Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Mary Andrusyk

3S580 Naperville Road

Wheaton, IL 60189

(630) 871-7543

mandrusyk@dupageforest.org

Organization Mission:

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s mission is “to acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure and recreation of its citizens.”

Description of Teen Volunteer Opportunities:

Our greatest volunteer need is for restoration activities in several of the DuPage forest preserves.  This is open to community members who are eager to help restore biodiversity and function to our native ecosystems.  Restoration activities include brush cutting, invasive plant removal, seed collecting in preserves, and gardening tasks at the Native Plant Nursery.

Minimum Age Requirement:

Minimum age for restoration projects is 8 years; minimum age for the Nursery is 12 years. All volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult

Skills or Experience Necessary:

Volunteers must be up for getting a little dirty and don’t mind a little hard work outside in varying weather/temperatures.  Volunteers should be good listeners and able to follow directions to avoid injury to self, others, and the natural spaces.