Volunteer Opportunities
- Public Program & Special Event Volunteers. Engage the public in the Department’s array of exciting programs and events throughout the Forest Preserves. (see below for more info)
- Youth Program Volunteer. Assist staff with school programs (Sept-May) and summer day camps (June-July) at Homer Lake, Lake of the Woods and other District sites. (see below for more info)
- Counselor in Training. These 11-17 year old volunteers assist with summer day camps at Homer Lake and Lake of the Woods. (see below for more info)
- Program Photographer. Photograph posed and action shots of participants at events and programs.
- Office Assistant. Provide friendly service to visitors at the Museum of the Grand Prairie and/or the Homer Lake Interpretive Center.
- Frog Call Survey. Monitor frog populations at District sites in this citizen science initiative.
- Museum-Specific Volunteer Opportunities
- Living History Volunteer. Demonstrate daily life skills and vocations in 19th century Illinois through first and third person interpretation.
- Docent/Tour Guide. Help visitors gain more understanding of the exhibits at the Museum of the Grand Prairie.
- Collections Volunteer. Process, catalogue and care for our collections at the Museum of the Grand Prairie
- Exhibit Volunteer. Work with our curatorial staff to aid in the design and/or construction of temporary and permanent exhibits.
More Information
Public Programs and Special Events
We annually need help at the following regular events, as well as new events that occur each year.
Our most popular annual programs & events:
- Prairie Stories
- Harvest Fest
- Take Me Fishing
- Bird Migration Festival
- Owl Prowls & Woodcock Walks
Summer Day Camps
Counselor-in-Training Program
If you are 11-17 years old, you may apply to be a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) for summer day camps at Homer Lake and Lake of the Woods.
For more information, email Cathy Schneider at [email protected] or call (217) 896-2455. Candidates are selected through an application and interview process.
Adult Day Camp Volunteers
Our adult volunteers play a valuable role in our summer day camps! Please contact Stacey Clementz or call (217) 896-2455 for more information about current needs.
School Programs
Assist staff with education programs for school groups, grades K- 5. Training is provided. Time commitment is generally 2-3 hours for each program (including setup and cleanup), unless noted otherwise.
Programs occur on weekdays; exact dates and times for each program vary depending on teachers' schedules. Please contact us for more information.
Our most popular programs are listed below.
Prairie Adventures
(This is a five-hour program; volunteer for a half-day or full-day)
- Season: Sept-Oct
- Location: Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
- Contact: Patrick Ahasic, Stacey Clementz
One-Room Schoolhouse
Dress in traditional garb as you take students on a trip back in time in our one-room schoolhouse. Schedule will vary according to how many marms or masters we have at the time. Pick the times you can be here.
- Season: April-May & Sept-Oct
- Location: Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
- Contact: Stacey Clementz
First Illinoisans
- Season: Oct-Nov
- Location: Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
- Contact: Stacey Clementz
Life on the Grand Prairie
- Season: Sept-Nov; March-May
- Location: Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
- Contact: Stacey Clementz
Into Insects
- Season: April-May & Sept-Oct
- Location: Homer Lake & Lake of the Woods Forest Preserves
- Contact: Patrick Ahasic
Sights & Sounds of Nature
- Season: April-May & Sept-Nov
- Location: Homer Lake & Lake of the Woods Forest Preserves
- Contact: Patrick Ahasic
Frog Follies
- Season: April-May & Sept
- Location: Homer Lake & Lake of the Woods Forest Preserves
- Contact: Patrick Ahasic
Seed Safari
- Season: April-May & Sept-Nov
- Location: Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
- Contact: Stacey Clementz
Botany Basics
- Season: April-May & Sept-Nov
- Location: Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
- Contact: Stacey Clementz