Volunteers
People like you can help make a difference and help restore Shawnee National Forest lands!
Like us, you care about the land and want to make a difference to improve and maintain healthy ecosystems. Volunteering for the Shawnee National Forest or one of our partners, like Friends of the Shawnee, is a great way to do just that!
Volunteering opportunities on the Shawnee National Forest include, helping combat non-native invasive species; identifying and preserving historic sites, building or maintaining trails, improving wildlife habitat and participating in Trash Blast days.
If you're interested in working inside or outside, we will match your skills and the amount of time you have with the support we need. Whether you are young or young at heart, an individual or with a group, the Shawnee Volunteer Corps has opportunities for you.
Get involved!
Join our email list for volunteer opportunities!
If you would like to be placed on an email distribution list to be notified of our public volunteer days or sponsored group volunteer projects, please send us your name, email and contact phone number using the link here-
Frequently Asked Questions
You can also get involved and volunteer though one of our forest partner groups like:
- Friends of the Shawnee National Forest
- Illinois Extension
- Backcountry Horsemen of Illinois
- Shawnee Mountain Bike Association
- Friends of The Bayou
- Jeep’N Shawnee
- River to River Trail Society
- Shawnee Trail Conservancy
- Illinois Climbing Association
- National Wild Turkey Federation Illinois Chapter
- Ducks Unlimited Illinois
And many more! You can call any district office for more information on how to get involved with your public lands.
Any time! But spring and fall are typically the busiest seasons for volunteer projects since the weather is more conducive to outdoor work. There are several volunteer days scheduled for May and June, including non-native invasive species (Garlic Mustard Pulls) on Tuesdays and Trash Blasts on Fridays. Both are sponsored by the Friends of the Shawnee and University of Illinois Extension. Each invasive species service day concludes with a guided interpretive walk.
Absolutely! If you are interested in scheduling a group volunteer day, or coordinating your group's volunteer hours with an event already scheduled, please email the forest and we will put you in touch with our volunteer coordinator, Alyssa Macuiba.
- Long pants and long sleeves
These protect you from scratches, insects, poison ivy, and sun exposure. - Sturdy, closed‑toe shoes or hiking boots
You’ll want good ankle support and traction. Avoid sandals or anything open. - Layers
Forests can go from chilly to warm quickly. Wear breathable layers you can remove as needed. - A hat
A baseball cap or wide‑brim hat helps with sun protection and keeps bugs off your head. - Work gloves
Most volunteer programs ask you to bring gloves for picking up branches, debris, or tools. - Avoid bright perfumes or scented lotions
They attract insects. Make sure you take preventative measures for ticks. - Weather‑appropriate extras
Rain jacket if showers are possible. Warm outer layer if it’s cool. Sunscreen even under tree cover. - Water
Hydration is extremely important no matter what you are doing on the forest.