Join our team! There are plenty of opportunities where you can share your time and talents while you make new friends and become an important part of St. Charles community. Whether you like the outdoors or the indoors, we need you!

Click here to print a volunteer application form to become a part of the award-winning St. Charles Park District.

More information about volunteering in natural areas...

Why do natural areas need your help?
Local natural areas are subject to many threats, both human and biological. One of the most damaging is the invasion by nonnative weeds and shrubs, which crowd and shade out native plants. Off-road vehicles, overuse, vandalism, poaching of rare plants, and dumping of yard waste also contribute to the decline of our natural areas. You can help identify these problems in the park district’s sites and work together with other volunteers and park district staff to help restore and preserve these special places.

The Benefits of Restoration
In addition to the historic and aesthetic goal of returning our natural areas to their unspoiled splendor, restoration will provide a number of additional benefits to the surrounding environment:

• Improved water quality
• Flood control
• Native plant and wildlife habitat
• Endangered species habitat enhancement & creation
• Increased public education opportunities
• Improved passive recreation opportunities

What is a “Work Day”?
• An Educational Opportunity for Everyone
• Learn about Ecological Restoration
• Physical Activity for People of all Ages
• Brush cutting
• Weeding
• Trash clean-up
• Controlled burnings (Spring/Fall)
• Seed collecting & dispersal
• Plant propagation
• Quality Time Enjoyed Outdoors with Family & Friends
• A Chance to Share Your Love of the Land with Others
• A Feeling of Satisfaction When You Make a Difference

WORK DAYS
Preservation and restoration work is ongoing at these sites. The Park District seeks and encourages citizen volunteers in this work. Call (630) 584-1885 for more information or to check for cancellations due to inclement weather.

Campton Hills Park
1st Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to noon - Campton Hills Road, west of Peck

Norris Woods Nature Preserve
2nd Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to noon - On 3rd Avenue, behind Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Ferson Creek Fen Nature Preserve
3rd Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to noon - On Route 31, north of St. Charles

Persimmon Woods
4th Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to noon - Keim Trail in Hunt Club subdivision