Volunteer Opportunities at Kankakee Sands Project Office

 The staff at Kankakee Sands is out nearly everyday taking care of the prairie and savanna, and we would love your help! We are able to accomplish a lot of great work with the help of eager volunteers! Throughout the year, we perform a variety of tasks including weeding, planting, seed collecting, seed cleaning, herbiciding, mowing, and tree/shrub removal.

A few of our specific needs are outlined below. Thanks for your interest in Kankakee Sands!

Greenhouse transplanting – Help transplant native plant seedlings into pots in the warm of the greenhouse, no experience necessary. March through early May.  (Contact anyberg@tnc.org)

Invasive species control - Control of non-native/invasive forbs and grasses using a variety of mechanical and chemical methods. Volunteers can work at their own pace and schedule throughout the growing season. Ability to carry 3 gallons of water on your back, training provided. (Contact alocke@tnc.org or tanchor@tnc.org)

Shrub/tree control - Control of non-native and native/invasive woody species using a variety of mechanical and chemical control methods. Previous experience with a chainsaw, brushcutter, and/or tractor preferred. (Contact alocke@tnc.org or tanchor@tnc.org)

Tractor driver - Experienced driver to help with mowing on the Kankakee Sands Native Plant Nursery, June through September. (Contact anyberg@tnc.org)

Have experience? Select and direct your own project under the guidance of TNC professionals - take on some responsibility and become a project steward! (Contact alocke@tnc.org or tanchor@tnc.org)

Wood working - Construction of a trailhead informational Kiosk, 4' by 8'. (Contact anyberg@tnc.org)

Office Cleaning - Light cleaning of our office: floors, windows, kitchen, bathroom needed on a monthly basis. (Contact anyberg@tnc.org)

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Photographer/Org (prickly pear cactus); Photo © Photographer/Org (cheetah).