Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are an integral part of the Nature Center.  Without their help we would not be able to accomplish much of what we do.  Our restoration efforts in Wingate Prairie and Sterne's Woods and Fen rely heavily on the countless hours of work, and our educational programs would reach far fewer people.

In order for many of our volunteer positions to be successful they require a certain level of commitment from the volunteer, as well as, the Nature Center.  Because of this, we ask that you take this into consideration while you are deciding if volunteering is right for you.

Natural Resource Volunteer Program
Our Natural Resource Volunteer Program is for people who are looking for a more physical activity that will keep them outdoors as much as possible, while directly helping the environment.  These positions cover such activities as  helping to control invasive species, monitoring plant communities and inspecting trails.

• Restoration Volunteer
• Volunteer Restoration Crew Leader
• Volunteer Site Steward (requires a mentoring period)
• Volunteer Plant Monitor
• Volunteer Trail Monitor

If you are interested in our Natural Resources Volunteer Program and would like to learn more about it before making a commitment, you may want to come out to one of our regularly scheduled workdays.

Wingate Prairie Workdays

• Meet at the Nature Center
• Every Tuesday from 2-4 pm
• The first and third Saturday of every month from 9-11 am

Interpretive Services Volunteer Positions
Our Interpretive Services Volunteer Program is for those who love nature and simply want to share it with others.  These positions include everything from helping with school field trips to maintaining interpretive gardens.  The following is a complete list of current opportunities.

• Volunteer Educator
• Visitor Services Volunteer
• Volunteer Butterfly House Guide
• Interpretive Garden Volunteer
• Volunteer Newsletter Writer

For more information on any of the volunteer opportunities listed above call The Nature Center at (815) 455-1763 or email John Fiorina at Jfiorina@crystallakeparks.org