In the fall of 2021 Lake Forest Open Lands joined forces with the Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves to promote a reinvigorated model of good care for our Skokie River Nature Preserve. Core to the Friends’ approach is the belief that people from all walks of life are interested in conservation and will answer the call to make a difference in the preserves if given the chance. The Friends assemble cohesive groups of motivated ‘doers’ with a diverse set of strengths and talents. Over the last six months the newly formed group of volunteers known as the Shaw Prairie Stewards has worked every Saturday morning, contributing hundreds of hours towards the health of our oldest preserve, Skokie River Nature Preserve. 

If you are interested in becoming a part of the Shaw Prairie Stewards’ community, please email shawcommunity@friendsilnature.org.

Lake Forest Open Lands offers many volunteer options including, Adventure in Restoration on Wednesday mornings and Eco-Crew on the first Saturday of most months October through May. Or, if you would like to help at one of our events please email events@lfola.org. We couldn't do the work we do without our many volunteers. Thank you!