Forest Preserves of Cook County Volunteer Stewardship

The Forest Preserves of Cook County manages 70,000 acres of natural land surrounding Chicago, and volunteer stewardship crews are essential to restoring prairie, savanna, and wetland ecosystems. Sessions involve invasive species removal, native seed collecting and planting, and prescribed fire prep. Work parties happen year-round at dozens of preserve sites — check their calendar and register for a site near you.