2007 Natural Areas
Weekend Volunteers
Who are we?
The Morton Arboretum started a new group of motivated volunteers in October 2005, unofficially dubbed the ‘Weekend Warriors,’ to help restore our 900-acres of natural areas. Volunteer activities are broad in focus, but aimed at achieving project-oriented goals throughout the natural areas. Many times these efforts will supplement the Arboretum’s staff efforts for project completion.
What do we do?
This is a group of motivated people who enjoy working outdoors throughout the year. The ‘Weekend Warriors’ will participate in many different activities, including:
- General maintenance and clean-up of the aquatic and terrestrial natural areas
- Woody and herbaceous invasive species removals either by hand or with small tools (handsaw, loppers, and Pulaski)
- Collecting and planting seed
- Installing native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants throughout the natural areas
Who supervises the group?
Kurt Dreisilker, Manager of Natural Resources, will coordinate the activities of the group. Kurt will help all volunteers to identify plants and train new volunteers with the proper skills to accomplish each objective, so no previous experience is necessary. To conclude most workdays, Kurt will guide the volunteers through the natural areas and open discussions about various natural areas-related topics.
Where do we meet? What are the hours? What is the commitment?
We meet every first Saturday of the month throughout the year from 8:30am-11:30am. If the weather is poor (heavy rain, thunder & lightning, extreme temperatures), then we’ll postpone the workday until the second Saturday of that month. If postponed, Kurt will send an email to all volunteers the afternoon prior to the workday. The location of the workday can change frequently, so Kurt will send a monthly email to explain the necessary details.
What are my responsibilities?
All interested volunteers should first contact the Volunteer Office at (630) 719-2443 to register as a volunteer. These opportunities are open to anyone capable of working outdoors in most weather conditions, ages 18 and over. Each volunteer should wear long pants and long sleeves throughout the year, as well as sturdy boots, work gloves, eye protection, and sun screen. Please bring water and mosquito repellant as well. The Morton Arboretum will provide the necessary tools for each workday, although volunteers are welcome to bring their own hand-tools. Please let Kurt know if you can attend each month so enough tools are provided.
Please join us!
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