Currently, there are too many invasive plants in the forest preserves.

These species are removed by volunteers using hand tools and then stacked and burned to help improve habitat for native plants and animals. Trained leaders show you how to identify plants that don’t belong and demonstrate how to safely use hand tools to remove them.

All the necessary tools and work gloves are provided. Depending on the season, workdays may also include native seed collection for dispersal in areas cleared of invasive species or nature walks to enjoy the preserve.

All participants should be dressed for a day of outdoor work.

Please wear covered shoes (hiking boots or tennis shoes) and long pants. Clothing should be made of natural fibers such as cotton or wool (no synthetic clothing) as workdays often have brushpile burns and stray embers can “burn” clothing.

Please wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty.

Please bring your own drinking water. Depending on the season, sun screen or insect repellant maybe good items to bring to a workday.