Volunteer: Lyman Woods General Volunteer - Program Help, Trail Work, Animal Care, & MoreSpend some time volunteering for nature, IN nature! Lyman Woods Nature Center in Downers Grove is nestled in a 150-acre mosaic of natural beauty and habitat, including marsh, wetland, prairie, and oak woodland. We're searching for volunteers to help us with a variety of tasks, including program help, trail restoration, animal care, watering indoor plants, and gardening. This role includes a mix of tasks, so if you live for excitement, expect to do a different activity every time you come in! Opportunity is open to all ages. Volunteers under 14 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Volunteers under 18 years of age must have a parent/guardian signature on the liability waiver, and volunteers over 18 years of age who are working alongside children must complete a background check. Organization: Downers Grove Park District Spend some time volunteering for nature, IN nature! Lyman Woods Nature Center in Downers Grove is nestled in a 150-acre mosaic of natural beauty and habitat, including marsh, wetland, prairie, and oak woodland. We're searching for volunteers to help us with a variety of tasks, including program help, trail restoration, animal care, watering indoor plants, and gardening. This role includes a mix of tasks, so if you live for excitement, expect to do a different activity every time you come in! Opportunity is open to all ages. Volunteers under 14 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Volunteers under 18 years of age must have a parent/guardian signature on the liability waiver, and volunteers over 18 years of age who are working alongside children must complete a background check. Organization: Downers Grove Park District Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 60515 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Safety Town - Teen Volunteers Needed!Safety Town is a nationally recognized safety education program for 5 and 6 year old children presented by the Downers Grove Police and Fire Departments, Park District, and Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club. During the week-long program, held at the Downers Grove Park District Recreation Center (4500 Belmont Road), children learn pedestrian, passenger, and at home safety. A local bus and swim school also provide fun and informational presentations for the kids. Teen volunteers escort the children as they move around the Recreation Center, model good behavior during presentations, and provide immediate assistance to help ensure participants are happy and safe. Teen volunteers (entering 7th-12th grade) are trained by members of the Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club and the police department. Team captains (typically sophomores and above) help guide volunteers. At the end of the week a volunteer hour certificate will be provided. Teens are responsible for their own transportation to and from the event. Week One Dates: July 27th - July 31stWeek Two Dates: August 3rd - August 7thTeen Volunteer Hours: M-F 8:30a-1p 5-6 year old children arrive in two groups: 9-10:30a and 11:15a-12:45p and teens will assist with check-in/out process with a 30 minute break (snacks will be provided) in between sessions. Organization: Downers Grove Park District Safety Town is a nationally recognized safety education program for 5 and 6 year old children presented by the Downers Grove Police and Fire Departments, Park District, and Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club. During the week-long program, held at the Downers Grove Park District Recreation Center (4500 Belmont Road), children learn pedestrian, passenger, and at home safety. A local bus and swim school also provide fun and informational presentations for the kids. Teen volunteers escort the children as they move around the Recreation Center, model good behavior during presentations, and provide immediate assistance to help ensure participants are happy and safe. Teen volunteers (entering 7th-12th grade) are trained by members of the Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club and the police department. Team captains (typically sophomores and above) help guide volunteers. At the end of the week a volunteer hour certificate will be provided. Teens are responsible for their own transportation to and from the event. Week One Dates: July 27th - July 31stWeek Two Dates: August 3rd - August 7thTeen Volunteer Hours: M-F 8:30a-1p 5-6 year old children arrive in two groups: 9-10:30a and 11:15a-12:45p and teens will assist with check-in/out process with a 30 minute break (snacks will be provided) in between sessions. Organization: Downers Grove Park District Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Jul 27, 2026 through Aug 7, 2026 Zip Code: 60515 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Downers Grove Museum Heritage GardenThe Heritage Garden Volunteer supports the Downers Grove Museum by helping care for the historic Heritage Garden, located behind the 1892 Blodgett House. This garden features six raised beds of herbs and vegetables that reflect 19th-century gardening practices, as well as a three-part compost system designed to reduce waste and enrich the soil. We are seeking individuals who can commit to a regular schedule during the growing season (April through October), with flexible weekday and weekend hours. Volunteers may work independently or with museum staff and other volunteers, depending on the task. Organization: Downers Grove Park District The Heritage Garden Volunteer supports the Downers Grove Museum by helping care for the historic Heritage Garden, located behind the 1892 Blodgett House. This garden features six raised beds of herbs and vegetables that reflect 19th-century gardening practices, as well as a three-part compost system designed to reduce waste and enrich the soil. We are seeking individuals who can commit to a regular schedule during the growing season (April through October), with flexible weekday and weekend hours. Volunteers may work independently or with museum staff and other volunteers, depending on the task. Organization: Downers Grove Park District Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 60515 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Nature Summer Camp Volunteers Needed!Love being outdoors?Need volunteer hours?Looking for a flexible schedule or a résumé boost?Lyman Woods Nature Center, part of the Downers Grove Park District, is seeking Summer Camp Volunteers!Each summer, Lyman Woods hosts a variety of nature-themed day camps for children ages 4–14. Volunteers gain hands-on experience working with kids in an adventurous outdoor setting while collaborating with staff and fellow volunteers.Volunteer responsibilities may include:Assisting with crafts, games, and nature activitiesHelping with story time and daily cleanupSupporting campers who may need extra encouragementSchedule & CommitmentCamp runs Monday–Friday, June 8–August 21, 2026 (12 weeks total)Shifts available:Morning: 9:00 AM–12:00 PMAfternoon: 1:00 PM–4:00 PMFull Day: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM (bring a lunch!)Volunteers may choose which weeks and shifts they workPreference given to volunteers available 2+ days per week and at least 2 different camp weeksVolunteers should arrive 15 minutes before and stay 15 minutes after each shiftRequirementsMust be 14 years or olderAll Park District program volunteers must complete a background check (link provided through email after applying)A great way to spend your summer learning, leading, and enjoying the outdoors!
Organization: Downers Grove Park District Love being outdoors?Need volunteer hours?Looking for a flexible schedule or a résumé boost?Lyman Woods Nature Center, part of the Downers Grove Park District, is seeking Summer Camp Volunteers!Each summer, Lyman Woods hosts a variety of nature-themed day camps for children ages 4–14. Volunteers gain hands-on experience working with kids in an adventurous outdoor setting while collaborating with staff and fellow volunteers.Volunteer responsibilities may include:Assisting with crafts, games, and nature activitiesHelping with story time and daily cleanupSupporting campers who may need extra encouragementSchedule & CommitmentCamp runs Monday–Friday, June 8–August 21, 2026 (12 weeks total)Shifts available:Morning: 9:00 AM–12:00 PMAfternoon: 1:00 PM–4:00 PMFull Day: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM (bring a lunch!)Volunteers may choose which weeks and shifts they workPreference given to volunteers available 2+ days per week and at least 2 different camp weeksVolunteers should arrive 15 minutes before and stay 15 minutes after each shiftRequirementsMust be 14 years or olderAll Park District program volunteers must complete a background check (link provided through email after applying)A great way to spend your summer learning, leading, and enjoying the outdoors!
Organization: Downers Grove Park District Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Runs Until Aug 22, 2026 Zip Code: 60515 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Trail Management & RestorationTrail Management and Restoration Volunteers perform various restoration tasks, under the supervision of Park District staffThe Park District will provide all tools, safety equipment and training in safety and trail restoration techniques. Volunteers should have the ability to work outdoors doing hard, physical labor. Volunteers must also be able to work with others as a team and to follow the directions of the workday supervisor. A signed waiver and release form are required annually from all volunteers.Types of Duties:Removal of brush and aggressive invasive plants.MulchingMoving and/or cutting logs to line trailsDigging trenches for drainageIf interested, please fill out the below forms and email them to lymanwoods@dgparks.org at your earliest convenience. Thanks!https://www.dgparks.org/upload/GeneralVolunteerApplication.Garden.REAP.Office2023.pdfhttps://www.dgparks.org/upload/VolunteerWaiver2023.pdf
Organization: Downers Grove Park District Trail Management and Restoration Volunteers perform various restoration tasks, under the supervision of Park District staffThe Park District will provide all tools, safety equipment and training in safety and trail restoration techniques. Volunteers should have the ability to work outdoors doing hard, physical labor. Volunteers must also be able to work with others as a team and to follow the directions of the workday supervisor. A signed waiver and release form are required annually from all volunteers.Types of Duties:Removal of brush and aggressive invasive plants.MulchingMoving and/or cutting logs to line trailsDigging trenches for drainageIf interested, please fill out the below forms and email them to lymanwoods@dgparks.org at your earliest convenience. Thanks!https://www.dgparks.org/upload/GeneralVolunteerApplication.Garden.REAP.Office2023.pdfhttps://www.dgparks.org/upload/VolunteerWaiver2023.pdf
Organization: Downers Grove Park District Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 60515 Allow Groups: No |