Litter Cleanups (self-led)
Listed by Litter Cleanups
About
Litter Cleanups make a big impact in a short time. We’ll support you with gloves and bags, and you can choose your preferred Forest Preserve.
- Schedule a cleanup at any time at almost any Forest Preserve.
- All ages are welcome to volunteer.
- Groups larger than 10 people are required to register the details of their litter cleanup event.
- We provide gloves, bags and trash grabbers upon request.
- Your group leader organizes and leads the cleanup themselves, including arranging supervision and chaperones (if needed).
- Forest Preserves staff are not onsite for the workday. Litter Cleanups are self-led and can be for the individual as well as a group.
- Educational activity ideas are provided under the resources tab.
IMPORTANT: Complete the form provided in the follow up email upon registration. This is where you will input the group workday details.
Requirements
All volunteers need to complete the volunteer waiver and agreement form in order to participate. For volunteers under the age of 18, the waiver must be signed by the parent/guardian. Group leaders are responsible for ensuring all minors submit a completed waiver. A copy of the waiver can be found under the resources tab.
What to Expect
As a self-led event, staff will not be present at the workday. Please bring your own snacks and water bottles and place trash in Forest Preserves trash bins in parking lots. If the blue recycling bin is present, use it. If bin is overflowing, place trash bags beside the bins and contact us to schedule a pickup.
We provide disposable gloves and bags to groups. You are welcome to bring pick-up tools, if you have them. Get creative! Old salad or barbecue tongs work! Please record group volunteer hours online in your profile after your workday. Feel free to customize your day by adding fun group educational and recreational activities.
Safety
Park only in Forest Preserves lots; walk only on Forest Preserves property; avoid moving traffic; stay at least 20 feet away from roadsides. If you encounter non-emergency issues at a site call the Forest Preserve police at 708-771-1001 or in case of emergency, 911. Do not confront visitors. The collection of plants and animals is strictly prohibited. This includes harvesting firewood; collecting mushrooms, wildflowers or other wild plants and their seeds; and otherwise removing or damaging any plants or trees.
Resources & Accommodations
- Trash grabbers provided upon request.
- List of Forest Preserves Trails including length and surface (paved or unpaved): https://fpdcc.com/places/trails/
- Information on accessible Forest Preserves facilities, the mobility device usage policy, and the service animal policy: https://fpdcc.com/about/accessibility/
- Tip: Forest Preserves with an accessible picnic shelter have accessible parking, an accessible curb cut and path from parking to picnic shelter, and accessible path from picnic shelter to an accessible indoor bathroom or accessible portable bathroom.
- Please let us know if you have questions, suggestions to improve the accessibility of this program, or to share your experience as a volunteer: Volunteer.FPD@cookcountyil.gov.
Non-Profit / Community Organization
Recent Impacts
Location
TBD