JOIN US RESTORATION VOLUNTEERS!
If you enjoy outdoor work and want to meet some nice people while helping the community, you will enjoy our projects. We meet once a month for a variety of conservation projects designed to support our beautiful natural heritage. Projects range from seed collecting to invasive weed control. No experience is necessary – we’ll show you what to do, and we’ll explain why it’s important. We’ll also provide gloves, goggles and hand tools (if needed), drinking water and snacks. This is a partnership of Libertyville Township and Openlands.
Dress to work outside
Wear layers of clothes that can get dirty. We strongly recommend blue jeans, sturdy boots, and three layers on top. We’ve learned that fleece jackets are just a magnet for sticky seeds and are best left in the car. We’ve also learned that if we’re cold we’re miserable, so we always recommend an extra layer of warmth – better to have it and not need it than the other way around.
Schedule
We meet 9:00 a.m. to noon on the 2nd Saturday of each month and we alternate between two sites.
2018 DATES
Saturday, January 13 - Herbicide training class at Libertyville Township Office
Saturday, February 10 - Oak Openings
Saturday, March 10 - Liberty Prairie
Saturday, April 14 - Oak Openings
Saturday, May 12 - Donnelley Prairies and Oaks
Saturday, June 9 - Donnelley Prairies and Oaks
Saturday, July 14 - Liberty Prairie
Saturday, August 11 - Oak Openings
Saturday, September 8 - Liberty Prairie
Saturday, October 13 - Oak Openings
Saturday, November 10 - Liberty Prairie
Saturday, December 8 - Oak Openings
Directions
Liberty Prairie Nature Preserve
18267 Casey Road, Grayslake, IL
Located on the south side of Casey Road, one mile west of Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21).
Turn into the driveway and park/meet where the driveway crosses the trail. This is a private driveway. Parking is only permitted on volunteer work days.
Oak Openings Nature Preserve
Route 45, Grayslake, IL
On the east side of Route 45, one-half mile north of Casey Road.
Meet in the parking lot.
Donnelley Prairies and Oaks Preserve
The site is located on Casey Road. Entrance to the site is the farm entrance/gate west of Almond and Casey Roads, on the South side of Casey Road.
Weather Cancellations
We’re tough and hardy but we know our limits. Workdays will not be held under the following conditions:
- Lightning or extremely high winds
- Deep, heavy snow
- Temperatures or wind chills of 10 degrees or lower
- Temperatures of 95 degrees or higher
Youth Guidelines
Children 12 and older are welcome if accompanied by a supervising adult. High school students who enjoy working in the outdoors are welcome with parental permission.
Grow Your Skills
Volunteers have several opportunities for training and licensing for activities such as herbicide application and controlled burns. Please note that classes and tests must be successfully completed and volunteers then work under direction of paid staff. Safety is our highest priority.
Contact Us
Libertyville Township
359 Merrill Court
Libertyville, IL 60048
847.816.6800
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