Ryerson Woods - Volunteer Opportunities

VOLUNTEER at a Lake County Forest Preserve!
Help visitors of all ages experience the wonders of nature at Ryerson Woods as you contribute your talents to the Forest Preserves' award-winning educational services!

Naturalists -- teach nature programs to school groups during the week. Training provided.

Docents and Visitors Aides -- staff education buildings; greet and orient visitors; help with special projects.

Trail Courtesy Patrollers -- walk or ski Ryerson trails to promote safe and proper trail use, report maintenance needs and provide general information to visitors.

Special Projects/Event Aides -- assist with events such as AutumnFest, the annual Smith Symposium, and other seasonal programs at Ryerson.

To volunteer at Ryerson Woods, call us at (847) 968-3321 or email us at ryersonwoods@co.lake.il.us.

Stewardship
When it comes to managing and monitoring Forest Perserve land, Volunteer Stewards are our most valuable asset. In cooperation with The Nature Conservancy, our stewardship program enables you to work with Forest Preserve staff to restore land and re-establish ecosystems.

Stewards -- serve as the link between volunteers and Forest Preserve staff. Use your leadership skills to guide volunteers through workdays, and coordinate volunteer activites including brush clearing, planting and seed collection.

Resource Management Volunteers -- work with Forest Preserve staff and Volunteer Stewards to restore, improve and preserve significant natural areas by removing non-native species and re-establishing appropriate prairie and savanna vegetation.

Wildlife Monitors -- help keep track of a variety of species including bats, bluebirds, coyotes, frogs, sandhill cranes and wood ducks.

Call (847) 968-3321 or email ryersonwoods@co.lake.il.us to volunteer as a Steward at one of the Lake County Forest Preserves.
back to top

Preservation Partners
Junior high and high school groups can adopt a Forest Preserve and complete valuable work such as collecting and planting native seeds or trees, clearing non-native brush, and restoring habitats for native plants and animals. Learn about endangered species and help ensure that a rich variety of life remains our legacy to future generations. You will help students learn teamwork skills, native and non-native plant identification, tree planting and prairie harvesting techniques.
back to top

Youth Conservation Corps
The Youth Conservation Corp (YCC) is an award-winning summer work program for Lake County high school students. The YCC is sponsored by the Youth Conservation Corps Board, a not-for-profit organization, and the Lake County Forest Preserve District. There are 12 members of the YCC Board representing Lake County business and community members.

The Board also maintains an Honorary and Advisory Board. Contact the YCC Board at:
Youth Conservation Corps, Inc.
1580 S. Milwaukee Ave.
Libertyville, IL 60048
Attn: Bob McCammon, Executive DirectorCall 847-362--0400, fax 847-549-9752, or e-mail us at yccbob@aol.com.
back to top

Voyageurs
Assume the character of 17th century French Voyageurs as you lead upper elementary through high school groups through a variety of activities that focus on the lives of these early fur traders and their impact on the natural world and native culture. Paddle our 34-foot canoe as history comes to life in this special program on Sterling Lake in Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve near Wadsworth. (April through mid-October)

To become a Voyageur Volunteer,
call (847) 968-3321.
back to top

Internships - Environmental Education
Work as a "para-professional" naturalist based at Ryerson Conservation Area, developing, preparing and presenting programs to youth and adults. Activities include special even participation, press release preparation, participation in volunteer and teacher training programs, animal care and, if time permits, completion of an independent project that supports the goals of the Environmental Education Department.

Interns must be enrolled in, or have graduated from a college program in biology, education or a closely related field.

To request an application and begin the Intern review process, contact:
Ryerson Woods
Attn: Mark Hurley
21950 Riverwoods Road
Deerfield, IL 60015
(847) 968-3324
mhurley@co.lake.il.us
back to top

"Green Gifts"
Green Gifts help further the mission of the Forest Preserves in many important ways. Contributors may memorialize a loved one or commemorate an accomplishment by planting a tree or donating a bench at many locations throughout the Forest Preserves. For more information on Green Gifts opportunities, please call (847) 968-3110 or email donate@lcfpd.org.