For families and individuals searching out opportunities to “give back” or “pay it forward” through volunteering, the prospects abound in the backyards of Du Page County. Take a look at some of the locations within the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County where many hands take care of many lands -and horses and birds and ecosystems as well.
Volunteer Position: Horse-Care Volunteer
Location: Danada Equestrian Center 3S503 Naperville Road, Wheaton
Minimum Age: 14 years old
Minimum Hours: 4 hours per week
Whether you fancy yourself a horse whisperer or simply wished upon a birthday star for a pony, if you love horses this may be the opportunity for you. Volunteers are trained to groom, feed, saddle and bridle the horses and to identify and corral the animals in large pastures. No experience is needed to assist with maintaining the barn, cleaning the stables, repairing fences and much more. The Danada Equestrian Center volunteer program accepts applications through October 15 each year and orientation and training begin the following February. This volunteer position requires a one-year commitment and the ability to lift 40 pounds on a regular basis.
Volunteer Position: Natural Resource Management Volunteer
Locations vary throughout the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Minimum age: 8 years old (custom jobs may be available for younger children and groups)
One-time Workday “shift” (many shifts available)
According to Deborah Cuca-Brooks, volunteer recruitment specialist with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, these “nature work” volunteer positions are perfect for young volunteers, families, groups or seniors who want to make a difference in the community and help our native ecosystems. Workday volunteers may assist with brush and seed collecting, seed planting, and weed and buckthorn removal. Reservations must be made at least five days in advance.
Volunteer Position: Junior Keeper Volunteer and Animal Keeper Volunteer
Location: Willowbrook Wildlife Center 525 S. Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn
Minimum Age: 13 years old for Junior/ 18 years old for Animal Keeper
Minimum Hours: Four hours per week on a set shift
You don’t have to be Dr. Doolittle to help with the animals at Willowbrook Wildlife Center. Both Animal Keepers and Junior Keepers assist with monitoring the condition of injured or orphaned wildlife and help visitors. There are a host of other volunteer jobs available at this wildlife rehabilitation and education facility. Check out www.dupageforest.org for volunteer applications, information and volunteer job listings.
For more information on these and over 100 other opportunities to volunteer at the locations within the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, call 630-933-7681 or visit www.dupageforest.com.
The mission of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is to acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands, and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purposes of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna, and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure, and recreation of its citizens.
Source: Deborah Cuca-Brooks, volunteer recruitment specialist with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.