Sand Ridge Nature Center - Stewardship Volunteer Days

Youth 13 and up can participate and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian unless otherwise noted in the event description. You can add minors to your registration form.

Schools and organized youth groups, please contact sandridge.naturecenter@cookcountyil.gov to inquire about volunteer opportunities.

All volunteers need to complete the volunteer agreement and waiver form in order to participate. For volunteers under age 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the waiver and attend the stewardship day. Be prepared for variable weather, uneven terrain, standing and/or walking for two or more hours, working near a fire, and hazardous insects and plants. 

What to Expect
Stewardship volunteers help to restore natural habitat by performing seasonal restoration tasks. The work may include removing weeds and invasive vegetation, cutting and burning invasive woody plants, collecting and spreading native seed, and collecting trash. These tasks may incorporate the use of tools, including hand saws, loppers, pruning shears, trowels, shovels, rakes, and other hand tools (manual). All necessary tools, supplies, gloves, and training will be provided.

Safety
While we strive to create the safest environment possible, it is impossible to eliminate all potential hazards when working outside in nature. Volunteers are advised to wear long pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes and other seasonally appropriate clothing that can get dirty. Bring a water bottle. Hazards may include stinging or biting insects, poison ivy, walking on uneven terrain, a fire to burn cut brush, and inclement weather.