Natural Resource Management Volunteer Opportunities

Natural Resource Management

Volunteer Forms | The Spirit | Current Site Stewards

Nature Workday Schedules: Oct.-Dec., 2008

The Natural Resource Management volunteer program gives individuals and opportunity to bring ecological character back to the area's functioning native ecosystems. The District's Habitat Improvement Program relies on volunteers to continue its effort to restore natural diversity to DuPage preserves. During workdays led by District staff or site stewards, volunteers collect and redistribute seeds or remove invasive species to re-establish native prairies and woodlands. Volunteers also monitor bird, amphibian, reptile, and insect populations and care for seedlings in the District's native plant nursery. Help improve the habitats of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County by joining this dedicated group of volunteers.

Please note the following application deadlines to be considered for the 2007 volunteer season:

Amphibian Monitor: January 15
Bird Monitor: April 15
Bluebird Monitor: February 15
Butterfly/Dragonfly Monitor: February 15
Waterway Keeper: February 15

Amphibian Monitor:

Amphibian monitors help District ecologists assess frog and toad populations and update preserve species lists. They provide important data about frogs and toads that are integrated into site management plans. Opportunities are available at many preserves.

Volunteers complete a breeding survey a minimum of once every two weeks during the four distinct breeding periods that occur between early spring and mid-summer (late March through late July). Surveys take place at night, during appropriate weather conditions. Monitors identify species by call. Monitors also search for amphibian larvae along wetland edges.This is a flexible program that allows monitors to complete their surveys at times convenient to their schedules, as long as surveys are conducted during optimum conditions.

Responsibilities:

Complete District training and learn how to identify frog and toad calls
Complete multiple surveys during three amphibian breeding periods. Weather conditions may be inappropriate or amphibians may not be active each time a monitor visits. Therefore, volunteers should expect to visit the monitoring site often in order to collect the best data
Complete survey and summary sheets accurately and send them to the NRM Volunteer Liaison at the end of each breeding period
Adhere to District safety and confidentiality regulations (found under the “Doing the Survey” section of the Amphibian Monitoring Manual)

Requirements:

Independent and self-motivated, with an interest in natural areas and amphibian conservation
Be a steward, co-steward, or active volunteer with at least one year of experience, unless the Animal Ecologist makes an exception for a very qualified candidate
Have good hearing (for call identification)
At least 18 years old, unless the Animal Ecologist makes an exception
A District volunteer application, waiver, two references and background check consent form on file

Commitment:

Amphibian monitoring volunteers must commit for at least one breeding season, but will ideally observe a site for several years.

For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.

Bird Monitor:

Bird monitoring helps District ecologists assess bird populations, update species lists, and evaluate the effect of natural areas restoration projects on bird populations. Opportunities are available at many preserves.

Volunteers complete point-counts, where they listen at a pre-designed point for 10 minutes and record all the calls they hear or birds they see within 100 meters (in open habitat) or 50 meters (in woodlands) of the point. Depending on the monitor’s interest and the preserve, a survey route may consist of only one point, or may be a multi-point route that requires between twenty minutes and three hours to survey.

Bird monitors complete point-count surveys once per week during the breeding season (June). Surveys must be completed between sunrise and 8:00 a.m. and must take place in good weather conditions. The breeding season is the most important data collection time. However, if volunteers would like to monitor during the winter season (January – February) and/or during the spring (May) and/or fall (September) migration seasons, the Ecology Team would be excited to receive that data.

The Animal Ecologist supervises bird monitors. Birders should be independent, self-motivated individuals with good vision and hearing. This is a very flexible program that allows monitors to complete their survey routes at times convenient to their schedules.

Responsibilities:

Monitors complete District training
Monitors complete their point-count surveys one morning per week during the breeding season. If they choose to monitor during the spring/fall migration season, they complete surveys once per week. If they choose to monitor during the winter, they complete surveys once every two weeks
Complete survey sheets accurately and carefully and send them to the NRM Volunteer Liaison once per month during the months they monitor
Adhere to District regulations about confidentiality for sightings of endangered, threatened, or watch list birds

Requirements:

Have three years of experience with field identification of birds. Volunteers should be able to identify resident bird species in northeastern Illinois by sight or call. The Animal Ecologist may make an exception if a birder has strong field identification skills but less than three years experience
Good hearing, so that the monitor can distinguish songs and calls
Good vision, so that the monitor can correctly identify species by sight
Must be at least 18 years old
A District volunteer application, waiver, two references and background check consent form on file

Commitment:

Volunteers monitor birds for at least one breeding season. The District especially appreciates monitors who are able to monitor during the spring/fall migration(s), and/or winter season. Ideally, a monitor will observe a site for several years.

For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.

Bluebird Monitor:

Volunteers help restore successful breeding bluebird populations to DuPage County. Monitors record observations and check boxes a minimum of once a week, from mid-March until the last fledging leaves the nest (usually at the end of July). District ecologists use data to assess songbird populations and track trends. Information is integrated into the Illinois Bluebird Project (a state-wide effort) and North American Bluebird Society (a regional effort) to help determine nesting success rates, box preferences, trends, and overall success of bluebird populations. This program is flexible and allows monitors to complete their box inspections any day of the week, during normal hours of operations (one hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset). Opportunities are available at many preserves.

Responsibilities:

New volunteers must complete a one-time District training session to learn monitoring protocol and identification of various bird species dependant on nesting cavities, along with their breeding behavior, nests and eggs
Check bluebird trails once a week, starting in mid-March until the last fledging leaves the nest (usually at the end of July). At a minimum, monitoring dates must coincide within a seven-day period
Cross-train on at least one other bluebird route and act as a substitute for an absent volunteer (ensures coverage of all bluebird boxes during the breeding season)
Adhere to District safety and confidentiality guidelines
Accurately complete field recording data sheets and summary sheets. Submit all forms to NRM Volunteer Liaison by the end of September

Requirements:

An interest in bird populations, ecology and conservation
Are at least 18 years old, unless accompanied by another adult volunteer
Able to work independently outdoors and follow directions
Have a District volunteer application, two references, waiver and background consent form on file

Commitment:

Volunteer must commit for at least one breeding season. Ideally, monitors would maintain a bluebird trail for several years.

For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.

Butterfly and Dragonfly Monitor:

Butterfly monitors perform several summer censuses at a specific site to collect data about a place’s butterflies. The Butterfly Monitoring Network, a project of the Volunteer Stewardship Network of The Nature Conservancy, trains monitors. Monitors return their data sheets to the Butterfly Monitoring Coordinator of the Network and give copies to the NRM Volunteer Liaison. Before a monitor completes the Network’s training, they should call the NRM Volunteer Liaison to ensure that they will be able to monitor at a convenient site, because butterfly monitors are only needed at certain District natural areas. Prospective volunteers do not need to know anything about butterflies.

For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.

Co-Steward:

A co-steward is responsible for some substantial aspect of the volunteer natural resource management of an ecologically-valuable natural area. Co-stewards may:

Direct all the volunteer restoration and management work at one section of the site; or
Oversee one aspect of volunteer work at the site, such as bird monitoring, volunteer recruitment, seed collecting, education and outreach, producing a newsletter, etc.

Almost all District co-stewards are members of the Volunteer Stewardship Network of The Nature Conservancy. Volunteer stewards supervise and mentor co-stewards. Co-stewards contribute significantly to the restoration of a site, but do not need to have the commitment and knowledge of a steward.

Responsibilities:

A co-steward is qualified for and successfully completes the work he/she agrees to do
Completes District forms and returns them to the District in the required length of time specified by District Natural Resource Management (NRM) staff
Works cooperatively with District staff and other volunteers
If a co-steward chooses to do ecological management work at the site, he/she learns and adheres to ethical and ecologically-sound principles. All ecological management work must be in accord with District-approved management plans

Requirements:

Has an interest in natural areas and ecological restoration
Must be at least 18 years old
Co-stewards are active in the District’s NRM Volunteer Program for at least six months before they become co-stewards. The NRM Supervisor may make an exception if a volunteer has previous academic or professional experience, has participated in a similar volunteer program for at least six months, and/or has outstanding ecological knowledge and organizational skills
A District volunteer application, waiver, two references and background check consent form on file
Is approved by both the site steward and the NRM Supervisor

Commitment:

Co-stewards are asked to make a minimum one-year commitment
Attend any required District workshops or training

For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.

Ecosystem Monitor:

Stewards, co-stewards, and experienced volunteers have the option of doing light monitoring, plant community health monitoring, and photo-monitoring at restoration sites. For more information, contact NRM Volunteer Liaison.

Light monitoring is a valuable tool at many forest and savanna sites to help guide management plans and to determine how much light different plant species need to survive
Volunteers may setup vegetation transects, conduct time-meander searches, or use other techniques to assess plant community health. Community health monitors need strong plant identification skills
Photo monitors take pictures of areas undergoing ecological management to record how these areas change over time as a result of restoration work. Photo monitors take pictures 2 – 4 times a year. The District reimburses them for the cost of film and processing.

For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.

Graphic Designer:

This volunteer will be responsible for the graphic design and layout of the bi-annual Natural Resource Management newsletter. This volunteer will also assist staff in other graphic design projects such as layout for newspaper advertisements.

Responsibilities:

Bi-annual layout of newsletter
Other graphic design projects as may arise

Requirements:

Must be at least 21 years old
Must have computer graphic design knowledge/experience and layout capability
Should be creative and able to follow guidelines
Must be able to work with newsletter editor and staff
Must be willing to work towards agreed goals
Must be able to attend occasional planning/progress meetings with staff

Commitment:

A minimum of 3 hours per month
One year commitment

For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.

Herbicide Applicator:

Herbicide volunteers help restore natural areas by applying herbicide to invasive plant species. In addition to other requirements, volunteers must be at least 21 years old, have at least one year of experience as a natural areas volunteer on District lands, and must pass a state-administered certification exam. The Forest Preserve District Herbicide Volunteer Manual contains more information about this program. To find out more, consult the NRM Volunteer Liaison.

For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.

Native Plant Nursery Steward:

Native Plant Nursery stewards assist Natural Resource Management (NRM) staff with the maintenance of the Native Plant Nursery. Stewards are encouraged to assume responsibility for an aspect of Nursery operations (seed collecting, weeding certain beds, sign-making, etc.) or to supervise volunteer workdays. They coordinate their work plan with the appropriate NRM staff. Qualified volunteer stewards may also initiate special projects, subject to approval by the NRM Supervisor. NRM staff will train volunteer leaders and are available to answer questions.

Responsibilities:

During the growing season (approx. May – October), volunteer leaders and other volunteers will maintain the plant beds
May supervise and train other Nursery volunteers
Work in cooperation with NRM staff
Perform miscellaneous duties as requested by staff and agreed to by the volunteer

Requirements:

Nursery stewards meet the same qualifications as Nursery Volunteers. Additional qualifications are listed below
Ability to train and/or supervise other Nursery volunteers
Must be at least 18 years old
A District volunteer application, waiver, two references and background check consent form on file

Commitment:

Volunteer leaders are asked to make a commitment for one growing season (May – October).

For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.

Native Plant Nursery:

Native Plant Nursery volunteers assist Natural Resource Management (NRM) staff with the maintenance of the Native Plant Nursery. Volunteers may weed or water plant beds, install plugs, monitor and inventory plants, collect and clean seed, keep records, develop appropriate signs or educational programs, and maintain walkways. Volunteers are encouraged to assume responsibility for an aspect of Nursery operations (seed collecting, weeding certain beds, sign making, etc); they coordinate their work plan with the appropriate NRM staff. Qualified volunteers may also initiate special projects, subject to approval by the NRM Coordinator. All Nursery volunteers use hand tools (spades, trowels, wheelbarrows, etc.) in their work. NRM staff train volunteers and are available to answer questions.

The amount and type of work in the Nursery varies from day to day and year to year, depending on weather conditions. Our two busiest times are late spring/early summer, when we do a great deal of weeding and planting, and late summer/early fall, when native plant seed ripens and must be collected. Depending on rainfall, it may be necessary to weed heavily during the middle of the summer.

Responsibilities:

During the growing season (approx. May – October), volunteers maintain the plant beds. Volunteers spend most of their time weeding in the early summer, and collecting seed in the late summer and fall
Volunteer leaders may supervise and train other Nursery volunteers
Volunteers work in cooperation with NRM staff
Perform miscellaneous duties as requested by staff and agreed to by the volunteer

Requirements:

Interest and some skill in working with live plants; staff will provide all necessary training
Knowledge of native prairie and savanna plant species and horticultural practices would be beneficial. Staff will provide training in plant identification
Generally capable of working in a garden environment and performing care taking or monitoring tasks. Able to work up to three hours at a time weeding on his/her knees. Capable of working outdoors for up to four hours at a time in various weather conditions and the ability to use small hand tools
Understanding of and compliance with District safety standards
Must be at least 18 years old, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian
A District volunteer application, two references, waiver and background check consent form on file
Volunteers attend an information session and receive hands-on training

Commitment:

Volunteers are asked to make a commitment for one growing season (May – October).

For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.

Natural Resource Management:

Less than one-tenth of one percent of Illinois’ native ecosystems exist today. The few natural areas that remain are globally-endangered habitats. These ecologically-valued areas are home to a wide array of plants and animals unique to Illinois and the Midwest. NRM Volunteers learn about and participate in the preservation and restoration of many of these significant natural areas.

Most volunteers begin their involvement in the program by attending a workday – a time when participants work to restore a natural area to ecological health. Volunteers of all ages can learn a great deal at workdays. From late fall to early spring, volunteers selectively clear exotic shrubs that invade natural areas and shade out native plants. Once these aggressive shrubs take over a preserve, an area that previously supported a few hundred plant and animal species unique to Illinois or the Midwest frequently will contain only a few species. After invasive shrubs are selectively removed, native plants often begin to grow again. In summer and fall, volunteers collect seed from native plants. From autumn to spring, volunteers plant the seeds in places where exotic bushes have been removed.

Special project workdays

Special Project or Group Workdays are completed by youth groups, civic organizations, or prospective Eagle Scouts – include all the above activities, as well as picking up trash, building nest boxes, and other projects.

Volunteers complete a District waiver at or before their first workday. Waivers are available on this website under Volunteer Forms. If volunteers will be participating in workdays on a regular basis, volunteers are encouraged to complete a District volunteer application form so that they qualify for District benefits. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old, unless accompanied and supervised by an adult. (Youth group projects with children younger than 14 require different adult: child ratios, usually at least 1:5. Group project volunteers aged 14-17 must be accompanied by one adult for every ten youths.)

Workdays last about three-four hours or less, depending on the day’s task(s). Either a volunteer leader or a District employee supervises a workday. Workdays begin with an education/training session. Workday volunteers should wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Long pants, and sturdy shoes are always necessary, and leather-palmed work gloves are often a good idea. Workday participants should be able to handle tools and work at length, because workdays can be strenuous.

Volunteers may also contribute by making phone calls, managing databases, publicizing activities, etc. Most volunteer programs and workdays are conducted in cooperation with the Volunteer Stewardship Network of The Nature Conservancy.

Responsibilities:

Volunteers should be on time for the activity they’re attending
Must follow District safety guidelines
Volunteers should only accept tasks they are physically capable of completing

Requirements:

An interest in natural areas conservation
A District volunteer application, waiver, two references and background check consent form on file after three workdays

Commitment:

Volunteers participate as their schedule allows.

For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.

Rare Plant Population Monitor:

Monitors observe populations of rare plants. They monitor population trends and notify the District of possible threats to a population. Plant monitors are encouraged to note the associates and habitat of their assigned species. With District and steward approval, volunteers may also collect seed from the species they monitor and redistribute the seed to an appropriate habitat within the preserve. Volunteer opportunities are available at preserves throughout the District. Monitors are supervised by either a site steward or the District’s Plant Ecologist. Plant monitors should be independent, self-motivated individuals, because this is a very flexible program where monitors observe their assigned species at times convenient to their schedules.

Responsibilities:

Monitors his/her assigned plant populations, using appropriate techniques. Monitors visit their species as often as necessary to collect the relevant data
Sends completed plant monitoring forms to the Natural Resource Management (NRM) Volunteer Liaison by November 15, unless the Plant Ecologist sets a different completion date. If monitors are part of the Volunteer Stewardship Network (VSN), they should send an additional copy of their forms to their VSN contact. Stewards may turn in their plant monitoring data with their year-end report on February 15
If a plant population is in immediate danger, a monitor should contact the Plant Ecologist as soon as the monitor notices the threat
Completes an on-site training session with District staff. If the monitor is a steward, no on-site training is required. If a steward requests an on-site training, staff will be happy to provide one

Requirements:

Has an interest in natural areas restoration and plant monitoring. Some background in plant identification or biology is preferable, but staff will train a promising novice
Has been an active volunteer for at least one year and has attended at least four workdays, or is a District steward or co-steward. The NRM Supervisor may make an exception if the volunteer has previous experience or is an outstanding volunteer
A District volunteer application, waiver, two references and background check consent form on file

Commitment:

Volunteers are asked to make a one-year commitment. The ideal monitor will volunteer for several years, in order to develop a sense of the population trend for each species.

For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.

Steward:

A steward assumes responsibility for the volunteer natural resource management and restoration of an ecologically valuable natural area in cooperation with the Forest Preserve District. Almost all District stewards are also members of the Volunteer Stewardship Network of The Nature Conservancy. At a minimum, a steward surveys the natural area at least twice a year and reports his/her findings to the Forest Preserve District. During these surveys, a steward walks the site and notes any inappropriate land use activities (e.g., off-road biking), changes in neighboring land use, or unauthorized access routes into the preserve. Stewards share ideas and solutions to site problems with District staff and other stewards. Each steward is encouraged to contribute to the management plan for the site he/she stewards.

Depending on the needs of the site and the steward’s interests and experience, he/she may choose to do a great deal more. With District approval, a steward may perform ecological management activities at the site. She or he may organize site workdays in which volunteers collect or rake in seed, remove exotic plant species, clean up trash at the preserve, or perform other work. Additionally, with District approval, a steward may monitor the flora, fauna, natural communities, water bodies, and/or resources at the site, or supervise other volunteers who do so. Stewards with special skills may initiate other activities (e.g., research, educational programs) with the approval of the Natural Resource Management (NRM) Supervisor.

Responsibilities:

Stewards monitor their sites on a periodic basis, at least twice a year
Complete District forms (e.g., time sheets, workday sign-in sheets) and return them to the District within the length of time specified by District NRM staff
Follow all applicable District policies and procedures listed in the NRM Volunteer Manual or given to them by the NRM Supervisor or Volunteer Liaison
Work cooperatively with District staff and other volunteers
If a steward chooses to do ecological management work at the site, she/he learns and adheres to ethical and ecologically-sound principles. All ecological management work must be in accord with District-approved management plans
If a steward chooses to hold workdays:
1. He/she gives the District at least two months notice of a publicized workday so that the District can avoid schedule conflicts
2. He/she trains inexperienced volunteers. Stewards demonstrate efficient and safe ways to use tools (e.g., seed rakes, loppers, bow saws) to all workday volunteers
3. He/she is responsible for ensuring that all workday volunteers under his/her supervision work in a safe manner

Requirements:

Stewards are interested in natural areas and ecological restoration
Are at least 18 years old
A prospective steward completes an apprenticeship with an experienced steward before becoming a steward at his or her own site.An apprentice becomes a steward upon approval by their mentor steward(s), any other volunteer members of the New Steward Approval Committee, and the NRM Supervisor
Prospective stewards are active in the Forest Preserve District’s NRM Volunteer Program for at least six months before they become stewards. The NRM Supervisor may make an exception if a volunteer has previous academic or professional experience, has participated in a similar volunteer program for at least six months, and/or has outstanding ecological knowledge and organizational skills
If a steward holds workdays on his/her site, he or she has the organizational and planning skills necessary to hold an efficient and safe workday
Are in good health. If stewards choose to do physical work on their sites (e.g., cutting brush, raking in seed), they are capable of strenuous physical labor. Each steward should confer with his or her physician to ensure that he/she has all vaccines necessary to safely work outdoors and is in good physical condition. The Forest Preserve District recommends that all stewards have an up-to-date tetanus vaccination
A District volunteer application, waiver, two references and background check consent form on file

Commitment:

Stewards are asked to make a minimum one-year commitment
Stewards attend any required District workshops or training

For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.

Waterway Keeper:

Waterway Keepers are responsible for the removal of litter and debris from the Forest Preserve District’s designated lakes, streams and rivers. Designated areas for this activity are: Silver Lake - Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville, Herrick Lake - Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton, and Deep Quarry Lake - West Branch Forest Preserve in Bartlett, Salt Creek, East Branch of the DuPage River and West Branch of the DuPage River. Volunteers will educate fishermen and kayak/canoe users on the merits of the Cast No Trash program. The program asks preserve users to help keep the lakes litter free by doing the following:

Collect all of your trash
Approach the nearest trash and recycling bins
Separate recyclable from non-recyclable trash
Throw your recyclables and trash completely into the marked bins or take it with you

By keeping the lakes clean, you can help protect wildlife and make your DuPage forest preserves a healthier place for all.

Responsibilities:

Removal of litter and debris from designated Forest Preserve District lakes and rivers
Educate preserve users on the Cast No Trash program
Volunteers should use good judgment and de-litter only when the waterway is calm. Low wind speeds, early morning and late afternoon are ideal conditions for de-littering
Must be conducted during normal preserve hours: one hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset
May be asked to assist Willowbrook Interpreters with various Community Outreach programs
Works in cooperation with staff and other volunteers

Requirements:

Must be at least 16 years old
Must work through the hierarchy of training/experience to de-litter on the rivers
Should be self-motivated
Able to work independently and as a team member
A District volunteer application, waiver, two references and a criminal background check consent form must be on file
Must provide and wear a properly fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD) - life jacket
Must be able to swim
Must submit summary form of volunteer hours, dates, sites and quantity of litter collected at the end of the season (October) to the NRM Volunteer Liaison
Must work with a trained/experienced volunteer companion while on any of the designated rivers
Will be required to wear and use provided volunteer identification
A tetanus shot is strongly recommended for those who have not had a tetanus inoculation in the last 10 years
Must provide proof of Illinois Watercraft registration prior to receiving the Forest Preserve District boat permit
Must provide your own canoe, kayak or johnboat
Must attend one basic training workshop and one hands on-site training workshop

Commitment:

30 hours per season (April - September)
One season commitment

For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.

Volunteer Forms | Nature Workday Schedule | The Spirit

Street Address: 3 S 580 Naperville Road, Wheaton, IL 60187-8761
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5000, Wheaton, IL 60189-5000
email: forest@dupageforest.com (630) 933-7200 Fax: (630) 933-7204 TTY: (800) 526-0857