Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center

Volunteer Opportunities

CL Senior Citizens Club Woodcarving Group
For both novice and experienced carvers. This informal group is for anyone interested in learning about wood carving. Anyone interested can stop by and learn some carving basics. There is no fee involved, but you need to bring your own tools. The group meets at the Nature Center twice a month. For more information contact William Markison at (815)459-3769.

Gardening Volunteers
Do you like to work in the garden? Have you run out of room at home? If so, we have an offer for you! The Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center is in the process of redesigning our flower beds and we would love to have your help. If you are a serious gardener and would like to help us with our planting beds at the Nature Center, call John at (815) 455-1763 or email JFiorina@crystallakeparks.org.

Natural Resource Volunteers
The natural areas found throughout the Crystal Lake Park District provide countless opportunities for volunteers looking to make a difference by helping the environment. Individuals and groups alike can benefit from the rewarding and educational experience of restoring our native ecosystems through removal of non-native species, plant monitoring and seed collecting. If you are interested, please contact the Nature Center at (815)455-1763 for more information.

Butternut Nature Preserve
Volunteer Steward: Judi Stuck
The Butternut Nature Preserve, characterized by woodland and prairie, is located on a branch of the Kishwaukee River and has something to offer everyone. Contact the Nature Center at (815)455-1763, for specific work dates and times.

Lippold Park Wetland Complex
Volunteer Steward: Position open
Located on the west end of Lippold Park, this wetland helps to clean the water flowing into Crystal Lake from surrounding agricultural lands. There is currently no steward for this park so if you are interested please call John Fiorina, at (815)455-1763, or email JFiorina@crystallakeparks.org.

Sterne's Woods Fen
Volunteer Steward: Larry Smith
Volunteer Co-Steward: Position open
One of the highest quality wetlands of its type in the state, Sterne's Woods Fen is home to many rare and beautiful native plants. For more information or if you would like to serve as co-steward please call John Fiorina at (815)455-1763 or email JFiorina@crystallakeparks.org

Scheduled Work Days:
Saturday, January 20, 10 AM-2 PM
Saturday, February 18, 10 AM-2 PM

Veteran Acres and Wingate Prairie Nature Preserve
Volunteer Steward: Jim Wigman
One of our most popular sites, Veteran Acres / Wingate Prairie, has been formally dedicated as a sanctuary for native plants and animals. Through the help of volunteers this area is maintained in its natural condition so that present and future generations can see the Illinois landscape as it appeared in the past.

Scheduled Work Days:
1st and 3rd Saturday of each month
9-11 AM - Meet at the Nature Center
Every Tuesday
2-4 PM - Meet at the Nature Center