Dupage Policy Journal

A DuPage Forest Preserve District volunteer program initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic has been named one of four finalists for the Illinois Governor’s Hometown Award. The winner will be announced at the Illinois State Fair on August 18.

The pop-up program hosted 115 volunteer events from January to December 2021 across various DuPage forest preserves, providing socially-distanced outdoor opportunities for people to connect with nature and each other. It attracted more than 1,000 volunteers who contributed a total of 2,169 service hours, saving DuPage taxpayers $67,173.93.

The Forest Preserve District launched the program as the pandemic displaced many regular volunteers and placed additional burdens on staff. Volunteers engaged in activities such as mulching, harvesting seeds, building prairies, weeding, maintaining wetlands, cutting brush, picking up litter, painting, and removing fences.

“Many who lived alone or away from family during this time had little opportunity to interact with others,” said Anna Bakker, the Forest Preserve District volunteer services field liaison who organized the program. “Our program provided volunteers an outlet to socialize, build friendships, improve mental wellbeing through exposure to nature, and improve fitness since events offered varying levels of exercise that could be modified for most individuals,” Bakker added.

“In the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the District yet again saw record attendance with over 6 million visitors to our forest preserves,” said Forest Preserve District President Daniel Hebreard. “With the increasing demand for programs, events and recreational experiences, the need for our volunteers’ time and talents was higher than ever. Without the creation of this pop-up program, the extra burden on staff could not have been mitigated,” he explained.

If awarded first place at the Illinois State Fair on August 18th, the Forest Preserve District will receive a plaque and road sign designating it as a Governor’s Hometown Award recipient.

Since its inception in 1983, the Governor’s Hometown Award program has formally recognized those contributing to projects that enhance their communities' quality of life.

More information about DuPage Forest Preserve District volunteer opportunities is available at dupageforest.org/get-involved/volunteer.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been connecting people to nature for more than 100 years. Over 6.2 million people visit its 60 forest preserves annually which include 166 miles of trails and six education centers offering numerous programs each year. For further details call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org where links to their e-newsletter and social media pages can also be found.