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Volunteer and Make a Difference

 

Volunteers contribute in numerous ways to the programming and public relations at Volo Bog State Natural Area and Moraine Hills/McHenry Dam State Park. 

 

A park needs all the friends it can get! Some of our members also have time to contribute as volunteers but this is not required for membership.

Volunteers for us (the Friends):

  • Serve on our board

  • Serve on committees such as scholarship or grants.

  • Help with special events

  • Represent us at Outreach Events

  • Serve as Webmaster

  • Assist with Social Media

  • Operate our gift shop

 

Some of our members also volunteer for parks through IDNR. At Volo Bog State Natural Area and Moraine Hills/McHenry Dam State Park these positions include:

  • Docents in the Nature Center

  • Roving Naturalists

  • Naturalist Guides

  • Bird Walk Leaders

  • Bluebird Monitors

  • Native Gardeners

  • Youth Program Naturalists

 

Many volunteers from the sites are members of the Friends of Volo Bog or the Friends of Moraine Hills State Park but membership is not required - the two groups are separate.

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What will you gain from your experience(s)?:

  • Training so you can lead tours of Volo Bog for individuals and small groups (mostly on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.).  

  • The skills needed to lead Youth Program Naturalists and the knowledge to lead environmental education programs including Bog Life tours. 

  • Participate in special events such as Ghost Stories and WinterFest which rely heavily on our volunteers. 

  • Knowledge! Volunteers tend the demonstration Prairie & Woodland Gardens at each site.

  • Monitor bird nesting programs. 

  • Being part of an amazing community, making new friends, and so much more.

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Interested? Want to learn more?
For your convenience we have the following printable volunteer application form for you to fill out and mail back to:
     The Friends of Volo Bog 
     28478 N. Brandenburg Road,
     Ingleside, Il 60041
     Attention: Stacy Iwanicki,
     Volunteer Program Coordinator.
 
Any Questions?  Call Stacy Iwanicki at Volo Bog 815-344-1294
 
Printer-Friendly Volunteer Application

We cross-pollinate a lot! However you volunteer (through the IDNR or through us) we offer a discounted membership rate and consider you an Active Member.
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Near the end of the year, Friends members and volunteers alike gather for an annual potluck dinner, where we swap stories, and find out who is chosen as the Volunteer of the Year! 
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No time to volunteer? No problem. The supporting rate helps out a bit more with a higher membership fee. Either way, we value your support!
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People who are interested in  becoming an IDNR volunteer can call the Volo Bog office at 815-344-1294 for more information. If you wish to serve our organization, emails us at Friendsofvolobog@gmail.com. 
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