Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Forms | Nature Workday Schedule | The Spirit
A child's laughter, the gleam of discovery in someone's eyes and the awe inspired by our natural wonders are shared by Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center volunteers. At this Oak Brook preserve, volunteers lead the Nature Discovery Program's hands-on learning activities for youngsters. They present the world of DuPage County flora and fauna through puppet shows featuring nature detectives Frank and Joe. Events at Fullersburg Woods include Earth Day activities, maple syrup programs and the always-popular Halloween Night Walks. Bring the wonders of nature to life for visitors and school groups by becoming a Fullersburg Woods volunteer.
Student Urban Naturalists (SUN) Volunteers |
Naturalist |
Visitor Center
Special Projects, Special Events and Other Volunteer Opportunities
Student Urban Naturalists (SUN) Volunteers:
SUN is designed as a partnership between Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center and local DuPage County High Schools and Colleges. This program allows students to earn service hours for classes and graduation with a short term time commitment with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.
Responsibilities:- Participate in Resource Management Projects: buckthorn clearing, garlic mustard removal, seed collecting, planting, etc.
- Participate in Fullersburg Woods Special Events: Earth Day, Bug Bash, Halloween Night Walks.
- Assist with various jobs around the Fullersburg Woods complex. Some projects may include: button making, landscape up-keep, program material maintenance, and other odd jobs.
- Ages 14 - 17
- Complete a District volunteer application
I. Fall Semester: September 1 – December 31
II.Spring Semester: January 1 – May 31
- Must attend scheduled SUN workdays.
- Must be punctual; Volunteer Liaisons must be notified of tardiness prior to scheduled arrival time.
- Any absences must be clearly communicated to the Volunteer Liaisons no less than 24 hours in advance. More than 2 approved absences or any unapproved absence is grounds for termination from SUN.
- Earn hours towards service-learning / community-service requirement for high school graduation.
- Learn about outdoor careers.
- VIP admission to any public programs lead by Fullersburg Woods staff.
- Will have the opportunity to advance to ASIO if recommended by the Fullersburg Woods Volunteer Liaisons.
- Invitation to Fullersburg Woods Volunteer Brunch..
For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.
Naturalist:
Volunteer naturalists assist staff with kindergarten through third grade school groups. During the busy season of spring and fall, three nature discovery programs are offered. They are designed to create awareness of the natural world. Volunteer naturalists present puppet shows and work with small groups of children leading various activities which emphasize discovery and appreciation of nature.
In March, a maple syrup program teaches the natural history of physical process of making maple syrup. During this program, volunteer naturalists present puppet shows and assist with station maintenance. All volunteers must attend the nature interpreter training sequence.
Responsibilities:- Present puppet shows
- Lead small groups of children through various nature activities
- Help to setup and maintain stations and disassemble for the day
- Volunteer for special events such as Maple Syrup Sundays, Earth Day and Halloween Night Walks
- Assist with special projects
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Complete a District volunteer application
- Attend Districtwide volunteer orientation
Volunteer naturalists must attend several hours of mandatory training sessions and commit to one 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. shift per week for two seasons, which is approximately seven months.
Benefits:In addition to Districtwide volunteer benefits, volunteer naturalists can attend continuing education events, workshops and classes, and learn more about natural areas, plants, animals and restoration. They meet great people and make a tangible contribution towards educating the children who are the future of our planet.
For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.
Visitor Center:
Visitor center volunteers provide a valuable service by staffing the nature center and working on various office tasks. Assistance is needed on an on-going basis. This is not an entry level position, it is filled with experienced naturalists or community resource center volunteers.
Responsibilities:- Answer phone calls, take reservations, direct calls to staff and answer questions about the programs
- Interact with the general public, greet them as they enter and answer any questions they may have
- Work on various office tasks
- Encourage visitors to explore the exhibits
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Complete a District volunteer application
- Attend Districtwide volunteer orientation
Visitor center volunteers must attend orientation and training sessions and make a one year commitment
Benefits:In addition to Districtwide volunteer benefits, visitor center volunteers can attend continuing education events, workshops and classes, and learn more about natural areas, plants, animals and restoration. They meet great people and make a tangible contribution towards educating the children who are the future of our planet.
For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.
Special Projects, Special Events and Other Volunteer Opportunities
Special projects, special events, and other unique volunteer opportunities do exist within the Forest Preserve District and Fullersburg Woods. Below, are listed some of the responsibilities and commitment expectations. Because these areas of volunteering are so diverse, they are constantly changing. As a result of the constant change, we have to be flexible in the scheduling, commitment and projects you will be doing. Please see the FBW Volunteer Liaison before beginning any task so that proper arrangements can be made.
Responsibilities:- Receive and review appropriate training for station.
- Ask questions as needed for Special Projects.
- Other responsibilities as assigned.
- Must be at least 14 years of age
- Complete a District volunteer application
- Attend Districtwide volunteer orientation
- Seasonal commitment, per volunteer and liaison arrangements.
- Attend mandatory training sessions for events.
- Work as arranged until project(s) and/or stations are completed.
- A complete commitment to the safety rules must be made before any project may begin.
- Some responsibilities may change due to the nature of the project.
In addition to the benefits listed in the Fullersburg Volunteer Manual, volunteers learn about natural areas, continuing education, workshops and classes, plants, animals and restoration, meet great people and make a tangible contribution towards educating the future of our planet. Each volunteer, regardless of whether they are weekly, special events, etc. must complete a specified number of hours to receive an invitation to a variety of recognition events sponsored by Fullersburg Woods and/or the District as a whole.
For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.
Community Resource Center |
Junior Naturalist |
Naturalist |
Visitor Center
Special Projects, Special Events and Other Volunteer Opportunities
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5000, Wheaton, IL 60189-5000
email: forest@dupageforest.com (630) 933-7200 Fax: (630) 933-7204 TTY: (800) 526-0857