heights and the second is on Random Acts of Kindness Day Nov. 2 at Hidden Lake Forest Preserve near Downers Grove.

Individuals and families as well as school, church, Scouts and other groups are invited, but adults must accompany children younger than 18.

Participants can register for Make a Difference Day and Random Acts of Kindness online or by calling (630) 206-9630.

Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, waterproof boots and gloves because they will be cleaning along shorelines and trails.

"East Branch is a beautiful preserve to visit in the fall to see the colorful prairie grasses, enjoy a picnic outdoors or drop a line in Rush Lake," said district Volunteer Services Coordinator Deborah Brooks. "We hope that volunteers feel good knowing their efforts will help keep the environment clean and healthy for all to enjoy."

The district has Volunteer Restoration Workdays throughout the year as well as more than 50 volunteer opportunities in 10 different volunteer programs.

For more information, contact Volunteer Services at (630) 933-7233 or volunteer@dupageforest.org.