Spend MLK Day Volunteering At Will County Forest Preserve

WILL COUNTY, IL — The Will County Forest Preserve District is asking residents to consider giving by to their community by volunteering on Martin Luther King Day. The holiday is designed to be a "day on, not a day off," officials said in a news release, explaining that Congress intended the federal holiday to be a national day of service when it was created in 1994.

Officials say this will be the 19th year that the Forest Preserve District has hosted a volunteer event on MLK Day.

"Anyone who has the day off is encouraged to pitch in to help improve the preserve," officials said in a news released. "The workday is scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon on Monday, Jan. 21, at the Crest Hill preserve. Volunteers will be removing invasive honeysuckle and buckthorn so that native species can flourish."

Officials say to dress for outdoor work and for the weather. Wear long pants, close-toed shoes and work gloves. Snacks and water will be provided.

If you can't make the MLK Day event, the Preserve hosts other volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Volunteers can restore natural areas, teach children and adults about the environment, monitor trails, answer visitors' questions and assist with programs and special events.

For more information, or to RSVP for the MLK Day event, email the Preserve's volunteer supervisor, Renee Gauchat, at rgauchat@fpdwc.org or call 815-722-7364.

Image via Shutterstock